Squarebody Restoration!!! - Building an absolutely bulletproof Squarebody Suburban on tons!

There are tons of options out there for killer powerplants and transmissions. So why did I end up with a 30 year old engine?
Big thanks to all the companies that are supporting and sponsoring this build. Make sure to check them out!
Big Bear Engines - www.4btengines.com
Silver Sport Transmissions - https:/shiftsst.com
QuickDraw Brand -quickdrawbrand.com/
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...

[@holdthatdown6695]

It’s a complete mystery to me why you don’t have over 100,000 subscribers. I remember when you first started this channel. You were just starting to get into the DIY aspect of off-road , Coincidentally I was too. Wow! So much has changed since then. Love the videos keep it up bud.

[@MerricksGarage]

I figure if I shoot videos I like and build stuff I dig then I'll never be working! That doesn't always match up with KZbin algorithm that well! ha ha

[@braedenbestmann6270]

9:15 “Now that’s clutch” 🤣

[@MerricksGarage]

I heard that like ten times during edit and almost cut it but was like nah 😄

[@jackrockholt2823]

Love these break down just talking to the viewer type videos

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks man. It’s always a chance with these. Sometimes I feel like I just ramble....😂

[@torreypires6192]

Badass my cousin rebuilt and put in a 6bt in a 83 bullnose 1ton dump truck it was nice love the burban

[@marcmmclellan]

I can’t wait to see it in use! Very cool build!

[@90TBD]

Perfect bug out vehicle! Love the mindset!

[@marcfournier823]

Thanks you answered a few of my questions. Cummins 5.9 12 valve p7100. The transmission was the last remaining question.

[@hkg3a2]

+1 with the leaf springs.

[@jameslopez5165]

Great job James from Wabash, IN!

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks man!!

[@PROXIMO22]

we are very like minded with our reasons for our cummins swapped burbs! there's no way i could articulate my reasons on video but you have done well. i just rebuilt my NV4500 myself, reinstalled it and it is a joy to have it back on the road again. As you know, Offroad Design has tons of stuff for projects like this. Many will say you don't need to go to the custom springs but i am so glad i did. i also used a Red Head 2wd steering gear with the ORD crossover steering for my kingpin dana 60. they also offer a swaybar with JKS disconnects which made a huge difference on my suburban. this in itself is very contrary to most people's experience, they usually just take them off. they also don't have a cummins burb on custom springs... i am also planning on adding a swaybar to the rear. hey, its a work truck, commuter and focus of every cummins swapfan boy in the area :) i want it to have manners on the road and make it safe for my family and those sharing the roads with us. always looking forward to the next video!!!

[@MerricksGarage]

Did you drive without a sway bar at all? Trying to decide if I want one?

[@PROXIMO22]

@@MerricksGarage yes, i put on about 15 thousand miles on it before the ORD swaybar came out. some of it towing my jeep cross country. it made a profound difference for my front suspension (ORD Custom Springs).they are very flexy and the extra control is a very nice addition on road. the JKS disconnects are right there incase you feel like disconnecting for more articulation. those springs make it a different animal, you'll see :D:D:D

[@rogerbean6442]

Work 🐎, Family Wagon! 🇺🇸💪

[@jonbui1904]

I can`t wait to see the burb up and running.

[@DXFXmc]

Love the Build theory!!

[@DaddyJeepGarage]

Sounds like a solid plan.... Makes me want to change the plan for my crew cab square body build. I am just throwing an LS in it now, but may consider the Cummins down the road. If Big Bear wanted to give me an engine I would probably put it in my truck...

[@realmudderducker177]

I’m doing the same swap on my 84 burb but going a different route keeping a building up my factory 700R4 with DCS’s adapter plate and flex plate

[@LostSasquatch]

yeah buddy!

[@jaydmix09]

Loved it

[@j.j.clingman4083]

Awesome video buddy!! I have been wanting to do the same thing because I have an 2007 classic Duramax now & it’s just about worn out and when it’s done I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to afford a new truck so I’ve been trying to figure it out what I wanted to do for my next vehicle!! But I’m pretty sure that it will be a 1Ton 4x4 with a Diesel motor in it!! Just not sure what one yet but I would definitely like the LBZ Duramax motor just not sure if I want to hassle with trying to make one fit though??? I no others have done it but you just don’t see very many!! Awesome video buddy!!!

[@MerricksGarage]

If you are in the middle, beginning or end of a build. What were your driving objectives?

[@josemiguelgl]

On my build, I’d say are same as yours, - bullet proof - reliability - simplicity - easy to work

[@Bossescommand]

perfect pinion angle and steering radius clearance

[@MerricksGarage]

How are you going to maintain that perfect pinion angle during articulation? 😜 I feel you on the second one!🤘🏼👊🏻

[@bobcatm3462]

Keep my 47 year old truck going strong with efficiency, power and ultimately reliable so i can keep honoring my grandfather! Eventually passing it down to my girls so they can keep the memory alive! 12valve, NV4500, Offroad Design's Magnum box, NP205, Dana60KP OX locked, 14bolt Detroit

[@hoatland2b]

1. reliability wife wont go four wheeling with me any more after getting stuck in the sand, high desert in Nevada we had to walk out 3 miles to nearest road and of course no phone service, she was livid. So now she lets me do what i need to do on any of my builds so but always rolls her eyes. LOL

[@peterhatch1583]

Your on to it

[@dannyb6129]

Love the talking videos!

