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Good and bad years for 6.5's

Mikey von

Mikey von

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Location
Burney, CA
We will soon be adding another diesel suburban to our stable. We are expecting our third child in late May :D:thumbsup:and my wife's Camry will no longer meet our needs. We live in rural mtns and 4x4 is good, so suburban #2 here we come. We do not have much in the way of $$$ and like to pay cash for our vehicles. She wants a "newer" burb, so that leaves me with '92 - '99. I like the mechanical IP's, but it is not a must.

What years are the good years?

Any years that need to be avoided (oil squirters?)???
 
All Turbo Diesel Suburbans came with a DS4 pump. I would say any of the blocks will crack, our 95 non squirter block cracked all the way through the main bearing webs. This on a very easy driven (we are original owners, so I know the history) 2WD Sub. So I wouldn't say one year engine block is necessarily better than another. That and these Subs are of the age that its very rare to find one with less than 100,000 miles, lots have over 200,000. Many have had new or used replacement engines, so its very hard to know what you are getting.

If you are thinking of converting to a DB2 pump, the OBD I trucks are easier, so that means a 1994 or 95. The interior was updated in 95 and most like it better than the 94s. 96-99 was about the same, OBD II, passenger air bags, the later ones had more available options, more electronics such as anti theft systems, I think some 4X4s had electronic transfer cases.

One more thing, all Diesel subs have 8 lug wheels and the heavy duty suspension, F code non EGR engines, etc. The 1500 subs (at least 2WD, 4X4 may be different) have 3.42 axle ratios, the 2500 have 3.73 or 4.11. I would choose what suits you depending on your proposed use, if you only do light or no towing, the 3.42 will give better fuel economy. Of course for heavy duty use the 2500 would be better.

Diesel Suburbans are very nice vehicles for family use. Our two girls grew up with one, we used it for about everything, hauling Girl Scouts, towing a Mini Cooper around and it was our daily driver for years, in fact both girls learned to drive in the Suburban. We still use it and really miss it now that its down waiting for the new engine. We have no plans to sell it or replace it. There really is not anything like it on the market now.
 
do they not have diesel subs in 92 and 93?

The interior was upgraded in 95? That is good to know. I will have to look and see if I can find some pics of the differences.

I am not looking at converting to a db2. I just perfer mechanical operated vehicles over cpu operated.

I agree that all the 6.x blocks can have issues and may crack, but are some more prone to cracking than others? Are some of the PMD more prone to failure than others? I am just looking to start out on better footing if possible.

We enjoy the versatility of burbs as well. Our '89 has treated us nice (until it had some major engine probs).
 
Love my 99, love having 2 full size SUV's as family vehicles. Good luck finding a suitable unit, and ask questions as needed.
 
i would get 97-99. might be an oil squirter block but they got all the nice options that vehicles have today and usually are in better condition
 
Woody35 said:
i would get 97-99. might be an oil squirter block but they got all the nice options that vehicles have today and usually are in better condition
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I agree and I do enjoy the newer features (well i think i would enjoy them), but in Cali they just started smogging diesels '97 and up. It wont stop me from owning a '97+ diesel but it is something to consider.

I need to sell my car and/or get my burb running first. Anyone want to buy a camry?
 
The older burbs had a 6.2 diesel you could put a turbo on...

But you can do a DB2 conversion or just deal with moving the PMD.

Even gas engines have a specific life before failure. All it takes is an oil cooler or radiator hose bursting to junk any engine.

That said I would look for a 4.11 gearing for mountains. May not be the best MPG but it will have decent power after some mods climbing hills.
 
540s10 said:
you can try the auction, but when the auctioneer starts saying ' going once, going twice ' he won't be able to stop!
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I will sell it over craigslist, but right now it is our only moving vehicle. With a 7 month pregnant wife, you cannot really go selling your only moving vehicle. I either need to trade it or get my burb running.

WarWagon said:
The older burbs had a 6.2 diesel you could put a turbo on...

I already own a '89 burb. My wife wants the newer body style (she actually wants a newer newer burb, but that will wait for lotto winnings.

But you can do a DB2 conversion or just deal with moving the PMD.

When i do get a elect 6.5l, i will cross the pmd/ds4 bridge when it becomes a problem.
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