99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**DeadheadNM** · 05-11-2021, 10:52 PM

Here’s a new to me 99 K2500 GMC Suburban that was used as a command unit for a village fire department. It’s seen just 42k miles and has a 6.5L diesel L65 motor, 4L80-E auto transmission, a 14 bolt FF rear with a G80 locking rear.

No body rust that I’ve found. The rear axle Ubolts and plates are a crusty.

It’s seemingly dry well maintained. I’ll give it some elbow grease, tend to a few missing or broken items, and then have the mechanics inspected. I’ve got a lot to learn about maintaining a Diesel engine.

**DeadheadNM** · 05-11-2021, 10:57 PM

More pics...

**DeadheadNM** · 05-11-2021, 11:02 PM

Google Earth had images of the truck parked in front of the station with the lights on and fully badged.

My daughter is a fan

Ol' Drippy · 05-14-2021, 10:22 AM

That is a great looking truck, nice to have the local history about it as well.

Greg58 · 05-14-2021, 10:50 AM

I'm with your daughter on this one!
Should be a great rig, never driven a 6.5 turbo, but had a couple of 6.2 N/A diesels.

**DeadheadNM** · 05-14-2021, 01:00 PM

Thanks for the good words guys! She's a fan.

I'm new to diesel motors and eager to learn about them. I've got an upcoming appointment w a diesel mechanic to assess the motor. I've read this motor may have issues with harmonic balancer failure so may just have that replaced given it's age.

I found a couple more photos of the truck at work and will post back after the mechanical assessment.

**72ironmike** · 05-15-2021, 02:09 PM

Very Cool Pete - Awesome first vehicle for your daughter !

**Ol Blue K20** · 05-15-2021, 03:21 PM

Nice Pete, I love it!

**DeadheadNM** · 05-15-2021, 03:25 PM

Thanks guys. It’s the second red 99 I’ve had. I’m a big fan of these 92-99 burbs.

**DeadheadNM** · 05-17-2021, 01:08 PM

I found a VIN decoder service. Neat to see how many vehicles of this model were outfitted with the various RPOs and get the build date. Late model year assembly.

57taskforce · 05-17-2021, 01:38 PM

I’m in Pete, I know you’ll make it even more awesome!

**DeadheadNM** · 05-17-2021, 10:18 PM

Tyler welcome aboard

**Dieselwrencher** · 05-18-2021, 12:08 PM

That is a very clean unit! Even the driver's side seat isn't trashed. Your daughter has great taste! As long as there isn't a lot of idle hours and little blow by on the ol gal, it should be fine.

**DeadheadNM** · 05-18-2021, 09:37 PM

Ryan thanks. I’ll be picking your brain about winterizing the motor for sure.

**biketopia** · 05-20-2021, 02:43 PM

Looks like a solid truck! More info on this vin decoder please?!

**DeadheadNM** · 05-20-2021, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biketopia

Looks like a solid truck! More info on this vin decoder please?!

Thanks!

See here: https://www.compnine.com/vid.php

You can get five VIN decodes for $5. I wanted to confirm which alternator I had before ordering a new serpentine belt then did a few other VINs.

**IronCanine** · 05-20-2021, 10:35 PM

Everybody needs a Command Unit. Hell I wanna be a Command Unit. Love it Pete...and the Chief!

**DeadheadNM** · 05-21-2021, 07:37 AM

Welcome aboard my friend!

I’ve gathered a few parts to replace some aged or worn pieces over the next couple of weeks including oil cooler lines and a harmonic balancer.. The OE Bilstein shocks are nice.

Shifty One · 05-25-2021, 10:50 AM

I like it!

**MJN** · 05-25-2021, 01:13 PM

Very cool, love that body style Suburban too. At least Palmyra isn't too far away for you to go get it. If it hasn't already been done look into the PMD relocation kit- pretty common issue on 6.5L's that causes the engine to stall. Some decent info here about it
https://www.hdiesel.com/C/PMDCooler/279

OutlawDrifter · 05-25-2021, 05:11 PM

Very cool, I wish my K2500 'burb was a 6.5!

**Palf70Step** · 05-26-2021, 05:43 AM

Nice looking burb. I was looking at one similar in our local craigslist not that long ago.

**DeadheadNM** · 05-26-2021, 09:28 AM

Thanks for the good words guys. MJN thanks for the tip. The PMD was relocated and last year new "engine seals" were added per the fire chief.

