99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Here’s a new to me 99 K2500 GMC Suburban that was used as a command unit for a village fire department. It’s seen just 42k miles and has a 6.5L diesel L65 motor, 4L80-E auto transmission, a 14 bolt FF rear with a G80 locking rear.

No body rust that I’ve found. The rear axle Ubolts and plates are a crusty.

It’s seemingly dry well maintained. I’ll give it some elbow grease, tend to a few missing or broken items, and then have the mechanics inspected. I’ve got a lot to learn about maintaining a Diesel engine.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

More pics...

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Google Earth had images of the truck parked in front of the station with the lights on and fully badged.

My daughter is a fan :)

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

That is a great looking truck, nice to have the local history about it as well.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

I'm with your daughter on this one!
Should be a great rig, never driven a 6.5 turbo, but had a couple of 6.2 N/A diesels.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Thanks for the good words guys! She's a fan.

I'm new to diesel motors and eager to learn about them. I've got an upcoming appointment w a diesel mechanic to assess the motor. I've read this motor may have issues with harmonic balancer failure so may just have that replaced given it's age.

I found a couple more photos of the truck at work and will post back after the mechanical assessment.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Very Cool Pete - Awesome first vehicle for your daughter !

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Nice Pete, I love it!

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Thanks guys. It’s the second red 99 I’ve had. I’m a big fan of these 92-99 burbs.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

I found a VIN decoder service. Neat to see how many vehicles of this model were outfitted with the various RPOs and get the build date. Late model year assembly.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

I’m in Pete, I know you’ll make it even more awesome!

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Tyler welcome aboard

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

That is a very clean unit! Even the driver's side seat isn't trashed. Your daughter has great taste! As long as there isn't a lot of idle hours and little blow by on the ol gal, it should be fine.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Ryan thanks. I’ll be picking your brain about winterizing the motor for sure.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Looks like a solid truck! More info on this vin decoder please?!

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Thanks!

See here: https://www.compnine.com/vid.php

You can get five VIN decodes for $5. I wanted to confirm which alternator I had before ordering a new serpentine belt then did a few other VINs.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Everybody needs a Command Unit. Hell I wanna be a Command Unit. Love it Pete...and the Chief!

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Welcome aboard my friend!

I’ve gathered a few parts to replace some aged or worn pieces over the next couple of weeks including oil cooler lines and a harmonic balancer.. The OE Bilstein shocks are nice.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

I like it!

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Very cool, love that body style Suburban too. At least Palmyra isn't too far away for you to go get it. If it hasn't already been done look into the PMD relocation kit- pretty common issue on 6.5L's that causes the engine to stall. Some decent info here about it
https://www.hdiesel.com/C/PMDCooler/279

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Very cool, I wish my K2500 'burb was a 6.5!

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Nice looking burb. I was looking at one similar in our local craigslist not that long ago.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Thanks for the good words guys. MJN thanks for the tip. The PMD was relocated and last year new "engine seals" were added per the fire chief.

It runs and drives good but I don't have any maintenance records and know next to nothing about diesel engines so this morning I dropped it off at a local diesel mechanic shop to have the harmonic balancer and oil cooler lines replaced as well as fluids checked/changed and a general look-see. After that I'll have the alignment checked and the U bolts/plates replaced on the rear axle.

I've been able to source some replacement parts for missing/broken interior pieces including replacement middle row head rests.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Good stuff Pete. Nice looking console, even better that it’s got the cup holder insert and not the CD holder. Good call on the oil lines, they can be a real pita to keep from leaking sometimes.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

It's gonna be very nice, the little touches make the difference.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

That's a neat rig. It has a command presence and stance. Inside, a nice combination of comfort and utility. I'll enjoy seeing what you decide to do with this one.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Thanks guys. Shop says some leakage from the head gaskets and oil pan and the front brake pads are low. Having those buttoned up then off to the suspension shop to get the new U bolts bent and alignment checked.

I’d really like to install a roof rack/basket to facilitate canoe transport. No factory roof rails though. I suppose I could source OEM pieces but maybe there’s another aftermarket option. I’d have to drill holes either way.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Just a brief update. The motor checked out fine and some wearables like the glow plugs, harmonic balancer, oil cooler lines, and fluids were replaced. The rear axle wears new U-bolts, nos OE shocks are in place, and it’s aligned.

Today I added an upgrade OE radio with a tape deck and a CD player. Took pains to not break the tabs on the intervening AC control unit but that ended up happening anyway :(

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Added a dash mat to cut glare and help preserve the dash, a vintage Club to as a theft deterrent, and an old school steering wheel cover.

I also dropped by a metal fabrication shop today to get a quote on aluminum and steel roof racks. Since there are no existing roof rails the plan at the moment would be make use of stainless steel riv nuts for attachment. I hope the rack comes to fruition.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Looks nice. The rack would be a nice addition too.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Love the radio upgrade..roof rack is a must. Also, please consider a 102" rear quarter or bumper mount CB antenna that you loop down. Completely on brand for the Command Unit.

...oh, and the MM floor mat...I mean c'mon!

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Thanks guys. The CB is a great idea. I’ll add that to the to-do list. I knew one day I’d find a use for the MM floor mats.

The existing vinyl flooring in the truck is ill fitting over the tranny hump and I’m unsure if it’s OE or installed by an upfitter. I was able to get a good price on a molded gray vinyl mat from ACC for the entire floor that I’m hoping will clean up the look a bit.

On a recent trip out west I was able to pick a few nice parts including power seat bracket for the driver side (just tested and in good working order). This should help the boss see over the steering wheel :) I’ll clean and lube these ahead of install.

Also pieced together a complete set of GM parts to install correct roof marker lamps including screws, gaskets, and clips. The local Chevy parts guy told me this was the last harness listed in the system nationwide. Here’s the install tutorial I plan to follow: https://www.gmt400.com/threads/cab-light-install.117/ but apparently the female plug is buried deep inside the dash and I need to chase that location down in advance or locate the appropriate wire at the fuse block.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

These are the patches sealing the holes for the light bar equipment that was removed. I need to figure a permanent fix ahead of the roof rack install and welcome any suggestions.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

https://www.mcmaster.com/knockout-pl...n-panel-plugs/

these come in a lot of different diameters, and with a little gasket maker in the groove would look good and seal too.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Well done. I'll bet you could paint them and if you used adhesion promoter that it would hold up pretty well.

Deadhead, are you not having luck at pick and pulls for an OEM roof rack? Seems like it should be find-able there or on a rusty Burb part-out. I'm enjoying watching you get the rig dialed-in.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Thanks for all the good suggestions to seal the roof holes.

I went and got more roof holes :) All OE roof marker lamps are now installed. Looking good! I’ll post more pics soon.

Re: 99 K2500 GMC Suburban Command Unit Project
 

Bellisomo!!! Cab lights are the best (on 3/4T and up of course). You are really doing right by this truck.