Yesssss the sun visor on the burb is my absolute favorite as well!! Always loved when old burbs rock the sun visor

love the old burb. I am looking for another 86-90 suburban when i replace my jeep. Unfortunetly im my parts hard to find one thats not rusted out badly. I get the cummins swap, very cool, but i'd prefer a gas motor. I did recently find one running on propane. Can't wait to get back into the squarebody life. I has an 86 back 20 years ago and regret ever selling it.

Cool you’re out of SB.I’m a mechanic in Ojai its nice watching a local whose made it.

@ryannance9673

2 ай бұрын

Cheeeew ojai loc born and raised

Thank you for the ck-in video. I'm taking your recommendations on my 89 burb build. Appreciate all your time invested in sharing knowledge!

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

of course! Thats the whole drive of the channel. Get these trucks built and running!

Thank you brother for inspiring me to keep learning

This burb has continued to get better and better. As someone who's ridden in it, watched it wheel in Death Valley, and been around for some of the "before vs. after" comparisons on improvements lately, it's just an awesome rig! The sound deadening and door hinge improvement made a huge difference! Keep doing great work James!

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

thanks homey! Having AC has been a game changer!

Easily the best square body Suburban build on the ‘tubes! Makes me miss my cherry ‘91 6.2 powered noise maker. Had a dealer installed Banks Sidewinder turbo. The seats in those rigs are so comfortable too. Great job on all the hard work!

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

thanks homey!

I'm exact opposite. My dad taught me to drive in a 1969 3 door suburban. Went from that to an 85 box body. My first experience driving a small car was my brother's 1980 Toyota stock mini truck. I just remember being scared to death people were going to drive over me. Now days I have a just barely over street legal to still pass CJ7. Still can't drive sports cars all these years later Beautiful truck!

I just found your channel and have watched one other video before this one and moving to your Burb build set. I just bought a 1985 GMC Suburban and I am so excited to begin working on it. I bought the Chassis manual, still looking for the Body shop manual. There are so many things swimming around in my head about what needs to be done and what i would like to do. The one thing you mentioned was a sway bar and bags that I had not thought about but I think would be a good idea. This vehicle will be my home while I travel around the US. I sure would like to talk with you. I am watching your full series once I leave this comment. I look forward to what you have to say and figure out a few more things that I might have to consider doing. I was thinking of having an 1999 - 2006 LS engine converted to a carburetor to get rid of all computer trash. Its a manual trans now but i want to go to an auto since I haven't driven a manual in over 4 decades as well as it being easier to travel for me. Hope to hear from you.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

I do actually offer build consulting for this exact reason. Gives us an hour to dig into your build, get targets and projects lined up. Where you should spend your money and time and any other build questions we can come up with . www.merricksgarage.com/build-consulting

Love the BURB BUILD SIR!!

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

Pretty freakin cool man love it gettin ready to take 2 of my pops dream trucks and make the vision he had real lol a Cummins swapped k20 with factory manual trans but will upgrade the transmission to the nv4500 and if I don’t like the 5th gear I’ll go with the 6spd . It’s awesome to see you go from your driveway to a full blown shop congrats on that.

Ive been drooling over this rig since i found your channel. Im a big fan of this year sub. Ive wondered how much this rig cost to build,Id to find one but there is none to find with these improvements. Great job with this build.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Thanks man. It’s got about $100k in parts alone

How are you doing love the video. I have a 1999 Chevy suburban barn doors. I love the thing paid two grand runs like a champ.

I like the Ford obs shock tower. Did the same on my 70 blazer

Do you ever get hassled by the law for the lift on your square bodies in California? I lived in Mission Viejo, CA back in the 70's and 80's, and the Orange County Sheriffs would hassle me all the time about a 1978 K30 I had that only had 6" of lift with 35" tires back then. That is why I will not set one tire tread over into California state line with my 10" lifted square body I have now.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

no, the only place I have been pulled over for the lift was in Montana when I was supposed to have mudflaps

@itsmemaaaark

Жыл бұрын

70s and 80s huh. Interesting. I almost never get bothered with my truck. 6" lift and 37s. I use to be paranoid of my dark tinted windows if anything.

Love this rig. I have a 89 that I’m messing with. Do you happen to have a link to your headlight and the parking lights?

