Random Burb questions

[HarrisonTX]

Hey guys.
Im thinking of getting my first suburban, and im pretty excited.
I just have a few random questions
I like the 1990 models which i think range from 1987-1991? am i correct on that?
Is it true that they get awful gas milage?
I have a '69 3/4 truck, and i drove from fort hood, to fort worth, every single weekend for almost a year, gettin 10mpg. I spent almost exactly $400 a month, and that was before i went to iraq, now gas is even more, im scared to return to the states.

Since they come with a much welcomed overdrive 4 gear, is that going to help tons?

There alot of 3/4's floating around, aside from maybe a different rearend ratio, does the fact its a 3/4 effect mpg?

I could see me definently installing some 3.08's to help on the freeway, along with a k&N system.

What about 4x4, if its not engaged, does the 4x4 stuff effect milage much?

What are some common problems with theres years?
Anything to look out for?

Just to put it out there, i want a black one, with dark tent, and some black wheels.

These are so cheap on ebay, i dont think there was one over 5k, and alot of them had one owner. Awesome.

Thanks in advance guys.

[rcbildr]

Here's a link that should give you a good idea on gas mileage. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=196086 If you are really worried about mileage, try to find one with a diesel. Both my diesel burbs (2wd & 4wd) get around 22mpg on the freeway. I think 87 was the latest change in the sheetmetal and 91 has a different grill. I've heard the auto-locking hubs have a tendency to disengage at the worst possible time. I plan to install a set of manual hubs on my 4x4 once I get the tranny replaced. Some of them came with the 700R4 and (if I remember right) 87 and newer 700R4's are built better than the older years. The 700R4 in my 85 didn't last long after I got the 'Burb going so I am replacing it with an SM-465 manual tranny....can't wait to get that finished. Hope this helps.

[HarrisonTX]

Thanks for the link man, that was terrifying.
I wonder if a blazer would do much better, but then again, arnt all of them
4x4? damn it.
If i did get one, i could see myself robbin the pedals from a standard truck, and installin a t-56 into the truck. damn that was some bad mpg.
I really wanted a burb too, i dont know now. I already have 2 SBC's and neither of them have overdrive, i think the malibu gets something insane like 6 mpg, i drive the **** outa that car.

[rcbildr]

I think a Blazer would get a slightly better mileage, but not by much. The 73-91 2wd Blazers are a little easier to find than a 67-72's. I think you can find Blazers with a diesel too. But then again, you don't buy a 'Burb for the mileage. Once I get my 4x4 going reliably again it will ultimately be my camping/fishing/road trip rig and the extraction vehicle for my friends when they get stuck...one has a Blazer and the other has a Bronco. I have a little 84 Ranger for commuting, but the funny thing with that is my 2wd diesel burb gets roughly the same mileage....that would probably be different if the Ranger had a 5 speed instead of a 4 speed.

I'm not sure if the T-56 would be a good choice, but maybe using an NV-3500. I've seen them on ebay for a decent price. I wanted to use the NV3500 but I found my SM-465 for an awesome price ($110) on craigslist. From what I've seen, 73-87 trucks with a manual are kinda rare, but it isn't difficult to covert them. Check out the tech article section at coloradok5.com...they convert a blazer with a auto to a manual transmission.

[Jonboy]

The Suburbans were fuel injected from 1987-1991. Those will all have overdrive also. The smaller headlamps were from 89-91. A 2wd Sub will get around 15 or so on the highway, with the A/C on (it is Texas, after all). There were no 2wd Blazers after 1982. The only EFI Blazers you will find will be 4WD (1987-1991). I don't know what difference you will see in mileage, but I doubt 4WD will help it at all.

[DannyL]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

The Suburbans were fuel injected from 1987-1991. Those will all have overdrive also.

How is it mine has a TH400 then?

[72freak]

I have three Suburbans...

1999 3/4 ton 4x4 5.7 with 411 or 410 rears (cant remember)...13-16 mpg
1987 1/2 ton 2x4 5.7 with 373 & 700R4.................................15-17 mpg
1972 3/4 ton 2x4 (1989 Suburban 5.7) with 354-ish rear 700R4....15-18 mph

If you want the best fuel economy get a 2 wheel drive, tall narrow tires and try to fingd one with the rear end that matches your driving needs.

Of course.........if fuel economy is a real concern....Buy a Honda

[Jonboy]

Originally Posted by DannyL

How is it mine has a TH400 then?

I dunno. Most 1/2 ton 2wd Subs had a 700R4. Most 1/2 ton 4x4 ones, too. Kind of a rule of thumb thing, but rules are always made to be broken.

[GoobersBlueBurban]

my '87 4x4 suburban, with a rebuilt .040 over 350 with a same duration/slightly higher lift cam, headers/exhaust and TBI spacer, 700r4 and 3.73's i'm gettin 10-12(when i got my foot in it, 12-14 if i keep my foot outta it) in town and 15-18 on the highway. that is with 31" tires.