This is why I built this thing!!! Family road trip to Montana in the Cummins Squarebody Suburban!!

This was the finish line I was aiming for. No matter what I wanted to drive the burb up to Montana to spend Thanksgiving at a family Homestead in the Bitterroot Foothills.
I am stoked to say that the truck delivered us all here safely, out on family adventures and carried all our gear keeping us warm and safe. Mileage was about 1200 miles on way and we split into two days.
Headed back tomorrow! Montana delivered! What a beautiful state!
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
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Link to the seat bracket mounts for late model GM third row for your Blazer!
www.merricksgarage.com/new-pr...

[@xozindustries7451]

Put a cargo net over all that stuff in the back, during an accident all that stuff becomes projectiles

[@MerricksGarage]

That’s a solid idea right there.

[@joehill1538]

Man, I am going to live vicariously through you. I would absolutely love to build something like this and take my family on a trip like that. Excellent memories. Well done Sir.

[@dixiemae5042]

#metoo

[@ericsugalsku1826]

On keeping the kiddos warm in the back. I have used cheap heaters that plug into the outlet for cigarette lighter. "Yes myself and my truck are old". They work great and are very cheap, so when they stop working its no biggie.

[@MerricksGarage]

Great idea

[@hawkie333]

Your wife is great! My wife thinks I should just get a new truck every time something happens. This is why we carry tools and most importantly knowledge!

[@Bloodbain88]

Yeah I own older vehicles including a 1983 K30 I'm putting a Cummins in. And people think I'm an idiot "just buy a new truck and be done." I guess they don't understand how you can wrench on something yourself and you learn to trust it, and you KNOW it's reliable because you did all the work. And you become so familiar with that machine that if something DOES go wrong, you're the best man to fix it. Also people who don't know engines don't get how legendary the reliability is on those 12 valves. There is no setup I would trust more on a long important trip than a 12 valve and a manual.

[@zackattack6756]

Absolute savagery taking your family on a long trip in a stinky diesel. Best dad ever keep up the great content!

[@WhyIsTheRumGone68]

Keep up the great work. Been watching for years and you haven't disappointed yet.

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks Papi!!

[@david81172]

I've been watching your video's for awhile now and its inspired me to fix up my 86 K1500 to be able to pull a small camper for me and my wife to go exploring this Great land. Thank you

[@MerricksGarage]

Awesome man! Get after it!

[@obijuankenobi420]

Its been 2 years....I need an update

[@briand9597]

Next time you’re having trouble keeping the engine warm just put something like cardboard in front of your radiator to stop as much air flow from going through. Edit…I posted this right before your paper bag comment lol.

[@colebertils7359]

I totally dig the way your ‘Burb turned out and think you built the ultimate family truckster. You’ve got a beautiful family and what an amazing road trip, creating a ton of great memories!

[@Marcus_Woodard]

That upper radiator hose looks like it has a pretty sharp bend. May want to consider cutting some from the engine side. Also, may want to get a cover for the radiator in cold weather. I use a piece of cardboard to keep some heat in the engine. You could add a CUCV grill guard and use the military canvas cover for cold weather use. Welcome to diesel life!

[@hughstewart547]

To fix the heat issue look into a 12v or 24v DC electric cab heater to put under the rear seat. They make them for industrial applications like heavy equipment cabs.

[@rustybarbacles355]

Such a cool rig. My best friends mom drove an 84 for most of my life giving us rides to and from the bus stop in the sierra snow. I love what you’ve done with it!

[@jleon682]

I enjoy your content. Keep doing what your doing.

[@fixinoldjunk286]

Love the build! You gotta stop listening to the GPS and go 126 jog over the 5 to the 14 north then hit the 58 east, cuts out all of LA. I'm in Ventura and make the drive twice a week to Vegas. Safe travels!

[@brokenwrench404]

Lol I was going to say the same thing! Unless he had to go to riverside for something beforehand

[@MerricksGarage]

Yea I normally go 126 to 5 to 14 to 18

[@kevinfaherty9887]

Very impressive. Stoked for you! Congratulations and what an incredible build.

[@dang2157]

I'm glad you made it without any serious issues! Looking good

[@esmedley3]

Enjoyed the burb build! Glad to see it's on the road. Can't wait for the next project and/or adventure!

[@AdamFlemingg]

What a perfect family hauler! awesome video man! keep up the good work!

