Searching for My Dad's 1979 Chevy Suburban

[legopnuematic]

How much is the truck lifted? I believe after 4" crossover steering is recommended. I'm sure there were/are plenty of trucks that are lifted at 4" and beyond and not using a crossover setup.

I'd investigate the steering box, seems like the aftermarket for them is a pretty big crap shoot. Due to certain parts not being available a lot of them use parts of varying condition.

And unfortunately in the present world "new" ≠ good in some cases.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Sorry, late to the game but shouldn't the VIN be thirteen digits? Just curious as I see that length for other 79 years.
Granted most sites want 81 or newer but others still say yours is invalid.

Example, 79 T/A

You must be registered for see images attach

You are correct it was 13

 

[TheHoundsman]

Would not recommend that job to a novice imo. Would also say that you should double check all steering components and fix as necessary. Then you will need to check toe adjustment. Then see how it runs. I've got 35's on stock steering.

Can any auto shop check the toe?

 

[TheHoundsman]

How much is the truck lifted? I believe after 4" crossover steering is recommended. I'm sure there were/are plenty of trucks that are lifted at 4" and beyond and not using a crossover setup.

I'd investigate the steering box, seems like the aftermarket for them is a pretty big crap shoot. Due to certain parts not being available a lot of them use parts of varying condition.

And unfortunately in the present world "new" ≠ good in some cases.

It has a 4 inch rough country life on it. Not sure the condition of the lift as it was on there when I got it.

 

[legopnuematic]

Can any auto shop check the toe?

On a straight axle truck you can get pretty close with a tape measure. Make a reference mark on each tire and tape measure across from the front, rotate tires 180⁰ so marks are rearward and shoot the tape across again. Compare your two numbers and that gives you a basic idea of where it's at.

I'm not sure on these trucks but zero toe in slightly toed in is likely what you want. Not much as too much toe in or out will eat tires quick.

 

[TheHoundsman]

On a straight axle truck you can get pretty close with a tape measure. Make a reference mark on each tire and tape measure across from the front, rotate tires 180⁰ so marks are rearward and shoot the tape across again. Compare your two numbers and that gives you a basic idea of where it's at.

I'm not sure on these trucks but zero toe in slightly toed in is likely what you want. Not much as too much toe in or out will eat tires quick.

Thank you very much this is very helpful

 

[TheHoundsman]

Good evening guys. I may have mentioned this before but the wiring in the Burb is an absolute mess. Literally there are just loose wires hanging everywhere. As a result I am thinking that it might be best for the long run to just rewire the whole thing. I have seen a bunch of people recommending Painless. Does anyone have any experience with Painless or any other brands and do you have any advice or recommendations. Thanks as always for all your help and advice.

 

[crazy4offroad]

These trucks are notorious for the frame breaking at the steering box. So bad in fact there are repair plates and reinforcing kits to weld in and bolt in. I saw a lot of tie rod ends, ball joints and wheel bearings on your invoice but didn't see (or maybe missed) any mention of the drag link which could have been one of the tie rod end entries, I'm not sure. Those are the 2 things I'd check, frame and drag link. If the ball joint adjusters weren't replaced it could be close to the correct camber/ caster or it could be worn out and needs aligned.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Thanks I did check the frame for cracking at the steering box and it does not appear to be cracked. With that said I already purchased the reinforcing plate and plan to install it when I put the new steering box in. As for drag links he told me he replaced them and looking under the truck it does look new. I’ll try to get some pics band send them over. He also told me he replaced the ball joints but I bought new ones to install on the new knuckles for the crossover. If I can get under it and get some good photos I’ll share them here. Appreciate the input.

 

[idahovette]

Did a Painless in my G-son's 79 K10 about a year and a half ago. Went in well and has worked flawlessly.

 

[legopnuematic]

I think my buddy used a painless harness in his 75 K5.

Got some pictures of the wiring mess (we like pictures)?

Looking at some of the previous pictures you shared appears to have aftermarket gauges/tach and a din radio cut in.

If the spaghetti wiring is from the added on stuff, and the OE harness is mostly unharmed, and functional I’d just clean up what’s there and tidy everything up. If the factory harness has been chopped up a bunch I’d lean towards a replacement.

Just my 2¢.

 

[TheHoundsman]

I think my buddy used a painless harness in his 75 K5.

Got some pictures of the wiring mess (we like pictures)?

Looking at some of the previous pictures you shared appears to have aftermarket gauges/tach and a din radio cut in.

If the spaghetti wiring is from the added on stuff, and the OE harness is mostly unharmed, and functional I’d just clean up what’s there and tidy everything up. If the factory harness has been chopped up a bunch I’d lean towards a replacement.

Just my 2¢.

Pictures are incoming

 

[TheHoundsman]

I think my buddy used a painless harness in his 75 K5.

Got some pictures of the wiring mess (we like pictures)?

Looking at some of the previous pictures you shared appears to have aftermarket gauges/tach and a din radio cut in.

If the spaghetti wiring is from the added on stuff, and the OE harness is mostly unharmed, and functional I’d just clean up what’s there and tidy everything up. If the factory harness has been chopped up a bunch I’d lean towards a replacement.

Just my 2¢.

You may be right and TBH I don’t really know enough to know just how bad the wiring is. I just know that there seems to be wires hanging everywhere and I had to rerun the rear break light wiring.

 

[TheHoundsman]

Wiring Photos 1

 

[TheHoundsman]

Photos 2