[A/S] Towing capacity

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Colin,

Yes, I remember encouraging you to buy your Suburban - especially after 
you told me the mileage and it was a military 3/4 ton. My 1987 Suburban 
is a standard 1/2 ton which has GM's least capable transmission. I've 
been told the transmission can't be upgraded and it's prone to problems 
when used for hard towing in Western mountains. If you have different 
data, please rattle my cage.

I'm hesitant to buy and install a 3/4 ton transmission AND a Banks 
turbo. I'm not even sure the 3/4 ton transmission will fit. It could 
probably be made to fit, but that would mean adding more funds to a 
vehicle that runs very well solo and is adequate (just adequate) for 
towing one of our 22' Airstreams.

It's probably wiser for me to stay with the Suburban as is. There is 
sufficient power (6.2L is somewhat akin to halfway between 350 and 400 
V8 cubic inch displacement); it's economical for solo use as a daily 
driver (23 mpg); the length is more than adequate for comfort and 
stability while towing; and the weight is sufficient for handling our 
'67 22' Safari with its Reese hitch and dual cam sway controls.

Granted when towing, I pick and choose which roads to travel (not the 
70 mph mountain roads) and am always mindful of the flow. And yes, I do 
run the hills and mountain passes (Western states especially) whenever 
the opportunity presents itself. I have to concede the Diesel engine is 
impressive with torque galore in the 50 mph range and the truck is rock 
solid in crosswinds or with 18 wheelers passing us.

On balance as it stands today, my gut feeling is the desirable features 
are about equal to or greater than the undesirable features. Yet if I 
could somehow rationalize spending a very large chunk of money on an 
almost Vintage Suburban for (1) a stronger transmission and (2) a Banks 
turbo, I'd look long and hard at the idea. I'd take you up on your 
offer to do the work.

Thanks for prompting me to revisit this topic,

Terry