I won't make this mistake again. The one thing I wish I could change in my Suburban build!

Well, not really that much I would do differently, but improvement is always improvement right?
go take a look at Rob Bonneys website: robbonneyfab.com
Special thanks to Big Bear Engine company being a believer in my build and the foundational partner in this project!
Check them out: www.4btengines.com
Silver Sport Transmissions provided the awesome 5 speed Tremec TR-4050 rated up to 600 lbs/ft!!!
Give them a visit: shiftsst.com
Chad over at Quickdraw Brand became my go to Cummins guy. Adapters, new parts, bell housings, and answers to my many questions. Chad and Quickdraw made all the parts work nicely together!
right here: quickdrawbrand.com
The OG of the Squarebody World and Mr Offroad Design himself helped me dial in the leaf springs and hangars for the build, along with all the small parts, bushings and steering components you need for a build.
Good People right here: www.offroaddesign.com
One place for driveshafts and everything Spicer... Tom Woods Driveshafts taught me a ton about driveshaft angles and measuring and my vibration free ride and massive drivetrain strength is testament to their knowledge
driveshaft needs? Click here: 4xshaft.com
Cooper Tires - coopertire.com/en-us/
Eaton Industries - @s.html
Lizardskin Insulation - lizardskin.com
Yukon Gear and Axle - www.yukongear.com
Agan Fab Works - aganfabworks.com
Power Driven Diesel - @
Deuling Design Frame Plates - @-design/
Check out my Patreon Account. I post behind the scenes, early uploads, Q and A and more. Help me keep the lights on and buying more shop and camera gear!
/ merricksgarage
Gear, merch, and parts all over on www.merricksgarage.com
If there is some item or product you saw in this video, it is more than likely to be found in either my Amazon Store or if it is a Milwaukee Tool over on Acme Tools
www.amazon.com/shop/jwmerrick
shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=636038...
Daily updates on the Instagram:
bit.ly/MerricksGarageInstagram
Link to the seat bracket mounts for late model GM third row for your Blazer!
www.merricksgarage.com/new-pr...

[@albertrivera5443]

Man.. i just a k5 and you're the only help on you tube. Hope everything comes out for the best sir!! Will be waiting for your comeback!!

[@jrbarriga8357]

Your neighbors must love you parking those big badass trucks next to their prius's lol

[@m2003h]

Good traveles.....have a good thanksgiving

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks! You too!

[@utoobnoob7840]

Had a Black '91 with those tiny headlights. Only cure for that was that at one time Bosch made H4 conversions for them. I think that I bought the last set that Susquehanna Motorsports had. Just about 20 years ago. I'd change whatever parts it takes to get to better headlights. For me that would be an earlier front clip with 7" round headlights. Mine also had that "Bordello Red" (as one friend called it) interior. I haven't yet seen what you did for interior insulation (I note the link below), but while I had the headliner out I lined the roof with Refletix. Mine had the rear A/C, so that portion of the roof already had styrofoam insulation. I put in the Reflectix for thermal insulation, but a very welcome by-product of it was that the interior noise dropped to the point where a front to back seat conversation didn't involve yelling. Prior to the Reflectix it did require yelling. For such a big body they're notably lacking nooks and crannies to stash gear that just lives in the truck. There's that huge volume under the front seats in particular that's lost due to the shape of the floor board. I long debated boxing that in to create secure inside storage, and more inside storage in general.

[@jrbarriga8357]

7.3 powerstroke build wluld be awesome

[@peterhatch1583]

Im shore you be ok ! How do you like the fuel plate on your p.pump thks

[@southernitaliano7ify]

Keep the Patena!!! Great video man. Congrats on the finish, you’ve motivated me a lot with my k20.

