What to look for when buying a Suburban

[stively]

Well I've been wanting a suburban for quite some time and I'm getting closer to buying one. I don't have the money to buy one that's been restored, so I'm trying to find one that is in fair enough shape. I know my way around a car and know what to look for when buying a used vehicle. What I want is you suburban guy's insight as to what to look for that's specific to these trucks. I feel like I've heard that the rear hatch is difficult to find at a good price in decent shape, so if the vehicle I'm looking at needs a hatch I know to factor that in when determining what I should pay. I saw a thread that linked to the rear air unit, it mentioned it was rare and linked to a guy who wanted $900 for one, so I know if I want rear air that buying a 'Burb that already has it will save me money in the long run. Those are a few examples of the kind of advice I'm hoping you guys can provide. I search Craigslist daily and know that these trucks are rare enough that I can't be too picky, but I can at least be better informed before making a decision. A few things to consider: I know how to weld(and have a welder), I'm capable in paint and body, I am looking specifically for a 2wd with plans to lower or 'bag it, I'm going to put an LS series engine in it for reliability and fuel mileage, and it will have to have heat and A/C for my wife to be willing to ride in it.

Edit: I hope this doesn't sound like a "want to buy" ad. It's not. I just want to be better informed before buying.

[LockDoc]

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I don't know how far you are from the ocean but if you look at one that came from anywhere close you will need to check the drip rails and inside around the top of the windshield and doors. Always check the body to frame mounts and core support under the battery. Keep in mind that there are not a lot of patch panels for the suburbans so if it needs much you will be making them from other truck parts. One of the vendors on here is making some replacement panels. (look at the first couple of posts on page 2)

Yes, the tailgates and hatches are hard to find in good shape. Usually you can find the rear air units from 4-500 dollars.

If you scroll down through some of the old threads in this forum you will find some different ideas for air systems.

The wife and I were in Hazelhurst last October doing some family history searching....

LockDoc

[Franks 72]

Watch for rust or evidence of repair or patching in the vertical floor sheet metal under the back seat. This is a sign of rust in the main crossmember. Check where the ends of the crossmember attach to the sheet metal at the ends. Dont ask how I know this !!

[stively]

I don't mind doing a little metal fab, but I would like to find a truck in good enough shape that I can start enjoying it before I get burnt out with working on it. It's good knowing key areas to look for rust, so thanks for the pointers.

Locdoc, Hazelhurst is just up the road, I go though there occasionally. It seems like the whole main road is a car lot. I see you work on motorcycle locks, you don't happen to go to the vintage motorcycle show at Barber Motorsports park, do you?

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by stively

I don't mind doing a little metal fab, but I would like to find a truck in good enough shape that I can start enjoying it before I get burnt out with working on it. It's good knowing key areas to look for rust, so thanks for the pointers.

Locdoc, Hazelhurst is just up the road, I go though there occasionally. It seems like the whole main road is a car lot. I see you work on motorcycle locks, you don't happen to go to the vintage motorcycle show at Barber Motorsports park, do you?

I thought it was pretty close to you.

Never been to the one down there. I used to go to the Antique motorcycle show & swap meet in Davenport, Iowa every year though.

LockDoc