[@zombienectar]

The cummins will do the same mileage towing a 5 ton tag . They are very noisy. You need to go triple insulation. Then it will just be noisy. They will wear a front end out every 2 years or so because of the weight. They are a great engine but I will stick with my 92 6.5 turbo mechanical diesel in my 85 Chevy K10. Bone stock 190 hp. 24 MPG all day long baby. I always enjoy your vids and want to thank you for all your work in making these come together. I can sure relate to bull work getting harder as you get older. I swapped the 6.5 for 6.2 diesel last summer. Took me a month. Had not installed an engine for 45 years or so. ( almost 66 now ) The sense of accomplishment on my first drive into town was hard to describe. cheers to you and your family

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks man! The 6.5 is a great engine!

[@charlesbaranski1860]

Truck is amazing my friend. I’ve watched the whole build. You and your buddy Duke inspired me to build my 06 Silverado crew cab. Great job 🤘🏻

[@robertrusso5592]

Great Job on the build! You have no idea what an inspiration you’ve been,I just bought one tons for my Daughters full-size Bronco and I’m gonna tackle it myself!!

[@deegan727]

Definitely the coolest and most functional Suburban.

[@supersport1986]

My father in law and I just took a almost 9hr trip in my 12 valve swapped 05 chevy 2500hd to pick up a unicorn car 1960 studebaker lark 4dr with only 4k miles on it unfortunately the engine is a lost cause but the trip went great no issues at all from the truck closing in quickly on 10,000 miles since building it and other than a power steering leak and a very small oil leak I really cannot complain! The burb looks awsome and so happy it's working out so well and man is that some beautiful country out there!! Keep up the awsome work and vids!

[@Marz-px6vx]

Hope you enjoy your trip to Montana I live in Montana few miles from polson. Alot of our vehicles have engine heater for cold Montana weather just plug it in during the night and your ride will start right up

[@paulherzmann6237]

NICE NAN!!!!! Sounds EXCITING!! Just Made a 3,000 miles trip from Chicago to Twin Falls Idaho in my 1989 Diesel suburban...EXCEPT..EXCEPT....when I hit the plummeting, freezing cold temperatures of 25 degrees... I had to crawl up in the back and sleep🥲😂🤷‍♂️😌 Congratulations.

[@MerricksGarage]

Heck yea!

[@cadevanauken7120]

I luckily just found a K20 Burb that's about to get the same treatment. Love your videos! Keep up the great content!

[@baconcreek609]

Sweet build. I love both of my Fummins, I bet the Cummins in the 'burb is just as much fun.

[@markwilson9760]

Love it. Awesome beast

[@bradruiz9461]

Man that thing is freaking awesome....

[@gdc818]

Beautiful truck

[@eddiecastro350]

This is awesome hope my family agrees to road trips in my 83 k5

[@baconcreek609]

Both of my 12 valves run super cold. 160° most of the time. A good winter front will help with heat. Go heavy on the sound deadener.

[@MerricksGarage]

Yea I have been amazed at the difference in heat from gas and diesel. More sound deadener is the plan. Get the cab all quiet and chill!!

[@KaseyCronquist]

Great vid. Fun seeing the fam. Beautiful shots of God’s country. 👊🏼 🤘🏼

[@MerricksGarage]

It was killer up there man! I can’t imagine it in the summer!

[@omarhusein3237]

Awesome Rig

[@user-tf5kr4qp2i]

KZbin randomly showed me this video. And it has inspired me to pull my 87 3/4tom burb out. And do something with it. Awesome rig you built yourself

[@MerricksGarage]

Welcome to the thunder dome! Ha ha. 3/4 ton are killer. Barn door or tailgate?

[@rogerbean6442]

My favorite build of yours!

[@michaelnormanwilson]

I have an 89 GMC suburban 2wd. All blue in and out. All OEM and I daily drive it. Love it on road trips

[@ryantheentrepreneur4040]

Well done 🔥🔥

[@8lugoffroad751]

I have a 2001 24V. Same thing with the heat in the winter. The cooling system works so good i out cardboard in between the radiator and intercooler. Nice rig! Love watching your vids.

[@MerricksGarage]

yea, I used paper bags I think... Thanks!

[@danielfiske9849]

One of the BEST CHANNELS on KZbin!!

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks man!!