[@MerricksGarage]

Heck yea! I think the patina is gonna get the clear coat treatment

[@scottcummings8074]

I really like that! "You are the best person to build your truck " I just threw together an 84 4x4 lifted Scottsdale suburban to get the kids to school in the winter in. Now putting a 97 z 71 together for my daughter. I need a new truck though so I need to stop building my house long enough to make my running 12 valve cummins mated to a Ford 5r100 and transfer case fit in my recently acquired 03 dodge 2500 crewcab 4x4 with the long travel 4 corner airbag kit and on board air I've had sitting in the garage the last couple of years waiting for the right project. I'll prefer that truck to any I can buy.

[@MerricksGarage]

There prob isn’t a truck out there I would prefer over something I have built.

[@camkitchiner]

You should check out the Syndicate Series Dakota Digital gauges! They look similar to stock gauges.

[@MerricksGarage]

Been checking them out. They look dope!

[@wesco123]

Lovely build man 👌

[@bvpvandit2429]

I used the Rob Bonney boxing kit for my 72 K5 Blazer Cummins conversion. He only had square body kit available in 2017-18 at the time, and actually helped us to modify the plates for the first generation blazer 69-72 frame. Couldn't recommend his kit more, which can be found on Ebay.

[@raymondvillasenor199]

I want to build one so bad or have you do one for me

[@watsonhood6538]

Ok I’m waiting for you to test this thing lol I’m tired of checking 3 times a day

[@MerricksGarage]

You know if you subscribe and click the bell it will notify you when I post

[@ericsugalsku1826]

🤘🤘🤘🤘👍 awesome build. I have to say again I like hearing the struggle. These parts are very heavy, and its expensive. But like you said keep pushing forward. My 1979 K30 is allmost at the body work stage, which I allways save for last.

[@MerricksGarage]

here's the thing. Its heavy hard gnarly work. But unfortunately it is what it is. There are ways to get around some of the less desirable jobs but that usually costs money. Elbow grease and grit are free... But. You nailed it. Keep pushing forward. Forward progress is still progress...

[@BigBurb]

I'm not going to lie. This was my inspiration!

[@MerricksGarage]

thanks man! Love hearing that!

[@thruitallauto2538]

Oh man show ya some pics of the new projects

[@CH0PSV1LLE]

Bringing other guys to help would be sweet! Would be sweet way to grow your channel

[@scottthejeepguy7499]

Great video, love the Burbans, I have an 88, took out 350, installed a sweet 454, love your content.

[@chanteljoshplummer8745]

I have done those drives and they are so fun. If you are coming by Boise Idaho you have a place to stay! Come on over and you will get some fresh baked treats buddy and rest up.

[@MerricksGarage]

That’s kind man thanks! Not sure you would want my family of five descending on you. The chaos! And that’s just me! Looking forward to driving some beautiful country. Usually when I head north it’s the Cali Oregon Washington route.

[@CFairNH]

That building has been a blast to watch come together. What a sweet truck. Nice job. Looking forward to your future videos!! Oh and yes keep the patina. Love it!

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@watsonhood6538]

Okay I’ll start ordering thanks for answering my wishes

[@ryleewatson6849]

I want to send by square body burb to your garage and have you do all this work on mine! Would you do that?

[@DirtRoadBoyz2]

It's beautiful!

[@randyhernandez1590]

Awesome build !!! Seen every video from the beginning! I was stoked every time you dropped a new video , and to see it complete is really awesome to see ! Congratulations! 🍾

[@MerricksGarage]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@thatsmylawn9782]

toyota army green would look great on that tank!

[@galfredo4242]

Going from gas engine to diesel engine, does DMV paper easy or difficult? Awesome work!

[@MerricksGarage]

This was already a diesel title when I bought it!

[@galfredo4242]

@@MerricksGarage love the channel keep up the great work

[@CrankAddict]

How did you mate the tremec trans with the 203? You had a pretty nasty spline issue to overcome before.

[@MerricksGarage]

I changed the input spline on the 203 from a Chevy input to a dodge input.

[@CrankAddict]

@@MerricksGarage So you replaced the 32 spline input with a 23 spline input? You should get good money on ebay for the old 32 spline input.

[@truedeadman]

Nice to see it driving man. Man..i would LOVE a barn door Burb. Can't touch them around here for anywhere decent pricing...if they are clean, they are like gold.(Northeast...snow/road salt/beaches, etc.)

