71 3/4 K Suburban

[Mr Big]

Yesterday I was looking at a 71 4x4 K Suburban, (thinking about making an offer), But I noticed it had the old Spicer rear under it...like my 66 3/4.
I was expecting a DANA. Is it possible it's original? The owner claimed 4.56 posi?

I know it's an original Fleet orderd truck, white with barn doors, pdisc, auto, rear air, ps...I have to look again at the glovebox sheet.

It's been sitting in the open for many 5+ years, but runs well. It's got some ugly typical rust in the front floor kick panles, mostly from a leaky windshield. The rear of the truck is fairly solid. Not beat up too bad.The guts are pretty well roached. Any idea from the description if it's worth saving? How much is too much? Sorry if the questions are idiotic, I'm not familular with these early burbs. Thanks for any advice/help. Glen

[Mr Big]

Ops, I re-read that rear is an Eaton not Spicer. Presumably original.

[Average Joe]

Welcome Mr. Big from an average joe! It would be hard to put a number on the value without seeing the extent of the rust. Another variable is location. It seems there are more Burb's available on the west coast than the east coast. Consequently price's are typically lower out west for a comperable vehicle compared to the east. It sounds like it is worth saving especially if the price is right.

[Mr Big]

Thanks Joe for the reply. I did a bit of research yesterday and am thinking if I could pick it up for $1500, maybe a bit more and I wouldn't be too deep into it.

The truck will need front fenders, drivers floor and kick panel patch (both sides), maybe outer rockers. Other than that it looks solid. It's not rusted from salt, but from outside storage, the body supports all look good as does the spare tire well.

This truck was ordered new by the local government and it served with the Police Department with the Bomb Squad. Still has the dual spotlights. The current owner bought it when the government sold it (70’s). Even though it has 44k original miles the years of storage have not been kind to it.
It's got the barn doors and according to my Chevy Red Book is 1 of 256 built in 1971. That seems like very low production (if that’s right).

[Average Joe]

1500 does not sound like a bad deal. I recently called about a '70 k10 burb with no motor and in need of rockers for 1k.

[scotto0609]

I had a similar ordered 69and loved it. I would get it again!

[Mr Big]

Still looking at this truck, I should get a good look at the glovebox sheet this week.

So can anyone tell me why some of these 3/4 ton trucks got the Dana while others got the Eaton? There doesn't seem to be any ryme or reason.

Is it related to the GVW or the engine tranny combo?Thanks in advance.

[k5kev]

I'm by no means an expert but I thought all the 3/4 4x4's came with the Eaton, and the 3/4 ton 2wd all had Dana 60's,....or at least the coil spung 3/4 ton 2wd have the Dana 60's.

[4x4Poet]

Originally Posted by Mr Big

Yesterday I was looking at a 71 4x4 K Suburban, (thinking about making an offer), But I noticed it had the old Spicer rear under it...like my 66 3/4.
I was expecting a DANA. Is it possible it's original? The owner claimed 4.56 posi?...

The posi in the Eaton H052 axle should be a "Posi-Lok", the old name for a detroit locker. Look for a "Posi-Lok" label in the interior.

4.56s sounds likely for a fleet truck. Good ratio for going with bigger than stock tires. Any glove box label data?

The 71 burb A/C system should have air ducting down the middle the headliner. Inferior to a 72 A/C rear roof air unit, but can work. Tinted windows near mandatory.

From your description, the truck sounds pretty rough to go for more than $1k. The "rarity" of barn doors in '71 lends no value imho. And no amount of low miles adds value to a truck with rust, sheetmetal in need of replacement, and a deteriorated interior. I think low miles only adds significant value to trucks with no mechanical issues needing attention and cosmetic body damage.

[Mr Big]

Originally Posted by 4x4Poet

Any glove box label data?

I plan to go back (with my readers) and look at that sticker. Your assesment is the same as my intial one. A fairly rough truck. It does run well, but will need fenders and certainly some floor work along the rockers in front. On the up side all supports look good. I really want a 3/4, 4x4 suburban with barn doors and 4sp...but know they are tough to find.

I'll post any additional info I come up with from the next look.

[Mr Big]

Anyone able to tell me what the second "E" in the VIN should tell us?

Supposedly where it was built but I can't find any info.

From the SPID

VIN KE261E65####
MOD KE20906

Options:
1C69BF AC OV
1F51AJ Front & Rear Shock AB
1G50AG Heavy Rear Spring
1M49AA Turbo-Hydramatic
1521AA White
1A53AE Rear Seat
1C80AA Dome Lamp Switch
1F76AB Front Wheel Lock Hub
1LS9BA 350
1Z62AE Custom Comf & Conv EQ
1641AA Blue Cloth Trim

Unfortionately this trucks probably too far gone. The best way to fix it would be with a doner truck. The leaves and moisture have really done it in.

[Bill72]

Are you sure the second "E" is not a B(Baltimore) or F(Flint)?

[Mr Big]

Originally Posted by Bill72

Are you sure the second "E" is not a B(Baltimore) or F(Flint)?

That is probably what's happened, my poor eyesite and a faded 40 yr old sticker.

[vectorit]

K = 4x4
E = V-8 gas
2 = 3/4 ton
6 = Suburban
1 = 1971
E = Flint
65#### = Vehicle ser. #