[@wfoybealiii4668]

I've gotten good use out of the Fia line of snap-on grill bug screens and "winter fronts". The product is ordered based on vehicle make/model and I'll bet old square body sizes are still available. Kit comes with a dozen or so peel-n-stick male snaps which appear to be made of durable PVC and the bug screen snaps directly to them to cover the grill entirely. Keeps the big grasshoppers commonly encountered in UT and MT out of the radiator. In winter, snap the bug screen off and snap on the vinyl clad quilted "winter front" which covers the entire grill and has adjustable velcro openings with which you can let in as much air flow as needed to keep the coolant warm but not too hot. In a dozen years of using Fias on my F350, I've had exactly one of the snaps come loose, so they're pretty durable. Nice looking truck. I ran an '84 K-1500 and a '90 K-1500 for a lot of miles--especially the '90. Needed to switch over to a diesel for towing but not in position to do a swap so bought a used '02 F350 single-rear-wheel w/ an original 7.3 diesel 17.5 years ago and she's still rattling along with 286,000 miles on the clock including 5 round trips from NC to MT and one more coming up in '22. Good luck with yours!

[@matty86suk]

I have a mint 96 k2500 ext cab long box, total grandpa truck!! i am swapping in a d60, np205 and 12 valve..thanks for the rad content!!

[@carlsandvik2893]

This is what it's all about brother! Great to see the Burb cruising well. What an amazing location/destination. The family interview was the best though, with Heather's non verbal comments via her eyes - - - my favorite part! Tell the family "Hi." Happy Thanksgiving!

[@buckwild8369]

I currently building my crew cab to overland with the family

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks Carl! Heather’s first real speaking role in a video!!

[@octaviocontreras5295]

Love the truck awesome video

[@sethsmith3672]

Awesome build

[@bennyc6694]

Wicked rig, I just bought a 1971 GMC Suburban 3 door with barn doors at a garage sale 3 weeks ago and I'm going to be putting a 12 valve, 6spd and dana 60's in it, basically doing what you do and use it to get to unique places up north 🇨🇦. I really like the slide rack, I was thinking about one for myself and after watching this it seems like I'll make one! Gives me a lot of motivation to finish mine this winter!

[@MerricksGarage]

Get after it! The cargo glide is crucial for these trips. Getting stuff out of the burb without would be a nightmare

[@bennyc6694]

@@MerricksGarage thank you, will do! It definitely looks like it!

[@jackrockholt2823]

That red interior is beautiful

[@blackbeard308]

Bro nothing but respect every episode is another step forward in inspiration 2 keep going the Suburban sounds tough as hell nothing like a long road trip to work out all the bugs🇺🇸🚛🇺🇸🚛🇺🇸🚛🇺🇸🚛💰

[@MerricksGarage]

Yea it was a good one. Nothing like 2600 miles to reveal issues.

[@cliff7536]

Awesome rig!

[@danielalexander298]

My dad and I saw you guys in barstow! Your rig is sick man it caught my eye from a distance but when you passed and it was cummins swapped was what made me nearly turn around 😄 nice build man!

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks dude! She’s kinda hard to miss!

[@kp7castin150]

Nice truck love I got 84 with Detroit on looks similar to this

[@highoctain113]

Had trouble starting it... Lmfao, that's why we have block heaters.

[@bamafencer12]

I wanna do this one day! Keep it up!

[@hawkie333]

Mine quieted down significantly with rubber matting and dynamat in the bed. The road noise was incredible. I know you used lizard skin but I just can’t see how it could compare. I also added a hatch to access the tank and sender unit (I think I learned that from your Blazer build, thank you!).

[@TimBiagi]

I love those old suburbans

[@jamescason7783]

Man, this makes me want to build my suburban even more.

[@MerricksGarage]

thats the intention. DO IT!

[@davidamato768]

Great job and awesome build! Love my 79 K30 400ci and 99 k2500 454ci. I know everyone likes the patina look but I would love to see fresh white paint on it:)

[@MerricksGarage]

Probably going patina then maybe paint later 🤷🏼‍♂️👍🏻

[@Chasbr549]

Very Cool Burb. I live in Victor and saw this video....too funny! I'm heading to Pismo beach at Christmas......hopefully not having to tow with my Mog again... Quality family travel adventures. Chas

[@MerricksGarage]

What a town man. I will be back! The summers must be insanely awesome up there. I saw that there was a bike park east of the town too!!

[@loganpark7993]

I have a summit universal heater core with the 2 round vents I am going to install on my 90 burb for rear floor heat this winter.

[@quintoncarlson6079]

I have seen most of the videos but idk if I remember watching one where you installed sound detening I installed it in my 83 burb in the doors and the headliner and is made it a whole lot quieter also if your door seals are flat I would replace them or fill with like a 1/4" foam tubing and it will stiffen them up and improve the seal

[@MerricksGarage]

I ordered all new seals from LMC while up in Montana! Ha ha. I also will be sound deadening the doors

[@ToddSwagerty]

That is a work of beauty

[@glenharrison123]

Sweet rig mate. It's nice having room for heaps of gear. Cheers from New Zealand!

