Solid Axle Suburban Walk-around

This is round two for the Suburban Walk-around! The first one was missing a lot of information and this one also has some added modifications. On top of that, we're also discussing how we should move forward; Sell or build?
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@fortuneoffroad

[@keithalbrecht4785]

I've got a 99' 2500, I bought my Suburban 3yrs. ago. I had to have trans, transfer case & rear diff. rebuilt! Truck been lifted 4" has 33s on it nice alum. rims, nerf bars. I've been slowly doing changes to it. It a great driver, I use it hunting, daily driver & a little off roading! Hope to see more videos!!!

[@stoprez2006]

Being a fellow SAS Suburban owner, I was excited to find another person with a similar rig who actually wheeled and posted videos of the truck in action. When videos of the Samurai started, I was afraid the Burbs days were numbered. Seems like my intuition was right. Best of luck which ever you decide but I won't be disappointed to see more videos with the Burb in action.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! Its a unique vehicle and if no one is interested it will stick around. 👍🏻

[@woalmann6288]

Nice rig! Lookin to sas my 92 gmc stepside soon, this video is great inspiration to get it going!

[@williamreddington236]

Love the truck id love to see it stay on the channel

[@FortuneOffRoad]

We may keep it, I don't know yet. If we do, it's gonna get 40s and some more trail action!

[@sergiochavira8]

@@FortuneOffRoad sell it to me 😉

[@sergiochavira8]

@@FortuneOffRoad i just see the hole vid bro thats nice dont sell it it has lot of love bro serius hey can you do like a vid or a list a have a tahoe 1997 i just rebiult the engine and i will like to do like yours ondiff and lift relly nice truck dont sell it 😅👊👍🤙

[@ghostdragon5758]

Love Suburban's, ultimate utility vehicle. Moved my brother once, hauled more in my '99 suburban than two pick up trucks :-)

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Absolutely loved this truck!

[@dinonaccarato2989]

Thanks for the details on your burban, nice truck

[@klumsytone]

The Suburban is the reason I subbed. I have a 2002 Suburban 1500 Z71 that I want to build into an off-reader. And your Suburban is an inspiration.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks for subscribing! Don't worry, if it goes there will always be something Chevy. If it doesn't, its gonna get 40s and wheeled more!🤙🏻 never stop building!

[@ivanperkes6006]

The sas suburban is why I started watching the channel. I want to do a sas on an 03 Yukon XL 2500. I hope it all works out for you.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks for watching our vids! We are going to build a few trucks in the next couple of years and help friends build theirs, so don't worry, we'll have more. The 2500 sounds cool, never stop building! 🤙🏻

[@dannylanderos6604]

Dude I have a 99 barn door 1500 and I have the option of rebuilding the transmission they came stock with it but instead he I contacted monster trans and brought this thing back to life like never before highly recommend it

[@FortuneOffRoad]

That's what the new owner did. Things a beast now

[@JoseAmberLopez]

Impressive build! I miss my 97 burb.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude. I miss this burb too!

[@alfansomendoza8556]

Lots of inspiration here, i just bought a 94 k2500 suburban, id like to do the sas on mine. Looking for a front axle but everything is so expensive. I might just put a 2 inch lift on it for now just untill i get all the parts i want and then build it.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I would do a SAS unless you plan on offroading it hard or need a locker in the front. Very expensive to build a SAS rig. 2" sounds like a great start. 🤙🏻

[@justinskondin1802]

Keep it so I have a overland suburban friend to possibly join you!!! Haven't SAS'd mine....but it is next.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Let me know when you're ready to go!

[@justinskondin1802]

@@FortuneOffRoad new motor is going in next weekend and the baby lift

[@thegiant573]

Always late to the party, what a great parts truck for my 1998 Tahoe 2 door.

[@navedukes9592]

Don’t sell the suburban I have same rig still working on and this video is my inspiration watching from Eastvale CA

[@charlespearson9467]

Definitely digging the burb, I've been going back and forth about sas swapping my 97 burb.. could you give me a run down on the parts and possibly Anything else you can give info about?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Honestly, most of the parts are listed in the video. The swap is an intense one because there is so much to be cut off. If you go to Off Road Designs website they have a whole page with info about swapping these axles. Very helpful. You can also DM me on Instagram if you have more questions. Good luck! 🤙🏻

[@griffinlasher2246]

I’ll buy it love that truck

[@mytube572]

Did the 37ns rub on the springs on full turn? I have a 95 2500 with the 6.5 diesel and cant decide on coils overs or leaf springs. someone said the 37ns will rub on the springs on that 90s dana 60 with the wider spring perch on a full turn .

