86 Suburban daily driver
 

I picked this up May, had kinda been looking but not too serious. It had the right look, and the right attributes so I brought it home with me. I grew up riding around in the back of these things, so I guess I'm re-living those memories!

86 Suburban, came from Oklahoma and I haven't been able to find any real rust on it yet (those in the upper midwest and rust belt will know exactly what I mean by this). Had a lot of good things already done to it, and my plan is to refine it and then drive it everyday. We'll see how that evolves with time. Main needs are to be reliable and comfortable for the whole family.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

It has some good things going for it, and it also has some needs after 34 years.

Here's what I've been able to ascertain it has had done to it:

- 4/6 drop.
- McGaughys spindles and MaxTrac springs
- Flip in rear (no notch)
- At some point it had a remanufactured 350
- Weiand Street Warrior intake
- Holley 4160 carb
- Ceramic coated headers and some dress up stuff.
- Jeep steering shaft
- Boss 338 wheels, 18x8 and 20x10, 255/45r18 in the front and 295/45r20 in the rear
- drilled and slotted rotors on the front
- phantom billet grille....not sure what to think of this yet

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

First order of business will be to check things out and start fixing stuff. I re-packed the front wheel bearings, replaced the rear wheel bearings, and drained the rear diff oil. I noticed a spider gear that had more run through it than just 80-90, so that needed attention. I evaluated the cost of new spider gears, and ultimately decided to replace it with a Quick Performance posi. I also did all the bearings in the diff and put in a crush sleeve eliminator. The driveshaft had bad u-joints, so those were replaced too.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

The front suspension still needs work. Someone bashed the driver's side lower control arm pretty hard and the bushing is mostly popped out, so I bought a replacement control arm and I'm getting that ready to go now.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

The rear suspension is where I need to focus on in the very near future. It has a flip, but no notch so the axle SLAMS the frame on a very frequent basis, and this won't do. The picture below shows 1.75" of clearance, but when it is down on the ground with all the weight on it is more like 2 fingers clearance. I haven't been able to find any commercially available notches, which is fine, so I'll build one and weld it in. At the same time I'll be removing the flip brackets and welding on new spring perches and centering the tire in the rear wheel well like it should be. There are air shocks that do not function, and looks like one of the mounts on the frame has been ripped off the frame and cobbled back on. Extended shock mounts will also be fabbed up and I'll run some normal shocks of a decent length.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Rad Burb! Where'd you source the control arm?

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Thanks!

Control arm was used off Ebay.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

So as could probably be expected, nothing worked. Power locks didn't work, and the front 2 windows would eventually go down, but the rear ones wouldn't. Some time with a multi-meter let me to conclude that power was getting where it should, but switches were bad. I replaced both power lock switches and one of the solenoids, and did some lube-ing and now all 5 doors lock and unlock reliably with the switches. Windows were a similar treatment, only the driver's door window switch worked so the rest were replaced and I'm waiting on 2 window motors and then all the windows should work too. I still plan on putting relays in the doors for the windows to work quicker, but haven't gotten to that yet. All the rubber and glass runs also will need to be replaced too.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Today I was able to tackle the oil cooler....and get rid of it. It leaked just like they all do and it felt good to get rid of that particular leak and clean up the bottom of the engine just a bit.

Since I had the grille out I took that opportunity to install the temperature sensor for my compass/temperature rearview mirror. I add these mirrors to all of my projects, love 'em!

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Has that vehicle always been a 1/2 ton? I didn’t know that the half tons got an engine oil cooler on the 350.
I just redid the oil cooler lines on my 83 454 Burban.
I enjoy the build thread!

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

It was a standalone option KC4, or included with the HD trailering package Z82.

K

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/doc...t-Suburban.pdf

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Yep, this one has always been a half ton.

Two steps forward, one step back. Rear window motors showed up, so I went to installing them. AC Delco, good old USA made parts...ah....nope - not anymore. First problem was that the stamped brackets bolt holes didn't line up very well. When "forced" into place, they put such a bind on the motor that they didn't work. The fix for that was to drill out the holes so they could be bolted together and not induce a bind. First one in, and amazed with how fast it goes up and down. I may not need to do the relay mod after all!

2nd door, everything was going really well until the duct tape I was using to hold up the glass let go, and it came down quick and broke the glass. Anyone know where to source factory dark tinted glass?

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Nice looking burb project.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Dude, that sucks with the glass. My whole thing with these trucks is that since somebody else wore it out, I'm trying to wear it back in – so to speak. I get so frustrated when my efforts produce damage. My best idea is for you to watch Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, maybe even Offer-up. There always seem to be a few Suburbans being parted out.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Cool project..You are getting busy.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

One 'watch-out'…. Burbs/Blazers are known for issues when c-notching. If you notch it, I would verify there's the same amount of travel available above the different as well. Otherwise, you'll clear @ the axle tube but still hit @ the floor.

Cool family ride for the record!

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Tony (Tony Kee/texassquarebodies) usually has several Burbs on his property.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Thanks! The whole family is on board with it, as soon as I get a few things fixed (including A/C).

Thanks for the heads-up, and I'm already on it! I already measured the space between the top of the diff and the floor, and used that as my measurement as to how deep the notch reasonably should be. I want to cut as little as necessary because hooking up a trailer is still important to me.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

I highly recommend 'over-doing' the c-notch if planning to tow. A simple bolt-in raised floor allows for better frame rail height above the notch & ample pumpkin clearance (win/win). It doesn't have to steal too-much interior compartment space. Even raised just 2" allows for a superior ('safer' since you're a family guy) set-up & wouldn't be that noticeable.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

I scored a lightly used Holley transmission crossmember over the weekend. My exhaust (on the passenger side) is the lowest point on the truck, so that will make it nice to tuck that up when I get around to installing it!

