Looking for a certain Suburban (80's)

[Mag00]

Hello all,
I plan on purchasing a 1980-1988 Suburban sooner or later (more later than sooner, ).
and I wanted to know:
1) some common problems they have
2) which trims have 4 wheel drive

Thanks very much

[Big Blak Jimmy Mac]

Mine is an 89 GMC (hence my user name). The problems that I've noticed is that it is pretty common to have the transmission rebuilt around 100-125k, paint clouding up and falling off, and rust issues. Get one before they disapear (from rust).

[screwballl]

the code names are:
C1500 = 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive (5 lug wheels)
K2500 = 1/2 ton 4 wheel drive (6 lug wheels)
R2500 = 3/4 ton 2wd (8 lug wheels)
V2500 = 3/4 ton 4wd (8 lug wheels)

these are pretty solid trucks, just the typical maintenance is needed. Repair is typically cheap compared to other vehicles as the parts are easy to find for the most part, especially ones that were shared with the trucks. Just to let you know, the body styles for the suburbans stayed the same until 91 (92 was a new body style) versus the updated body style for the pickup trucks started in 89.
Overall they are very solid trucks. I have a 91 R2500 with a 454 that has the small hiccups but at 165K I can't complain (too much).

[Mag00]

Originally Posted by screwballl

the code names are:
C1500 = 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive (5 lug wheels)
K2500 = 1/2 ton 4 wheel drive (6 lug wheels)
R2500 = 3/4 ton 2wd (8 lug wheels)
V2500 = 3/4 ton 4wd (8 lug wheels)

these are pretty solid trucks, just the typical maintenance is needed. Repair is typically cheap compared to other vehicles as the parts are easy to find for the most part, especially ones that were shared with the trucks. Just to let you know, the body styles for the suburbans stayed the same until 91 (92 was a new body style) versus the updated body style for the pickup trucks started in 89.
Overall they are very solid trucks. I have a 91 R2500 with a 454 that has the small hiccups but at 165K I can't complain (too much).

ah, thank you very much

[86Sub]

I have an 86-¾ ton two wheel drive, 454, turbo400, 373 rear, Silverado.
I am the second owner, bought in 95 with 93k showing.

The paint is original, but needs to be repainted.
I have replaced the following,
Starter 3 times, life time warranty after first replacement
alternator
Radiator 4 times, second time bought new Modine and have replaced under warranty 3 times
Rebuilt trans 1 time
New GM motor 1 time
Front brakes 4 times, lifetime warranty after first set
New front rotors 1 time
K& N air filter
Converted AC from Freon to the new stuff
Headliner 1 time
Re-upholstered front seat 1 time, needs to be done again
Replaced all vacuum lines
New fuel pump
Head lights
Several windshield wipers
New windshield
Rebuilt power window motors driver & passenger
Power lock switch
New window rubber
Added HD Transmission cooler
4 sets new tires
power steering pump and gear
new radio
heater core 2 times

Most parts I replaced are life time warranty and I have replaced several times paid for the part once. They hate me at Pep Boys, Auto Zone, and Chief auto. I have used new GM and they are no better than the parts from the chain stores. They just cost twice as much and when they are done, they are done, no warranty.