Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Big R · 01-29-2016, 01:01 PM

Ok so here goes! I bought a 1968 GMC Suburban just before Fathers Day last year. I was able to drive it all summer and start making my list of "what I really want" for the build. The direction will be a bit of a restomod meaning LS swap, new suspension all around (bags likely), new interior and paint. Here is what I am starting with.

Big R · 01-29-2016, 01:05 PM

Couple things already purchased: LQ4 with a paired 4L80E trans out of a 2003 Silverado 2500HD 2 wheel drive. The block is at the machine shop getting cleaned up. Will go with stock pistons and crank but will upgrade the cam, springs and lifters. Thinking Trickflow cam. Wont race it but want a bit of a lopey sound to it and still drive it every day. Hope to pull around 400HP from it.

**lolife99** · 01-29-2016, 01:18 PM

Great looking burb.

YBNORML · 01-29-2016, 01:32 PM

Nice truck! Looking forward to your progress!

Big R · 01-29-2016, 01:33 PM

Thanks! Been looking for a good one for years and got lucky. This one was only a few hours from me, 2 owners from what I can tell and very little rust, with the original motor that ran.

briank · 01-29-2016, 03:20 PM

Bir r......looks familiar. Good luck, I miss Clyde

Big R · 01-29-2016, 04:03 PM

Hey Brian! Clyde is good, drove the wheels off it this summer. Was hoping I could reconnect with you to share some progress on the rebuild. Keep watchin. Hope to have it running this summer if all goes well. No paint or interior but motor and suspension.

Big R · 01-29-2016, 06:24 PM

Anyone have a good source for air ride control? The suspension I am considering comes with the bags just not the compressor, valves, lines or controls. I am ok with used, getting to be a costly rebuild really fast

**lolife99** · 01-29-2016, 06:53 PM

Accuair is the best air management in the business.
That's what I would suggest.

**Hart_Rod** · 01-29-2016, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

accuair is the best air management in the business.
That's what i would suggest.

+1

**Advanced Design** · 01-29-2016, 10:34 PM

Great looking Burb! I will be tagging along.

Big R · 01-29-2016, 11:36 PM

Thanks, was checking yours out too. Nice and clean! Perfect look to me!

**Advanced Design** · 01-30-2016, 05:51 AM

Thanks Big R. As you know they are hard to find in this part of the country. I looked for a long time too.

CG · 01-30-2016, 05:00 PM

Looks like you have a really good starting point for a cool ride.

Alex V. · 01-30-2016, 08:08 PM

Very nice 'Burb! Looks like a good straight rig.

LuckyScott · 01-30-2016, 08:12 PM

Looks like a good clean start......

3drburb · 01-30-2016, 10:26 PM

Very nice.

**LockDoc** · 01-30-2016, 11:05 PM

-
That's a good one. If you haven't already, head on over to the LS Swaps Forum. Lots of good info on swapping in your LS engine over there.... I just put one in my '67 Panel Truck last summer....

LockDoc

**70cst** · 01-31-2016, 08:50 PM

Hey Big R ...

to the forums and

from Ohio.

Nice Burb by the way

Cobalt964ruf · 01-31-2016, 09:40 PM

welcome to the madness lol

Big R · 02-03-2016, 07:05 PM

Thanks for the advise LockDoc. Block is due back any day from the machine shop. I could use some advise on a cam. Lots of info on the LS forum but seems like a lot of drag / street car info. As you know these burbs are heavy and need some good torque to move them. I had a couple cams in mind:
1. Comp Cams 54-450-11 206/212 duration, .513 lift, 115 LSA (sim. to a Z06 from what I have seen?)
2. Trickflow 30602003 228/230 duration .585 lift, 112 LSA
Comp Cam was suggested by Comp Cams, Trickflow from some research I did. What I do not want is poor street manners. I will drive this on the street and cruise nights etc. I would also like to keep the stock torque converter if possible. Anyone have experience with this motor and cam in a Suburban?

ext5060 · 02-06-2016, 09:34 PM

Personally to me the GMC grills are the BEST looking ever. Best of luck in finishing the 'burb. Keep us posted..

