Trading my old Suburban for a Newer Suburban

[oldmopars]

I have always been a fan of the Square Body Suburban and trucks. So, I was thrilled a few years ago when I got a 1990 GMC 2500 Suburban. I have used it on a few trips and it worked great. However, as time has gone on I have come to see that it really does not work as well for me as I would like. In 1990 the engine only had 190HP so it struggles to pull my 30ft travel trailer. We use that when not overlanding. It gets 10MPG, has Drum rear brakes, and has a few other things that do not work for us. However the big one is, my wife hates it. She tried to drive it and it caused a major panic attack. The old solid axle and leaf springs in front give it a different driving feel. It is solid and in great shape, just different. Like an old CJ Jeep. I really need something she feels good about.
So, I found a 2008 Suburban 2500. This was not easy as the 2500's are rare and hard to get. This one is a 6.0L, 325HP, 4 wheel drive, 2 speed T-Case, etc. Currently getting 15MPG.
I don't haul kids, just my wife and the dogs, but will sometimes take our 28 yo daughter with us. So, it will be converted on the inside for Overland Duty.

I plan to hide the lights behind the grill and keep the outside as original as possible. It came with new tires, 2 sizes larger than stock at 265/75-16, but no lift. So far there is no issues at all rubbing, lots of room.
I am working on an interior platform/drawers/table etc. I have watched YouTube till my brain went to mush. I think I have it in my head now what I want.

Here she is with the old Suburban getting cleaned up and ready for sale.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Nice score on that newer 2500 Suburban!

Should I be expecting that GMC arriving in my mail then?

 

[oldmopars]

Well, it is for sale. Do you thing UPS will deliver?

 

[ThundahBeagle]

If they did, I bet they'd want to drive it instead of their big brown trucks!

It of curiosity what's the asking price? I plan to be out as far as Big Sky in May, and have been toying with the idea of dipping my foot in the Pacific anyhow...

 

[oldmopars]

If they did, I bet they'd want to drive it instead of their big brown trucks!

It of curiosity what's the asking price? I plan to be out as far as Big Sky in May, and have been toying with the idea of dipping my foot in the Pacific anyhow...

Hit me up privately for more info, but as of now I am thinking about $5K.

 

[Sparksalot]

You might want to check out the Tahoe/Yukon forum. There's a subforum for each generation as well. There is A LOT of information about our trucks there. And a few overlanders too.

2007 - 2014 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade Models

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

 

[oldmopars]

You might want to check out the Tahoe/Yukon forum. There's a subforum for each generation as well. There is A LOT of information about our trucks there. And a few overlanders too.

2007 - 2014 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade Models

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

Thanks, I have been over there since I got it, actually a little before asking questions. I have seen you there.
BTW, I was Air Force also, what did you do? (AFSC)

 

[aReVR4]

You might want to check out the Tahoe/Yukon forum. There's a subforum for each generation as well. There is A LOT of information about our trucks there. And a few overlanders too.

2007 - 2014 Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade Models

www.tahoeyukonforum.com

I'm new this so actually super helpful as I'm trying to see if I can set up a 97 z71 for some overland adventures.

 

[oldmopars]

I'm new this so actually super helpful as I'm trying to see if I can set up a 97 z71 for some overland adventures.

Yes, you most certainly can. They make great Overland Adventure rigs. The GMT400,800,900etc. are very capable platforms. While the IFS is not a great rock crawling suspension, it give a much smoother ride for the kinds of road we are traveling.
Also take a look at SubOverland. He has a web site and lots of YouTube videos of these outfitted for overlanding. Horizon Overland does the same thing and has several really nice conversions.
Due to the popularity of these platforms, parts are a non issue. Chances are whatever you need can be found at a local auto parts store anywhere in the USA/Canada. And, because they are a pickup truck platform, small farm town parts stores will have plenty of parts too.
Good luck.

 

[Sparksalot]

Yes, you most certainly can. They make great Overland Adventure rigs. The GMT400,800,900etc. are very capable platforms. While the IFS is not a great rock crawling suspension, it give a much smoother ride for the kinds of road we are traveling.
Also take a look at SubOverland. He has a web site and lots of YouTube videos of these outfitted for overlanding. Horizon Overland does the same thing and has several really nice conversions.
Due to the popularity of these platforms, parts are a non issue. Chances are whatever you need can be found at a local auto parts store anywhere in the USA/Canada. And, because they are a pickup truck platform, small farm town parts stores will have plenty of parts too.
Good luck.

@aReVR4 See the USA in your Chevrolet.

 

[Sparksalot]

Thanks, I have been over there since I got it, actually a little before asking questions. I have seen you there.
BTW, I was Air Force also, what did you do? (AFSC)

I’m @sparksalot over there.

I was in fuels 63170. I drove these among other things. I also got to see some cool and exotic aircraft, and met some interesting people. The most notable was Viktor Belenko.

 

[oldmopars]

I’m @sparksalot over there.

I was in fuels 63170. I drove these among other things. I also got to see some cool and exotic aircraft, and met some interesting people. The most notable was Viktor Belenko.

I was a Crew Chief on C-141B and then C-17A (45732C, then 2A571 when it was changed) I did 14 years, 7 before 911 and 7 after. I worked a lot with Fuel truck drivers. At least once a day.
I had a good time, got to do some really cool stuff. I got to meet Dick Cheney, he gave me a coin that I have on the dash of my Suburban. I also got to see, but not shake hands with President Bush. I even got to be a flag holder and march in the opening ceremonies for the US Olympic games along with other cool stuff. In many ways I wish I was still in. Dang medical issues caused my departure. Oh well, still had fun.