Another great video.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it

All those shifters reminds me of my 1963 MERCEDES-BENZ UNIMOG 404S 💥🙂👊👍👍✌🇺🇸

I know what you mean by feeling like a BOSS riding around in a lifted square body. I feel the same way every time I get behind the wheel of my square body crew cab 4X4 with 10" lift and 38" tires. If you take out the doubler in your Burb then I guess that means dealing with drive shafts again. I have the same set of shocks you have. My truck gets a bit bouncy on rough streets and trails, but I just deal with.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Yea driveshaft would prob go back to what it was lol!

Its a very cool suburban ! I have 3 of them, And I want to do different things to each one, 2 4x4 and 1 2wd

I ordered my lift, so I should be good to go on my build over the winter... The only real factor I haven't quite figured out is the second fuel tank.... I will be keeping my oe fuel system ( the diesel system but upgraded ) but I am trying to figure out a second tank for alternate fuels. Once the motor is warmed up, you can run whatever you want through the 12 valve, used motor oil, used fryer oil, ect., without needing to make it " bio diesel ". There are a few items I plan on doing a little different, but you have built just about the same as I have collected parts for. Maybe we can meet at some event once I get off my lazy azs and get this done.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

a separate tank for biodiesel sounds pretty cool.

Well I'm working on getting a 3/4 or 1 ton truck and our 99 K1500 Z71 suburban up and running again. We have a lot of work to do😂

Hey Merrick, really love the build. I have a 1989 Chevy crew cab dually with the centurion package. I’ve done Cummins, g56 swap. And a 4wd conversion. I’ve started working on getting the interior figured out. And I just don’t know a thing about a/c systems. How to get it to turn on, if there’s any vacuum lines that need to be ran etc. I’ve got all new components for it but I was wondering if you could do a more in depth video just on how to do all that?

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

sure. It isn't as difficult as I thought it would be. The biggest issue is a vacuum source as the diesel doesn't make much vacuum. I installed a ford vacuum pump. But yea, a video would be helpful... Ill add it to the list!

You Honestly have inspired me too Cummins swap my square body suburban.. I’ve been really think about it for a while but after I saw you do it I’m definitely going to be doing that please do more updates with the Burb thank you 🙏

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

I have a ton of videos on the build up on my channel already. Check them out!

@michaelgiorsetti9385

Жыл бұрын

@@MerricksGarage well actually already have checked them all out every video on the burb I have seen I appreciate the videos on the burb just keep up the videos man I love them

@michaelgiorsetti9385

Жыл бұрын

@@MerricksGarage oh heyy I have a video idea 💡 you should do a video on how much the burb build cost that would be interesting and entertaining I think. A lot of people do it and on there channel and it topically does well not mention I have not seen a video like that about a Cummins swapped suburban

@mrb0985

Жыл бұрын

@@michaelgiorsetti9385 he has, 70k in parts

@mrb0985

Жыл бұрын

probably more now

awesome build!!! I have a 2000 Ford Excursion with a 12 valve swap and a ZF6 manual transmission and was thinking of a putting a detroit or yukon grizzly in the rear. Is your rear locker tolerable when towing or do you wish you went selectable.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

the locker in the rear works great. It is noticeable sometimes and can make a hell of a noise when it engages or releases. I usually get a funny look from my passenger when that happens, but I would do it again yes.

I think you need to start showing the Blazer some love.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

I agree, it has been getting some work off screen though. I found some cracks in the frame I am fixing and adding the big brake kit to it right now. Rubicon at the end of this month so....

I’d say keep the paint job exactly as it is Sir

a trick I found when swapping between my tube doors and real doors is to use an engine lift to hold up the door instead of two more people lolol

Where did you get your headlights and fog/turn lights? Yours looks very cool. I have a 89 K5 and i would love to start upgrading them to LED.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

the small LED are from KC.

I bought rancho Blazer front springs I had Wrangler Jeep springs cut the eyelets off and made my own leaf spring packs for my 98 Chevy experimented with them and it rode smooth as hell love Merricks garage 🇺🇸🦾

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Right on

What gears did you install? I have several gen 2 Dodge cummins with the 3.54 gears, lockers ect & love that gear combo with both my NV & 47RE... granted both have compounds but good mpg empty & loaded towing. I'm putting Allison's in the 85 Crewcab & 88 six door... prob step up to 37in tires. Bumping your axle gears would allow you to use your existing gears better & adding a K27. Later on you can add a larger one to give you amazing towing ability while keeping your egt's below 1300. Love my exhaust brake... 5in inline. Ever though about 4 linking & 11in rolling bags? Drop to load/unload as well as lower softer ride on the freeway... side winds don't push you around & way better aerodynamics. Want to open the wheel well openings by sectioning the openings so 35-37in tires fit better & looks like factory... possibly raise them slightly as well. Did you have any space issues with the exhaust & the front driveshaft? Love the fact you kept your stock AC system... it's my plan also. How much firewall clearance do you have? I'm going to stick with a mechanical fan even if it means welding in a slightly deeper firewall blister. You know how much room if any is inside? Figure just squaring off the top & sides would prob do it? Did you offset your engine to the drivers side any? 2wd steering box & crossover correct? Thanks Again!

