Man, I am going to live vicariously through you. I would absolutely love to build something like this and take my family on a trip like that. Excellent memories. Well done Sir.
Currently doing a 12v swap on my dentside crew cab. I also have a wife, daughter and two sons. Can’t wait to drag them along on some adventures! Loved this video. Thank you.
I totally dig the way your ‘Burb turned out and think you built the ultimate family truckster. You’ve got a beautiful family and what an amazing road trip, creating a ton of great memories!
I've been watching your video's for awhile now and its inspired me to fix up my 86 K1500 to be able to pull a small camper for me and my wife to go exploring this Great land. Thank you
On keeping the kiddos warm in the back. I have used cheap heaters that plug into the outlet for cigarette lighter. "Yes myself and my truck are old". They work great and are very cheap, so when they stop working its no biggie.
My father in law and I just took a almost 9hr trip in my 12 valve swapped 05 chevy 2500hd to pick up a unicorn car 1960 studebaker lark 4dr with only 4k miles on it unfortunately the engine is a lost cause but the trip went great no issues at all from the truck closing in quickly on 10,000 miles since building it and other than a power steering leak and a very small oil leak I really cannot complain! The burb looks awsome and so happy it's working out so well and man is that some beautiful country out there!! Keep up the awsome work and vids!
Your wife is great! My wife thinks I should just get a new truck every time something happens. This is why we carry tools and most importantly knowledge!
Yeah I own older vehicles including a 1983 K30 I'm putting a Cummins in. And people think I'm an idiot "just buy a new truck and be done." I guess they don't understand how you can wrench on something yourself and you learn to trust it, and you KNOW it's reliable because you did all the work. And you become so familiar with that machine that if something DOES go wrong, you're the best man to fix it. Also people who don't know engines don't get how legendary the reliability is on those 12 valves. There is no setup I would trust more on a long important trip than a 12 valve and a manual.
Such a cool rig. My best friends mom drove an 84 for most of my life giving us rides to and from the bus stop in the sierra snow. I love what you’ve done with it!
Next time you’re having trouble keeping the engine warm just put something like cardboard in front of your radiator to stop as much air flow from going through. Edit…I posted this right before your paper bag comment lol.
NICE NAN!!!!! Sounds EXCITING!! Just Made a 3,000 miles trip from Chicago to Twin Falls Idaho in my 1989 Diesel suburban...EXCEPT..EXCEPT....when I hit the plummeting, freezing cold temperatures of 25 degrees... I had to crawl up in the back and sleep🥲😂🤷♂️😌 Congratulations.
The cummins will do the same mileage towing a 5 ton tag . They are very noisy. You need to go triple insulation. Then it will just be noisy. They will wear a front end out every 2 years or so because of the weight. They are a great engine but I will stick with my 92 6.5 turbo mechanical diesel in my 85 Chevy K10. Bone stock 190 hp. 24 MPG all day long baby. I always enjoy your vids and want to thank you for all your work in making these come together. I can sure relate to bull work getting harder as you get older. I swapped the 6.5 for 6.2 diesel last summer. Took me a month. Had not installed an engine for 45 years or so. ( almost 66 now ) The sense of accomplishment on my first drive into town was hard to describe. cheers to you and your family
anything is good for a road trip, i'm canadian, i traveled the usa with my thumb, cars, motorcycles and the vehicle i traveled the most with is in a semi, becoming a truck driver 25 years ago got me to do awesome road trips and got paid for it LOL, hope those kids appreciate the fun times 😎
Love the build! You gotta stop listening to the GPS and go 126 jog over the 5 to the 14 north then hit the 58 east, cuts out all of LA. I'm in Ventura and make the drive twice a week to Vegas. Safe travels!
Hope you enjoy your trip to Montana I live in Montana few miles from polson. Alot of our vehicles have engine heater for cold Montana weather just plug it in during the night and your ride will start right up
Wicked rig, I just bought a 1971 GMC Suburban 3 door with barn doors at a garage sale 3 weeks ago and I'm going to be putting a 12 valve, 6spd and dana 60's in it, basically doing what you do and use it to get to unique places up north 🇨🇦. I really like the slide rack, I was thinking about one for myself and after watching this it seems like I'll make one! Gives me a lot of motivation to finish mine this winter!
That upper radiator hose looks like it has a pretty sharp bend. May want to consider cutting some from the engine side. Also, may want to get a cover for the radiator in cold weather. I use a piece of cardboard to keep some heat in the engine. You could add a CUCV grill guard and use the military canvas cover for cold weather use. Welcome to diesel life!
