1984 Chevrolet Suburban K20 Scottsdale from North America - Comments

Front brakes (pads for now, will replace calipers and rotors at next pad change)

Severe body rust (the tailgate is rusted shut, wheel arches, rockers, door bottoms)

Engine performs poorly for a new engine, needs tuned properly.

Transmission leaks fluid (1 pint every 500-600 miles)

AC inoperable (hose is cut under the hood, compressor is good)

Driver's power window inoperable (will replace motor and possibly regulator soon)

Left rear door was inoperable when we got it, I have that where it opens and closes properly now.

It's a big old beast. For $900, it's probably one of the best values we've had. It seats 9, has 4-wheel drive which works well, it gets 10-11mpg which is better than driving two cars that got 18mpg and 20mpg.

The truck was originally sold in Missouri and then lived in Colorado for awhile, so road salt has taken its toll on the body. It looks fine from a distance, but when you get up close you start to wonder why it's still in one piece. I just hope to get 2-3 more years of use out of it here in Texas where the rust won't spread before moving on to a newer model Suburban.

For a Goodwrench replacement motor it sure is sluggish. I'm thinking they put in a new motor and didn't bother setting the timing or mixture or anything. Probably just a long block replacement. The vacuum advance is not hooked up, there is oil all through the PCV hoses and pooled in the air cleaner, and the radiator outlets are all rusted.

The only other bothersome part about the truck is the dash pad. It's cracked here and there, but the problem is the pad (factory) is brown. The rest of the interior is either yellow metal (to match the body), tan plastic (to match the seats), or black plastic (to match the instrument cluser). Why would they put a brown dash pad? It just looks stupid. Will replace with tan or black soon.

I wouldn't touch a half-ton Suburban after having this 3/4 ton truck. It is way underrated at 3/4 ton, that's half of what it carries. The payload is 3000lbs and it can tow up to 7000lbs. The next Suburban we get WILL be a C20, K20, or 2500 model of some kind. No sense moving down.

I would worry more about the climbing Gas prices then about upgrading to a bigger Motored Suburban.10 to 11 Mpg is just irresponsible.

10-11 mpg diesel isn't bad for a family vehicle. Those who scoff find it more responsible to load up the family in death traps like caravans and such, putting their entire family at risk of death at every intersection. That's irresponsible.

I've had the privilege of owning the exact truck and I stand by it. Your mileage is a bit low for what you can get out of the 6.2L but the dependability and security offered by the Suburban is worth the trade no matter.

The Goodwrench motor is as you've experienced. My '84 Sub had one dropped in about 60,000 miles ago and it's lacking in what you'd expect from a big diesel. However, it starts easy, runs great and has proven itself to be quite dependable despite its' slow acceleration.

Another way to ensure that your diesel maintains performance is to run it everyday. Even when you're not planning to tour the town, a good 30-minute idle every morning seems to keep things running smooth and 'predictable'.

Best of luck with your 'beast'.

At 49,000 miles we were pulling a small trailer and the thermostat blew, causing it to smoke.

I have had my 1984 Suburban for almost 5 yrs now and I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!!! I have a 5.7 Litre 350 V8 motor in mine with a overdrive auto tranny and it is a powerful workhorse. I don't get very great mileage granted, but I do get 15-16 mpg on the highway and I do not believe that is too bad compared to the 6.1 L diesel motors!!! This type of vehicle I would recommend for everyone who want a a reliable 4 wheel drive with a family and lots and lots of room. I tow my camper with this truck and it does really well, and I also use it for snow plowing and this thing will go anywhere a person would want to go.