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Thoughts on SUV?

I'm not finding any evidence of factory 1 ton Suburbans. I'm sure some people put 1 ton running gear under them, and matching badges, and even dually fenders/suspension, but that doesn't mean it was factory.

The Excursion was first sold as a 2000, that's quite a while after the Gulf War.
 
I'm not finding any evidence of factory 1 ton Suburbans. I'm sure some people put 1 ton running gear under them, and matching badges, and even dually fenders/suspension, but that doesn't mean it was factory.

Wikipedia said:
Sixth generation (1960–1966)[edit]
The styling of the 1960 - 1961 model year took cues from the late 1950s Chevrolet cars and had large oval ports above the grille. Front independent suspension was new for 1960.[11] The cab featured a "wrap around" windshield. Both tailgate and panel doors rear openings were available. From 1962 onwards, the hood styling was more conservative, with hoods that eliminated the large ports. In 1964, the front glass area was updated to a flatter windshield, and larger door glass. 1,150 lb (520 kg) of cargo could be carried in the back.[12]

This model series introduced a factory-equipped 4WD ("K") option for the first time. The 2WD "C" models introduced a torsion bar-based independent front suspension and trailing arm and coil spring rear. But by 1963, returned to a more conventional coil-spring approach.

Engines included both I-6 and small-block V8s. A 305 cu in (5.0 L) GMC V6 engine was also available on GMC models. This 305 was actually from GMCs medium-duty truck line. It featured high torque, but was also notable for poor fuel economy. Transmissions were a 3-speed and 4-speed manual, and the automatic Powerglide.

A 15-passenger conversion was done by Stageway of Fort Smith, Ark. These modified Suburbans had three doors on the right, a 171 in (4,343 mm) wheelbase, were 273 in (6,934 mm) long, and weighed 6,300 lb (2,858 kg).[2]

One ton (C-30), 10-foot (3 m) panel truck models were no longer available after 1966.

Looks like it happened, but not regularly. I thought it was part of the lineup back in the 70s-80's.
 
We've taken a hit recently because the 2014+ MDX hasn't exactly been a shining star with recalls, electrical gremlins, noises, and general shitty build quality. Still sells extremely well though...go figure.

But the 2013+ RDX has done really well with the initial quality though. If I actually wanted a SUV, I'd seriously have it on the short list.

Good to know about the MDX. We were looking strongly at one but will steer clear.

We will keep an eye on the new xc90 and new Q7. Both are new from the ground up.

Ideally we would like something with 7 seats that can tow my Z06 to the track. Any recommendation? She doesn't like super big SUV (escalade, suburban, etc..)
 
Same here. I'd probably have to make a buck fifty a year with a really secure position before I'd be willing to take on five figure debt over a massively depreciating asset. We haven't spend over $7k on an auto in the last 15 years, just don't care about 'em enough.

What else do you spend your money on, if you say you'd need a $150K job before buying a new car? Is your mortgage $6,000 per month or something?
 
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I think it's funny that the Suburban (SUV based on full-length truck chassis) has been around since the 1930's, and available in 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton configurations, but when Ford introduces the same thing in the form of the Excursion, they get blasted for being oversize, inefficient, and unnecessary.

The Excursion isn't anywhere near the same thing as the 'refined over a 100 years' Suburban. The Excursion is a big POS. Still, I loved it because it made the tree huggers heads explode.
 
The Excursion has it's advantages. For example, you could get a diesel engine in it - even the 7.3 for a while. It'll also tow quite a bit more than an Expedition. Additionally, it has solid front axle which is better off road.

I'm not denying that it has problems, but there are upsides too.
 
The Excursion isn't anywhere near the same thing as the 'refined over a 100 years' Suburban. The Excursion is a big POS. Still, I loved it because it made the tree huggers heads explode.

Until recently, I wouldn't call anything GM put a Suburban logo on "refined". They were nothing more than a extended pickup truck with a wagon cargo area.
 
Until recently, I wouldn't call anything GM put a Suburban logo on "refined". They were nothing more than a extended pickup truck with a wagon cargo area.
Are they no longer on the same chassis as the trucks? Is suspension different or something?

Of course, Dodge now does coil spring rear on their 1/2 ton
 
Are they no longer on the same chassis as the trucks? Is suspension different or something?

Of course, Dodge now does coil spring rear on their 1/2 ton

No, but the interiors are far better than they used to be. That and all the body panels don't rattle against each other anymore.
 
Do the trucks have those improvements as well? And yeah, many modern trucks and SUVs are about like luxury cars inside.
 
Do the trucks have those improvements as well? And yeah, many modern trucks and SUVs are about like luxury cars inside.

I would think they do, but then again price points are involved so maybe not as much as the Suburban.

And yeah, you're absolutely right. Kelly's $45K Jeep wasn't as comfortable and quiet on the inside as my $25,000 F-150 was. It's weird.

Even the CEO of my last company remarked on how quiet the inside of my truck was compared to his Tahoe.
 
My F-150 wouldn't fit in my garage in San Diego.

My lifted extended-cab F-250 fits fine in my garage. :dunno

Me personally, I still think the only worthwhile SUV to buy is the 'Burb. I can stomach the Tahoe for the most part. But I'm an old school Chevy truck guy.

I'm an old-school Chevy truck guy, too. I've owned so many 4x4 Chevys that I've lost count. But the last one, a '99 K2500 Suburban, was the biggest steaming turd I've ever owned, of any brand.

I'm not finding any evidence of factory 1 ton Suburbans. I'm sure some people put 1 ton running gear under them, and matching badges, and even dually fenders/suspension, but that doesn't mean it was factory.

I'm not really sure what the difference is between 3/4-ton and one-ton SRW running gear, anyway, at least in the older generations of Chevys. The axles are the same and I think the brakes are the same. Maybe heavier leaf springs?
 
Regarding square bodies (what I have, so what I know some about), the frame is the same on the 3/4 vs 1 ton. Some 3/4 tons were light duty 3/4 and therefore had lighter duty running gear, but mine has the 14FF. The specs that GM Heritage Center has appear to be for the light duty 3/4, I'm not sure if mine has the same size shocks as the 1 ton or not (Camper Special package on mine, generally stiffer spring rates everywhere).

I believe the 1 tons had inboard leaf springs while the 3/4 tons were outboard. Not sure why. I'd expect the 1 tons to have higher spring rates than the 3/4 ton, but the 3/4 Camper Special might match the 1 ton.
 
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