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks man! Love me some NZ. Spent some time exploring the South Island years ago before kids. Magic place!

[@glenharrison123]

I'm near Christchurch, great offroading trails close by, the West Coast has plenty too.

[@KuusFaddah_44]

Gotta love the farm doors

[@FlawedOffroad]

That rig is so cool, I miss my burb minus the mpg lmao

[@alfansomendoza8556]

I kno it would be a little bit expensive but maybe run a can of sea foam or deisel fuel supplement in every fill up. Keeps the injectors clean and running better, and keep moisture build up in the fuel system, would help especially if your traveling somewhere cold

[@lanceroark6386]

If you stop in at any of the big truck stops, you can find off-road magazines made by local off-road groups that cover East, Central, and Western Montana.

[@MerricksGarage]

That’s pretty cool.

[@liluncje]

Love the Burb... Man you did a great job, . , Ill get to that level someday. I have a GMT800 Burby 04 Z71. Would love to do a SAS one day, to be honest I do a lot of off roading and over landing in it, it is awesome. Burbs are so BIG. Love how you take the family on adventures, I have a wife and 4 kids. We have XXL roof top tent and love to camp. Can fit everything we need and the kitchen sink lol. I daily it for work, and a couple weeks ago i took the seats out and picked up a sectional sofa with it... The whole thing fit inside. Keep truckin man, maybe ill see ya out on the trail one day. I roll with a friend who has a Chanel too with a lot of cool vids and some adventures on there too. We are in Vegas. Its KnightDriveTV.

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks man! Taking the fam is part of the adventure. The burb really functions killer as a road hauler work truck bugout vehicle.

[@sethperry1323]

That suburban is absolutely awesome!! I would've thought a little better fuel mileage through! keep up the good work!

[@MerricksGarage]

yea, me too. I am working on the fuel mileage. Sure its got something to do with my right foot!

[@sethperry1323]

@@MerricksGarage 😅

[@watsonhood6538]

Hell yeah!!!

[@anthonycampoy1458]

Move your rear axle forward with an easy inch. Since you have so much gear in the rear it wouldn't hurt the height. Really nice job you've done there, I want to do the same build with a crew cab and flatbed square body when my LB7 silverado is retired. I definitely don't want anymore new technology in my future trucks.

[@MerricksGarage]

Yea the easy inch is on the list of things to do. It also squats a little in the rear

[@ronferber5794]

nice rig

[@SnakebiteCortez]

awesome trip! the gloves on foot made me laugh out loud. true story

[@MerricksGarage]

Yea it was pretty funny.

[@bradleymorris8875]

I built my suburban in 38 days from junk. We drove it 10k in 17 days thru 11 states. We got 6.5 mpg. 2 years later it now has 40k on it the hard way. I don’t ask my wife’s opinion on it … she doesn’t want to be left home.

[@MerricksGarage]

Lol, that mileage sucks. What happened?

[@bradleymorris8875]

@@MerricksGarage GM 602 Crate , 3,000 stall TH 350 , NP 203 on 37’s. It’s 6,678 pounds and I live in Oregon. If you are not going up hill you are going up a big hill. Aero dynamically challenged at 75 , fuel is 20% corn by volume. It’s just part of it I guess.

[@Alehyn666]

not superfan of the cargo rollingrack but man thats a sick ass suburban, congratulation on finishing such a task, looks absolute killer with that patina

[@MerricksGarage]

Thanks man. The cargo glide really improves the functionality of the cargo area. You can just access stuff in there so easily.

[@tuffy16]

Kinda chilly lol Welcome to Cummins ha I live in Canada

[@oppgarage748]

That’s funny, I’m building a c30 converted to a k30 3+3 long bed dually 12v and I spent a lot of time cutting out the floor to mount 2018 chevy seats with a console so she could be comfy and lay back. When I finally got them in I had her come out and get in, she tells me “I don’t know why you didn’t keep the bench seat”…. 🤨

[@MerricksGarage]

Sometimes you can’t win.

[@thruitallauto2538]

Lawd if that thing runs any cooler you can keep ya ice cream 🍦 up there

[@danielbaker4395]

Next time you start it tap the accelerator pedal while you're cranking. Just barely tap it. That's a cool truck you built.

