Finally did it! Bought a suburban, what now?

[Thesiger]

Few days ago I finally ended my search and bought a 1990 GMC 1500 suburban.

This truck has higher miles, (220K) but a low miles engine. (150K) A few reasons why I decided on this rig: 1, the price was right, only 3,400$. 2, repairs. the high miles didn't put me off becasue I saw how much work had been done and parts replaced, so I figured it was enough to out weigh the dis-benefits. 3, the owner is an experienced mechanic. and I'm actually paying him (He's been very reasonable on price) to button up the remaining loose ends in the truck.

What now? What are some things to consider? problem areas to address? Throw some suggestions my way. by the way thing things I'm paying him to fix are: ball joint, air conditioning, radio, new rockers all round. Things I know need work yet: Exhaust, rear wheel wells.

Pictures VVV

 

[TX87R10]

Dang that is a helluva price unless I am missing something obvious Looks awesome

 

[Thesiger]

I hope so too, fingers crossed to doesn't blow up in the driveway in the next month

 

[SquareRoot]

LS swap and let r rip tater chip!

 

[Grit dog]

Congrats on the new rig! So much for the gas mileage you were asking about before , but looks like you can make plenty of gas money plowing snow next winter!
Idk what the market is for snow plowing where you’re at, but some of the best $/hr I’ve ever made to date was contract plowing for a guy back in the early 90s in the Midwest.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

Nothing wrong with a TBI 350....

 

[Thesiger]

I think the mileage won't actually be so bad. He says he drives it 90 miles regularly and he guesses he can get 12 to 15 highway.

 

[Thesiger]

I can't afford an LS swap anyway guys!!!! I'm poor!

 

[Grit dog]

Dang that is a helluva price unless I am missing something obvious Looks awesome

Yeah that looks like a great deal if it’s in good running order. Looks like most of the purchase price could be chalked up to all the new parts, tires and plow setup. The burb was almost free if you look at it that way.
Which is how to gauge value on most any older or higher mile used car. Take the purchase price and subtract all the things that WONT need to be fixed or replaced in the near future. Then add back in the things that will need to be done.

 

[Grit dog]

I can't afford an LS swap anyway guys!!!! I'm poor!

Good news is that truck can pay for itself, maybe a couple times over next winter!
Pro tip, if you do plow snow commercially, try to get most/all residential work vs doing parking lots. Far easier on the equipment.

 

[big91burb]

Nice truck! I am brand new here too just picked up a 91 Scottsdale v2500 burb last weekend! Very solid truck small rust areas only and its got a fresh TH400, 6in lift track bars and brand new 37in Super swampers on it. Jumped in and drove 4hrs home no issues.

 

[big91burb]

I was surprised the TBI 350 and TH400 did between 10 and 12MPG (very light footed) on the 4hr ride home. That's with the 37SS's I would say if you keep the skinny petal under control you would see every bit of those MPG's. Although when buying a squarebody Burb the last thought on your mind should be " Hope I get good gas milage!" Hahahahahaahaha

 

[Thesiger]

Show us a picture of your new gas guzzler!!

 

[Thesiger]

Also sorry to throw a wet blanket on you guys, but I turned down the plow ( still could get it though) It just would've been an extra 800 dollars, and I wanted some cash leftover. But I figured the tires alone would make up a 3rd of the price so I so think it was a decent deal. Sorry

 

[Originalthor]

Nice burb. One thing on those gas skid plates is if theres dirt packed in there and has been there for a long time don't touch it until your ready for a gas tank replacement.