To fix the heat issue look into a 12v or 24v DC electric cab heater to put under the rear seat. They make them for industrial applications like heavy equipment cabs.
I have a 2001 24V. Same thing with the heat in the winter. The cooling system works so good i out cardboard in between the radiator and intercooler. Nice rig! Love watching your vids.
I have seen most of the videos but idk if I remember watching one where you installed sound detening I installed it in my 83 burb in the doors and the headliner and is made it a whole lot quieter also if your door seals are flat I would replace them or fill with like a 1/4" foam tubing and it will stiffen them up and improve the seal
Very Cool Burb. I live in Victor and saw this video....too funny! I'm heading to Pismo beach at Christmas......hopefully not having to tow with my Mog again... Quality family travel adventures. Chas
Mine quieted down significantly with rubber matting and dynamat in the bed. The road noise was incredible. I know you used lizard skin but I just can’t see how it could compare. I also added a hatch to access the tank and sender unit (I think I learned that from your Blazer build, thank you!).
I've gotten good use out of the Fia line of snap-on grill bug screens and "winter fronts". The product is ordered based on vehicle make/model and I'll bet old square body sizes are still available. Kit comes with a dozen or so peel-n-stick male snaps which appear to be made of durable PVC and the bug screen snaps directly to them to cover the grill entirely. Keeps the big grasshoppers commonly encountered in UT and MT out of the radiator. In winter, snap the bug screen off and snap on the vinyl clad quilted "winter front" which covers the entire grill and has adjustable velcro openings with which you can let in as much air flow as needed to keep the coolant warm but not too hot. In a dozen years of using Fias on my F350, I've had exactly one of the snaps come loose, so they're pretty durable. Nice looking truck. I ran an '84 K-1500 and a '90 K-1500 for a lot of miles--especially the '90. Needed to switch over to a diesel for towing but not in position to do a swap so bought a used '02 F350 single-rear-wheel w/ an original 7.3 diesel 17.5 years ago and she's still rattling along with 286,000 miles on the clock including 5 round trips from NC to MT and one more coming up in '22. Good luck with yours!
If you stop in at any of the big truck stops, you can find off-road magazines made by local off-road groups that cover East, Central, and Western Montana.
I kno it would be a little bit expensive but maybe run a can of sea foam or deisel fuel supplement in every fill up. Keeps the injectors clean and running better, and keep moisture build up in the fuel system, would help especially if your traveling somewhere cold
Vacuum to defrost might not be working or blend door issue .you might need a block heater and check the blower motor might need a replacement and if not working give it a few snacks with a hammer handle it might kick back on
Great Job on the build! You have no idea what an inspiration you’ve been,I just bought one tons for my Daughters full-size Bronco and I’m gonna tackle it myself!!
This is what it's all about brother! Great to see the Burb cruising well. What an amazing location/destination. The family interview was the best though, with Heather's non verbal comments via her eyes - - - my favorite part! Tell the family "Hi." Happy Thanksgiving!
Cool road trip. Bummer you had to go to riverside first. It’s so much faster to take the 126 to the 5 and the 5 to the 14 to Mojave and the 58 to the 15. It will shave off hours from your trip. There’s also a back road to avoid the newhall grade. A pizza box in front of the radiator works well. Was confused the first time I found one while working on a truck in Oregon. 🤷🏻♂️
I built my suburban in 38 days from junk. We drove it 10k in 17 days thru 11 states. We got 6.5 mpg. 2 years later it now has 40k on it the hard way. I don’t ask my wife’s opinion on it … she doesn’t want to be left home.
@@MerricksGarage GM 602 Crate , 3,000 stall TH 350 , NP 203 on 37’s. It’s 6,678 pounds and I live in Oregon. If you are not going up hill you are going up a big hill. Aero dynamically challenged at 75 , fuel is 20% corn by volume. It’s just part of it I guess.
My dad and I saw you guys in barstow! Your rig is sick man it caught my eye from a distance but when you passed and it was cummins swapped was what made me nearly turn around 😄 nice build man!
Move your rear axle forward with an easy inch. Since you have so much gear in the rear it wouldn't hurt the height. Really nice job you've done there, I want to do the same build with a crew cab and flatbed square body when my LB7 silverado is retired. I definitely don't want anymore new technology in my future trucks.