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I got nee bolts for the knuckle stops and backed them out enough to prevent the tires from rubbing on the springs. Never noticed a reduction in turning either. The 36.5" spring pad width is probably limited to 37s, but if you can get a 78-79 60 that won't be an issue. 🤘🏻

[@overlandtowater]

Wish i was close I'd pick it up. I have a 03 that I'm thinking about a sas.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Good luck man, it's like a whole new truck! Much better at everything this way.

[@overlandtowater]

SAS is now done on mine...thanks for the motivation.

[@jkhaus1able]

Quick question. I have a 1993 Suburban that I am planning on doing a build very similar to this. With the 488 gears how does it do on the highway ? What are your rpm"s turning at say 70mph? Bad part of living in SC is I have to drive up the highway quite often Awesome job on this rig.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Going 4.88 and 37s makes it slightly over-geared. 2200 rpm at 70 mph. If you werent going to need better mpg I would actually go 5.13. That would put you at 2350 rpm at 70 🤘🏻

[@LuisHernandez-uc2su]

I think you mentioned in one of your other videos that you swapped out the np243 for a 241, think you can do an overview of what you did for the swap? I'm interested in what you did for the wiring.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

If I remember correctly, the only thing g that didn't plug in was the plug that went to the actuator on the 243. Everything g else bolted up.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah, everything plugs in and the wires that don't aren't needed.

[@TheNinjaload]

Such a great vehicle, sad to see it go

[@FortuneOffRoad]

We may keep it, I don't know yet. I'm still fantasizing about throwing 40s on it and wheeling it harder!

[@frankiem749]

Do you have a body lift kit or is it all suspension lift? I added a 3 inch suspension lift (torsion keys/leaf blocks) on my 94. Then puts some 33x12.5 BFGs on it and kept getting tire rub up front on full lock on level ground had to go 32x11.5. I still get a little rub on flex now and then but I don't want to start cutting the body or messaging with a mallet. Any thoughts? Don't wanna go bigger than the 3 inch lift since I daily it and no one really does any kits for 8 lug 4x4.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

All suspension on mine. There aren't a lot of options for rubbing. A skinnier tire should help and a little more backspacing on the wheel probably will too. Your best bet would be another inch or the mallet. Good luck! 🤙🏻

[@frankiem749]

Yeah that's pretty much what I figured for options. The torsion keys are maxed out and don't really want to go with cross member lift kit. Since those are usually 4-6 inch lifts. Thanks for the info.

[@cheagle464]

'94 Yukon basic 4" lift 34.5 firestones... For My use daily and into the sands of upper Missouri river, but mostly for heavy snow. I will keep IFS. imho ' [ '

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Sounds like a solid rig. The solid axle swap is definitely not for everyone. It's a lot of work and money if you don't need the strength. 🤙🏻

[@nicholassmerk]

What's wrong with the np243c? i have no clue what you mean but 14 10? If you mean the the gear ratio is 4:10, it is indifferent to whether or not you have floor push button sift or floor shift.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

The front output area is tight to where you cant fit a u-joint bigger that stock. I had a pretty good angle to my front differential and needed more angle out of a u joint. Upgraded to a 1410 u joint to achieve that. Plus, very strong at the differential to take hits from rocks. 🤘🏻

[@nicholassmerk]

@@FortuneOffRoad Ok, I guess it makes sense to upgrade from a 1344 to a 1410 universal if the strength of that joint is important.

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Cool video! Did you consider putting in RCV CV half shafts to keep the weight down instead of the axle swap? I have a 2011 on a 7” lift with 35s, it came factory with steering rack. I want to keep it as light as possible. It came with coils in the rear. Mine is a Flex Fuel, so I can run $2.40 a gallon gas here in SoCal. I’ll keep mine forever. I want to make it stronger over the years but I don’t want to make it heavier for wheeling. Lifted Suburbans have a serious cult following now a days.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Sounds like you've done the research. I figured regardless of the shafts that the IFS wouldn't hold up to 37+ tires. But I like the sound of your rig. Good luck with your build!

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Fortune Off-Road Thanks, I hope I won’t need to go bigger then 35s. It’s more of a desert truck not a crawler. I wouldn’t sell yours everyone I talk to who have sold theirs regrets it. Just make it lighter, more powerful and stronger. Love this content, it’s awesome! :)

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Fortune Off-Road I thought that too until the Ford Raptor came out on the F150 platform and ifs. It’s a desert truck too though not a crawler.

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Fortune Off-Road kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH7Te4BreruYmas

[@roadsidecarcare]

I need that truck for my roadside business

[@toododd]

Just got a 99 Sub. Was wondering about the rear bumper. Live in the rust belt here and my truck needs a new one. Is yours a custom build or off the shelf type install?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Its from Logans Metal. If you call them and order one they have additional options like LED light cut outs. 🤙🏻

[@toododd]

@@FortuneOffRoad thanks ...and will do.

