Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

I could use a few more of those pillar pods. My friend made this one for me, he does not want to make more. He said it was a pita. I got to find someone to make these for squarebodies and the 67-72 era trucks as well. I paid quite a bit to have it made.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Chris Lucas sells those A-pillar pods, review of them HERE.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Wow that is awesome. Those are way cheaper than paying for a one off again. I most likely will order a few. I do have to say that I kinda prefer a whole pillar replacement. You will have to drill holes for the wiring and mounting anyway. I think he has a better angle on his too. Mine are angled up ever so slightly.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

I like the longer taper to these pods, but you can see the angle on them.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

So my most recent dilemma, took the saved up funds for 3.73 gear swap. I have been eating up belts right this truck in addition to super wobbly and noisey belts. Well a month ago I thought the bearing in the A/C compressor was failing but it was a bigger issue. Who would have thought that a harmonic balancer and crankshaft pulley would be so $$$. It took nearly a month to track down and receive.


I nearly pulled the 6.2 out and was considering a 5.3 swap. I have a complete motor, minus harness. It was going to be over $1000,so I opted to fix the diesel once more... I doubt I'll get the same mpg's with the 5.3 gas. I really want to just save up for a 12v swap.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

The more I review this thread the more I realize how much I have done to this thing. It is a labor of love. This thing hauls my family around everywhere.

Joshua Tree So Cal
Hollister hills.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Road trip shots
Mountain Home ID at Idaho tuff truck comp
Winnemuca NV heading to I'D

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Today's fun project. Steering column tilt r/r and cruise control switch replacement. What a pita! I am going to reassemble tomorrow. I got the 4 Torx bolts threadlocked and tight.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Ouch. I get to do that job on my 85 here in a week or two. Is it one of those jobs that fight you or just tedious?

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

A bit of both. Releasing the harness enough to pull the components is the biggest part. Once you do one, it will be quicker. The stupid key linkage and high beam for linkage are just a pita too. It is not as tough as it looks. 1\4" drive inverted torx will give you the room to tighten the 4 loose bolts. One could grind down a 3/8" drive one, but I had the smaller drive that fit well in side the cavity next to the shaft. Do not over torque them and add loctite.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

My bad. Reassembly sucks. The high beam linkage rod to the back of switch sucks to hold together upon reassembly. I might have been cussing for a bit. I got it all back together. What a difference! I have two other columns waiting to fix now. I think I should be able to get them done in a reasonable amount of time.


After cleaning up, I found this.... Looks like I will be in there again soon. Fml. At least it feels tight.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

I don't have tilt but I'm adding intermittent wipers so I get to replace the switch. I'm also replacing the ignition cylinder. I've never been into a column like that so I'm not looking forward to it. Have you considered putting a 6.5 turbo on your truck?

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Like just a 6.5 turbo add on? Not really. I like the dependability, I don't want to push the old motor.

As far as a complete swap. I have considered it, but unless I find a whole donor truck for under $500(Cause that is my style), it will most likely stay until it blows. I actually found a free 6.5 truck, but my friend lives in WY. It would cost me over $1000 just in fuel. I want a 12v Conversion.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Off Topic question. Have you still got the RPO label in the glovebox? I'd like to know what the blue and silver color codes are if you have them.

I have the same blue silver combo 87 V20 but my RPO was missing from the glovebox.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

I will take a peek tomorrow. I am tearing into the ball joints tonight.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Nice Suburban and nice to see you sticking with the 6.2 so far. I have a couple of rigs equipped with the 6.2 and although I don't drive them often they make me smile when I do.
I have a few tilts to tighten also....

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Which one is it?

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

I would keep the 6.2 forever if it lasts.

No sure if I will keep it when it goes for real.

Then again, I am too cheap to buy a 12v conversion.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Sorry, I thought I posted a pic. I am not sure if this helps.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

That is a crap shot. I will try again. I was literally watching paint dry a few moments ago.
I really don't hate doing balljoints. It just seems like every truck or front axle I have bought, has needed them replaced.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Great thread. Thanks for keeping it updated.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Here is a better pic.


Who can brake this list down for me?

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

Thank you, much appreciated.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

So I work the counter at a small mom and pop auto parts store that has been around since the 60's that also has a in house machine shop. So it's nice to be able to press balljoints and turn rotors when I need them. We also have a hot tank, parts washer, and blast cabinet, hydro press, surfacer, head plainer, boring machince, small lathe,and we do in house battery cables, and offer steel, and aluminum welding. It sure simplifies my life sometimes.




I got a chance to reassemble the pass side. I will get to the other side tomorow.

Re: 87 V20 D/D and Road trip Burb
 

For some reason I have always felt as if my Burb had a mean rake to it since the 14bff swap, but this pic makes it look pretty level.