1984 GMC Suburban 6.2 Litre diesel

Summary:

Put your head between your legs and hold on, Martha!

Faults:

There were only 2 things that have gone completely wrong with this truck since I've had it.

At about 340,000 kilometers, the second transmission had failed and I had a different one rebuilt. It was a manufactory defect from another garage that cost me $1,300. Since then there have been no problems.

The second problem was the glow plug timer which has fried all of my glow plugs. I easily remedied this with a new solenoid and toggle switch for manual operation. Works fine now.

General Comments:

This truck has a lot of power for a non turbo diesel but handles like an old living room couch. Which is fine because I don't often run from the police.

The bench seats hurt the back on the longer trips and despite it's immaculate condition inside and out, sadly little spots of rust are forming and the bottoms of the doors are brittle and flaking away.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th January, 2002

17th Dec 2004, 23:11

Does anyone know what transmission this truck is supposed to have because the mechanic tell me its supposed to have a 400 but mine has a 700r4 and I don't know exactly. please help.

10th Nov 2006, 22:03

I totally agree with the above. I have a 700 trans that was beat on for 20 years and just went. the lock up torque adds fuel miles, but drops heavy duty qualities. my brother has the diesel with a 400...he's changing it to a 700.

8th Apr 2010, 10:08

I agree with the posts above, and would add that a TH350 is a good compromise. Modern ones came with a lockup.

The 700r4 is a good unit, but it also came in stuff like vans and S-10s, and can't take the weight of a 70's Burb.

I have a 350/350 combo and I wouldn't change it.