Squarebody Suburban build with one tons and a Cummins 12V!!

This video contains products that were provided free of charge to Merricks Garage
I owe everyone a long overdue update on all the parts, pieces and bits that have been arriving for the Suburban Cummins Swap.
With the arrival of the dana 60 I had about a weeks worth of cutting, grinding, cleaning and degreasing to do! Turns out there was a killer axle buried under all that grease and rust!
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[@GregoryJohnston77]

I just picked up a 6bt infsct haven't even got it off my truck yet, and I got a 2500 burb I'm fixing to swap. Man what a bunch of work it's gonna be.

[@MerricksGarage]

Good things usually are

[@wwcj0000]

My God Merrick you are going to build the baddest square body burb on the friggin planet!!

[@MerricksGarage]

I sure hope so! Been dreaming about it for years!

[@virtueofsunlight1342]

Just the kind of project I've been looking for. Fell in love with those square body sub urbans rocking them Cummins.

[@MerricksGarage]

Yea this is awesome. I am so stoked to be finally getting it going!

[@demented_cycles]

This is practically my dream build; 73-91 Suburban with p pump 12 valve, nv4500, np205/203, d60 and 14 bolt, 4” lift with 35s on 17s

[@my87f150]

I got a clean 90 2500 suburban if your interested

[@MerricksGarage]

You should consider the Tremec TR4050 over the NV4500

[@warpillow8775]

@@MerricksGarage tr4050 is a good alternative depending on budget and hp goals, another option as well is the nv5600/g56 also depending on budget and have a much larger aftermarket in North America

[@jerredwayne8401]

This build is going to be awsome 👌

[@AverageJoeBuilds]

Hell yeah, I just swooped up a k30 crewcab for my channel. Been thinking of yanking the big block and doing a 6bt instead of turbo LS like I usually do. Stoked to follow this build and get ideas!

[@MelvinElMorenito]

Shoot...if you want to sell that big block, I’ll be more than happy to take that off your hands lol

[@supersport1986]

Merrick the burb is going to be an epic build cant wait to se it come together! I wanted to give you an update on my build 2005 Chevy 2500hd Cummins nv4500 263xhd swap its up and running and driving adding an air dog pump and waiting on a couple things for that but over all its so awesome to have it up and running I'm planning on uploading a few video's on it here soon!

[@MerricksGarage]

That’s rad man. Congrats.

[@DXFXmc]

Can't wait to see it all come together. Pumped!! Thank you for bringing your minions along!!🤓🤗

[@rx11c49]

I bought that exact same engine from Big Bear i'm very happy with it. Starts with a half turn, runs great and easily moves my 35' pusher bus. I have 0 mechanical knowledge but it was an easy install mechanical engine. Also Big Bear was great to work with. Looking forward the watching your build.

[@MerricksGarage]

That’s awesome to hear! Yea getting a new turn key cummins 12v is awesome

[@jaxxmason5081]

I dont mean to be offtopic but does any of you know of a trick to get back into an instagram account?? I stupidly forgot the password. I appreciate any tips you can give me.

[@lochlanabdullah5937]

@Jaxx Mason Instablaster =)

[@jaxxmason5081]

@Lochlan Abdullah i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@jaxxmason5081]

@Lochlan Abdullah It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my account!

[@gregglowry3782]

I built a similar setup 2 years ago. Best decision i ever made.

[@michaeldegrote9782]

That thing is gonna be a beast and ya need a lockers and 3.73 are great gears. Keep us to date can’t wait.

[@MerricksGarage]

I couldn’t decide which gear set to go with but with the low (almost crawl) first gear I know I will appreciate the 3.73 when on freeway. Yea definitely gonna lock it.

[@michaeldegrote9782]

@@MerricksGarage I was told a 3.73 gear was a good all round gear but if you are running bigger tires it’s almost better with the 4.10 but that I have been running my superduty with 3.73 and 285/76r16 and been great and I use the truck to pull and haul stuff. But that is my opinion on that but what can I say I am just a kid from the stick of northern Minnesota

[@thirstquencher3203]

This is freaking AWESOME 😁👏🏼🙌🏼!!! This is such a BEAST setup!! Apocalypse READY 💪💪👍👍🔥🔥🔥

[@shawnmancebo1217]

