Santiago - 11-21-2007 at 08:09 AM
(With nods to Oso)
About 8 or 9 years ago I was waiting my turn at an East Cape Pemex and noticed the vehicle in front of me was a 10 year old suburban, completely
gutted on the inside with just 2 front seats, the inside and outside painted a light brown (back/side windows and everything) and a rubber mat on the
floor. I instantly knew that this was an awesome Baja rig and would fit me perfectly. I've looked at Craig's List and I can pick up an early-to-mid
1990s suburban for about $2500 to $3500; even less if trashed out. I am looking at a 350, automatic, A/C, 4X4 and dual airbags as must haves and will
tow a 2000 pound boat. I'm assuming a rebuild on the engine and tranny.
I have some questions for you Suburban owners:
What year did dual airbags become standard? Are there certain years/models to avoid? What other repairs/rebuilds should I look at/expect? Other
makes/models I should consider? Certain options I should avoid?
Thanks
Hook - 11-21-2007 at 11:15 AM
From what I've read and seen, the entire mid 90s era Suburbans had problems with brake rotors that were too thin and warped easily in moderate use
and heat. Replace with aftermarket, slotted ones if no one has already.
Run synthetic tranny fluid. I've heard of and seen some tranny issues in that era, too. Cant change the design but the syn will resist breaking down
in the heat that poor designs cause.
I cant be more specific on the years or models.
The 350 is a great engine, albeit a bit underpowered as engines in that size go. But maybe that's why it just keeps runnin and runnin.