That mpg is a bummer. Last time I used a Cummins to drag home a truck, we averaged 22 with an empty trailer, 21 pulling a 79 chevy 3/4 ton 4x4, and only lost a mile to the gallon. Is it gearing do you suppose? Maybe one of those gear vendors units could slow your rpm and improve that a bit? Keep things a bit quieter for Wifey in the process. Lol
@@MerricksGarage That's good to hear! Great build btw! I look forward to joining you guys on UA-cam in a few months. I've got a hand full of half assed videos up now, but I will be more able to contribute when I get down to one full time job. Lol
Love the Burb... Man you did a great job, . , Ill get to that level someday. I have a GMT800 Burby 04 Z71. Would love to do a SAS one day, to be honest I do a lot of off roading and over landing in it, it is awesome. Burbs are so BIG. Love how you take the family on adventures, I have a wife and 4 kids. We have XXL roof top tent and love to camp. Can fit everything we need and the kitchen sink lol. I daily it for work, and a couple weeks ago i took the seats out and picked up a sectional sofa with it... The whole thing fit inside. Keep truckin man, maybe ill see ya out on the trail one day. I roll with a friend who has a Chanel too with a lot of cool vids and some adventures on there too. We are in Vegas. Its KnightDriveTV.
Not trying to rag on you but sure hoping for some more content. I understand how hard it is to create it especially good content so don't take anything personal just a small gripe. I have 5 channels that I really watch yours being one, maybe I just need to suck it up. none the less looking forward to the next video.
Yea the challenge is real. I have some huge news coming up about the future of the shop and channel and been buried with that stuff. Working on something for tomorrow though!
@@MerricksGarage Please don't take it personally its just you created these fans and those jerks can be needy lol... good work hope things are going well and you will have good news for everyone.
That’s funny, I’m building a c30 converted to a k30 3+3 long bed dually 12v and I spent a lot of time cutting out the floor to mount 2018 chevy seats with a console so she could be comfy and lay back. When I finally got them in I had her come out and get in, she tells me “I don’t know why you didn’t keep the bench seat”…. 🤨
Great job and awesome build! Love my 79 K30 400ci and 99 k2500 454ci. I know everyone likes the patina look but I would love to see fresh white paint on it:)
If you don't mind me asking from start to finish where you're at on it currently what did it cost you for all upgrades. Just picked up in 1988 suburban Auto that is stock and want to build it up for off-road hunting and family camping vehicle. Thank you for your time.
My build list comes in around $70k. That gets it pretty much to what you see in this video more or less. I do offer build consulting if it would be helpful. www.merricksgarage.com/build-consulting
Bro nothing but respect every episode is another step forward in inspiration 2 keep going the Suburban sounds tough as hell nothing like a long road trip to work out all the bugs🇺🇸🚛🇺🇸🚛🇺🇸🚛🇺🇸🚛💰
Such a rad build! I just brought home a 91 Silverado 1500 with barn doors, rear a/c and clean red interior. My dream come true! What did you use for your floor mats? I've been hunting for that exact style.
Probably need a hotter thermostat to get the heater to work a lil better and check your heater core to make sure it's not stopped up..diesel runs cooler than gas as is definitely need a cover for the radiator in colder Temps
I got an engine block heater on my 12v here in SLC. Those diesels just do not like cold starts. Also there is some really good sound dead ing material on Amazon.
What gearing and tire size are you running? I was surprised you were only getting13mpg. The truck is awesome. Its like the square body version of my GMT400 Cummins project.
not superfan of the cargo rollingrack but man thats a sick ass suburban, congratulation on finishing such a task, looks absolute killer with that patina
Merrick I’ve been told by several different people that have put Cummins motors in the square body trucks that they will get over 20 mpg on fuel??!! At 13mpg that you said that you are getting with the burban makes it hard to think that over 20mpg is pretty far from even being able to achieve those numbers??? It would definitely be nice to no what you think will be the best mpg that you will get with the burban after you get some time to get everything adjusted and in order Wright?? I would definitely definitely love to know because I do have several 1TON 4x4 GMC and Chevy pickups that I would definitely love to swap over to a diesel!!! One for the reliability and what I thought I might get for fuel mileage also!! I mean really a 1TON pickup with nothing bigger than a 35” tire and a sbc or even the BBC top mpg maybe 13mpg if lucky were as my Duramax gets 22 to 23 mpg every day all day all year every year is definitely a good range with all the benefits!! The power, the size of the truck, and the ability to pull a gooseneck trailer also and still get at least 18mpg is pretty good and it’s a 2007 classic body style!! But the old square body style trucks are just one of my favorite body style trucks and with any luck at maybe getting 10mpg with a gas motor just isn’t what I want!!! And even with the lack of power loaded or unloaded on a motor that is new and putting out 400hp they just don’t have the torque that the diesel motors have and that is why I’ve been wanting to put a diesel in my 1981 GMC 1TON 4x4 plus it’s a manual witch is great for pulling a big trailer!! Please let me know buddy!! And it was definitely awesome to see you be able to get out in the 95% finished build burban with the family on a vacation!!! Hopefully you didn’t have your mind on the burban the whole time out and back and was able to remember what all that you did on vacation!!! Lol!! Because that is definitely what I would have done!!!
