71 Body to 88 frame

[Long Roof]

Originally Posted by qksilver

Wheel bases are different...........all depends on how much time and effort you want to put into it. Is the 88 straight axle or IFS? If it is IFS the brackets for the suspension are welded to the frame

88 should be straight axle. Suburbans and Blazers went this way until the early 90's (92 or 93 was the first IFS in these I think).

Springs and axle perches will be different. Also the axle lengths might be different. Of course axle lengths were different among the half tons and 3/4, 1 tons anyways among the later years. My half ton 86 Sub has a shorter track width in the rear as compaired to the front and it looks damn silly.

Aaron

[rcbildr]

Originally Posted by Long Roof

..... My half ton 86 Sub has a shorter track width in the rear as compaired to the front and it looks damn silly.....

I think it is that way with the 1/2 & 3/4ton 73-91 (73-87 for trucks) chevy 4x4's. I've seen that on 2 different K5 Blazers (one a 77 and the other an 84) and my 85 Burb is that way too. Both the Blazers have a spacers installed to correct that. Eventually, I will do that to, but right now I am saving up to lift my Burb.

What transmissions are in both of the Suburbans? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong... if they both have the same transmission the newer x-fer case and adapter should bolt up to the transmission in your 71. The linkage and maybe the driveshaft lenghts may be different.

If I remember right, your 71 Burb should have an NP-205. I've heard they are not difficult to rebuild, and parts are pretty easy to find too. The NP-205 is a better x-fer case than what is in the 88...the 88 has an NP-208. The 205 is all gear driven and the np-208 is chain driven.