[@freedomfighter6681]

This is exactly what I wanna do to my 01 suburban

[@84400]

What about smog or emissions? Its a cool build. I wanted to go 4bt in my stepside but settled for a 6.2 due to cost. Loved the p pumped 12valve in my dodge dually. Great engine choice.

[@MerricksGarage]

The burb was originally titled as a diesel

[@l.c.o.r2024]

cool build like the wheels. what size lift springs are you going with?

[@MerricksGarage]

6” when you count shackles and flip

[@JACKOFALLTODD]

I love the truck. I have a 97 dodge 2500 12v I put in a nv4500 last year love it. Its rock solid did you consider the nv5600

[@MerricksGarage]

I did for a sec but couldn’t find many used examples in my area

[@Mikefurlow798]

I been searching your video's looking for what size lift you got on the burb?

[@MerricksGarage]

About a 7-8”

[@joebarcena6265]

I just bought a 91 square body suburban 4x4, your build is cool just wondering how you're going to work out the emissions i think I seen somewhere you're in CA

[@MerricksGarage]

it is already titled as a diesel. No emissions

[@omarcovarrubias9486]

James I’m not sure if I missed it but what transfer case will you be running? Magnum box as well?

[@MerricksGarage]

205 but no magnum.

[@slamcool]

Compared to the blazer, I think that one will be great for longer distances like crossing america and more family friendly and comfortable by far 😜

[@MerricksGarage]

Very true! I kinda want something that we can cannonball in and just crash and sleep if needed. We have done that a couple times in my wife's SUV and as the kids get bigger it gets more challenging! Ha Ha

[@hutch273e]

Please educate me , not sure if I’ve missed in other videos , but smog ? None , because engine is pre smog? Chassis of the burb doesn’t matter ? Just curious is all. Love the build . Got me thinking of doing same project in future instead of buying a new $80k diesel . Thanks !

[@MerricksGarage]

The burb was originally titled as a diesel. Was that way when I bought it

[@corner_films7035]

I got a question so my brake lights on my suburban stopped working but everything else still works

[@MerricksGarage]

What about tail lights?

[@DXFXmc]

YEAH!!!🤓🤗PUMPED.....

[@anthonyarguello5312]

You might have actually convinced me to do a 5.9 swap in my m1009

[@josemiguelgl]

That’s what I wanted to do with mine, but they are way too expensive in my country. Instead I swapped back a 6.2 Detroit in it and made the 12v conversion

[@MerricksGarage]

Where do you live?

[@josemiguelgl]

@@MerricksGarage I live in Dominican Republic 🇩🇴. And I use my K5 for off-road precision rallies

[@PROXIMO22]

i found a complete donor 1996 dodge ram for $1000 on an insurance buy back. however you get the motor, getting the whole donor truck is the best way to save money. i was able to part out my burb (everything bit body and frame} and the dodge short of everything i wanted to keep. the money i got back from selling off bits and pieces paid for both donor rigs. everything els left over went to scrap and got recycled... i even cut the stock frame mounts off and sold them! if i were to try to buy the elements for this swap pulled by someone else, it would have been sooooo much more expensive.

[@johnjr3870]

OK, spill the fender dent story already. Forklift? Glad you finally dumped the charcoal canister, it was driving me nuts!

[@MerricksGarage]

Ha ha. And the vacuum resi thing. The fender..... daughters first driving lesson. 😂

[@brianlorenz9632]

i would definitely make sure the ord springs are the same length. my buddies were off by 1/2” on his front springs. the one spring was hitting the frame on the shackle end. ord got him one new front and now the center pin is way off. i wouldn’t recommend those springs to anyone. deaver said springs should be dead nuts identical. pretty sad after you spend 2k for custom ord springs.

[@MerricksGarage]

These are made by Alcan. I can't speak to your friends experience but it sounds pretty frustrating. I think my springs look perfect as far as I can tell!

[@brianlorenz9632]

@@MerricksGarage wish i could post a picture. his are custom ord made by alcan.

[@valve-do3jc]

torqmotorsports check these guys out for big brakes for your Dana 60

[@MerricksGarage]

I have been looking at that. Gonna see how the stock do with Hydroboost for the time being, but if they are insufficient then for sure.

[@Matproxdwasa]

Esa camioneta le sobran testículos de verdad una cumins 12 balbulas la locura eso es pensar en serio y a viajar a conocer el mundo entero y más 4de estándar woooooooooooaaaauuuuuuu

[@MerricksGarage]

gracias!

[@lanceroark6386]

You can float gears......

[@MerricksGarage]

He didn’t say it was a good idea lol, but in a pinch ha ha

[@lanceroark6386]

@@MerricksGarage copy

[@thrillbillyjp1]

Ul be sorry if u lock a tow rigs rear end must go selectable

[@senortaco12345]

8.1s are not ls based....

[@MerricksGarage]

yea, and an engine is mechanical and a motor is electric. I said a bunch of stuff I should have edited! Ill look like Max Headroom if I have to edit much more! ha ha

[@nestorverduzco1289]

Too much talking

[@MerricksGarage]

Agree 💯