88mjblue Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 I recently picked up an '87 suburban with a TBI small block 350 (my first V-anything) and need to learn the in's and out's of this engine, and these vehicles in general (the '73-87 GM pickups, blazers, and suburbans). Where should I look to read up and learn more about this? My question is if there is anything out there as good as Comanche Club, but for chevy truck stuff. I am very new to GM, everything I know about cars is from Chrysler/AMC XJs, MJs, TJs, the renix 4.0 and the cryco 2.5L What's the best forum for these trucks? Anybody on CC that are chevy guys too? (I've found gmsquarebody.com, chevytalk, 67-72chevytrucks.com) Interestingly, I found that some forums required you to pay? Thanks comanche club for being free! Also, the rear end (14-bolt full floater) is toast. The mechanic I took it to before I bought it, estimated repairs were at least $750 for a ring and pinion to get started, could be more damage once opened up. Should I try and fix it myself, or just get a whole new axle from JY? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1987Comanche Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 You found 2 of the forums I'd recommend. It also might be worth picking up a copy of Moses Ludel's Chevy book. Very good overview of Chevy trucks. When scrounging for parts don't forget that the 88-91 Suburban/Blazer continued to use the old body style (they were redesignated R/V as opposed to C/K). I'd look for another rear if possible as it will be $$$ to fix that one. I used to have an '84 K10 Suburban with a 7.5' Western plow on the front. SM465, non computer feedback Qjet, and HEI. Ex Forest service truck,. It had a body only a mother could love but, 3 rolls of MIG wire later, it was a fairly solid truck. Any pics of the new acquisition? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Incommando Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 Complete 14 bolts sell for as little as $100 around here. Much cheaper than a repair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 ^^^^ What he said. Rear ends just don't go out that often. Get a replacement from the junk yard, er,, auto salvage enterprise with a 30 day warranty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88mjblue Posted May 13, 2015 Author Share Posted May 13, 2015 Any pics of the new acquisition? 1987 3/4 Ton Chevy Suburban 350 SBC TBI SM465 Trannsmission 285 Mud Tires Front + Rear A/C Stock Suspension GM 14-bolt 9.5" ring rear end Dana 44 Front NP208 T-Case Leafs All around Needs a bunch of work, including a headliner needed badly: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88mjblue Posted May 13, 2015 Author Share Posted May 13, 2015 Definitely going to be on the lookout for a 14 bolt – rear end labor gets expensive. It's good to know they're still available and affordable it seems. Loving the SM465, that Granny low is superb for 4 Hi semi-crawling when you don't need to go to 4 Lo just yet, and when you do put it in 4 Lo, even with stock 3.73 gears and 285 tires, it's INSANELY low range (from what I'm used to: ax15/np231 low range ratios). The 3rd gear 1.0 ratio is okay for highway, keeping it at 55 mph though for the mileage. I do miss having 5 gears though, but this transmission is legendarily bulletproof from what I've been reading. Needs work inside and out, I bought it for cheap, and plan on having it as a project car, I don't trust it for long trips just yet, and have not registered it yet until I can get it to pass emissions and complete other repairs needed to be safe. Major repairs on the list so far: - radiator/cooling system overhaul - steering box replace - rear end replace - full tune-up, fluids, cleaning/degreasing - oil pan gasket - exhaust overhaul: hangars, tail pipe, cat, muffler (probably keep stock manifold) - pads + rotors, wheel bearings packed - windshield - headliner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Minuit Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Didn't even know they made 4spd Suburbans. Very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megadan Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 I had a Van with that SM465 transmission years ago. That low gear is ridiculous, and somewhat annoying in a passenger vehicle, but I always thought it would be perfect in a heavy truck, especially with a big load or pulling a trailer from a stop. That is a pretty decent Suburban. Looks like it could be a relatively easy restoration if you decide to go that route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasbulliwagen Posted May 14, 2015 Share Posted May 14, 2015 Keep an eye on the frame around the steering box. I've seen them break there before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrankTheDog Posted May 15, 2015 Share Posted May 15, 2015 Lot of info on coloradoK5 .com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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