Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DBLSPRT68 · 07-07-2010, 02:19 AM

Hey all, I ran across a find. I can trade my car trailer for a nice running 89 Suburban 2500 with the 454tbi and th400. It has had only two owners, with the first ordering it for towing a camper. Interior is excellent, but outside has some damage. a/c is cold. He's wanting $1800.00 for it, which is what I wanted for my car trailer. I'm pretty sure we are going to swap. So, is there any known problems with the 454 tbi or the 89 Suburban that I should know about?? Any help would be appreciated

No pics right now, but grill and bezels are busted, bumper is bent, qtr panel is bent some. I don't care about the qtr. Will fix the grill. This will be to pull our 27 ft RV camper for now, and maybe later a driveline swap to my truck. Thanks. David

blakeduren · 07-07-2010, 10:59 AM

Sounds like a good deal.
No real "known problems" with that year and driveline combo that I know of.

motornut · 07-08-2010, 10:18 AM

from trailering make sure to check the rearend well/good for rear end noise,leaks etc.unknown to me PO had rearend welded up .it lasted ok for a while but got worse after trailering

blakeduren · 07-08-2010, 10:57 AM

Well, since it is a 3/4 ton and has the BBC in it....it will have the infamous full floating 14 bolt.
You might check the factory codes or just open the diff cover so see what gears you have.
I ended up with 3.21 gears, so it works for all the highway miles mine gets, but with a 27 foot camper, you might want the 3.73, 4.10 or 4.56's to get going up those hills!
Here are the factory papers: page 3 has the towing info

http://coloradok5.com/brochures/1989/

DBLSPRT68 · 07-08-2010, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakeduren

Well, since it is a 3/4 ton and has the BBC in it....it will have the infamous full floating 14 bolt.
You might check the factory codes or just open the diff cover so see what gears you have.
I ended up with 3.21 gears, so it works for all the highway miles mine gets, but with a 27 foot camper, you might want the 3.73, 4.10 or 4.56's to get going up those hills!
Here are the factory papers: page 3 has the towing info

http://coloradok5.com/brochures/1989/

An 89 would have a SF 14 bolt correct? I have one makeing noise and leaking in my 83 (was swapped in before). I did pick up a real 14 bolt FF from a 79. I'm going to get that gone thru and it'll go in my truck

As soon as I get it home, I'll be looking for codes and such to figure out what ratio it has. We do have some hills around here, so I hope they have some lower numbers; but not 4.56's! I hope to get 10 mpg's

Thanks for the info, I'll check it out. Going to pick it up Saturday if the test drive is OK. David

blakeduren · 07-09-2010, 12:20 AM

If you look at page 4 of that link...you will see that the 454's always got the FF axle.
My 83 3/4 ton is the same way, SBC got the SF and the BBC got the FF.

DBLSPRT68 · 07-11-2010, 11:08 PM

He she is guys....Yes it's been beat up. Made the 2 hour trip home with NO issues

First pics is from Sat after getting back home. Next are from today after a wash and interior clean. I swapped my old school slots and all terrains. I don't have a rear bumper right now, will get one ASAP. All the front end stuff I need is on my truck ATM. Don't worry about my poor truck, I'm picking up another one tomorrow

Enjoy

Chevy623 · 07-12-2010, 12:30 AM

Looks great with the slots and a/t's on it.

I wouldn't even mind those dents if those running boards would disapear though lol.

motornut · 07-12-2010, 06:45 AM

Nice catch,sounds nice and solid,dents can be fixed

blakeduren · 07-13-2010, 10:36 AM

Nice wheels and tires!
I would:
Ditch the boards.
Fix the grill.
Get a rear bumper.
Tune it up and drive it like I stole it.

What are your plans? Fixing the body or just using it as a tow rig?

justpball · 07-12-2010, 08:53 AM

nice find! the slots look great!

Davidmichael · 07-12-2010, 10:34 AM

nice score

Davidmichael · 07-13-2010, 11:51 AM

agreed. ditch the boards, buy a grill and w/e front end pieces you need, pull the dents in the rear and get a bumper/roll pan and drive the snot out of it.

After a while you get bored slam it. or do your swap you mentioned before.