[@liftedburblife]

Vacuum to defrost might not be working or blend door issue .you might need a block heater and check the blower motor might need a replacement and if not working give it a few snacks with a hammer handle it might kick back on

[@kirkade]

I got an engine block heater on my 12v here in SLC. Those diesels just do not like cold starts. Also there is some really good sound dead ing material on Amazon.

[@thesetwohands6982]

Not trying to rag on you but sure hoping for some more content. I understand how hard it is to create it especially good content so don't take anything personal just a small gripe. I have 5 channels that I really watch yours being one, maybe I just need to suck it up. none the less looking forward to the next video.

[@MerricksGarage]

Yea the challenge is real. I have some huge news coming up about the future of the shop and channel and been buried with that stuff. Working on something for tomorrow though!

[@thesetwohands6982]

@@MerricksGarage Please don't take it personally its just you created these fans and those jerks can be needy lol... good work hope things are going well and you will have good news for everyone.

[@jamesathomas8623]

Love the setup but I'd do a steel bumper and tire mount for the rear of the Surburban. Ideas to free up space.

[@alfansomendoza8556]

I love the setup, i thinks id try to find a mount to bolt on your slider to stand the tire up, so you can have room for luggage

[@MerricksGarage]

There are eye bolts that the slide comes with. I am not sure it would fit standing up though. It’s a 38!

[@brokenwrench404]

Cool road trip. Bummer you had to go to riverside first. It’s so much faster to take the 126 to the 5 and the 5 to the 14 to Mojave and the 58 to the 15. It will shave off hours from your trip. There’s also a back road to avoid the newhall grade. A pizza box in front of the radiator works well. Was confused the first time I found one while working on a truck in Oregon. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MerricksGarage]

I don’t know why I went south through LA. I never do that, I always take the 126. Well, I paid for it and learned that lesson!

[@LamzLamz714]

Dang I would have loved to see that beast in person..ur in my neighborhood brotha...awesome rig but I'm sure u know that already 😉

[@MerricksGarage]

I do but I never tire of hearing it.

[@rohibloodlust]

I got a 91 v3500 suburban on 37x12.50r20 we replaced the seats in it from a 2004 it's still a gasser but it's been all over this beautiful country

[@Mike-li7et]

SICK BURB BRO!!!!

[@MerricksGarage]

Big country was meant to be seen from big trucks!

[@rohibloodlust]

@@MerricksGarage yep but Montana Idaho Oregon are all beautiful country to travel through

[@scottypetty9117]

Probably need a hotter thermostat to get the heater to work a lil better and check your heater core to make sure it's not stopped up..diesel runs cooler than gas as is definitely need a cover for the radiator in colder Temps

[@weshawkins7165]

Love your build. Fleece Performance makes a cooling system by-pass for the Cummins. Dropped my temps about 10 degrees. Any problems getting it smoked in Commiefornia?

[@JeffAdairKTM530]

LOve you Brother

[@RavensEyeOffroad]

your f amily takes this stuff way better than mine. lol Youve done great with the truck!

[@MerricksGarage]

Well I have toned it down over the years. My wife met me when I was pretty crazy still so she is kinda used to it. Ha ha.

[@RavensEyeOffroad]

@@MerricksGarage lol!

[@My65isblack]

That's awesome we do about the same trip Avery year to yellowstone! It reminds me at our family trips we do. Did you build the rear bumper? Or bought it

[@MerricksGarage]

Yes I did

[@jimvillocillo8043]

My daughter would of said more turbo sounds 😂😂

[@tonyvickers8659]

Glad to hear no major issues. Whatever happened to the grid heater? I thought you were going to put that on.

[@MerricksGarage]

Removed it when I did the banks intake. Figured I wouldn’t need it lol.

[@offgridmangogrower]

Like to see your truck specs What mods….? Did you do all the work..?

[@hartjebear]

Such a rad build! I just brought home a 91 Silverado 1500 with barn doors, rear a/c and clean red interior. My dream come true! What did you use for your floor mats? I've been hunting for that exact style.

[@MerricksGarage]

I don’t know they came with the truck and they are rad. They catch everything.

[@liftedburblife]

You probably need a 195 thermostat

[@rickmiller6258]

THERMOSTAT AND A bra for the front...

[@gorrheaddiesel]

If you come across in 1987 steering wheel leather you’ll like it better than when you got

[@baddog4307]

No block heater? No glow plugs. Mine cranked right up plugged into the barn at -17F.

[@oeramaster]

What are the dimensions on the cargo glide? That’s pretty cool. That battery set up pretty interesting as well.

[@MerricksGarage]

its their suburban model

[@rogerpich23]

"That's a goat. Don't do that " 🤣😂