New Squarebody owner

[SDogg930]

Hey all, my name is Sam, I'm from Southern Indiana. My grandfather has had a 1989 Chevrolet Suburban since new, he got it to use on the farm as a support truck (carried tools, gas, farm stuff, chainsaws, etc). It has worked hard, never a day off. 2 years ago he got a new Suburban for this use. He used it to drive to Bowling Green in 2021 with a trailer, and after that parked it. Fast forward to last week, "Hey Sam, you need something to get to school with don't you?", I said "Yeah, I was going to go to Evansville to car shop out there". He said, "No, I got that Suburban. The old one, never use it anymore. You can have it for $50, and move my tractor to the driveway". After he hunted for the title (and I went hunting), I got this Suburban. Its got 165,000 farm miles, and it’s loaded with options. I never really rode around in it, but it’s got a lot of options. Bucket seats electric Windows, dual rear doors, and 4wd. It’s got some rough spots (what Indiana truck doesn’t have rough spots?), the steering isn’t exactly the best, and it has a slow oil leak. The radio is decent but I’d like to put in a new radio.

Yes this is my first car, no I won’t be putting aftermarket 20” wide rims with a 10 inch front lift and a 4 inch lowering kit for the rear. That’s just not my style. The only real problem I have with it being my first car, is that it’s not a fuel sipper. Granted, 5.7 V8 from 1989, what should I expect? I can’t wait when I get to take this on a big trip with my friends (and all their stuff, very comfortably might I add) to the coast. Long winded post, I know. I’m proud to own this truck. Thanks

 

[animal]

Where's the pictures??

 

[Snoots]

Welcome to GMSB!

 

[Soundmound]

Welcome from the PNW!

 

[SirRobyn0]

@SDogg930 Hi Sam Welcome to the site.

You got to look at fuel economy in a different way with these trucks. You have to look at the over all picture. Yes, you might only get 10 - 12 mpg, but your insurance will be cheaper than a newer vehicle and you'll be much more likely to be able to fix problems on it yourself and not end up having to pay someone to fix it.

 

[1979 c20]

Welcome aboard from the mouth of the Columbia. SirRobyn0 is right, you pay up front what doesn't bite you in the butt with squares, like ridiculous insurance rates and parts costs. Plus, you get to look way cooler than those dweebs with their tacos.

Have fun, and don't forget to shoot us the obligatory pics, no one reads for the articles here.

 

[WFO]

Welcome from the Texas Panhandle.

 

[Shorty81]

Welcome from NW Ohio.

 

[Memaloose]

Likewise, welcome from NW AZ!

 

[Corvette Ed]

Welcome to the forum from East Tennessee.

 

[R Carnella]

Congratulations on your first car and welcome. you scored big time...not only one of the greatest trucks ever made, but cool as hell too. I joined a little late in the game and got mine a few years ago. Post some pics when you can, here's my 1990 after ALOT of work

 

[scrap--metal]

Yes this is my first car, no I won’t be putting aftermarket 20” wide rims with a 10 inch front lift and a 4 inch lowering kit for the rear. That’s just not my style. The only real problem I have with it being my first car, is that it’s not a fuel sipper. Granted, 5.7 V8 from 1989, what should I expect?

Welcome, and it sounds like you have the right idea! Don't worry about the gas mileage, that's not the point. If you get used to the sub-15 mpg economy now, you won't know anything different. Drive with a light foot, and get your buddies to drive you around when you can. For an initial investment of only $50, hopefully you'll be able to afford some fuel and a couple quarts of oil.

You have to look at the over all picture. Yes, you might only get 10 - 12 mpg, but your insurance will be cheaper than a newer vehicle and you'll be much more likely to be able to fix problems on it yourself and not end up having to pay someone to fix it.

^^^ That's why these trucks are awesome! And he should definitely get over 10 mpg under normal driving conditions if everything is running good. I think 12 mpg is probably a good estimate.

 

[SirRobyn0]

Welcome, and it sounds like you have the right idea! Don't worry about the gas mileage, that's not the point. If you get used to the sub-15 mpg economy now, you won't know anything different. Drive with a light foot, and get your buddies to drive you around when you can. For an initial investment of only $50, hopefully you'll be able to afford some fuel and a couple quarts of oil.


^^^ That's why these trucks are awesome! And he should definitely get over 10 mpg under normal driving conditions if everything is running good. I think 12 mpg is probably a good estimate.

I agree, but it seems like from what I've seen it all depends on the rear end ratio and the amount of time the secondaries are open. IDK, if you have heard me talk about it before but my record in my truck is 16.9. That's with a 305, 700R4 3.41 rear end, and driving 60 on the highway. So I've seen that figure one time. Realistically you can't go 60 around here on the highway, so it's more like 14.5 - 15 on the highway, 12 - 13 on my commute.

 

[Terry Wilkerson]

Welcome from KC

 

[John-Ryan]

Welcome to the Burb crew!! Sweet deal you got, hold onto it as long as you can.