Suburban Question
 

I am about to embark on the cummins suburban project, I have a 3/4 ton burb but the body is rough, very rough. I have a few 1/2 tons one has a decent body but i'm not excited by a body swap considering everything else thats involved.

Here is the question! How rare are the 3/4 tons? Is this going to be a needle in a hay stack?

I assume the 1/2 ton frame is going to be too light, would you diesel guys concur?

Thanks for your time.

Keith

Re: Suburban Question
 

what year is the 1/2 ton ones the 89-91 are probley the strongest 1/2 ton years

Re: Suburban Question
 

A 3/4t suburban is quite common unless your looking for like a 91 then its a little harder or maybe its just my area but i still say they are pretty common as far as the frames they should be the same 3/16in thick will the 1 tons i think are a 1/4in thick and taller now although its been awhile since i measured a trucks frame thickness i believe thats correct also the springs and axles will change obviously

Re: Suburban Question
 

From my experience in the diesel industry, the 1/2 ton frame can handle it with a couple mods
Boxing in the front of the frame will help drastically.

What's the plans for the diesel?
You said cummins so I'm assuming its a 12v?
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Re: Suburban Question
 

ya its a 12 valve with , he351, aftermarket injectors ( cant remember the size) Pump mods including fuel pin. i built it a few years ago for my Wide track Cherokee, and so many parts of the cherokee were lost in a fire it does not seem realistic to start over.
My buddy is a diesel specialist he has a first gen making over 750 hp, he figures in the 400 hp area.

The one"nice" burb that I have is a 1989 1/2 ton, very little rust other than the barn doors are shot.
I would be willing to use it if the hunt for a 3/4 ton does not work out.

Keith

Re: Suburban Question
 

Sounds like a fun build, my buddy built his 72 with a 12 valve first gen with about 700hp and got about 50 mpg

Good luck with the 3/4 ton
I would just work with what you have and beef up the frame
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Re: Suburban Question
 

I plan to run veggie oil, I'm planning for extra fuel tanks and a long range. if I get 25 mpg I'll be thrilled!

Re: Suburban Question
 

They make canola oil up here I should be able to get waste easily.