Put a cargo net over all that stuff in the back, during an accident all that stuff becomes projectiles
That’s a solid idea right there.
Man, I am going to live vicariously through you. I would absolutely love to build something like this and take my family on a trip like that. Excellent memories. Well done Sir.
#metoo
Absolute savagery taking your family on a long trip in a stinky diesel. Best dad ever keep up the great content!
Currently doing a 12v swap on my dentside crew cab. I also have a wife, daughter and two sons. Can’t wait to drag them along on some adventures! Loved this video. Thank you.
Keep up the great work. Been watching for years and you haven't disappointed yet.
Thanks Papi!!
I totally dig the way your ‘Burb turned out and think you built the ultimate family truckster. You’ve got a beautiful family and what an amazing road trip, creating a ton of great memories!
I've been watching your video's for awhile now and its inspired me to fix up my 86 K1500 to be able to pull a small camper for me and my wife to go exploring this Great land. Thank you
Awesome man! Get after it!
Its been 2 years....I need an update
On keeping the kiddos warm in the back. I have used cheap heaters that plug into the outlet for cigarette lighter. "Yes myself and my truck are old". They work great and are very cheap, so when they stop working its no biggie.
Great idea
My father in law and I just took a almost 9hr trip in my 12 valve swapped 05 chevy 2500hd to pick up a unicorn car 1960 studebaker lark 4dr with only 4k miles on it unfortunately the engine is a lost cause but the trip went great no issues at all from the truck closing in quickly on 10,000 miles since building it and other than a power steering leak and a very small oil leak I really cannot complain! The burb looks awsome and so happy it's working out so well and man is that some beautiful country out there!! Keep up the awsome work and vids!
Your wife is great! My wife thinks I should just get a new truck every time something happens. This is why we carry tools and most importantly knowledge!
Yeah I own older vehicles including a 1983 K30 I'm putting a Cummins in. And people think I'm an idiot "just buy a new truck and be done." I guess they don't understand how you can wrench on something yourself and you learn to trust it, and you KNOW it's reliable because you did all the work. And you become so familiar with that machine that if something DOES go wrong, you're the best man to fix it. Also people who don't know engines don't get how legendary the reliability is on those 12 valves. There is no setup I would trust more on a long important trip than a 12 valve and a manual.
Such a cool rig. My best friends mom drove an 84 for most of my life giving us rides to and from the bus stop in the sierra snow. I love what you’ve done with it!
Next time you’re having trouble keeping the engine warm just put something like cardboard in front of your radiator to stop as much air flow from going through.
Edit…I posted this right before your paper bag comment lol.
NICE NAN!!!!! Sounds EXCITING!!
Just Made a 3,000 miles trip from Chicago to Twin Falls Idaho in my 1989 Diesel suburban...EXCEPT..EXCEPT....when I hit the plummeting, freezing cold temperatures of 25 degrees... I had to crawl up in the back and sleep🥲😂🤷♂️😌
Congratulations.
Heck yea!
Definitely the coolest and most functional Suburban.
The cummins will do the same mileage towing a 5 ton tag . They are very noisy. You need to go triple insulation. Then it will just be noisy. They will wear a front end out every 2 years or so because of the weight. They are a great engine but I will stick with my 92 6.5 turbo mechanical diesel in my 85 Chevy K10. Bone stock 190 hp. 24 MPG all day long baby. I always enjoy your vids and want to thank you for all your work in making these come together. I can sure relate to bull work getting harder as you get older. I swapped the 6.5 for 6.2 diesel last summer. Took me a month. Had not installed an engine for 45 years or so. ( almost 66 now ) The sense of accomplishment on my first drive into town was hard to describe. cheers to you and your family
Thanks man! The 6.5 is a great engine!
anything is good for a road trip, i'm canadian, i traveled the usa with my thumb, cars, motorcycles and the vehicle i traveled the most with is in a semi, becoming a truck driver 25 years ago got me to do awesome road trips and got paid for it LOL, hope those kids appreciate the fun times 😎
One of the BEST CHANNELS on UA-cam!!