[@MerricksGarage]

yea, we seem to have been picked clean of good cheap one ton running gear, and the north east seems to be lacking all around in square donors!

[@matty86suk]

Love it! Do a gmt400 next!

[@MerricksGarage]

that is a strong contender

[@liftedburblife]

I just ordered my cross over steering for my burb from Kurt diy4x and bronze bushings from billistic fab got a steering box for $50 Kurt's steering arms are his kingpin eliminated arms hight steer.last mouth I put a mini spool in the 14 bolt works awesome

[@MerricksGarage]

Kurts a great guy who makes some killer stuff. My very first video years ago was featuring all his steering stuff!

[@scott3122]

Awesome truck ah hope I can get mines like that. Can you please do a review on gear boxes? In red head,ebay and psc. honestly man your the king of square bodies love your videos how awesome and detailed they are and how for any information I can count on you thank you have an awesome trip

[@MerricksGarage]

I would love to but I don’t really have any experience with the others.

[@johnjr3870]

Clearcoat, cool. Semi or matt right. Yeah, wondering about the DMV as I know the rules,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,? Tell use more about how you did the headliner and planes for the front bumper? Barns are the best! You can put so much inside the rear doors!

[@MerricksGarage]

I had the headliner done. I looked at the ones on LMC Truck and they all came with the rear AC cutout for some reason. Local upholstery shop did it along with some sound deadener. It looks killer!

[@johnjr3870]

@@MerricksGarage Yes, I only found those too. Have a couple local shops, may have to check. thx

[@kirks22m]

Hoping your going to do a CUCV pickup

[@MerricksGarage]

you are gonna like what I have coming up!

[@kirks22m]

@@MerricksGarage awesome looking forward to it.

[@tahnoeimer3685]

If it was mine id paint it... patina isn't my favorite unless its 50s and bubbly ... Otherwise perfect maybe a big fat bumper that rolls over. The hood and flips forward .. and rear bumper that swivels to store more gear but I'd have three rows of seats

[@aslick94]

Maybe I missed it but what did you spend to get where it's at right now. I have a 91 suburban not really trying to change the motor but if I do Cummins looks like the way to go

[@MerricksGarage]

Parts list came in around $60k

[@aslick94]

Thanks I have a 91 gmc suburban and was wondering I think I'm going to work on it in steps what's your thoughts on the best gas engines to upgrade to

[@gjponsford4892]

Looks great, lotsa work done on that rig for sure! One question, is it my uncalibrated eyecrometer, as it appears the rear tires are not centred in the wheel wells of the body? Maybe I missed it, and it was for a reason. Love the truck!

[@MerricksGarage]

yea, I need to move the axle forward a touch.

[@TheFoxygrandpa69]

Whenever you get ready to do a give away... I'd like to be first in line please lol. Can't wait to see it hit the dirt. Great job brother 👌👌

[@jorgeortegasanchez7263]

Also do a k3500 dually crew cab next.

[@MerricksGarage]

dually you say...

[@slingingsteel9744]

Amazing build James and I’m wishing you speedy recovery from the surgery. I was looking at using the Rob Bonny frame box kit on my K10 build but I was thinking since I won’t be using any of the 1/2 chassis I might as well just build the complete chassis on a K30 frame. Plus that would be less down time for my K10. I’ve found a few K30 frames from some CUCVs and thinking about picking one up. From what I know the body from my K10 should bolt right on to the K30 frame. Do you or anyone else know if that is true? I much appreciate any info on this

[@MerricksGarage]

I don’t know for certain but I definitely know the K30 frames are burly. If you have that option it would definitely be worth exploring further.

[@slingingsteel9744]

@@MerricksGarage I’m definitely going to explore this option more. I probably will give Off-road Design a call. I’m sure they could tell me the ends and outs of using the K30 frame. I need to talk to them anyway about some things I need for my truck anyway

[@Blankey82]

Was it difficult wiring in the front view camera? I'm trying to do the same in my Tahoe but the wiring diagrams seem to be contradictory. Amazing build! Maybe one day I'll get to build my own.

