picking a suburban

[jamn50]

Looking for some advice/comments on a suburban purchase. What's average on gas mileage with a big block on 1/2 and 3/4 ton 2 wheel drive? Same with small block? I'm looking for numbers on a relatively stock set up. I realize there will be quite a range. Any disadvantage to buying a 3/4 ton 2 wheel drive for a cruiser? I know the ride may be stiffer and wheel choices are limited.I'm looking for a sub with factory A/C,steering and brakes.After that,who knows Thanks! Cary.

[rsavage]

My experience with 60's and 70's vehicles with stock engines leads me to believe that 12-13 mpg is a realistic number. If you are looking for one as an economical daily driver, you are probably barking up the wrong tree. 3/4 ton will, as a general rule, be geared a little higher (numerically) than 1/2 ton. Big Block is, of course thirstier.

[CG]

Worrying about gas mileage in our style burbs or full size trucks always seemed kinda weird to me. Its going to pretty much suck when you compare it today's new trucks and cars. To me its worth it though because you get to drive a classic.

Small block half tons will usually get the better mileage though.

[jamn50]

I drive a 66 Gmc panel now with the 305 V6. Have been in 5 states with it and never let me down.If it gets 4 miles to a gallon for a new purchase and it's a big block,then yes I'm concerned. Other than that,I was just asking.I did not need a lecture.

[rsavage]

If you are referring to my post, I was not lecturing you, but rather trying to help you by simply pointing out that great mileage is not a forte of these trucks. If you drive and are familiar with old trucks as you indicate, you probably knew the answer to your questions before you posted.

[jamn50]

Didn't mean to offend anyone. Sorry. I'm just looking for a little more comfort on real hot days. A truck with power options would be great. I get 12-13 with the panel. If a big block gets that,then it opens that door. If nowhere close,then I'll look at small blocks,even though I don't know what they average.That was all that I was asking for, was some kind of mileage figures.

[CG]

Problem with the typewritten word is you dont hear the inflection behind it. I was just talking to a fellow truck buddy, sorry if it came off as a lecture.

[olblue60@aol.com]

I dont believe that you will do much better then 10 mpg even if you get the 373 gears in the differental. My 72 BB camaro with 343s gets only 10 MPG stock.

[jorgensensc]

My 3/4 ton Big Block Burb gets about 10-12 mpg. Definitely not the best MPG out there.
3/4 ton ride is a bit stiffer, and the wheel choices are very limited. In my opinion 3/4 tons are great for towing (bigger brakes),leaving stock height or lifting, and putting off roady looking wheels on them. If you want to lower it and have vintage looking wheels, 1/2 is the way to go. i looked hi and low for wheels that wouldn't be too "Blingy" but looked a little vintage.Finally got some Dick Cepeks, and they are great, but I didn't have much of a choice in offset or width. Hope this helps some!
Shawn

[zac]

I've got a '70 K10 and also a '72 K10 (RIP) that's now a parts truck. Both had 3.08's with a 4spd and 350. Both capable of at least 17mpg on the highway, 13-15 in regular driving. Power steering is a must, at least with 4wd. If memory serves, they started coming with discs in '71, at least 4wd versions. Power discs are nice. Be careful about wanting a certain option list and bypassing trucks that don't have what you want. There just aren't that many of these left that are in decent condition. You'll more than likely love it no matter. IMO they are great trucks to drive. Too great, in my case. My '72 ended up being a daily driver even though I never intended it to be. And that killed it. My plastic commuter car died the other day, so now my '70 is my DD. I'm very afraid.

PS: $326 for a #$@$^&$!!! fuel pump?! Things ain't like they used to be......

[jamn50]

You are right on options. Although A/C could be added,it's something I prefer to have in it already. The dash controls and vents will already be there. I have seen a few with roof A/C only. Is this factory? Looks more likely to have been added.

[CG]

Roof AC is factory. I think the only non factory air is the unit that bolts on under the dash. You do see those once in awhile.

[jorgensensc]

I honestly wouldn't get too hung up on the AC thing. Adding the vents and controller is really easy. The rear air can usually be found, and I haven't had one of these trucks yet that I haven't put vintage air in instead of the using/ rebuilding/ finding the stock system. I know some guys on here are great at fixing them and have had success in converting them over off r12. I have just found the aftermarket kits easy and reliable. Not necessarily the cheapest, but the most headache free for me. It would definitely be an added bonus if you can find one with factory AC, but I wouldn't hinge the purchase of a nice clean burb on that issue. This is JMHO though.
Shawn

[jamn50]

Did you put the roof/rear aftermarket air in as well or was it sufficient just in front?

[capev86]

my 72 burb 3/4 ton w/ 307, 3 on the tree stick and 4.57 rear gear gets 10-11 so far. hoping to do better with the 4.10 swap and q-jet carb swap in place of the 2bbl. also hope to get the borg warner overdrive installed (some day) and that should bring up the fuel economy to around 15-16. i know a 1/2 ton 2wd burb 350 with 700r4 and 3.73 rear gears should be able to do 17-18 provided you drive at moderate speeds and not 75 all day long.

the truck rides firm but not much more than a 1/2 ton in my opinon, atleast for 2wd's with coil springs. all 71 and newer trucks will have disc front brakes. the 3/4 ton 2wd's will have a thicker rear track bar and some other beefy parts that are nice for towing and hard work, but a 1/2 ton will the job in most cases. the hd chassis was one of the selling points for me to pick the truck i did and i have no intentions of doing a chassis swap on it. if i'd wanted a 1/2 ton id have waited for one and left the hd truck for someone else.

[jamn50]

Thanks for the help! Think I'm gonna stay with the 1/2 ton. On the A/C,seems odd that you could get roof A/C without having it in the dash.

[capev86]

if you plan to tow or haul anything, put the standard 3/4 ton springs in the back. they were optional on all 1/2 ton trucks. my dad did this swap on his 72 burb and it sat nice and high in the back (instead of major sag like most 1/2 ton trucks do) w/ our heavy trailer hitched up. just beefing up the rear won't hurt ride quality much and probably make for better handling (less rear body sway). 1/2 ton coils are rated at 1400 pounds total per side which doesn't leave much for cargo weight whereas the 3/4 ton spec rear coils can take 2000 lbs per side. unless you are driving a swb and just going to car shows, 1/2 ton rear coils just plan suck. oh....and my dad's burb had a nice drag-racer rake to it after the spring upgrade......way better looking than leveled.

[jamn50]

Great advice!