[mike nixon]

I noticed you were thinking of a 4cyl Jeep. I WOULD NOT reccomend one of those. They don't get the mileage you think they will and fit the acronym for Jeep. Just Empty Every Pocket.

I'd put the old Chevy back together and drive it before spending a dollar on a newer Jeep.

Mike

[400 4spd.]

My brother just put a rebuilt Vortec into his 99 Suburban with 180K miles on it. He can afford a new one, but says the old truck has been so trouble free he will take his chances. He has 3 newer Toyota's that are the main transportation for the family.

[67drake]

Originally Posted by PonchoV8

The AC compressors are notorious for leaking at the case.

Yeah,those too. I think those compressors are 2 piece,and the seal between the 2 halves goes out. I had to replace that too. Along with replacing just about all the lines to the rear A/C!

Originally Posted by Velox65

You get get a nice pull out 5.3 with low miles pretty cheap I bought several for the 500$ range,
http://oklahomacity.craigslist.org/ptd/3060115251.html then it's just suspension work.

99' Suburban is the old generation engines still. The 99' trucks had the new gen 5.3,6.0 engines.


I don't regret dumping the $$ into my 99' for a minute. It's been a great vehicle. My wife has a 03' 1500 Silverado. I HATE that thing. Kind of apples to oranges comparing a truck to a Suburban,but I'd sell the truck before I get rid of my Suburban!

[boodlefoof]

Here's another vote for fixing it. I've got a '94 Suburban and it has been a great truck. I replaced the ball joints and sway bar end links myself last summer. If I remember correctly, it cost about $150 with parts from Summit Racing. Then, it was about 6 or 8 hours of labor in my driveway.

[hurryinhoosier62]

Have the repairs done and keep it. My '03 Silverado has 124,000 miles on it. I'm currently making plans to build a new 4.3 for it along with finding a RELIABLE shop to rebuild the trans(Gertag NF 5 speed). As long as the body, electrical systems and suspension keep going, I'll keep building engines and replacing trannys.

Bruce,

BTW......built some of those short blocks back in my days with JET!!

[Stuckinda60s]

I doubt that you need another engine. Are the plugs oily? It's hard to diagnose an oil-burner with a catalytic converter, but do you get a puff of oil smoke when you start it up? It may well oil-guide seals. I'd try installing new ones. You can do it without pulling the heads and it shouldn't take more than 4-5 hours. It would definitely be worth the time. Go on-line to see how it's done.

The front end you can do in the driveway with jack stands and and a hydraulic jack for the cost of the parts, and an alignment. There are all kinds of sites which tell you how to do it.

If you have the body fixed, I'd get it done by someone whom you know is going to do it right. Someone who will not only repair it, but do rust prevention on the remaining old metal. That will probably be the most expensive thing to fix.

If the AC can be fixed for $400, go for it. If it's going to cost too much, make a decision as to whether you need it. AC used to be a lot less common in our vehicles than it is now. Can you survive a trip to the mountains without it? There aren't that many days, up here, where it might be considered a necessity, and that would only be until you got on the highway and cooled down.

If you decide to keep it, do a good inspection of the brake lines, you might head off a problem if they're rusty. deep pits would require replacement.

Also, if you do decide to buy another vehicle, beware. There are flood vehicles out there in our area. Inspect prospects for water/ mud damage. CarFax may tell you if a vehicle was flood-damaged.

[Gulliver]

Keep it!

I put 200k+ on my '02 w/5.3, my '04 Denali 6.0 has 145k and going strong. Wheel bearings, idler arm and a/c compressor are normal repairs for these.

If you do buy, DO NOT buy anything GM '06 and up that is "FlexFuel".