1991 suburban project

Hello all. Just purchased a 1991 suburban from the original owner and it needs some work. Not sure what direction to go with this. Is a v1500 with a 5.7. It’s been sitting for 3 years, but started right up after putting a battery in it (super surprised with 3 year old gas).

Thinking of putting an 5.3LS in it as I have donor vehicle lined up for cheap and looking to see about putting 3/4 or 1 ton axles under it. Just browsing and found a wealth of knowledge so far and hope to contribute in the future.

Welcome aboard

All depends on your plans for the truck. One ton axles are becoming a premium, but I’m all for it. You’ll get 10 different opinions on what to do with the engine, but no one will argue with a Dana 60 and 14ff.

welcome! good to see another burb in the mix.

figure out your uses for the truck and let that guide you on your path.

I have a 1990 v1500 with a 3in lift, 33in tires, and mostly stock drivetrain 350TBI and 700r4 with 3.73 gears. I use it as a daily driver, family hauler to the farms, and hunting rig with mild offloading that is usually associated with hunting trips or the farms.

I have thought about an LS swap, but I like the very simple TBI set up and it gets around town ok and cruises the highway fine at 75mph. if I were to change anything on mine, I would get 4.10 gears to help with the tire size and push the rpm a little higher into the power band on the highway.

if I were going to tow more than a few thousand pounds regularly or beat it up in the rocks offroad, I would look into different engine and axles. but those aren't my uses so I can keep it simple.

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.

welcome from Connecticut

LS swap would be super easy on a 91, since you already have the fuel injection and the vss speedometer. You can swap a 5.3 or 6.0/4l60e straight out for the 5.7/700R4 with pretty minimal extra parts. You would need swap mount plates and swap headers and switch the TBI fuel pump for an EP381 pump.

Your burb looks alot like @Vbb199 burb.

3FingerDan said:

Hello all. Just purchased a 1991 suburban from the original owner and it needs some work. Not sure what direction to go with this. Is a v1500 with a 5.7. It’s been sitting for 3 years, but started right up after putting a battery in it (super surprised with 3 year old gas).

Thinking of putting an 5.3LS in it as I have donor vehicle lined up for cheap and looking to see about putting 3/4 or 1 ton axles under it. Just browsing and found a wealth of knowledge so far and hope to contribute in the future.

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Nice truck, peak my pfp.... i got your brother kinda... 1989

Welcome from Oregon.

3FingerDan said:

Hello all. Just purchased a 1991 suburban from the original owner and it needs some work. Not sure what direction to go with this. Is a v1500 with a 5.7. It’s been sitting for 3 years, but started right up after putting a battery in it (super surprised with 3 year old gas).

Thinking of putting an 5.3LS in it as I have donor vehicle lined up for cheap and looking to see about putting 3/4 or 1 ton axles under it. Just browsing and found a wealth of knowledge so far and hope to contribute in the future.

You must be registered for see images attach

Click to expand...

Great project start. That is great news after starting with 3yo gas in it. How much gas is in it now? I'm wondering if it might be a good idea to top off with 91 octane or whatever you can get without ethanol and run it out.

So let's hear the story about 3 fingers. So what happened that you lost a few??? We're open and honest like family here, so don't be shy. Spill it. I see 4 fingers and a thumb on the Left hand, so it must be the right hand missing some digits.

I'd fire up a build thread in the Under Construction section and document your progress while getting help, ideas, suggestions and opinions along the way.

Nice burb! Almost identical to ours.