[@jimvillocillo8043]

Where you get the CB bracket? Hate to see you sell it love watching you work on it

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Thanks dude! We may keep it, not sure yet. The bracket is from amazon I believe, it's been nice to have it up there, but the other side would've been better. It smacks my other antenna sometimes.

[@jimvillocillo8043]

I wanted to delete the radio antenna n mount it their but no time to figure out hot to mount it their

[@nickewing8194]

What did you do ford the rear does it match the front bolt pattern

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Rear is a Chevy 14 bolt, front Ford Dana 60. Both are 8 on 6.5

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

Love what you have done with the truck! Do you think that the solid axle swap was worth it? About how much did it cost to do the swap?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

If you plan on doing hard trails, then its definitely worth it. The IFS just wouldn't hold up to 37s and a locked differential otherwise. It is expensive though; about $5,500 including the price of the axle. adding hydraulic assist, locker, and gears keeps the price higher too. 🤙🏻

[@robertllawrencejr5503]

@@FortuneOffRoad Thank you!

[@HectorHernandez-ns2zi]

What year truck did you get the t-case from

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Ya know I don't remember. I just found the same 1500 suburban with the floor shifter and Google it to make sure it was an np241c

[@gvsupermorphs4978]

Was the front springs 46in long with out the weight on it building the same set up

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I think i they are technically a 47" soring, but yeah, that sounds right

[@gvsupermorphs4978]

@@FortuneOffRoad awesome thank you for your help

[@williamdon3442]

Do you plan on upgrading to multi port fuel injection???

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I no longer have this truck, but if I did I would probably put a tow cam in it

[@beauxjones8793]

Wish I had $ I’ve wanted to get a GMC Suburban for years now, I was looking for an ‘85-‘89, now I’ve been looking into a 90’s.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah, 1996+ have the vortec and some other good upgrades. 🤘🏻

[@beauxjones8793]

@@FortuneOffRoad A friend of mine has a 2wd 1997 I love that truck. BUT for now it’s window shopping while I save. I appreciate the videos, they’re inspiring. Keep up the good work. And thank you

[@jreyman]

The 4L65-E build is more robust than the 4L60-E, without doing a 4L80-E swap. The 4L60-E is notorious for growing neutrals.

[@deaddad6310]

If you rebuild the 4L60e with aftermarket performance parts you get alot more life out of it and way more reliability.

[@RyanWithAviators]

If you do regular fluid and filter changes to them and keep them cool they will last much much longer. Same with any automatic.

[@TAWS-wq3hx]

4l80 is still better.

[@Bondovw]

How much do you want for the suburban? I got a extra 4l60e

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I already sold it. 😥

[@stephenmckinley8855]

Did you have any issues with the front passenger rear spring hanger and the rear ac lines having clearance issues ??

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah I did, exhaust too. Had to cut a d reroute all.

[@stephenmckinley8855]

@Fortune Off-Road well what did you do with the A/C lines tho

[@tinkeringtimmermans5249]

I can’t believe how good your fuel economy is. I have a 97 k1500 pickup and average like 13mpg mixed driving lol

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah, I can't complain, but I do coast a lot and drive like an old man!

[@jeremykuempel5459]

@@FortuneOffRoad Sweet build! What is the fuel economy?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@jeremykuempel5459 I did a short video on it a little bit ago. Gets about 16 mpg on average, 14mpg with slow trail riding. 🤙🏻

[@TheRealLessonsLearned]

How much were you looking to get for it? I'm definitely interested.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Its listed for 9k. You can DM on Instagram or email at [e-mail] if you have a y questions. 🤙🏻

[@jimkaludis9645]

Where did you get the spring hander drop

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Off road design. At the time they only made it for the 1500. 🤙🏻

[@NorCalL5P]

If you sell it how will we do the full size Chevy trail run?? Sounds like my 94. I blew the trans on the way up to Tahoe years back. Went the crate direction for a new 4l60 instead of rebuilding. Also just replaced the AC compressor and charged the system my self. Would love to see the suburban stay!

[@FortuneOffRoad]

It may stay and if it does its going to get some 40s and we will wheel!

[@westwardbound8817]

12 valve cummins swap with 47re trans, would be awesome

[@FortuneOffRoad]

dude, that would be killer!

[@TAWS-wq3hx]

The 700r4 is more reliable than a 60e. TCC lockup is a SOLID engagement where as a 60 can be 80% 60% etc depending on your PCS pulse modulation from the ECM.

[@ashtonleroy9023]

you probably dont care at all but does anyone know a method to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost my account password. I would love any tips you can offer me!

