Newbie; checking out a 1980 Suburban; body swap

[Rusty's_War_wagon]

I'm new to the list. I'm currently looking at a 1980 Suburban 2wd that's being privately sold. This would be a fixer-upper/project vehicle for my 16 year old & me. This would be my 1st Suburban and my first fixer-upper. The goal is to use it as a "war wagon" in which to store and haul my search and rescue equipment. Eventually I might want to do a body swap to make it 4wd.

I've got a potful of questions. The four that immediately come to mind are:
1) Are there any big problems with 1980/1980's Suburbans? In going through all the pages of the forum (including the projects), I saw a lot of 60's-70's Suburbans & a lot of 90's+ Suburbans, but darn few (if any) 80s. Are 80's models something that knowledgeable folks are avoiding?
2) Am I biting off more than I can chew here as a newbie?
3) What should I be looking for/looking to avoid in this vehicle?
4) Would doing the body swap be a fairly straightforward process? If I replace the body mounts now & operate it for a period of time in 2wd, will I have to replace those new fittings when I do the body swap? Am I correct in understanding that most 87-91 Chevy 4wd pickups have frames that would work as a donor vehicle?

Sorry for the question dump in a single post. Didn't want to clutter up the forum. I'm just at the "make the decision" point on the vehicle.
Thanks!
Jim

[tvblazer78]

The burbs are a very good truck, they work well and look good at the same time.

Now I think you are asking if a 4x4 truck frame will work under the burb and I think that would be a no. But you can use the 4x4 out of a truck and put it on the burb frame. I have seen guys on here doing that before. Look in project builds and you will see one or two guys doing this.

And welcome to the board.

TRav

[Rusty's_War_wagon]

Trav: thanks for the feedback. I'm looking forward to any suggestions on what I'd need to replace/adjust to make a 2wd/4wd changeover happen. Anything in particular that I should check or watch out for in making a decision on buying this? Thanks!

[Jonboy]

I think before I went to the trouble to swap the frame to make a 4WD, I would just buy one. Check ebay or Craigslist either here (Texas) or AZ to find something decent and rust free.