I understand im catching up on your videos, but that 11.5 it a brute!!! I had to replace a few of them on the 2500hd's . All of them where diesels and had air bags for over loads and monster fith wheel hitchs most of them where 18 to 20k. I believe they where dune bouncing them in Pismo Dunes and it would flex the axle tubes in the center section, and then the oil would start to seep out around the center section and drip of the axle tube,When ever I replaced the housing there was always sand somewhere. But hey when your bounce a trailer that has a easy 1000 pounds, and up of tounge weight something going to give.. great show keep it up.... The diesel came standard with 3.73 gear ratio. The 8.1 2500 hd had a option for 4.10 or 3.73 . In the early year of the beast not sure of the late models

[@MerricksGarage]

Dude! This is fantastic info. Thanks for writing! Looks like mine came out of a 2008 2500

[@shawnmancebo1217]

@@MerricksGarage i worked for gm from 91 to 2018, another thing setting the pinion bearing preload the crush sleeve takes a little muscle to get it started, but it will go. I'm in the works of building a 87 k5 myself. Ive been collecting parts,Its all stock for now. I feel it would be good to show time laps video for the viewers, some don't really understand the time and dedication you need to get small things done, there the where will I mount this and how will I run this and if I put this there will it get in the way of something else, custome builds are just that, custome. Your not following some one else in front of you, maybe an idea or a fabrication as such ORD, or others but when you make a build your most likely not following a build chart that someone has design in front of you. Great show keep it up, It would be fun to chat. I did electrical,drivabiltly,and a whole lot more over the years

[@MerricksGarage]

Heck yea, would love to have you as a resource! Nailed it on the custom. There is so much thinking and planning that is unseen.

[@shawnmancebo1217]

@@MerricksGarage im new to this but which ever way you'd like to be in contact im good with

[@shawnmancebo1217]

@@MerricksGarage

[@tonyvickers8659]

You're going to love that rear axle.

[@MerricksGarage]

Tell me more, cause I have had some people tell me the opposite. I don’t like that it doesn’t have two pinion bearings but I also realize it is so overbuilt it’s probably never gonna be a problem!

[@tonyvickers8659]

@@MerricksGarage Other than being overbuilt, I've had nothing but good luck with them. I've swapped in this axle in two squarebody's. One in my k5 and the other is a K20. Both have ARB lockers. There is a guy I used for the e-brake. Let me dig that info up and I'll send it your way if you want. The front part of the cable will fit your e-brake pedal and the end part will fit your axle. Quality work. My 3+3 4x4 will have a Spicer S-135

[@1999samtheman]

gonna be sick! i never thought id see that axle that clean when it was here in NY lol!

[@MerricksGarage]

Dude. The struggle was real!

[@WcSuka]

tons of power tons of torque and it weights a ton too :DDDDD

[@bluedogreddog7623]

Nice, been waiting for the burb, i sold my k5 and kept my burb, i like the burb better!

[@peterhatch1583]

Great video as always 👍are you going to stiffern the tubes.?

[@True_Knight]

I love the SST Pros! Made in USA too! 🇺🇸😎👍🏻

[@rickmarquart3277]

Can't wait Bro! Love it 💪🏼💪🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@doubleeeee1531]

Lovit and been waitin for the burb build

[@wwcj0000]

Why not torsen differential up front? You already got the k5 radically built. The Misses could drive the burb and with the torsen not have to use the selector. Also it is just metal. Not much to wear out.

[@MerricksGarage]

Yea I do love the Torsen style. The mechanical diff lock is amazing. I do like the E locker though as if you are bound up you can turn it off (tight turn etc)

[@danna140]

Awesome build. On the k30 blazer what ling of gear box are you using ? Iam asking cuz mine at this time makes alot of clicking noises when turning and rarely when Iam not turning , I would lile to upgrade something heavy-duty

[@MerricksGarage]

I run a 4L65e in the blazer. Never had any issue.

[@danna140]

@@MerricksGarage ok cool thanks alot really appreciate your help.

[@danna140]

@@MerricksGarage hey Merrill one Q , I also have a clicking noise that sounds like it's coming from the steering box , what do ya think it could be ? O really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions Iam still new at this

[@bryaneckenrode6424]

Cummins suburban heck yeah.

[@cd-dw2ml]

Mr. Merrick I was curious which motor mounts and cross member you were going to use. Thank you. I am going to really enjoy watching your build. I have an 89 suburban I would like to do the same build to. Thanks

[@MerricksGarage]

I am using the Agan Fab Works engine cradle crossmember

[@cd-dw2ml]

@@MerricksGarage Thank you!

