OAUSA Net - February 10, 2022 - Why Your Vehicle?

[AK6DH]

Please check in David - AK6DH.

[lrsrngr]

KK6CTT for online check-in for 02/10/22, thank you.

ARRL to Oppose Forest Service Administrative Fees for Amateur Facilities: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-to-oppose ... 20program.

The long story to help you write in opposition (scroll to item IV of the outline): https://groups.io/g/RiversideECG/topic/ ... 7536025088

The short version where you can post your opposition to this "special use permit": https://groups.io/g/RiversideECG/topic/ ... 7536025088

[KM6OJB]

Please check me in KM6OJB

Thanks
Joe

[ModernWarrior]

Howdy Everyone....as a NEWB to the group, I'm looking for the best place to post an opinion and a question regarding 'OLD RIGS and UPGRADES'.

I'm in Southern Cal with a couple old GMC/Chevy's that I've had since new....a '94 K1500 Suburban and a '97 K2500. Both have treated me and my family well, so I'm loyal. They have both proven to be offload worthy; HOWEVER, I am curious if anyone has any input on SUSPENSION UPGRADES. I've never been a huge fan of going to far off factory, but now in their second, third or possibly forth lives.....I'm considering small-ish upgrades.

SOOO....any recommendations or considerations? ...AND anyone have knowledge of any shops good at older trucks? The 4wheelparts types of places only really like working on the newer stuff that their catalogues carry.

Currently running, BFG A/T's.....the K2500 is running 16x8 wheels (with 265/75R16) and the Suburban is running 17x9 (with a 265/70R17). I really like the Suburban footprint of the 17x9's, so I'm most likely going to put those shoes on the K2500 too. I'm thinking a 2" suspension lift, if possible (not a fan of block lifts - but can be persuaded if that is the way to go).

If there is another section to post this kind of thing, please let me know.....and thanks.

[DaveK]

Nune

Welcome to OAUSA!!!

My first 4WD was a 93 Chevy 2500 Suburban, with the 454 motor, and it served the family very well. During it's service, it survived endless miles of dirt washboard roads, all kinds of weather, more off road trails than I can count, and the beating that the family dished out. It lasted 10 years, and after putting over 250,000 hard miles on it, it was finally time to let another assume the inevitable avalanche of maintenance problems. GREAT vehicle!!!

To directly answer your question (suspension), I will confess that, as my first 4WD, I was mostly satisfied with the suspension, and with the addition of new torsion bar keys (Cognito, I think), I didn't want for more. As I recall, the 3/4 ton Sub came with very stout suspension which raised it more than the 1/2 ton versions. With a bit of cranking on the new torsion bar keys, I was able to fit larger BFG ATs, 285x17, which roughly translated to 33s.

There is one other mod that I would strongly recommend, and that is the the mechanism that activates the 4WD. There is an actuator in the front end that uses heat to engage the front axle (not one of their better ideas), and it has the predictable feature of failing at the worst time possible. I know, because after mine failed, we spent several hours digging and preparing the trail so I could make it back to civilization in 2WD. It's been too long to remember the company that made a manual engagement cable that cured this problem, but some research will help you find a cure.

Only one other suggestion. If you run a lot of accessories (Ham radios, refrigerators, compressors, etc.) you may want to consider a dual battery set-up. GM was kind enough to build in a location in the engine compartment where a second battery tray could be installed, and this location will accept a stock tray.

I have several shops in the South Bay that I can recommend which I have relied on for years for the kind of work you mention.

Good luck!!

The Sub In The Snow

IMG_1170 (Large).JPG (154.29 KiB) Viewed 379 times

IMG_1173 (Large).JPG (149.26 KiB) Viewed 376 times

[ModernWarrior]

Thanks DAVE....that's exactly what I needed to hear. Any recommendations regarding shops would be great. I wrench on a lot of the vehicles, but for some things....any shops that keep me running is welcomed. I had a great mechanic for over 20 years who recently sold the shop, so I've been bouncing around a bit. I think I might be able to PM you here.....let me try and thanks again.