DBLSPRT68 · 07-13-2010, 09:40 PM

Plans are for now to get it to be a reliable family mover/rv hauler. It's got a few things that need attention like the starter acting up and the a/c. Radio dosen't work and door locks are out of wack. I'm probably just going to put my front cap in it in black primer. This front cap is smashed. The running boards are growing on me, they've been on the truck since new. Bottoms of the doors don't even have a rock chip. Truck was bought new in Alabama in Dec. of 88 for $21,000. Not a bad score, since I traded a car trailer for it ; title for title!

GmtGmt · 07-22-2010, 10:29 AM

Good looking burban dosent look bad

also thanks for taking the pics of it there arnt many good people left in todays world
Daniel will store the crew cab for me until january so i dont need to get it moved
until january and then its going to Jacksonville, Florida to be shipped out

68Timber · 07-22-2010, 09:06 PM

Those hubcaps are the most homely set GM ever made. Putting those wheels and tires on woke the truck up very, very well - Nice score!

DBLSPRT68 · 07-22-2010, 11:10 PM

Thanks guys for the good comments. Been working on it, and have fixed a lot of stuff. Will be pulling the RV this weekend for the first time. Starter is replaced and it fixed that issue. JY rear bumper is on. Will be swapping in a JY 89 Sub rad support/grill and left front fender next week. Did a tune up and runs much better

I REALLY LIKE THIS MONSTER

I'll post some more pics with the swapped front end.

DBLSPRT68 · 07-22-2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRUISER

Those hubcaps are the most homely set GM ever made. Putting those wheels and tires on woke the truck up very, very well - Nice score!

Thanks! I LOVE these wheels. They were on my truck before, now I'll have to find another set

Bruiser is a Kicka$$ looking Blazer!!!!!! Great job on yours!

68Timber · 07-23-2010, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBLSPRT68

Thanks! I LOVE these wheels. They were on my truck before, now I'll have to find another set

Bruiser is a Kicka$$ looking Blazer!!!!!! Great job on yours!

Thank you, sir! It's nowhere near as nice as the Sub you just scored, but I have a plan and I'm sticking to it.

The Sub looks great. Even as it is, it'll do what you want all year long.

DBLSPRT68 · 08-23-2010, 02:17 AM

Update on this rig: I just put over 1260 miles on it last week. The first 500 miles was pulling a 4000 lb car + U-Haul trailer and a Pontiac 400 stuffed in the back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I must say, "This thing is AWESOME"!!!!!!!!!!! A few little things here and there, but it is an old truck, but 75 MPH it just glides down the road

. If I can find the digi camera, I'll post a pic. Oh, I got 10 MPG on the way back empty

My 2005 Honda Pilot only gets 22 hwy and it's a V6. David

07-07-2010, 02:19 AM	#1
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Hey all, I ran across a find. I can trade my car trailer for a nice running 89 Suburban 2500 with the 454tbi and th400. It has had only two owners, with the first ordering it for towing a camper. Interior is excellent, but outside has some damage. a/c is cold. He's wanting $1800.00 for it, which is what I wanted for my car trailer. I'm pretty sure we are going to swap. So, is there any known problems with the 454 tbi or the 89 Suburban that I should know about?? Any help would be appreciated No pics right now, but grill and bezels are busted, bumper is bent, qtr panel is bent some. I don't care about the qtr. Will fix the grill. This will be to pull our 27 ft RV camper for now, and maybe later a driveline swap to my truck. Thanks. David __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD

07-07-2010, 10:59 AM	#2
blakeduren Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 192	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Sounds like a good deal. No real "known problems" with that year and driveline combo that I know of.

07-08-2010, 10:18 AM	#3
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 from trailering make sure to check the rearend well/good for rear end noise,leaks etc.unknown to me PO had rearend welded up .it lasted ok for a while but got worse after trailering Attached Images __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350 Last edited by motornut; 07-08-2010 at 10:26 AM.

07-08-2010, 10:57 AM	#4
blakeduren Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 192	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Well, since it is a 3/4 ton and has the BBC in it....it will have the infamous full floating 14 bolt. You might check the factory codes or just open the diff cover so see what gears you have. I ended up with 3.21 gears, so it works for all the highway miles mine gets, but with a 27 foot camper, you might want the 3.73, 4.10 or 4.56's to get going up those hills! Here are the factory papers: page 3 has the towing info http://coloradok5.com/brochures/1989/ Last edited by blakeduren; 07-08-2010 at 10:59 AM.