Big R · 06-27-2016, 04:58 PM

Been awhile since I posted but made some progress. Motor should be back together by fall. New pistons, bearings, springs, valve job, all new gaskets, oil pump, water pump etc. Did replace the cam with a more aggressive one than stock but not crazy. Should be picking up a new suspension setup from No Limit in the next month and will start pulling the frame apart. Will keep driving it as is for now just because its too fun to pull apart and leave in pieces all summer! New pictures soon!

Big R · 06-27-2016, 04:59 PM

Forgot to clarify...it will be an LS motor and 4L80E trans!

**Advanced Design** · 06-27-2016, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big R

Forgot to clarify...it will be an LS motor and 4L80E trans!

Ok, that's a great choice....and a good plan for driving over the summer.

01-29-2016, 01:01 PM	#1
Big R Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Dyer Indiana Posts: 18	Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Ok so here goes! I bought a 1968 GMC Suburban just before Fathers Day last year. I was able to drive it all summer and start making my list of "what I really want" for the build. The direction will be a bit of a restomod meaning LS swap, new suspension all around (bags likely), new interior and paint. Here is what I am starting with. Attached Images

01-29-2016, 01:05 PM	#2
Big R Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Dyer Indiana Posts: 18	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Couple things already purchased: LQ4 with a paired 4L80E trans out of a 2003 Silverado 2500HD 2 wheel drive. The block is at the machine shop getting cleaned up. Will go with stock pistons and crank but will upgrade the cam, springs and lifters. Thinking Trickflow cam. Wont race it but want a bit of a lopey sound to it and still drive it every day. Hope to pull around 400HP from it.

01-29-2016, 01:18 PM	#3
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,681	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Great looking burb. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

01-29-2016, 01:32 PM	#4
YBNORML Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 3,847	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Nice truck! Looking forward to your progress! __________________ --------------------------------------------------------------- Jason. 68’ GMC shortbox https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=794201 72' 2WD Blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=425385 67' LongBox C-10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=691845 InstaGram ybnorml67

01-29-2016, 01:33 PM	#5
Big R Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Dyer Indiana Posts: 18	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Thanks! Been looking for a good one for years and got lucky. This one was only a few hours from me, 2 owners from what I can tell and very little rust, with the original motor that ran.

01-29-2016, 03:20 PM	#6
briank Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Leland, Il Posts: 1,503	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Bir r......looks familiar. Good luck, I miss Clyde

01-29-2016, 04:03 PM	#7
Big R Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Dyer Indiana Posts: 18	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Hey Brian! Clyde is good, drove the wheels off it this summer. Was hoping I could reconnect with you to share some progress on the rebuild. Keep watchin. Hope to have it running this summer if all goes well. No paint or interior but motor and suspension.

01-29-2016, 06:24 PM	#8
Big R Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Dyer Indiana Posts: 18	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Anyone have a good source for air ride control? The suspension I am considering comes with the bags just not the compressor, valves, lines or controls. I am ok with used, getting to be a costly rebuild really fast

01-29-2016, 06:53 PM	#9
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,681	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Accuair is the best air management in the business. That's what I would suggest. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

01-29-2016, 10:34 PM	#11
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,017	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Great looking Burb! I will be tagging along. __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

01-29-2016, 11:36 PM	#12
Big R Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Dyer Indiana Posts: 18	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Thanks, was checking yours out too. Nice and clean! Perfect look to me!