Thanks man!!
UA-cam randomly showed me this video. And it has inspired me to pull my 87 3/4tom burb out. And do something with it. Awesome rig you built yourself
Welcome to the thunder dome! Ha ha. 3/4 ton are killer. Barn door or tailgate?
Love the build! You gotta stop listening to the GPS and go 126 jog over the 5 to the 14 north then hit the 58 east, cuts out all of LA. I'm in Ventura and make the drive twice a week to Vegas. Safe travels!
Lol I was going to say the same thing! Unless he had to go to riverside for something beforehand
Yea I normally go 126 to 5 to 14 to 18
Hope you enjoy your trip to Montana I live in Montana few miles from polson. Alot of our vehicles have engine heater for cold Montana weather just plug it in during the night and your ride will start right up
Wicked rig, I just bought a 1971 GMC Suburban 3 door with barn doors at a garage sale 3 weeks ago and I'm going to be putting a 12 valve, 6spd and dana 60's in it, basically doing what you do and use it to get to unique places up north 🇨🇦. I really like the slide rack, I was thinking about one for myself and after watching this it seems like I'll make one! Gives me a lot of motivation to finish mine this winter!
Get after it! The cargo glide is crucial for these trips. Getting stuff out of the burb without would be a nightmare
@@MerricksGarage thank you, will do! It definitely looks like it!
That upper radiator hose looks like it has a pretty sharp bend. May want to consider cutting some from the engine side. Also, may want to get a cover for the radiator in cold weather. I use a piece of cardboard to keep some heat in the engine. You could add a CUCV grill guard and use the military canvas cover for cold weather use. Welcome to diesel life!
To fix the heat issue look into a 12v or 24v DC electric cab heater to put under the rear seat. They make them for industrial applications like heavy equipment cabs.
Both of my 12 valves run super cold. 160° most of the time. A good winter front will help with heat.
Go heavy on the sound deadener.
Yea I have been amazed at the difference in heat from gas and diesel. More sound deadener is the plan. Get the cab all quiet and chill!!
I enjoy your content. Keep doing what your doing.
I'm glad you made it without any serious issues!
Looking good
I have a 2001 24V. Same thing with the heat in the winter. The cooling system works so good i out cardboard in between the radiator and intercooler. Nice rig! Love watching your vids.
yea, I used paper bags I think... Thanks!
Man, this makes me want to build my suburban even more.
thats the intention. DO IT!
Sweet build. I love both of my Fummins, I bet the Cummins in the 'burb is just as much fun.
Man that thing is freaking awesome....
I have an 89 GMC suburban 2wd. All blue in and out. All OEM and I daily drive it. Love it on road trips
That red interior is beautiful
When i purchase my Surburban the first thing on my list is to purchase and install a cargo glide. 🤘
This is awesome hope my family agrees to road trips in my 83 k5
I have seen most of the videos but idk if I remember watching one where you installed sound detening I installed it in my 83 burb in the doors and the headliner and is made it a whole lot quieter also if your door seals are flat I would replace them or fill with like a 1/4" foam tubing and it will stiffen them up and improve the seal
I ordered all new seals from LMC while up in Montana! Ha ha. I also will be sound deadening the doors
I luckily just found a K20 Burb that's about to get the same treatment. Love your videos! Keep up the great content!
Beautiful truck
Very impressive. Stoked for you! Congratulations and what an incredible build.
Very Cool Burb. I live in Victor and saw this video....too funny! I'm heading to Pismo beach at Christmas......hopefully not having to tow with my Mog again... Quality family travel adventures. Chas
What a town man. I will be back! The summers must be insanely awesome up there. I saw that there was a bike park east of the town too!!
Mine quieted down significantly with rubber matting and dynamat in the bed. The road noise was incredible. I know you used lizard skin but I just can’t see how it could compare. I also added a hatch to access the tank and sender unit (I think I learned that from your Blazer build, thank you!).