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Was able to get some more work done on the suburban over the weekend. Put in a new window to replace the one I broke. I picked up some steel for the notch, now just need time to get that in the works. I did get my phone up underneath to snap some pictures for those who wonder if you can do an axle flip on a suburban without a notch....without it, you have a cool inch between the axle and the frame....which isn't enough.

I'm also in the planning stages of deciding how I'm going to make new shock mounts that allow for longer shocks. Need to improve the ride on this thing and these things are what it will take!

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

I also spent some time with a buffer. Now, I don't really know what I'm doing when it comes to buffing...and it shows. I used too much compound on the first fender and not enough elsewhere, so I really need to go over the whole thing again but I didn't feel like it after round 1, so that'll be another day. Significant improvements though from what I did do! Constructive criticism is welcomed here....

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

And lastly I've cleaned up some wiring. I have no idea what possessed the last stereo installer to do what they did, but it's fixed now. I have a confession, I *never* use butt connectors. I showed the Suburban to a friend last week, who noticed the butt connectors and commented that he couldn't believe I would even drive it like that! Ha, so I had to fix it!

The power wire to the radio was 36" long, had four butt connectors (both red and blue ones), and the wire was wrapped around the radio fuse and pushed in the slot. Oh man! They completely bypassed the original radio wire that already ran to that fuse and was right there.

The radio is back in and working properly now. I will come back and make an 18 gauge plate to replace the plastic one in the radio install kit, and I will also clean up the hole in the dash that was chopped in there before installing my nicer bezel.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Nice fix and great thread on the truck. The wiring on these trucks are always funny, the last two trucks I had have given me heart palpitations when I started working on them.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Looks like a fun project, :metal:

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Awesome build! Reminds me of mine for sure.

Would you happen to have a picture or could take one of the rear barn door lock actuator location/bracket/etc? I need to add one to my '85 as it never had one and I'd really like to add it.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Thanks all! LED headlight upgrade is coming next when I get a little time. Found some with great reviews with Amazon open-box pricing! If they work well, it didn't cost much more than the relay harness would have.

Adam, sent you a PM. I can get you any pics/measurements you need.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Mind sharing that Amazon link? I’ve been after a set of led headlights for a while, but I’ve found they are either too expensive for my taste, or they look too modern for my taste. I really like the OG looking patterned glass lens that Dapper Lighting offers, but their prices are craaaaazy high.. I also considered VintageCarLED but didn’t find many reviews on their product...

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Sure. These are pretty modern looking, but because of the phantom grille on my sub I don't think it will be noticeable.

Here is the review (which I found very informative):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDJrn0JD_wM&t=1s

And the Amazon link to what I bought (4x6 rectangle, I know yours are round). I took advantage of the "used" option on Amazon for mine, which are usually their returns that the original packaging is damaged but the product itself isn't, and they sell at discounted prices. I paid $65.xx for these.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Had some craigslist luck today and scored a 2wd 4L60e, which aren't super easy to find here! Also found some Trailblazer SS exhaust manifolds last weekend. Collecting parts.....

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Thanks for the tip, I did not know that so I'll have to check them out good.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Here's an image of a shop built notch. Not much clearance gained for the work but it is what it is. I bet if you extended the plating on both sides of the frame to where it's just below the floor (box the inside of the rail & plate the outside portion), you gain strength & could go ~3" into the rail. wouldn't have to cap the top off making it an easier install (as long as it doesn't trap moisture).

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Thanks for the picture! Is that a blazer by chance? Mine doesn't have the crossmember right above he notch like that one. I will box the inside for sure, and I was also thinking of running it higher and filling in some of the gap between the frame and the floor.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Yes. It's a Blazer.

I would make the plates as tall as will fit. The strength is in their height. Capping them will add some rigidity but the main thing would be the height & doing it to both sides (like an I-beam).

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

I gave the manifolds a quick dusting in the blast cabinet so I could check for cracks, these are good to go! Were rusty, but other than that just fine.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

While planning for my notch, I had a chance to stop at a Pick-N-Pull and grab some more parts off the list. Realizing how much I use the rack on top of my DD suburban, I wanted the utility of one for this one too. I grabbed the rack off a 2005 Suburban, the cross-bars will need to be narrowed just a bit and it'll fit great! The way they are put together, it will be easy to narrow them. I also want to not get rear-ended in traffic if I can help it. The LED taillights I already added plus this LED 3rd brake light off a 2004 Tahoe should help with that. Nothing is mounted yet, just sitting there for a preview.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

I've been planning for my notch for a while now. I've now come up with a solid plan and I've started in on it. It may take me a while because lots of other stuff going on, but have a start on it.

First up was fixing where the wheels sit in the wheel wells. It drove me nuts that they weren't centered. I also couldn't live with the u-shaped flip brackets. I know there are thousands of them out there....but doesn't do the job for me. My number ended up being 1/2" back from the centering pin.

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Got my template figured out and transferred it to 3/16" plate. The outside will be plated, the inside will be boxed, and the notch cut out and welded in. They raise up about 1" above the original frame rails, and will be capped. All of this will be below the floor. The inside of the C-Channel frame also needs to be trimmed, because it is in no way straight enough for boxing plates! I had to remove the body mount and will trim 3/16" out of it before it goes back on.

More to come!

Re: 86 Suburban daily driver
 

Got a decent start on the notch this weekend. There was quite a bit more fine tuning I had to do with the plates I had previously cut out, but I'm pretty happy with how it's turning out. I started out with cutting out for the notch, then welding in a piece of 1/4" plate I bent in the shape I wanted.