@MerricksGarage

2 ай бұрын

this is running 4.10 gearing and 38's and it is just about in its sweet spot.

I love what you have done to your suburban! I personally love the 67-72 body style. We have a few, all 3/4 ton including a blazer and suburban (we like the tailgate and hatch for visibility). I was wondering what gear ratio you run in the differentials. . My 69 came stock with 456 gears and a Detroit locker. The rear end is a HO72. And I currently run 35 or 36 inch tires. Unfortunately all are not running. I have been driving a 2004 gmc Sierra 2500hd 4x4 with a duramax. Surprisingly the duramax tows about as well as my 69 with the 454 I put in (454 was built a little above stock by a local builder back in 91). My duramax gets average 17 mpg, my 69 is about 10 mpg. So I'm kind of in the TR4050.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

I am running 4.10 gears with the transmission and 38" tires. Considering regearing to 3.73

@JayCrash450

11 ай бұрын

⁠@@MerricksGarageYour gearing is going to the opposite direction of mine. I’m running 4.88’s on 37”s (‘91 v3500 crew has a 12 valve/nv4500 and a gear vendors). Either way you go, I see you probably trying that rpm down to about 1800rpm @ 70mph….she’ll just buzz down the Highway!

I recently went with a full PSC kit on my CUCV. Now I’m having issues with the steering being slow and stiff. They sent me a bigger flow control fitting but it didn’t really help. I’m thinking the hydroboost is restricting the flow needed for having a ram assist. Did you have any issues with this?

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

something else is going on. You still have the diesel? You may need a larger pulley on the pump.... It sounds like you have something binding. That is the challenge with Hydro assist, it can hide issues and problems as it can just power through them. Try and run the steering manually without the ending running.

I recall you had a brief clip somewhere of the frame reinforcements, I believe on the suburban. It wasn't a plate, it was on the inside of the frame... where can I find a video of that?

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Good question. I need to dig that segment out and have it be a standalone video.

@trashbandit2449

Жыл бұрын

@@MerricksGarage please do, I'd really look forward to that. The more detail the better

After your experience doing the 6bt burb, would you ever build a 4bt blazer? Or do you think the weight difference of the ls would offset any the performance gains?

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Yea power loss not worth it and it’s not as balanced as the 6 is. Despite the reputation, at cruise the 6 is sewing machine smooth

How did you navigate the California smog/registration? I have a 91 cummins burb and im looking to move to cali, just curious how you did it

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

This was a registered diesel vin before the swap

Do you have a video on the rugged radio

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Not yet…

I still have that 1993 2500 4x4 surberbon set up for a cummins ! Free to you???

What about the body bushings and do you have a body lift? You didn't speak about these two things...

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

The poly bushings were to replace the old worn out bushings. They are pretty necessary on most builds especially those with higher mileage like the burb. The ones on my dually look really good, but that only has 100k on it. the body spacers were necessary for ample firewall and exhaust clearance. I wasn't excited about using them, but they really made a difference fitting it all together somewhat easily!

You americans got the nicest motors - BIG V8's!!! Where comes the fascination for Diesels from???

@MerricksGarage

10 ай бұрын

Diesels are great for torque and power. Great for towing. While a built diesel can be freaking amazing there is nothing quite like a howling V8

You did an incredible job building your burb. I’m about halfway through doing a 24 valve swap into my 85 long box. Lots of work as you know, but it’s gonna be worth it.

This is one truck I actually like the patina look on. Normally I can't stand it.

I'm curious about your transmission choice. I was in need of a transmission for my 6bt and know of a tremec 4050 rotting away in mexico but when I asked my local transmission shops they said it wouldn't hold up.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Yea they were available in South America and Mexico in HD trucks for GM and Ford

@gfamily8406

Жыл бұрын

@Merricks Garage Yes I found a Dodge Ram 4000 in Tijuana for $1,500.00 with a bad motor(Hemi 5.7L). I called Silver Sport Transmissions but they told me it wouldn't work as a replacement for my broken Nv5600. Idk why if they sell kits for Nv4500.