Love it. Awesome beast
Enjoyed the burb build! Glad to see it's on the road. Can't wait for the next project and/or adventure!
Great vid. Fun seeing the fam. Beautiful shots of God’s country. 👊🏼 🤘🏼
It was killer up there man! I can’t imagine it in the summer!
I've gotten good use out of the Fia line of snap-on grill bug screens and "winter fronts". The product is ordered based on vehicle make/model and I'll bet old square body sizes are still available. Kit comes with a dozen or so peel-n-stick male snaps which appear to be made of durable PVC and the bug screen snaps directly to them to cover the grill entirely. Keeps the big grasshoppers commonly encountered in UT and MT out of the radiator. In winter, snap the bug screen off and snap on the vinyl clad quilted "winter front" which covers the entire grill and has adjustable velcro openings with which you can let in as much air flow as needed to keep the coolant warm but not too hot. In a dozen years of using Fias on my F350, I've had exactly one of the snaps come loose, so they're pretty durable.
Nice looking truck. I ran an '84 K-1500 and a '90 K-1500 for a lot of miles--especially the '90. Needed to switch over to a diesel for towing but not in position to do a swap so bought a used '02 F350 single-rear-wheel w/ an original 7.3 diesel 17.5 years ago and she's still rattling along with 286,000 miles on the clock including 5 round trips from NC to MT and one more coming up in '22. Good luck with yours!
If you stop in at any of the big truck stops, you can find off-road magazines made by local off-road groups that cover East, Central, and Western Montana.
That’s pretty cool.
I kno it would be a little bit expensive but maybe run a can of sea foam or deisel fuel supplement in every fill up. Keeps the injectors clean and running better, and keep moisture build up in the fuel system, would help especially if your traveling somewhere cold
I love those old suburbans
Vacuum to defrost might not be working or blend door issue .you might need a block heater and check the blower motor might need a replacement and if not working give it a few snacks with a hammer handle it might kick back on
Great Job on the build! You have no idea what an inspiration you’ve been,I just bought one tons for my Daughters full-size Bronco and I’m gonna tackle it myself!!
No block heater? No glow plugs. Mine cranked right up plugged into the barn at -17F.
I have a mint 96 k2500 ext cab long box, total grandpa truck!! i am swapping in a d60, np205 and 12 valve..thanks for the rad content!!
What a perfect family hauler! awesome video man! keep up the good work!
I have a summit universal heater core with the 2 round vents I am going to install on my 90 burb for rear floor heat this winter.
Suburban looking sweet ,great video
Truck is amazing my friend. I’ve watched the whole build. You and your buddy Duke inspired me to build my 06 Silverado crew cab. Great job 🤘🏻
This is what it's all about brother! Great to see the Burb cruising well. What an amazing location/destination. The family interview was the best though, with Heather's non verbal comments via her eyes - - - my favorite part! Tell the family "Hi." Happy Thanksgiving!
I currently building my crew cab to overland with the family
Thanks Carl! Heather’s first real speaking role in a video!!
Nice truck love I got 84 with Detroit on looks similar to this
My favorite build of yours!
That suburban is absolutely awesome!! I would've thought a little better fuel mileage through! keep up the good work!
yea, me too. I am working on the fuel mileage. Sure its got something to do with my right foot!
@@MerricksGarage 😅
Cool road trip. Bummer you had to go to riverside first. It’s so much faster to take the 126 to the 5 and the 5 to the 14 to Mojave and the 58 to the 15. It will shave off hours from your trip. There’s also a back road to avoid the newhall grade. A pizza box in front of the radiator works well. Was confused the first time I found one while working on a truck in Oregon. 🤷🏻♂️
I don’t know why I went south through LA. I never do that, I always take the 126. Well, I paid for it and learned that lesson!
I built my suburban in 38 days from junk. We drove it 10k in 17 days thru 11 states. We got 6.5 mpg. 2 years later it now has 40k on it the hard way. I don’t ask my wife’s opinion on it … she doesn’t want to be left home.
Lol, that mileage sucks. What happened?
@@MerricksGarage GM 602 Crate , 3,000 stall TH 350 , NP 203 on 37’s. It’s 6,678 pounds and I live in Oregon. If you are not going up hill you are going up a big hill. Aero dynamically challenged at 75 , fuel is 20% corn by volume. It’s just part of it I guess.
My dad and I saw you guys in barstow! Your rig is sick man it caught my eye from a distance but when you passed and it was cummins swapped was what made me nearly turn around 😄 nice build man!
