Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Suburbans run deep in my family. My Dad grew up with a 1974 and wanted one for his own family so he got a 1979 with cruise control, rear a/c, 3 rows. We took so many trips and Sunday drives in that two-tone squarebody. I have many childhood memories with that suburban. Being a father myself I decided to purchase a suburban for my growing family. In 2012 we purchased a 2010 suburban but it was totaled a few months later by a drunk driver that ran a red light (photo below).

We've since purchased a Tahoe but I still wanted a suburban again. I've been on the lookout for a patina'd 67-72 suburban for some time but if I do find one it's very rusted and/or costs a fortune. When this gem showed up on craigslist it was near my house and has been a desert truck it's entire life, and thus rust-free!

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

That's an excellent start. What are the plans?

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Im in to see this one .

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Yes, that Burb looks like a very solid one. Nice find!

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Here's the plan:

Install crate LS3 (already purchased)
4l85e
New control arms and drop spindles
Disc brakes all around
12 bolt rear-end with 3.73 Detroit trutrac
5 lug 20 inch wheels
Accuair air bags
Ididit steering column
Rack and pinion steering
Vintage Air a/c
Install rear a/c
Redo interior with new carpet and upholstery
Install 3rd row (already purchased)
Painless wiring harness (already purchased)

The ultimate goal is to make this a reliable daily driver that I can also take on road trips. Should be a fun Journey!

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

On board for this build!

Is the rear AC unit also from Vintage air?

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Nice looking truck. I saw that one on Craigslist as well and spoke to the owner about it. Glad someone picked it up and will put some love into it. Good luck with your project sounds like a great plan.

Nick

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

It doesn't have AC now but I plan on putting vintage air for the front a/c. Still looking at options for rear A/C. I'd love to put a factory 72 rear ac in it but those are hard to come by. There are other options I'm considering. We'll see

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Love it, lucky to have found one near you and in that condition!

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Looks like a great start!

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

I am excited. I read through your entire build. It only took me a few days. You've put a lot of work into that suburban. How do you like your HDX gauges? I just placed my order today for the white/silver version. they said 4-6 weeks.

ls3
 

The LS3 showed up!!

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

looks promising so far

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

This is the transmission that was built by user: Clinebarger. If you need a "better-than-stock" transmission he is the guy to go to. You can check out his transmission build thread here:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=718986

I went with a 4l80e. I am very impressed with Clinebarger's knowledge and skills. A very reputable and honest person

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

I've been collecting parts to get ready for this build. This is one thing that I'm so excited for. Just after receiving these Dakota Digital HDX gauges I went to SEMA and got to check these things in action. I think they are so cool and still retain that stock classic look.

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

I scored this from Ebay, although it looks hammered it's actually in pretty good shape. I'd like to remove the speakesr and repair the holes then paint it to look like new. I've been looking for one of these ever since I got the Burb. I definitely need one of these in Hot Vegas. Does anybody know where I could get new replacement vents?

more pics
 

Status update, got it torn to the bare frame:

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Porterbuilt components installed

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

-
Lookin' good! Keep at it and you will be driving it before you know it.....

LockDoc

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Mocking everything up. I want to be able to use the 3rd row (Which is why I went with the stage 1 PB kit instead of stage 3). The 3rd row will fit nicely!

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Doesn't the third row seat normally mount between the wheel wells?

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

It does, but it sits about 4 inches above the floor. With my setup I'll be able to mount the seat directly on the tubbed floor (without mounting brackets) and still sit at a near-stock height.

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

mocking up the LS3

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

Nice man. Looking forward to seeing how you mount the seats. Also what motor mount perches and slides are you using?

Re: Babe: The Blue Ox
 

I'm using the custom ones that came from Porterbuilt. They aren't adjustable but they are designed for the LS and installed on the PB dropmember and the LS fits nicely.