Researching for my project and trying to figure out what modifications I would need to make to a 55-59 suburban in order for it to haul 3000 lbs. It would be an everyday driver and I would be towing about 5-10 times a month for about 30-60 total miles a month. Am I going to half to replace the whole ch***is? If so any recommendations for a donor? If not what will I need to replace to raise the GCWR? I need to sit at least 4+ so the other option I've looked at is to add seating to a chevy 1 ton 3800 panel truck. However these are rare and I haven't seen many mods for seating that I like. Anyone know if dimensions would allow to simply swap in suburban seats? From what I can tell the interior looks too narrow. Any help is appreciated!
... just buy a 1-ton panel or Suburban? Same body shell. Interior's the same width. Actually if you're only towing that weight, just add an electric brake system and if an auto trans run a trans cooler. Upgrade the brakes to a dual chamber master with some kind of power ***ist. I towed more than that many times with a much newer 1500 Suburban and it would pull fine, stopping was always the issue. 3000 lbs is light for a trailer tow.
I did it occasionally with a shortbed half ton '57 pickup with stock four wheel drum brakes and a 350 four barrel, non-world cl*** S-10 T-5 and 3.00 gears. Balance your tonque weight, drive responsibly and you're fine. Everyone always forgets these were once trucks and were used like trucks. I miss that truck, too....
just add a set of airbags to the rear to help with the sagging rear (when towing). the rest should be fine if you are running at least a sbc (a old 302 6 would probably be fine), a ****** cooler and good brakes (rebuilt). a tow/ brakes set up would be helpful (electric). as for the seat. lots of folks us late 80's truck seats in the front of the trucks/ subs
Thanks for the feedback! I have seen some with newer brakes and transmission coolers but didn't know if that would be enough. No concerns about stress on the frame? I thought the same thing until I was looking at a 62 suburban and saw the GCW. I think it allowed for about 500 lbs of towing if that. Since it's going to be my daily driver I didn't really want to play in the grey area. #1 goal is to be solid and dependable.
Thanks for the feedback! Is that for the second row? The hope is to have at least a second row of seating. Wasn't sure if I could fit them in the panel trucks compartment....
The Suburban will be fine. No new ch***is required. Would suggest, you make sure the tires, brakes, cooling system, engine, trans, etc are in top shape. Only mods would be a trans cooler if you have an automatic, and disc brakes. You don't say but I ***ume you have a V8 engine. Suggest a 327 or 350. No need for a big block. A 283 or six cylinder will work but you will feel the lack of power. You should also have a good load equalizing hitch, hitch receiver and electric brake controller. There is a new brand of EQ hitch made by Anderson that should be ideal for your use. They are very popular for trucks and SUVs towing horse trailers, Airstreams, etc. No need for air bags or overload springs if you have an EQ hitch. They distribute the tongue weight over the front axle, rear axle and trailer axle for best weight distribution and handling. Properly set up, you should be able to tow that trailer from coast to coast in all conditions and hardly know it is back there.
I don't know why you are stuck on a 55 - 59 model. There are lots of late model Suburbans and full size vans that would be ideal for your use.
Awesome feedback Rusty, thanks. As for the 55-59, it wont be strictly functional. I've always loved 55-57 chevy's and this will also be for promoting my business so I want it to be a head-turner. Something along the lines of these:
I think your mistaken on the GCW, it's GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) and the ratting is 5000lbs. That means the trucks total maximum weight cannot exceed 5000lbs. I have a 66 panel and just checked -it's the same for the suburbans. So long as you have a properly rated cl*** III hitch and not a bumper hitch you'll be fine. My panel has a cl*** III, handles up to 500lbs of tongue weight and will easily pull a loaded car trailer (around 5000 lbs total towed weight). as El Scotto mentioned, drive responsibly - these are trucks and were used as such when new.
Thanks for the feedback Pete. Sorry, typo. Meant GCVW, not GCW, which is actually blank on the suburbans (which I figured was their way of saying "not for towing"). If you figure the suburban is about 4000 lbs, if you add 2-4 people and a 3000 lb trailer then you are a couple thousand pounds over the weight. Not saying it can't be done, I just don't want to white knuckle it/have to replace parts quicker than normal. My wife will haul the trailer from time to time as well so safety is also a concern.
The GCVW means gross capacity vehicle weight, as in the most the vehicle itself is rated to carry. That doesn't translate to a limited towing capacity, if it did than all newer trucks that have a GCVW of +6000 lbs (think any 1 ton american truck) shouldn't have a tow rating of more than 1000 or so lbs when in fact they are usually rated for 8000 or pounds towing capacity. What it all depends on is driving style, speed your traveling, tires and of course brakes. If you install a brake controller and tow a trailer with brakes, have good tires and adequate brakes your rig will be fine. Damn, I'm busted! Thanks Scott!!!
Check out Squirrel's latest build,57 Suburban http://bangshift.com/blog/project-c...-blah-to-beautiful-an-inspirational-tale.html .
Actually, no. It's gross combined (or combination) vehicle weight (or GCWR gross combined weight rating). There's no such thing as gross capacity vehicle weight. "GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) Weight specified by the manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a towing vehicle and its trailer. The sum of the loaded vehicle weight of the truck and trailer should not exceed the GCWR.GCWR = vehicle curb weight + payload + trailer weight + driver and p***engers" From Ford's website http://www.ford.com/help/glossary/?letter=g. You'll find similar info is on other company's websites and wikis. I'd be shocked to see a modern truck with a GCWR of 8000 lbs. GVW maybe, but not GCWR. As I mentioned, every old suburban I've seen has their GWR but the GCWR is blank which implied to me it is not designed for towing or towing capacity. Since it was blank I did oversimplify it by just going off of GWR and using that for GCWR to be on the safe side and I get the gist of what you're saying. I'd just rather be safe than sorry.
look at what series the ch***is is on the suburban and that should give you a close weight rating , 5x5 lugs are 1/2 tons , 6x lugs are 3/4, 8x lugs are 1 ton , a half ton should pull a maximum gross trailer weight of 5,000 pounds with brakes , 2500 without , checking the ammount of leaves in a spring pack also can be used to determine weight ratings, , more leafs more weight , coil springs are 1/2 ton and brake drum diameters , can be crossed in a old repair manual if you have one too , as for towing a 3K trailer . 2-500 pounds on the tounge and you should be ok to pull it but use a frame reciever type hitch, and a braking system on the trailer
I appreciate what you saying, it's always better to be safe than sorry as we all have to share the roadways.
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