Building an Overland Suburban

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pgutier1

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First time posting, I tried searching but I couldn't find the right info. Perhaps I did although I want to confirm...thanks in advance!

I have a '92 K1500 4x4 5.7 and I want to take the body off my Suburban and put it on a 3500 truck frame for the strength. Is this possible? I have read that Suburbans have different frames than the trucks. Or, is my only choice doing a frame body swap is on a 2500?

I will be doing a Dana 60 in front and a rear axle from a 2000-2006 2500 with disc brakes, along with a complete frame off resto.
 

JOHNGAAA1

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The real question is the wheel base. Just a note, on the 2000 and up nbs trucks the FBI actually could order a k3500 suburban. I have seen them come up on ebay from time to time and when checking the vin number, sure enough it exists.
 

Reluctanse

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I would just start with a K2500 suburban, rather than go through all the work of swapping body/frame. I don't know the exact detail differences... but the 2500/3500 frames are pretty similar if not the same, so going 3500 frame on a Suburban wouldn't net you much over the 2500. There are plenty of K2500 burbs around.... The amount of time and hassle saved by starting with the right hardware would be a big head start over what you are thinking.
 

Caman96

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I would just start with a K2500 suburban, rather than go through all the work of swapping body/frame. I don't know the exact detail differences... but the 2500/3500 frames are pretty similar if not the same, so going 3500 frame on a Suburban wouldn't net you much over the 2500. There are plenty of K2500 burbs around.... The amount of time and hassle saved by starting with the right hardware would be a big head start over what you are thinking.
Totally agree, no need to re-invent the wheel.
 

pgutier1

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I would just start with a K2500 suburban, rather than go through all the work of swapping body/frame. I don't know the exact detail differences... but the 2500/3500 frames are pretty similar if not the same, so going 3500 frame on a Suburban wouldn't net you much over the 2500. There are plenty of K2500 burbs around.... The amount of time and hassle saved by starting with the right hardware would be a big head start over what you are thinking.
I hear ya, thank you for your input! Now I have to find a 2500 with a tailgate...
 

1952Chevy

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I agree with the other input that a 2500 burb will do the trick. I have been building mine and I think it will be plenty strong enough for what you're looking for. I have seen a few with tailgates around. I actually missed out on buying a 2nd at auction because I had to work to late. That one went for 1600, 454, 4l80, tailgate. Had some engine issues but was super clean. So they are out there.
 
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