[@bentonneil7416]

@Ashton Leroy Instablaster ;)

[@ashtonleroy9023]

@Benton Neil i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@ashtonleroy9023]

@Benton Neil it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thank you so much, you saved my account :D

[@bentonneil7416]

@Ashton Leroy You are welcome xD

[@VenturaIT]

Where do you get the 14 bolt? Is it the same width as the D60 in front? Is there a build list?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

14 bolt was picked up from WFO concepts in Auburn, CA. Nothing special about it, but it had 4.88 gears and the detroit already in it, so I got it for a steal. They are pretty common in the classifieds. But they are like 500lbs so you'll probably need a engine hoist to load it!

[@VenturaIT]

@@FortuneOffRoad Do you know what kind of vehicle it came from originally? Did you have to shorten the width or do anything to the brakes? I think you're going to miss that Suburban when/if you sell it. Looks cool and big. People will miss them more and more as more Teslas come out. Would be nice if you posted a build list of the suspension and the technical stuff like the widths and how to get the axles... Does it drive good over long trips (besides the AC not working?) Did you have to weld in the shock tower in the front or was that already there? You could even post some affiliate links and get paid for referring people to buy the parts for their SAS Suburban from your build list.

[@klumsytone]

@@VenturaIT I agree. I too am interested in a build list. Great idea.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@VenturaIT yeah, I will miss it if we sell it. No one may want it for the price. The 14 bolt is mid 80s. Didn't have to do much except weld on new perches. The front towers had to be welded on. 🤙🏻

[@VenturaIT]

@@FortuneOffRoad That's the last generation of really well built steel trucks and cars and fewer and fewer solid axle vehicles every year I think? Ford seems to have some, but I don't know much about Trucks. It will be worth 3x in 20 years.

[@jorgeortegasanchez7263]

How much u paid for the solid axel

[@FortuneOffRoad]

The axle itself was $1200 before any work.

[@TAWS-wq3hx]

You just did a solid axle swap which is over a $1000 in total cost, but a 4L80 is too expensive.😄 I did a manual shift 4L80 swap in my Squarebody for less than $450 bro 😄. Yours would just need a repin at the plug and your ECM would shift it correctly. Parts as follows: Chevy to BOP adapter - $80 (4L80 to Cadillac 472 engine mating) Longer dowel pins - $20 4L80 junkyard core - $200 Transgo Vacuum modulator -$100 (Didnt need driveshaft cut since squarebody comes with multiple factory 2 piece sizes) Hope you dont plan on any offroading, that 60 will NOT last.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Axle Swap was more like $5k. It's not just the money, it's the time to do it, plus the money, plus selling the truck afterwards. Current owner er has a monster 60 and it's been great for him, been wheeling good too

[@TAWS-wq3hx]

@@FortuneOffRoad 😱 good gawd must had all new parts. I was referencing a guy I knew who swapped a Dana into his 99 2500. He did all the fab work himself. A "monster 60" still doesnt conpare tho to an 80. An 80 has physically larger parts to handle more abuse. Under massive torque the 60 case just wont hold up. Been there done that. Luckily that stock L31 isnt too much a torquer powerhouse. Big cubes dont like that big drop from 3.06 to 1.63, 1st to 2nd shift, in my experience.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@TAWS-wq3hx yeah the axle alone was $1200 then gears, locker, install kit, hi steer, full rebuild, SAS Kit, diff cover, custom driveshaft with 1410s... adds up quick!

[@aarondavis4190]

Did u sell her yet if not how much

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah she sold! 🥲

[@jonathansmith1591]

whats the price on it

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Sold it for 8k

[@eternalsoul5150]

How much are you asking

[@FortuneOffRoad]

It's been sold. 🤙🏻

[@Jmmyjames666]

Did you already sell this suburban?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

I did. We sold it to a very nice family nearby. Hopefully we will be wheeling with them soon!

[@Jmmyjames666]

@@FortuneOffRoad Perfect! Maybe if were lucky it will still be in one of the future videos like you had mentioned once before. It would be neat to see it pop up again after a year or two being gone.. Maybe theyll go with you on a trip..Thanks for the videos.Take care James

[@sergiochavira8]

@@FortuneOffRoad bro told u dont sell it 🤣🤣🤣😅

[@adamtedder700]

What do you want for it?

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Hit me up on Instagram (same name) so I can reply faster!

[@adamtedder700]

@@FortuneOffRoad don't do Instagram.

[@FortuneOffRoad]

@@adamtedder700 I've listed it for $9,000

[@sergiochavira8]

u have a new sub dont sell it please 😅🤣😆

[@shelbak65]

T case shifter on floor ...only way to go .Electric actuators r junk

[@FortuneOffRoad]

Yeah the floor shifter works well. I wanted to experiment either thr NP243C but the front isn't big enough for a 1410 to fit