'99 K2500 6.5 Diesel Suburban Overland Build

Hey guys, new member here. I just purchased this 1999 K2500 diesel 4x4. It is a former municipal vehicle and came with the yellow lights! It's a bone-stock model. No rear AC, manual windows and door locks, vinyl floors, bench seats, no third row, no cruise control. BUT.... it only has 72,000 miles! And no rust!


The plan:

INTERIOR:
I found another fully loaded 99 1500 with super high miles but a great interior that I can buy really cheap.
Install the bucket seats, second row captains chairs, and third row (all leather), center console, cruise control, rear AC, and maybe even the power windows. Basically turn the base model into the luxury model.
Install a double-DIN bluetooth stereo with backup camera.
Install interior LED accent lighting
Install lots of USB ports for the family electronics!

EXTERIOR:
Paint job OR vinyl wrap.
Add swing-out spare tire carrier
Add front brush guard with winch and fog lights (looking at the MOVE bumpers which you weld yourself and can customize)
Install 6" suspension lift and 35" tires on alloy wheels
Install roof basket and side ladder
Install towing mirrors

ENGINE:
Install Heath TurboMaster
Relocate PMD
Eliminate vacuum system & change belt
Change out air intake
Change out exhaust to 4"

I plan on using this rig for family camping and hunting trips to the Western US. I'm excited to learn from this community. I'm very open to suggestions so please let me have it!!

More "as-is" pics:

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Hey! a suburban brother! i've been wanting to do something a lot like what you said, Good luck on this! P.S. i'm watching this thread.

Thanks! This is my “inspiration” pic:

BlastingBat998 said:

Hey! a suburban brother! i've been wanting to do something a lot like what you said, Good luck on this! P.S. i'm watching this thread.

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TexasCurt said:

Thanks! This is my “inspiration” pic:

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Have you seen the youtube video of that burb? it's a monster! only difference is that one has a 12v Cummins.

Yeah, it’s perfect. I can live with my 6.5L tho!

BlastingBat998 said:

Have you seen the youtube video of that burb? it's a monster! only difference is that one has a 12v Cummins.

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Hi there!

Welcome to the site. An ambitious build, I look forward to see how you put it all together!

Always fun to see another suburban on here! They are great family vehicles and can be set up really nice for what your looking for. Great find on this one!

Wow! That baby is clean.
I had a '99 6.5 for a couple years. 250k miles. Injection pump started going south. Bought a '95 gas burner.
The 6.5 gets a bad rap from most diesel fans because it doesn't make 800 lb-ft if torque, but it's good for what it's intended to be.... a better fuel mileage offering than the 454 with similar pulling power.
For some reason, I've always liked the vinyl floor in the base models. Would like to find a good set locally to swap in my luxury 'burb. Easy clean, spill & wet dog resistant.... Lol.

Found a donor vehicle for seats and interior parts on Craigslist that was perfect.... they sold it. I had posted pictures here but deleted because it's now irrelevant!