It runs and drives good but I don't have any maintenance records and know next to nothing about diesel engines so this morning I dropped it off at a local diesel mechanic shop to have the harmonic balancer and oil cooler lines replaced as well as fluids checked/changed and a general look-see. After that I'll have the alignment checked and the U bolts/plates replaced on the rear axle.

I've been able to source some replacement parts for missing/broken interior pieces including replacement middle row head rests.

57taskforce · 05-27-2021, 08:45 PM

Good stuff Pete. Nice looking console, even better that it’s got the cup holder insert and not the CD holder. Good call on the oil lines, they can be a real pita to keep from leaking sometimes.

**Ol Blue K20** · 05-28-2021, 10:32 AM

It's gonna be very nice, the little touches make the difference.

05-11-2021, 10:52 PM	#1
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Here’s a new to me 99 K2500 GMC Suburban that was used as a command unit for a village fire department. It’s seen just 42k miles and has a 6.5L diesel L65 motor, 4L80-E auto transmission, a 14 bolt FF rear with a G80 locking rear. No body rust that I’ve found. The rear axle Ubolts and plates are a crusty. It’s seemingly dry well maintained. I’ll give it some elbow grease, tend to a few missing or broken items, and then have the mechanics inspected. I’ve got a lot to learn about maintaining a Diesel engine. Attached Images __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland Last edited by DeadheadNM; 05-11-2021 at 11:03 PM. Reason: Added.

05-11-2021, 10:57 PM	#2
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project More pics... Attached Images __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-11-2021, 11:02 PM	#3
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Google Earth had images of the truck parked in front of the station with the lights on and fully badged. My daughter is a fan Attached Images __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-14-2021, 10:22 AM	#4
Ol' Drippy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Falls Church Va Posts: 77	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project That is a great looking truck, nice to have the local history about it as well.

05-14-2021, 10:50 AM	#5
Greg58 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Valley, NE. Posts: 1,014	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project I'm with your daughter on this one! Should be a great rig, never driven a 6.5 turbo, but had a couple of 6.2 N/A diesels. __________________ ________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande, 2500 133" wb, 402, 4spd. 2007 GMC 3500 SRW 4x4, Crew cab, Duramax/Allison. (Sold} 1987 Chevy Suburban 2500, Silverado, 2wd, 454, t-400 2023 Chevy Silverado LT 3500, crew cab, longbox, 4x4 Z-71 Duramax.

05-14-2021, 01:00 PM	#6
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Thanks for the good words guys! She's a fan. I'm new to diesel motors and eager to learn about them. I've got an upcoming appointment w a diesel mechanic to assess the motor. I've read this motor may have issues with harmonic balancer failure so may just have that replaced given it's age. I found a couple more photos of the truck at work and will post back after the mechanical assessment. Attached Images __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-15-2021, 02:09 PM	#7
72ironmike Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Olathe KS (Greater Kansas City MO Area) Posts: 2,051	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Very Cool Pete - Awesome first vehicle for your daughter !

05-15-2021, 03:21 PM	#8
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,243	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Nice Pete, I love it! __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

05-15-2021, 03:25 PM	#9
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Thanks guys. It’s the second red 99 I’ve had. I’m a big fan of these 92-99 burbs. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-17-2021, 01:08 PM	#10
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project I found a VIN decoder service. Neat to see how many vehicles of this model were outfitted with the various RPOs and get the build date. Late model year assembly. Attached Images __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-17-2021, 01:38 PM	#11
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,454	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project I’m in Pete, I know you’ll make it even more awesome! __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s

05-17-2021, 10:18 PM	#12
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Tyler welcome aboard __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-18-2021, 12:08 PM	#13
Dieselwrencher 6>8 Plugless........ Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Prairie City, Ia Posts: 17,139	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project That is a very clean unit! Even the driver's side seat isn't trashed. Your daughter has great taste! As long as there isn't a lot of idle hours and little blow by on the ol gal, it should be fine. __________________ Ryan 1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread 1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed 1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe 1969 Chevy milk truck 1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10 1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project *Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.*

05-18-2021, 09:37 PM	#14
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Ryan thanks. I’ll be picking your brain about winterizing the motor for sure. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-20-2021, 02:43 PM	#15
biketopia Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Warrenton VA Posts: 1,099	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Looks like a solid truck! More info on this vin decoder please?! __________________ 71 c-10 Long Bed, under the knife for a No Limit Engineering Wide Ride Chassis Pack and coil over static drop. 07 Silverado Classic 2wd 95 Camaro 427SBC/TH350



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05-20-2021, 10:35 PM	#17
IronCanine I'm trying.... Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Athens, GA Posts: 2,708	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Everybody needs a Command Unit. Hell I wanna be a Command Unit. Love it Pete...and the Chief! __________________ 1970 K20 Z62 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...56#post9334756 1970 Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=645076 1969 K10 SWB CST http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...52#post8520352 1971 K20 Z84 https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...90#post9047290 1946 B.F. Avery Model A Tractor http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...55#post8292555 "Sometimes I wonder if zander208 was even real..."

