82shovel

I have a 2wd 3/4 ton 1986 Suburban. I'm considering a diesel conversion.

I met a guy who did a 12v in a 4wd 1985 4x4 Suburban originally with the GM diesel). I'm assuming its less work doing a 12v conversion to a 4wd than a 2wd. Anyone have any advice on that?

For what its worth, I'm not opposed to getting a 4wd and starting the conversion there. In my neck of the woods (Tucson) people are practically giving Suburbans away. I can easily find a 4wd in decent shape for $1500 or less.

dieselJon

Do what you want but I am finding that it is possible to keep it 2wd AND put it into a 87 1500 (1/2 Ton). Look for Project SS under this forum to follow up. I am going to post some more on it this week.

A couple of things to think about. What is its main purpose? Daily driver OR competition? If a DD, get a Dana 70U rear axle out of a auto 89-91 Dodge that had a Cummins. That will give you a 3.07 rear end and around 18-20 with a 3spd auto or more if you get one with a OD. The 4x4 Burbs will NOT have a strong enough transfer case unless it is the NP205. And the front axle wont be beefy enough for a Cummins, unless it is a 4BT. if you have AC and want to keep it, get a 3rd Gen (03-07) manifold. It relocates the turbo next to the block and keeps it away from the AC housing.

2 things to think about. The 1500 I have requires that the radiator fan be removed and 2 electrics put in. I was told the 3/4 tons had the engine sitting lower so this might not be a problem. Also, if the Burb originally had the 700R4 OD tranny, the mounting for the rear of the 727 3spd auto mounts right in the exact same spot. I do not know about the OD trannies.

With it being a 3/4 ton, and if it has the 14 bolt with the 3.42 rear, keep it and put big tires on it.

I am trying to think of other things but that is all for now.

Jon

82shovel

The main purpose will be a driver. I was under the impression a 2wd needed to have the crossmember modified but a 4wd didn't (since it doesn't have that 2wd style crossmember).

For what its worth, I have a 14 bolt with 4.10 gears and another with 3.73. I was figuring on using an automatic overdrive, but I have 2 TH400s on hand. Is there an easy way to mate the 12v to a chevy bellhouse pattern? No matter what, I know the 12v would need a higher rear gear ratio if I went with a 3 speed.

Thanks for the info!

patdaly

Shovel, look for a 4BT with the Chebby adapter.

Way better than a 6BT for mileage and plenty of power.

BTW, at least for the 4BT swaps, the 4X4 cross brace is just cut out, it def. will not fit with it in there.