I've started my build thread on here, but I wasn't sure where to post a generic all-encompassing question. My goal is to build my suburban into a capable trail rig, that I sleep in the back of. I think I have my lift sorted, tire size picked out, recovery systems/ideas are sort of hashed out, exterior lighting, etc. Honestly, that's all the easy crap for a "not a car guy" to pick out with minimal knowledge. Where I'm lost, where there seems to be so much "no this, no that, screw that swap it" is the drivetrain. From the engine to axles.
It's a '93 K1500 Suburban. All stock and lifted the redneck way, I will be fixing the lift.
When I got this beast I read that basically everyone hates the 350 TBI engines and is like "LS Swap it bro" or "diesel swap bro". I don't want to, nor does my bank account roll like that. I found one website where a guy lists out all the good places to spend money and the wastes on this engine, and I think he suggested swapping cams and that's about it internally. most everything else was just "put ACDelco parts on and it's fine"
I think I'm a smart dude but for some reason gears just do not compute for me. I cannot wrap my head around transmissions or differential gearing or any of that.
Goals. Capable but not insane crazy trail rig, Colorado pass type rig. Decent highway cruising speed and milage, if I can only have one I want fuel economy, I'm typically not in a rush to get nowhere anyhow. Planned tires will be 35" def no bigger than the crazy 36" tires on there now. Planned 4-6" suspension lift. I don't know what other info would be relevant. Most likely just me in the truck but the woman will join sometimes, rarely loaded with all 4 (kids are older and too cool for us now) of us unless some SHTF type craziness.
I don't necessarily need all the answers handed to me, I can read just fine lol. But maybe some good advice blogs or links to other posts addressing pieces of the problem. Just good trustworthy knowledge. Learning materials. I appreciate any and all help.
It's a '93 K1500 Suburban. All stock and lifted the redneck way, I will be fixing the lift.
When I got this beast I read that basically everyone hates the 350 TBI engines and is like "LS Swap it bro" or "diesel swap bro". I don't want to, nor does my bank account roll like that. I found one website where a guy lists out all the good places to spend money and the wastes on this engine, and I think he suggested swapping cams and that's about it internally. most everything else was just "put ACDelco parts on and it's fine"
I think I'm a smart dude but for some reason gears just do not compute for me. I cannot wrap my head around transmissions or differential gearing or any of that.
Goals. Capable but not insane crazy trail rig, Colorado pass type rig. Decent highway cruising speed and milage, if I can only have one I want fuel economy, I'm typically not in a rush to get nowhere anyhow. Planned tires will be 35" def no bigger than the crazy 36" tires on there now. Planned 4-6" suspension lift. I don't know what other info would be relevant. Most likely just me in the truck but the woman will join sometimes, rarely loaded with all 4 (kids are older and too cool for us now) of us unless some SHTF type craziness.
I don't necessarily need all the answers handed to me, I can read just fine lol. But maybe some good advice blogs or links to other posts addressing pieces of the problem. Just good trustworthy knowledge. Learning materials. I appreciate any and all help.