[@MerricksGarage]

nah, the trick is to wire it up in mock first and get it working and then set it up the way you want it once you know how it works. I learned that lesson after many wiring jobs that had to be redone!

[@Mike-xn1bh]

@Merricks Garage, do you like the rear drop shackle hanger over a rear shackle flip? From what I understand, the shackle flip is better for ride quality and articulation, while the shackle drop hanger is a compromise to attain drop but also be able to carry rear payload, albeit the shackle drop hanger does not articulate as well as the shackle flip. Your input is solicited, thanks

[@MerricksGarage]

Yes, I actually had the shackle flip ready to go and Stephen Watson of Off Road Design convinced me to go this route. Better ride quality and articulation was the selling point

[@gearheadram]

So hit us with it, What's the cost of one of these awesome trucks? You have accomplished the perfect truck that we all wish the factory would have made. I myself would have already contacted you but I'm sure your not set up to except payments,lol. Best of luck and keep the content coming. My favorite channel

[@MerricksGarage]

I am building more. Just picked up a couple squarebodies that I will be converting and selling. Email me at [e-mail]

[@andychrist3896]

Come on Lars make with the number guy....😮 Don't be scared. Throw it up for the world to see!!!

[@thesetwohands6982]

What part of Montana are you going to visit.

[@MerricksGarage]

Gonna be up in the Bitterroot Valley

[@kylewest100]

Man I love this build and I just bought my 14 bolt for the rear of my suburban. Since mine is more of a overlander I’m keeping the 10 bolt and gonna build it instead. I’m still getting the np205/203 and my only question is with a 3 inch lift can I tuck 37’s? Yes I know trimming is involved but and I go lock to lock that low? I’m trying to keep her as low as possible.

[@MerricksGarage]

why a 10 bolt and a 14 bolt? If you are gonna do the 8 lug conversion on the front you might was well throw that money at a 44. You will be eating tires all day with a four inch and 37's. You won't get articulation at all. 5-6 for 37 with trim

[@kylewest100]

@@MerricksGarage I can’t find a Dana 60 or 44 in my area and from what I’ve seen there’s not a huge difference in 44’s / 10 bolts. I mean they do share parts don’t they. I just don’t know what makes a 44 that much better. Now if I found something that was reasonable in price I’d jump on it like I did with this 14bolt

[@kylewest100]

@@MerricksGarage yeah I’m still planning out my build. It’s my first serious build that is I’ve never had to deal with trimming and axle swaps but 5-6 inch lift it is.

[@05EVORS]

@@kylewest100 i got 5" lift(4" springs + 1" axle offset forward plates to keep from cutting rear of fender and improve approach angle) w 38" Patagonias on my '84 CUCV M1008 and I did the straight 'chin cut' below the marker lights and ZERO rub anywhere. Low lift on big rubber keeps the driveline geometry/CG happier + axle ground clearance, the Fr fenders look fine chopped straight out to the bumper. If your going coil overs or long leafs to rock dance and want more room to articulate you probably want more lift to allow that.

[@kylewest100]

@@05EVORS it will probably never see crazy articulation just semi hard off road trails that most overlanders wouldn’t have to much trouble with. I plan on ORD front springs and I might do the longer 1 ton springs in the back with the heavy duty brackets from ORD and boomerang shackles. I’m keeping it simple but I plan to cut exactly where you did. That’s why I bought this exact suburban because it’s absolutely rust free except the below the trim in places I’d have to cut in order to run 37’s and low lift getting that look I want and I won’t feel bad for cutting a perfectly good truck.

[@darrinstone49]

What gears did you go with?

[@MerricksGarage]

4.10

[@143jkrd]

How's the stereo? I'm curious if you've tried any mapping/navigation? Using Apple carplay or Android auto with Gaia or OnX?