Great video! I have the oportunity to buy a square body from 1987 here in Spain for 8000 dollars. 6.2 Diesel. 105.000 km what do you think? :)

How much have you invested in the burb its awesome, im guessing more than 50k, beautiful truck 😁👍🏼

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

double that and you are getting close. Its all the little things that add up. Condenser for AC, stereo, driveshafts, window tinting, sound deadener.....

@alexalejandre5053

Жыл бұрын

@@MerricksGarage 👀woow awesome 👍🏼👍🏼 bad ass truck are you planning on painting it it looks cool like that but personally i think a good paint job will do better justice for that bad ass truck

What would be your thoughts on the 203/205 with an auto?

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

I mean if you really need the gears I would be looking at the magnum box over a doubler

@richardgreen1142

Жыл бұрын

@@MerricksGarage I too am doing a 12valve swap and am gonna use the 47re trans. Thing is I can’t find a dodge 205 and I have a new (rebuilt) Chevy 205 and have a good 203. It will be going into a 86 crew cab 3+3. I’ll look into the mag box. Thanks.

I would leave the doubler, and just put higher geared DIFF's with lockers on both. It would be well worth the upgrade, and your setup after that would be ready for anything. When the lower gears are useful is pulling heavy loads, or tractor pulling something big out of the mud.

Beauty truck ❤chevy love

@MerricksGarage

6 ай бұрын

I love it

Its a credit to you on this build tryed to give away "free " 1993 2500 4x4 surberbon set up for cummins ! No luck so started to finish 12 valve 47 rh any way thks for your videos

Here's the most important question. How many cupholders?? ;)

The rig is awesome … if ya don’t want it I’ll take it gladly off your hands 👍🏻👍🏻

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

did you watch the video? ha ha ha!

@dixiemae5042

Жыл бұрын

@@MerricksGarage I mean you could’ve changed your mind … lol

Do you know how much it fully weighs?

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

right around 8150 lbs. She's a big girl

How did you register in Cali ?

@MerricksGarage

10 ай бұрын

It’s a diesel title

Just curious what sort of fuel mileage are you getting?

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

12-14 but I still need to do some work on the fueling

@redneck305xD

Жыл бұрын

@@MerricksGarage I’m sure you’ll make a video about it lol love your content and thanks for the reply.

How you smog it

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

it doesn't need smog. Its titled as a diesel

Bro like Iron Man for square body. Aka Tony Stark

I just think it would be a disservice to drop the doubler. lol.. You gotta leave it in, just for the bragging rights.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

ha ha. Well it isn't high on my list as it is working. But next time I have to replace the clutch it is probably coming out. I will leave the shifter farm in place though to look like I have 748 speeds!

@calholli

Жыл бұрын

@@MerricksGarage Those new Broncos' manuals have a 7 speed gear box. Which is actually just a typical 5 speed with the 6th being a LOW gear: Like the ZF 6speeds in the SuperDuty's.. but the Bronco has a 7th "C" gear, which is even lower, for "crawl gear" -- which almost acts as a doubler, built right into the transmission, because it's so low. Very cool design.

Does it smog?

@witcher71

Жыл бұрын

Pre '98 model year in California doesn't require diesel automotive smog. Once you notify the DMV that you've "Changed mode of population" (Gas to Diesel), they will send you to the Smog referee for an inspection. If you pass then you will be given a tag to attach to the firewall and new registration with the correct acronym for a diesel engine. After that, it's legit and no more Smog inspection. California has a lot of stupid requirements but this one is one of very few cool ones.

@marcelhenry7243

Жыл бұрын

@@witcher71 thanks for that info I always thought it had to have been a diesel truck to begin with yo be exempt

That is such an awesome rig. Guys would give their left nut for a sweet burban.

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

well it cost me a lot of sweat and blood!

I want to put a Cummins on my truck

💥💥💥💥1'st time viewer WOW .....FUCKING AWESOME TRUCK MAN 💥💥💥💥🙂👊👍👍✌🇺🇸

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Thanks man. Wish you were more excited

How often do you get pulled over by the "tax collectors" in Cali?

@MerricksGarage

Жыл бұрын

Hasn’t happened once. In either truck

@mkperez7465

Жыл бұрын

@@MerricksGarage crazy, I got pulled over 4 times living in Monterey for like a year and half lol all of them were modified exhaust and modified vehicle stops. All I had was a straight piped evo with texas plates. lulz.