Have FJ60 for car camping, but want something bigger...Suburban?

[pinkiedog64]

I have an LS/4L60E swapped ’83 FJ60 as the family camping/off road vehicle. Like it, but want something bigger to more comfortably fit fam, 3 dogs, and week of camping gear on long trips. Thinking of GMT800 (99-07) 4x4 Suburban, either 1500 or 2500. Am ok with losing some off road capability to get a larger vehicle. Don’t do extreme off road in FJ60 so I’m thinking most places we go in FJ60, a 4x4 Suburban should go. Like idea of 1500 for softer ride (perhaps better off road). Like idea of 2500 for beefy and option of 6.0 with 4L80E. Concerned 2500 will ride too stiff unloaded and/or will be stiff enough that it won’t go places 1500 will. On the other hand, 2500 will handle the weight better. There are other considerations, but this is the main one at the moment. Gas mileage (or lack of) isn’t a concern.

Does anyone have direct experience with ride harshness or suspension flex of 1500 vs 2500 GMT800 4x4 Suburban/Yukon?

Other discussion/consideration points could include:

• Possibly this vehicle would also to be my sleeper/go-fast shop truck, so turbocharging in the future is intended, hence the desire for a 4L80E
• Swapping a 4L80E into a 1500 that came with a 4L60E. Would rather not, hence looking at 2500, which comes with 4L80E.
• Putting softer springs on a 2500 for a softer ride. Would rather not, hence looking at 1500.
• Other platforms of similar size, such as GMT900 or Excursion. Not interested in something "old", like squarebody Suburban. I have other old cars to tinker with.

 

[NeverFinis]

I mean, aren't they all old? I am speaking as someone who mecahnically restored a LX450 and using it as the same way as your FJ60. I would own a clean square body in a heartbeat.

I personally would go 2500 over 1500. Easier to modify the ride quality than to upgrade drivetrains, and frames. Plus, payload is king.

I would look at versions that had hydroboost brakes as well (2003 for 2500, 2004 for 1500).

 

[clrussell]

Small trailer?

 

[pinkiedog64]

NeverFinis:
Old is relative, I guess. I see anything as post 2000 “new”. Hah. I grew up with a squarebody Suburban and would love to have one, but I’m just not looking for one for this usage, namely due to money and time. I have $35k into my FJ60 and has taken me hundreds of hours in the shop to get it where it is. I could easily spend that same money and time by starting with a clean squarebody, LS swapping it, and mechanically restoring everything else. Or I can buy a clean mid-2000s Suburban for 1/4 of that that is ready to go.

Good feedback on the hydroboost brakes; thanks!

 

[Tennessee Jed]

Sounds like you want a van of some kind. Sprinter, Ram, etc. Three dogs plus family? Get a van.

 

[Live to Ski]

seening your from tx, I agree w. neverfinis. Much easier to customize suspension (I think).

 

[sofj45]

I have no experience with a 1500 but do own a 2003 2500 suburban with 328k. I would say it’s the most comfortable vehicle I own to drive. Now mind you my wife daily’s a 70 fj55 and mine is either a 62 fj45 or 71 fj55 depending what I’m doing for the day so the suburban will always feel comfortable. But even at that I feel it is a very comfortable vehicle. The ground clearance/length and width of the suburban limit its ability in my opinion unless you don’t mind battle scars. I also added bags on it for towing. We keep it around and will most likely steal the motor and drive for a 74 fj55 in the future. My wife’s daily we are sitting at 12k miles in the last 7 weeks with 5 of us and 49 states down. Leaving for Alaska tomorrow to be at number 50. So my suggestion is keep the 60 be alittle uncomfortable for a short period of time and enjoy driving a cruiser over an everyday boring vehicle.