Thanks dude! She’s kinda hard to miss!
Had trouble starting it... Lmfao, that's why we have block heaters.
That's a top forever truck for sure
Move your rear axle forward with an easy inch. Since you have so much gear in the rear it wouldn't hurt the height. Really nice job you've done there, I want to do the same build with a crew cab and flatbed square body when my LB7 silverado is retired. I definitely don't want anymore new technology in my future trucks.
Yea the easy inch is on the list of things to do. It also squats a little in the rear
Awesome Rig
That is a work of beauty
That mpg is a bummer. Last time I used a Cummins to drag home a truck, we averaged 22 with an empty trailer, 21 pulling a 79 chevy 3/4 ton 4x4, and only lost a mile to the gallon. Is it gearing do you suppose? Maybe one of those gear vendors units could slow your rpm and improve that a bit? Keep things a bit quieter for Wifey in the process. Lol
I have AFE live from power driven diesel and I as maxing out fuel for a lot of the trip! I was in a hurry! Plus engine still breaking in.
@@MerricksGarage That's good to hear! Great build btw! I look forward to joining you guys on UA-cam in a few months. I've got a hand full of half assed videos up now, but I will be more able to contribute when I get down to one full time job. Lol
Love the Burb... Man you did a great job, . , Ill get to that level someday. I have a GMT800 Burby 04 Z71. Would love to do a SAS one day, to be honest I do a lot of off roading and over landing in it, it is awesome. Burbs are so BIG. Love how you take the family on adventures, I have a wife and 4 kids. We have XXL roof top tent and love to camp. Can fit everything we need and the kitchen sink lol. I daily it for work, and a couple weeks ago i took the seats out and picked up a sectional sofa with it... The whole thing fit inside. Keep truckin man, maybe ill see ya out on the trail one day. I roll with a friend who has a Chanel too with a lot of cool vids and some adventures on there too. We are in Vegas. Its KnightDriveTV.
Thanks man! Taking the fam is part of the adventure. The burb really functions killer as a road hauler work truck bugout vehicle.
Well done 🔥🔥
Not trying to rag on you but sure hoping for some more content. I understand how hard it is to create it especially good content so don't take anything personal just a small gripe. I have 5 channels that I really watch yours being one, maybe I just need to suck it up. none the less looking forward to the next video.
Yea the challenge is real. I have some huge news coming up about the future of the shop and channel and been buried with that stuff. Working on something for tomorrow though!
@@MerricksGarage Please don't take it personally its just you created these fans and those jerks can be needy lol... good work hope things are going well and you will have good news for everyone.
That’s funny, I’m building a c30 converted to a k30 3+3 long bed dually 12v and I spent a lot of time cutting out the floor to mount 2018 chevy seats with a console so she could be comfy and lay back. When I finally got them in I had her come out and get in, she tells me “I don’t know why you didn’t keep the bench seat”…. 🤨
Sometimes you can’t win.
Great job and awesome build! Love my 79 K30 400ci and 99 k2500 454ci. I know everyone likes the patina look but I would love to see fresh white paint on it:)
Probably going patina then maybe paint later 🤷🏼♂️👍🏻
I love the setup, i thinks id try to find a mount to bolt on your slider to stand the tire up, so you can have room for luggage
There are eye bolts that the slide comes with. I am not sure it would fit standing up though. It’s a 38!
Gotta love the farm doors
Sweet rig mate. It's nice having room for heaps of gear. Cheers from New Zealand!
Thanks man! Love me some NZ. Spent some time exploring the South Island years ago before kids. Magic place!
I'm near Christchurch, great offroading trails close by, the West Coast has plenty too.
Glad to hear no major issues. Whatever happened to the grid heater? I thought you were going to put that on.
Removed it when I did the banks intake. Figured I wouldn’t need it lol.
I wanna do this one day! Keep it up!
If you don't mind me asking from start to finish where you're at on it currently what did it cost you for all upgrades. Just picked up in 1988 suburban Auto that is stock and want to build it up for off-road hunting and family camping vehicle. Thank you for your time.
My build list comes in around $70k. That gets it pretty much to what you see in this video more or less.
I do offer build consulting if it would be helpful.
www.merricksgarage.com/build-consulting
You probably need a 195 thermostat
THERMOSTAT AND A bra for the front...