[@k-art-L]

Man!!! This going to be cool AF!!

[@josemiguelgl]

Build is looking good, you can upload a time lapse of your extra grinding work on your build videos too. That will be cool 👍🏼👍🏼

[@derekrickford]

I've come to love my HF pneumatic descaler to get the first layer of crude off axles.

[@MerricksGarage]

🤔 I have been considering the blast cabinet but it seems small and maybe not up the the task. Is the descaler that good?

[@derekrickford]

@@MerricksGarage I like the descaler for the axles in particular because of the rust and road grime. Its a first step but still requires sanding for fab prep.

[@shadetreerestorations9053]

love the build man! im bout to cummins swap my 85 K30 crew cab. im interested in what your gonna use for the engine cradle/cross member so you can clear the oil pan if you could touch base on that your next video that would be awesome! thanks again for the awesome content iv been watching your videos long time now. looking forward to the next video!!

[@MerricksGarage]

I am gonna use the Agan Fab works crossmember. Made by another diehard squarebody guy!

[@joequayzar4592]

Cant wait for videos of you putting it all together!! I'm not going to lie I'm planning on copying you exactly minus the 1 ton axes as my 89 burb is a 2500. Do you have any recommendations for smogging/registering a former gas once the diesel is in??

[@MR-bp3in]

You will love that rear axle I put one in the rear of my k5,,super massive!! Lol

[@MerricksGarage]

This thing is BEEEEEEF! 😜😮😂

[@MR-bp3in]

@@MerricksGarage I think it's heavier than the blazer lol

[@bkrgi]

The first start up is going to be music to the ears....get at it!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[@MerricksGarage]

It’s go time homey!!!

[@addictjvp]

Freaking awesome !!!

[@josemiguelgl]

Build is looking good, you can upload a time lapse of your extra grinding work on your build videos too. That will be cool

[@jameshall4385]

A lot of great parts on the shop floor. They’ll look better on your burban

[@MerricksGarage]

Agreed!

[@bigbadbarragan]

Man, how much would you charge for a cummins swap on a K5?!

[@headlesnorseman701]

A gas powered pressure washer makes short work of all that grime and even loose paint/some rust. But you might have a slight environmental issue if you get caught lol

[@default_name2678]

I guess it's assumed, but is a divorced NP205 going behind that Tremec? Splitter?

[@MerricksGarage]

Well I was planning to run the NP241 out of it but the Tremec needs a dodge pattern so that’s what I am on the hunt for now.

[@johnjr3870]

True Trac front, AAM True trac for rear. No pumps, wires or anything!

[@bluedogreddog7623]

Badass!

[@warpillow8775]

As far as gearing I’d stick to 3.73, lower gearing then what is found on most factory 6bt trucks which is 3.54. It’s what I’m running in my Cummins swaped k20, also as Chevy dana60 kp’s are getting almost impossible to find the dodge first gen Cummins trucks all had passenger drop dana60 king pin axles. The only difference is the spring perches are an inch wider overall. I’m currently stuffing one under the k20 as I type, building my own version of a b52/ a bomb combo bumper with 1/2 wider spacing on each side to accommodate the new axle, as it would cost me a small fortune to get one in Canada lol. Lastly I like the idea of the different direction in transmission, but ya might want to be carful turning that 6bt up over stock, as you might take out fifth gear if you got a heavy foot. Not the best torque rating on that trans, turning up the motor even 100 hp over stock will put you right around that 650 ft/lb’s of torque mark. But I can speculate all I want, in the end I’m interested to see how it holds up past the 350hp mark. If it holds at that number, then it’s about even with a stock nv4500 and I will be definitely impressed! Can’t wait to watch this build come together while I build my k20!! Happy fabricating!

[@MerricksGarage]

That’s some good advice right there. It’s all words on paper until we turn up the wick! Yea and towing the blazer will put me close to 20k GVW I would guess.

[@warpillow8775]

@@MerricksGarage hell yeah brother, and yes exactly, anyone can read a spec sheet. Very interested to see how the tr4050 handles that brute of an engine! Love to see new options in the 6bt swap world, and sir if i may say, you could be starting something great! Last question is I’m curious how you will adapt the trans, does it bolt up to the stock manual bellhousing? Or do you need a custom one built? Or will I have to wait for the video to see what your planning? Haha

[@MerricksGarage]

The adapter was supposed to arrive but fed ex screwed up. QuickDraw Brand have a kit. It’s pretty sweet

[@rogerbean6442]

Yes!!!

