1986 Suburban Specifications

[RED 1970]

I’m about to inherit a 1986 Suburban from my wife’s great-uncle Paul. Uncle Paul is still with us but at 91 he’s starting to get rid of some of his rides. He bought the Burb new in 1985 in the California bay area and used it to tow his boat around. He sold the boat three years ago so he really has no use for it. He knows that I’m a chevy guy, having two K5’s and he thought that I should have it for $1. Good news is it is a single owner California rig and I’m sure it is in awesome condition. The bad is it doesn’t run. I’m mechanical, I can fix it eventually….

This is what I know about it so far. 1986, ¾ ton, 4wd, 6.2L, TH400/NP208, buckets and middle bench, no third row seat, barn doors, two tone read and cream.

One question I’ve been trying to get answered is if this level of Sub would have a full floating rear axle or if the Subs only had the 9.5” semi-floating axles.

Trying to find the time to grab a trailer and drive the 600 miles to get it… any tips on what to look for would be appreciated.


And the motor ran, just not for a long time, I’m guessing IP and possibley rotton fuel lines clogging up the filter?

[chevak20]

I have the same truck but an -82. I changed out the t-case though to np205.
It has a 9.5 semi float axle. Does the engine stall when it gets hot? And if so
does it run again after you pour some water on the injecting pump?

I never had one that had a malfunction pump like that though, but what happens is that when it gets hot the pump piston stops. Put some cold water on it and it runs again you know you need a replacement injection pump.

Blocked fuel filter should be indicated by the warning light of restricted fuel filter. I would get it if I were you, not many 3/4 tons with a diesel around with one owner.

[68Timber]

Looking forward to seeing it, sounds like an awesome rig.

[RED 1970]

Thanks for the tip on diagnosing the injector pump, I know my Chevy's but not the Detroit diesels!

There is no question this rig is coming home with me... Just a matter of when.
Thanks!

[cal30_sniper]

My '86 C20 Suburban has the 10.5" Full Floating rear end in it. It's also a factory severe duty towing package truck with a 454. I'm not certain if that affects the rear end choice, but some of the burbs definitely came with the full floating rear.
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[motornut]

Originally Posted by RED 1970

I’m about to inherit a 1986 Suburban from my wife’s great-uncle Paul. Uncle Paul is still with us but at 91 he’s starting to get rid of some of his rides. He bought the Burb new in 1985 in the California bay area and used it to tow his boat around. He sold the boat three years ago so he really has no use for it. He knows that I’m a chevy guy, having two K5’s and he thought that I should have it for $1. Good news is it is a single owner California rig and I’m sure it is in awesome condition. The bad is it doesn’t run. I’m mechanical, I can fix it eventually….

This is what I know about it so far. 1986, ¾ ton, 4wd, 6.2L, TH400/NP208, buckets and middle bench, no third row seat, barn doors, two tone read and cream.

One question I’ve been trying to get answered is if this level of Sub would have a full floating rear axle or if the Subs only had the 9.5” semi-floating axles.

Trying to find the time to grab a trailer and drive the 600 miles to get it… any tips on what to look for would be appreciated.


And the motor ran, just not for a long time, I’m guessing IP and possibley rotton fuel lines clogging up the filter?

keeping it in the family,very cool,bet he's happy bout that,sounds like a great combo

[Mr. 250r]

Of all the suburbans i've looked at only one has ever had a full floater although i haven't looked at a whole lot of diesels but even the few i have only had a semi floater but unless your doing some hardcore off roading i dont think it will never be an issue, or at least for me it never was