Lawd if that thing runs any cooler you can keep ya ice cream 🍦 up there
awesome trip! the gloves on foot made me laugh out loud. true story
Yea it was pretty funny.
Awesome rig!
Bro nothing but respect every episode is another step forward in inspiration 2 keep going the Suburban sounds tough as hell nothing like a long road trip to work out all the bugs🇺🇸🚛🇺🇸🚛🇺🇸🚛🇺🇸🚛💰
Yea it was a good one. Nothing like 2600 miles to reveal issues.
I got a 91 v3500 suburban on 37x12.50r20 we replaced the seats in it from a 2004 it's still a gasser but it's been all over this beautiful country
SICK BURB BRO!!!!
Big country was meant to be seen from big trucks!
@@MerricksGarage yep but Montana Idaho Oregon are all beautiful country to travel through
That rig is so cool, I miss my burb minus the mpg lmao
What are the dimensions on the cargo glide? That’s pretty cool. That battery set up pretty interesting as well.
its their suburban model
Love the setup but I'd do a steel bumper and tire mount for the rear of the Surburban. Ideas to free up space.
Such a rad build!
I just brought home a 91 Silverado 1500 with barn doors, rear a/c and clean red interior. My dream come true!
What did you use for your floor mats? I've been hunting for that exact style.
I don’t know they came with the truck and they are rad. They catch everything.
Probably need a hotter thermostat to get the heater to work a lil better and check your heater core to make sure it's not stopped up..diesel runs cooler than gas as is definitely need a cover for the radiator in colder Temps
I got an engine block heater on my 12v here in SLC. Those diesels just do not like cold starts. Also there is some really good sound dead ing material on Amazon.
I just got my 1990 GMC suburban and i was wondering what engine and trans youre running? i plan on making mine a road trip warrior too
Cummins 12v and Tremec TR4050 5 speed
How do you fix your headliner cloth so so quick
Paid someone to do it lol! That was a job I didn’t want
What gearing and tire size are you running? I was surprised you were only getting13mpg. The truck is awesome. Its like the square body version of my GMT400 Cummins project.
I run 4.10 with 38’s
not superfan of the cargo rollingrack but man thats a sick ass suburban, congratulation on finishing such a task, looks absolute killer with that patina
Thanks man. The cargo glide really improves the functionality of the cargo area. You can just access stuff in there so easily.
Merrick I’ve been told by several different people that have put Cummins motors in the square body trucks that they will get over 20 mpg on fuel??!! At 13mpg that you said that you are getting with the burban makes it hard to think that over 20mpg is pretty far from even being able to achieve those numbers??? It would definitely be nice to no what you think will be the best mpg that you will get with the burban after you get some time to get everything adjusted and in order Wright?? I would definitely definitely love to know because I do have several 1TON 4x4 GMC and Chevy pickups that I would definitely love to swap over to a diesel!!! One for the reliability and what I thought I might get for fuel mileage also!! I mean really a 1TON pickup with nothing bigger than a 35” tire and a sbc or even the BBC top mpg maybe 13mpg if lucky were as my Duramax gets 22 to 23 mpg every day all day all year every year is definitely a good range with all the benefits!! The power, the size of the truck, and the ability to pull a gooseneck trailer also and still get at least 18mpg is pretty good and it’s a 2007 classic body style!! But the old square body style trucks are just one of my favorite body style trucks and with any luck at maybe getting 10mpg with a gas motor just isn’t what I want!!! And even with the lack of power loaded or unloaded on a motor that is new and putting out 400hp they just don’t have the torque that the diesel motors have and that is why I’ve been wanting to put a diesel in my 1981 GMC 1TON 4x4 plus it’s a manual witch is great for pulling a big trailer!! Please let me know buddy!! And it was definitely awesome to see you be able to get out in the 95% finished build burban with the family on a vacation!!! Hopefully you didn’t have your mind on the burban the whole time out and back and was able to remember what all that you did on vacation!!! Lol!! Because that is definitely what I would have done!!!
Yea it was on my mind a lot…. The mileage is climbing as the engine breaks in. Got about 18 yesterday
Who did you use for the pillar gauge pod?
I think this one came from glow shift
Love the truck awesome video
How many hours were you white knuckling the steering wheel?
Awesome rig!
Stay square!
I’ll tell you what. The mountain pass at night from salmon to Darby was tense. Icy, snowing, elk everywhere and dark.
Any plans to hook up the AC?
Yea, it didn’t make the cut for Montana.