[@ryobukai74]

Yes of course, it's your property, so do what you like. But just know that for us Chevy guys what you are doing is mating a Clydesdale with a Donkey and calling it thoroughbred. Nevertheless, I'll be watching for the outcome. I have one of these old burbans and I'm working on it myself as an overlanding rig.

[@justinhumphreys2738]

What’s going on with the burb?!?! Can’t wait keep it up. 👍

[@justinhumphreys2738]

Could you do more in depth content of the internals on the axles and give us your run down setting backlash and all the fancy stuff to set these up.

[@MerricksGarage]

Go check out my 14 bolt video I did a few months back. I replaced bearings in my axle and set the backlash again.

[@tristanoverson3360]

@@MerricksGarage This may sound silly but I wax my raptor lined k5 blazer and it works amazing.

[@jerryluttrull7641]

Oh Yeah !

[@peterhatch1583]

I have 2003 4x4 diff front and rear f350 but im told to get 2005 or newer ! Do you know why thks

[@MerricksGarage]

I think it has to do with tube thickness

[@peterhatch1583]

@@MerricksGarage thks

[@GrimRepair]

cool subscribed.

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks Grim!

[@blackbeard308]

Badass 👊😎

[@jorgeortegasanchez7263]

Are u going to paint the burban with raptor liner. Or what?

[@MerricksGarage]

No way. That stuff is great in trailers but for paint the dirt just clings to it. Gonna take it back to factory white

[@jorgeortegasanchez7263]

I have a 92 suburban k2500 5.7 i been trying to put a diesel on with 4l80e but don't know how much it will cost so. I want to see you burban complete. And see whats up . You are awesome.

[@clintsnappy9540]

what transfercase are you going with.?

[@MerricksGarage]

241c

[@stephenminton177]

What seats are in the front of the K5 Blazer?

[@MerricksGarage]

E46 M3

[@guido0582]

Why a manual and not the common auto trans???

[@MerricksGarage]

Manual is purely mechanical. No computers etc

[@trevorsorg9347]

If you or anyone else needs some 3.73 gears for that Dana 60, I've got a used gearset in great condition sitting around that I'd sell for real cheap.

[@MerricksGarage]

Hmmm. I might.

[@haroldmillsap3845]

What vehicle did the axles come from?

[@MerricksGarage]

The rear is out of a gm 3500. The front 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@trevorsorg9347]

The front would've came out of a 79-87 Chevy k30. That was the only truck that they were ever put in

[@warpillow8775]

An alternative option for a dana60 kingpin if you need a passenger side drop is the front axle out of a first gen dodge Cummins. The spring perch is only an inch wider overall and with a little modification it can be put under a square body or what ever else you had in mind

[@adrianlaverick8040]

No need to confirm the gear ratios if if came out of a duramax. The only gear ratio ever offered with the duramax was 3.733 till 2020 when they changed to 3.42s.

[@nickgoodwin2046]

Where did you get the front axle ?

[@MerricksGarage]

New York

[@nickgoodwin2046]

Did you drive out there or threw a company ?

[@MerricksGarage]

I had it shipped by the seller.

[@doubleeeee1531]

I gotta ask, the cost on this drive train??

[@MerricksGarage]

It’s not cheap

[@johndough8302]

yet another Cummins swap..

[@MerricksGarage]

Yet you chose to click on a video titled cummins swap and leave a comment. Stay salty bro!

[@ryobukai74]

Stop calling it a "K30 Burb". It's a V1500 Suburban. And it's barely that. You keep promoting your love of these old Square Bodies, then you Frankenstein the S*&7t out of them so the only thing thats Square Body about it is the shell. You aren't enhancing these excellent trucks as much as cobbling together parts from everything else. You could slap an old Ford shell on that tomorrow and it would be a "K30 Ford". It would be respectable if you at lease used modern GM power trains and parts to improve the performance, but what you are building is about as much as GM Square Body as Ferrari Testarossa Kit on an old Fiero. It's a tentative connection at best.

[@MerricksGarage]

Wow. You sure seem frustrated by what I am doing with my trucks! I’m gonna keep on doing me. You keep doing you!

[@yesode4201]

WOW ryobukai why are you so annoyed? These are far from being a Ferrari! Since when are Square bodies excellent trucks?

[@virtueofsunlight1342]

Just the kind of project I've been looking for. Fell in love with those square body sub urbans rocking them Cummins.