Tow rig

[CRaSHnBuRN]

Well since the toy is dead, its time for me to go find a tow rig. I've been looking through the papers, and while I want a 3/4 ton diesel truck, they are for the most part out of my price range. So I'm even considering a half ton truck. One thing I've noticed while searching, is that the suvs are often cheaper than thier truck counterparts. So my question is, what kinda tow rig would a suburban make? Seems to me that it would work fairly well, since I only plan to tow my truck on a low boy trailer. I know I don't have a bed to haul stuff in, but more room for passengers and stuff seems nice after driving around a toy for the last two years.

[Shaggy]

i would say dont go with a gas motor as a towrig but i guess it wont be a problem at all pulling a tow... damn me and my 6500 lb bronco

[Chadnutz]

Diesel.

What is your price range?

[fbronco86]

get a 88 to 94 diesel non turbo. I have 92 ford f250 and it pulls my bronco pretty good. They dont have all the problems of the powerstrokes. powerstrokes suck :flipoff2:

[Chadnutz]

Powerstrokes suck until they drag your IDI and its trailer back to camp. :flipoff2:

[Krawler68]

no, powerstrokes suck...

Doug

[Chadnutz]

Sell yours then puss.

[Krawler68]

Mine is paid off and not worth $.02 in resale value. For now i'll merely regret owning it and continue beating on it.

When I go to a new truck it won't be anything with a 7.3 liter navistar... that's for sure.

Doug

[Chadnutz]

When is the last time it gave you a problem and what was the problem?

I wouldn't buy a 6 liter for a few years either...

[Krawler68]

Last thing to go? Tranny shift module... third one... still haven't replaced it. It acts up when it's moist outside...i think the potting may be bad.

I also am having issues achieving full boost...typical leaky housing...

I am also having electrical issues where the truck likes to "Shut down" on me at speed and then the wait to start light comes on, the voltmeter dives and stays low for several seconds then clicks back to normal.

My fuel pump went out several thousand miles ago. That was a bitch... not to mention messy as ****.

Is this a good start? I could go on.

Doug

[Chadnutz]

If your truck shuts down will it start right back up?

Somehow it is resetting and the glow plugs are cycling for a few minutes and thus bringing your temperature guage down.

[crawlingno5]

tell him to go to that powerstroke board.. you havent mentioned it in a looong time

[Krawler68]

Yes it will start right back up...I know what's happening I don't feel like finding the problem. I'm lazy... and NO I'm not concerned enough to go to The Famed Diesel Stop... or whtever it is.

Doug

[Chadnutz]

Hey crawlingonmykneeslikealittlebitch.... I'll have a picture posted for you when I get home. :flipoff2:

[spool]

If you can't afford a diesel then you should look for a chevy or gmc with the 6.0l gas motor. I could not afford a diesel and this is what I got. It pulls great.

[StevenAg03]

lets see some pics troy.....how you doing up in dallas? havent heard from you in a while

[Chadnutz]

Re: Shuts off and WTS light comes on. Then starts back up.
#1192215 - 04/30/03 05:16 PM Edit Reply Quote

Mine did that when the ignition switch was worn out. Replaced it and no more trouble.

[Krawler68]

LMAO...no ****...i thought it kicked ass that i could pull the keys and still drive it... I bet that is my problem... how ****ing annoying is that?

Thanks Chadwell...


Doug

[Chadnutz]

See why I pimp that site? I'll be pimping you next big sexy! :flipoff2:

[Krawler68]

pimping me? hmmm... yeah that's great...


Doug

[StevenAg03]

hey doug are you being serious....you think thats the problem...im not saying it isnt....the point of this post is to say that you can actually learn something from others....even if you think poorley of them:flipoff2:

[Krawler68]

yes I can... thank you Chadwell.

Doug

[mark]

Back to the question at hand...

Suburbans do make good tow vehicles just due to their sheer size. Obviously you would be limited to a bumper pull trailer and less than 10,000 lbs, but your toy and a respectable trailer would probably be just over half that. I have been known to flat tow my Jeep with a 4x4 ½ ton and it is the best truck I have ever used for that purpose because of the extra weight over the rear axle.

However, Suburbans tend to be a little lacking in the power department. All half ton Suburbans prior to latest body style will have a 350. Anything prior to ’96 will have a non-vortec engine which in the 350 gives up about 50 hp. In a ¾ ton of this vintage you can get a 6.5 turbo diesel, which suck, or a 454, which sucks gas. ¾ tons are hard to find though.

I would look for something ’96 or newer with either of the gas engines. The 454 is preferred for towing if you can find one and can stand the lack of gas mileage.

[eight]

I say 88-94 no turbo ford diesel. Reliable, fuel efficient, enough power, and cheap. That'll probably be my next truck if I ever get around to selling the dodge. I'd prefer a Dodge with cummins but I think they cost too much. You can get a good ford for about $4000 while a dodge is about $7000.

[Seth]

After readin Marks's post, it seems like you could prob buy a vortec 350 and do a few mods to it (K&N, exhaust, chip? ignition?) and have decent power, even if not quite the 454, with better mileage. also - think about gearing if you went that route, i dont know what came in them, but im sure theres an option.

Seth

[mark]

I would not waste the money trying to modify the Vortec 350. You could add a chip, but that would only make a difference at wide open throttle and may require higher octane fuel depending on what it does to the timing. The K&N may add a few hp and an exhaust may add a few. I would add the K&N just because I don't like paper filters. The Vortec engine has a good ignition and would not benefit from and aftermarket ignition. A supercharger is the only way to get HP out of the engine without tearing into it.

The engine has adequate HP to tow with, you just won't win many drag races.

Gearing goes from 3.42's to 4.10's depending on GVW and tire size. The most common are: 3.42 for 1/2 ton 2wds and 3.73 4x4 1/2 ton. Some 3/4 tons had 4.10's.

Half ton's had the GM 10 bolt, some with a limited slip, most without. 3/4 tons got a semi-floating 14 bolt.

-Mark

[fbronco86]

my 92 ford diesel gets 16mpg on the highway at 70mph with 4.10 rear end. I have the 5 speed ZF. Towing i get around 10 pulling my bronco. I am sure my truck would pull the crap outta a toy.

[StevenAg03]

my uncle has a 91 1/2 ton suburban that he uses to tow is boat. it is a VIP Baystealth and weighs about 5000 lbs. he has added airbags for helper springs and it tows great. it has a TBI 350. it is very nice to ride in and has a lot of storage space in it. also if you get one of this body style( last of the boxy body style like david olvier's) in 4wd, it has a solid axle

[Shaggy]

my 'burban is a 91 and it tows great for smaller load... my bronco is a little heavy for it, but i also use a heavy ass trailor

[Jackasic]

for all those in need of a Ford diesel, click here (http://63.111.90.8/forum/upload/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2031).

[CRaSHnBuRN]

ANy chance you can get a pic of it? I'm gonna be real busy the next few days so I might not get a chance to go look at it.