01-30-2016, 05:51 AM	#13
Advanced Design Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Oblong, Illinois Posts: 7,017	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Thanks Big R. As you know they are hard to find in this part of the country. I looked for a long time too. __________________ Doug Advanced Design’s 1977 Blazer Build Advanced Design's '48 'Burb Build Mrs Advanced Design's '72 Suburban Advanced Design's 56 BelAir LS swap

01-30-2016, 05:00 PM	#14
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Monroe, Wa. Posts: 19,773	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Looks like you have a really good starting point for a cool ride. __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … … Monroe Swap meet May 18-19. Mike has the same spots for the NW guys he's had forever. Lunch time BBQ at the spaces. If you have stuff to sell bring it along. If you have a question PM stllookn (Mike) here via the board. https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=851291

01-30-2016, 08:08 PM	#15
Alex V. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Campbellsville, KY Posts: 888	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Very nice 'Burb! Looks like a good straight rig. __________________ Alex V. ------ 1967 C10 Suburban, 350/NP435, Green/Green, PS, PB, HD cooling, charging, shocks, and springs. 1985 GMC C3500 SRW, Sierra Classic, 454/TH400, white/blue.

01-30-2016, 08:12 PM	#16
LuckyScott Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Anaheim, Calif. Posts: 361	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Looks like a good clean start......



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01-30-2016, 10:26 PM	#17
3drburb Registered User Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Kent, WA. Posts: 834	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Very nice.

01-30-2016, 11:05 PM	#18
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,329	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project - That's a good one. If you haven't already, head on over to the LS Swaps Forum. Lots of good info on swapping in your LS engine over there.... I just put one in my '67 Panel Truck last summer.... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

01-31-2016, 08:50 PM	#19
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,339	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Hey Big R ... to the forums and from Ohio. Nice Burb by the way __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!

01-31-2016, 09:40 PM	#20
Cobalt964ruf Registered User Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Piedmont, OK Posts: 364	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project welcome to the madness lol __________________ 1971 K30 burb carbed LS6 th400 np205 d70f 14bff 4whl discs lifted 35 bfg's 1994 k3500 rcsb trophy truck ls427 4l85e bw4401 9.25ifs 14bff g80 35 bfg's 1998 K3500 rclb ls427 4l85e bw4401 9.25ifs 14bff g80 35 bfg's 1999 k3500 crewcab dually 4x4 496ci 4l85e bw4401 9.25ifs 14bff g80 6" lift 37 bfg's

02-03-2016, 07:05 PM	#21
Big R Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Dyer Indiana Posts: 18	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Thanks for the advise LockDoc. Block is due back any day from the machine shop. I could use some advise on a cam. Lots of info on the LS forum but seems like a lot of drag / street car info. As you know these burbs are heavy and need some good torque to move them. I had a couple cams in mind: 1. Comp Cams 54-450-11 206/212 duration, .513 lift, 115 LSA (sim. to a Z06 from what I have seen?) 2. Trickflow 30602003 228/230 duration .585 lift, 112 LSA Comp Cam was suggested by Comp Cams, Trickflow from some research I did. What I do not want is poor street manners. I will drive this on the street and cruise nights etc. I would also like to keep the stock torque converter if possible. Anyone have experience with this motor and cam in a Suburban?

02-06-2016, 09:34 PM	#22
ext5060 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damon, Tx Posts: 8	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Personally to me the GMC grills are the BEST looking ever. Best of luck in finishing the 'burb. Keep us posted..

06-27-2016, 04:58 PM	#23
Big R Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Dyer Indiana Posts: 18	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Been awhile since I posted but made some progress. Motor should be back together by fall. New pistons, bearings, springs, valve job, all new gaskets, oil pump, water pump etc. Did replace the cam with a more aggressive one than stock but not crazy. Should be picking up a new suspension setup from No Limit in the next month and will start pulling the frame apart. Will keep driving it as is for now just because its too fun to pull apart and leave in pieces all summer! New pictures soon!

06-27-2016, 04:59 PM	#24
Big R Registered User Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Dyer Indiana Posts: 18	Re: Wish me luck! 68 GMC Suburban project Forgot to clarify...it will be an LS motor and 4L80E trans!

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