[@MerricksGarage]

It’s decent. The screen isn’t as responsive as I would like, and I wish there was a way to customize the screens but overall it’s good. I do need to spend some more time setting it up. I am just using google maps currently

[@143jkrd]

Looking forward to a review. I use Gaia with a Samsung tablet but have mounting issues. This looks interesting

[@jamisonkemp859]

I have a suburban like that with a 6" lift. Do you know if i could fit 38s without cutting anything?

[@MerricksGarage]

Unlikely. 8 is still tight.

[@danielalamo2075]

Beautiful setup!! My first question is how do you smog it in California?? Also how low is first gear in the transmission? I like the 67-72 GM body style. We have a 69 pickup, 72 pickup and 72 suburban. All 3 are 3/4 ton 4x4 with grany 4 speed and 205 t case. Unfortunately they no longer run. So watching your build has put a fire in me. But my little ranch has me playing catch up right now and I have not been able to get back to my babies. Oh, we also have a 70 blazer with 3/4 ton axles and a 71 3/4 two wheel drive. Again, your baby is very beautiful.

[@MerricksGarage]

thanks man! This burb was titled as a diesel prior to the conversion.

[@peterhatch1583]

Do you like the mod you did to the p.pump fuel. Live!

[@MerricksGarage]

I haven't really played around with it much. Kinda taking it easy on the engine during break in still. Just did my first 3 gallon oil change today!

[@andychrist3896]

What are you charging for a Merricks garage built suburban with all the best components on it? You know . How much to build me one like yours buddy?

[@MerricksGarage]

it would be about $150,000 for a burb built like mine. Parts list is $70k, and labor will prob be similar. Six month build time estimated

[@andychrist3896]

@@MerricksGarage that's it? I was close to the parts number but I thought way more for labor. you can't hardly even rent the space required to do that build, for six-months, in California for 70 G's....

[@heavymonty]

why is the rear axle so far back in the wheel well?

[@MerricksGarage]

the centering pin on the rear springs is offset and the spring perch has multiple options too. I might need to move it forward an inch..

[@heavymonty]

@@MerricksGarage figured it was offset in the perches. Looks quite far back given its already a 4wd limousine!!

[@iddddaduncan]

Awesome build! what size tires?

[@MerricksGarage]

cooper discoverer STT PRO 38 x 15.50 x 18

[@tonyvickers8659]

So how are you Liking the AAM 11.5 axle?

[@MerricksGarage]

so far so good!

[@doubleeeee1531]

How do u get by smog there in cali on that??

[@MerricksGarage]

it was titled a diesel prior to swap

[@05EVORS]

To clarify, NO smog req. on any pre '97 Diesel vins in CA! Got a diesel Olds cutlass Supreme or Mercedes or GMT400/Square and want to LS turbo swap w atmosphere wastegates? Yep, You run whatever you want in it never smogged cops cant do anything👍🏻☑️ (In my mind) im building a GMT400 6.5T Burb or Tahoe (super rare) w snailed LS and SAS swap on coil overs and 205/203 doubler w custom re-tubed high pinion ford pumpkin 60 w passenger drop.

[@brentjones5227]

Did you stay with the 4.10 gears?

[@MerricksGarage]

I did! Super happy I did too. Anything taller would have been too high

[@jorgeortegasanchez7263]

How much u spend on the suburban

[@MerricksGarage]

too much to think about. Prob 60k plus in parts

[@chdecoys]

👍👍👍🤘

[@liftedburblife]

Did you try flexing it looks like you might need to zero rate easy inch the rear axle forward

[@MerricksGarage]

its gonna need some attention to the axle placement, airbag install or body trim or maybe all three. At this point I just wanted to get it out on the road and tested. It rubs around certain corners, but so far is manageable...

[@1982travm]

Do a video on how you are funding your operation please. You seem to be living the dream but I don't see how the average Joe could afford it.

[@MerricksGarage]

there is more to it than what is seen. The dream is real, Ill be giving you guys a peak behind the curtain here soon....

[@margaretkelley3426]

Seeing if I could get your email have some questions