Duramax Surburban

Engineer · May 12, 2004

My son just received his July 2004 issue of Four Wheeler magazine. As I was flipping the pages, there it was, a honkin new Suburban with a Duramax engine.

According to the article, a gentleman in Ohio got tired of waiting for GM to build a D/A Sub, and built one to cure his own itch. I read the article, and the pics are really convincing. According to the article, this guy uses ALL GM PARTS, so that every thing works as it should. No shade tree engineering here.

Apparently he takes the chassis from a 2500HD, and using the forward section of the HD's frame, combines it with the Sub's frame to accomplish the necessary platform. After this, the Suburban body is placed on the new frame.

The Sub in the picture had the HD's 2002 hood, and grille, to make room for the larger radiator, and diesel engine after cooler.

The nice thing is, that the article stated that this guy is taking orders for more of his creation.

Sorry that I can't find a internet link to a story, but the magazine should be on news stands real soon.

The article also hinted that this guy is working on a Dmax Avalanche.

Truckman031 · May 13, 2004

That sounds like alot of work. I'll bet you have to pay lots of $$$ for the truck. I'm going to have to check out the issue, this sounds interesting.

3BAV · May 13, 2004

Yeah, I just read this article as well. I think that I may have to talk to him about my AV next year. It has changed from being a play truck to being a hauler and I really don't want to get rid of it. The Dmax would be a nice addition.

Jon

Machine · May 13, 2004

Oh man, a if only GM produced a Dmax Sub. The last I heard is that it's never going to happen. How much does this guy want for one of his creations?

GMCTech · May 13, 2004

Keep your eyes open - It may be a full year away, but the Sub/Yukon WILL have the 6.6 as an option.

The old ones offered the 6.5L Diesel, why wouldn't there still be a demand for the same?

Stay alert!!!

Firetiger(MN) · May 14, 2004

There was a full write up about that sub on the Diesel Page last year. You might have to be a member to read it. That guy went through a lot to get it up and running, but it sure must be sweet.

KyleBst264 · May 14, 2004

Keep your eyes open - It may be a full year away, but the Sub/Yukon WILL have the 6.6 as an option.

The old ones offered the 6.5L Diesel, why wouldn't there still be a demand for the same?

Stay alert!!!

With the sales of the Suburban and other SUV's declining due to the rising gasoline cost. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Chevy drops the fuel efficient 6.6 diesel into the Suburban. Afterall, diesel fuel is cheaper.

1BADHD · May 14, 2004

A 'Burb cost high to id 30k. With the Max/Alli combo, it will be a mid to high 40k truck!!! Thats half a friggin house!!!!!

KyleBst264 · May 15, 2004

A 'Burb cost high to id 30k. With the Max/Alli combo, it will be a mid to high 40k truck!!! Thats half a friggin house!!!!!

If you see $55,000 Cadillac Escalades driving around, then I'm pretty sure you'll see $40,000 Suburban's too. If you build it, they will buy it. Anyways, a GM 3500 LT, Dually, w/ D/A combo is about that much.

Machine · May 17, 2004

A 'Burb cost high to id 30k. With the Max/Alli combo, it will be a mid to high 40k truck!!! Thats half a friggin house!!!!!

Sign me up for one! If a Dmax Sub were available I would sell my Escalade and 2500HD Dmax for one. That would be a great combination of increased MPG, power and overall comfort.

1BADHD · May 17, 2004

A 'Burb cost high to id 30k. With the Max/Alli combo, it will be a mid to high 40k truck!!! Thats half a friggin house!!!!!

If you see $55,000 Cadillac Escalades driving around, then I'm pretty sure you'll see $40,000 Suburban's too. If you build it, they will buy it. Anyways, a GM 3500 LT, Dually, w/ D/A combo is about that much.

I was trying to make it sound good. I reality I would think a high 40 low 50k rig. EASY!

KyleBst264 · May 18, 2004

If I had a wife and a few kids. I wouldn't get a mini-van. I'd get a duramax suburban (if there were such a thing). The fuel would be cheaper, it'd have more pulling power and better fuel mileage. The kids could ride in comfort and it's nice enticing interior all the while the family truck would be toting an engine under the hood that could pull a house without breaking a sweat. Sounds cool, and would make sense. I hope Chevy does it.

Chevyfreek · May 18, 2004

Chevy was considering doing a D-Max Sub, but realized that the standard frame on a 2500 Sub would not compliment the Allison Trans. That is why the guy had to swap the front section of frame from a 2500HD truck. Chevy may or may not make the changed necessary to get the D-Max in a burb. Time will tell. The guy who did it says he is taking orders and will build more of them. So if you have the cash and the vehicle, you could have your very own D-Max Burb...

turbo38sfi · May 18, 2004

A 'Burb cost high to id 30k. With the Max/Alli combo, it will be a mid to high 40k truck!!! Thats half a friggin house!!!!!

I need to move where you live...can't touch a house around here for pretty much 3x that..lol. Burb's aren't cheap, even barebones they are mid 30s easy.

jelisfc · May 18, 2004

It seems to me if you had the back half of a burban you could cut a crewcab and section it in faster. A new roof skin, shorten the frame and driveshaft, brake lines etc. Now you have a full HD Suburban.

I'm sure some people have a need for one. Me, I'd rather have a minimax in a 2500 suburban. 25+ mpg and decent power.