truck input please

[Redneck Archer]

I have been looking at modifying my truck some more. I am getting close to pulling the trigger, but getting cold feet.

I want to do a solid axle swap on my 96 suburban. my entire front end is shot, and I am not impressed with the IFS performance. I like old school, but like this body style and dash. NOW, the problem is. its gonna take 1200 bucks for the kit/axle/steering/shocks. Not including new rims and tires (look at another grand)... so 2200. Then I need a new rear axle to match my front 8 lug 3/4 ton axle and gear ratio (another 200-500 bucks). and more work.

NOW, with all that being done it wont be as easy as walking into autozone and asking for parts for 96 suburban if something breaks.

Is this practical?

OR

Should I just get an older suburban (I like suburbans) that is already solid axle for less money than the almost 3k I will sink into my truck, and then sell my truck to recoop my investent into my new/older rig and put a few dollars in tune up ect?

to me it seems to make sense to just get another rig for spending that much money. any thoughts? Anyone have an SAS experience? is it still comfortable/practical to drive a few hunred miles a week?

[Gummi Bear]

Doing a SAS is a huge undertaking, your budget might not be too far off in a perfect world, but you need to factor in some "fudge money" and time.

Figure on rebuilding everything; new bearings and seals in the axles, rebuild calipers, rebuild steering box, new ball joints and steering rod ends.

I'd go leaf spring just for simplicity's sake, you should be able to source a kit.

Hit up Pirate 4x4 and start reading up in the Chevy section there's a lot of muck, but a ton of good ideas and tips as well.

[cpr1979]

I think gettin a different rig would maybe save you some money and HAIR! Jmo

[DJM]

Even if you do all the work yourself,you are going to spend way more than what you have posted.


DJ