05-21-2021, 07:37 AM	#18
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Welcome aboard my friend! I’ve gathered a few parts to replace some aged or worn pieces over the next couple of weeks including oil cooler lines and a harmonic balancer.. The OE Bilstein shocks are nice. Attached Images __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-25-2021, 10:50 AM	#19
Shifty One Registered User Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 732	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project I like it!

05-25-2021, 01:13 PM	#20
MJN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Maquoketa, Ia/ Orr, Mn Posts: 3,046	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Very cool, love that body style Suburban too. At least Palmyra isn't too far away for you to go get it. If it hasn't already been done look into the PMD relocation kit- pretty common issue on 6.5L's that causes the engine to stall. Some decent info here about it https://www.hdiesel.com/C/PMDCooler/279 __________________ '51 South Bend Model "9A" '56 Chevy 3600 NAPCO '74 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20-restored on 37's '72 GMC Sierra Custom K2500- in progress '08 GMC Envoy Denali '12 GMC Sierra 2500HD Denali '17 GMC Yukon XL VCCA member #58596 http://www.nohrco.com

05-25-2021, 05:11 PM	#21
OutlawDrifter Registered User Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Northeast KS Posts: 1,783	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Very cool, I wish my K2500 'burb was a 6.5! __________________ 1999 GMC Suburban K2500 SLT, 454/4L80E 1991 Z/28, 6.0L/T56 1949 GMC 250, S10 Frame, 6.0L/4L80E Instagram @aceshighspeedshop

05-26-2021, 05:43 AM	#22
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,090	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Nice looking burb. I was looking at one similar in our local craigslist not that long ago. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

05-26-2021, 09:28 AM	#23
DeadheadNM Carpe manana Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Eau Claire, WI Posts: 12,428	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Thanks for the good words guys. MJN thanks for the tip. The PMD was relocated and last year new "engine seals" were added per the fire chief. It runs and drives good but I don't have any maintenance records and know next to nothing about diesel engines so this morning I dropped it off at a local diesel mechanic shop to have the harmonic balancer and oil cooler lines replaced as well as fluids checked/changed and a general look-see. After that I'll have the alignment checked and the U bolts/plates replaced on the rear axle. I've been able to source some replacement parts for missing/broken interior pieces including replacement middle row head rests. __________________ 1972 K5 CST Highlander Blazer: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=708547 1972 K20 Cheyenne Super: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=528308 Members met: ORANGBLAZ, 2003 silverado, MikeCofield, BB72CHEVKT, Duncan&Son, Sameyrasmea72, THENEWMEXICAN, HotRod C/10, brianthelion02, Sport/Truck, ryanroo, michael bustamante, Dirt's72, Already Gone, WestButteTruck, 57taskforce, Moreyel, painterljp, AASmedic, SoCoC10, Lumaestas, carbuff382, Chevyland

05-27-2021, 08:45 PM	#24
57taskforce All about them K’s Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Land of Entrapment Posts: 6,454	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project Good stuff Pete. Nice looking console, even better that it’s got the cup holder insert and not the CD holder. Good call on the oil lines, they can be a real pita to keep from leaking sometimes. __________________ Tyler '57 3100 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=813888 '72 K20 Cheyenne: 5” lift, 35’s, front dana 60 blah blah blah… http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=662879 ‘69 K10 SWB: 4” lift 33”s… in a million pieces http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=805206 '98 Silverado LT K2500HD ECLB Vortec 454/4l80E: 6" lift 35x12.5x20’s

05-28-2021, 10:32 AM	#25
Ol Blue K20 Proprietor of Dale's Corner Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Vacaville , CA Posts: 16,243	Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project It's gonna be very nice, the little touches make the difference. __________________ "Some Days Chickens And Some Days Feathers" Dale XNGH ECV Sam Brannan 1004 R.I.P. 67ChevyRedneck R.I.P. Grumpy Old Man R.I.P. FleetsidePaul

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