07-09-2010, 12:20 AM	#6
blakeduren Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 192	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 If you look at page 4 of that link...you will see that the 454's always got the FF axle. My 83 3/4 ton is the same way, SBC got the SF and the BBC got the FF.

07-11-2010, 11:08 PM	#7
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 He she is guys....Yes it's been beat up. Made the 2 hour trip home with NO issues First pics is from Sat after getting back home. Next are from today after a wash and interior clean. I swapped my old school slots and all terrains. I don't have a rear bumper right now, will get one ASAP. All the front end stuff I need is on my truck ATM. Don't worry about my poor truck, I'm picking up another one tomorrow Enjoy __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD

07-12-2010, 12:30 AM	#8
Chevy623 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Jacksonville Florida Posts: 234	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Looks great with the slots and a/t's on it. I wouldn't even mind those dents if those running boards would disapear though lol. __________________ Jesse.

07-12-2010, 06:45 AM	#9
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Nice catch,sounds nice and solid,dents can be fixed __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

07-13-2010, 10:36 AM	#10
blakeduren Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 192	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Nice wheels and tires! I would: Ditch the boards. Fix the grill. Get a rear bumper. Tune it up and drive it like I stole it. What are your plans? Fixing the body or just using it as a tow rig?

07-12-2010, 08:53 AM	#11
justpball Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Silverhill, Al Posts: 2,026	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 nice find! the slots look great! __________________ Fuzzy Dice Club Member 87 Crew SWB Build for the crew http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=430082 http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3232925 90 burb 2wd Build Thread For The Burb! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=383055

07-12-2010, 10:34 AM	#12
Davidmichael Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 686	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 nice score

07-13-2010, 11:51 AM	#13
Davidmichael Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 686	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 agreed. ditch the boards, buy a grill and w/e front end pieces you need, pull the dents in the rear and get a bumper/roll pan and drive the snot out of it. After a while you get bored slam it. or do your swap you mentioned before.

07-13-2010, 09:40 PM	#14
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Plans are for now to get it to be a reliable family mover/rv hauler. It's got a few things that need attention like the starter acting up and the a/c. Radio dosen't work and door locks are out of wack. I'm probably just going to put my front cap in it in black primer. This front cap is smashed. The running boards are growing on me, they've been on the truck since new. Bottoms of the doors don't even have a rock chip. Truck was bought new in Alabama in Dec. of 88 for $21,000. Not a bad score, since I traded a car trailer for it ; title for title! __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD

07-22-2010, 09:06 PM	#16
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Those hubcaps are the most homely set GM ever made. Putting those wheels and tires on woke the truck up very, very well - Nice score! __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

07-22-2010, 11:10 PM	#17
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Thanks guys for the good comments. Been working on it, and have fixed a lot of stuff. Will be pulling the RV this weekend for the first time. Starter is replaced and it fixed that issue. JY rear bumper is on. Will be swapping in a JY 89 Sub rad support/grill and left front fender next week. Did a tune up and runs much better I REALLY LIKE THIS MONSTER I'll post some more pics with the swapped front end. __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD



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08-23-2010, 02:17 AM	#20
DBLSPRT68 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Ft. Mill, SC USA Posts: 931	Re: Might be picking up an 89 Sub 2500 Update on this rig: I just put over 1260 miles on it last week. The first 500 miles was pulling a 4000 lb car + U-Haul trailer and a Pontiac 400 stuffed in the back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I must say, "This thing is AWESOME"!!!!!!!!!!! A few little things here and there, but it is an old truck, but 75 MPH it just glides down the road . If I can find the digi camera, I'll post a pic. Oh, I got 10 MPG on the way back empty My 2005 Honda Pilot only gets 22 hwy and it's a V6. David __________________ PROJECT TRUCK: 1985 SWB C10 Silverado Black/Charcoal, 1990 V2500 Suburban, 2018 Suburban, 2005 GMC 2500HD CCSB, 2014 Toyota Camry SE, HAD.....1968 Camaro RS/SS Family owned since new; 350 3 speed SOLD

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