When you want a large SUV, the Chevy Suburban will likely be on your list. Marketed since 1934 – first as a station wagon then as an SUV – the Suburban was situated on Chevy’s contemporary truck frame (Advance Design in the mid-’40s, Task Force in the ’50s, and so on), generally supplied three-row seating, and offered buyers a variety of engines from the Stovebolt six to its big-block V8s. A 4×4 option was introduced in 1957, vastly expanding the Suburban’s usability. This truck is so ubiquitous that it has its own star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. It has featured in almost 1800 films and at least one television show every year since 1956. If you want to join the crowd plying the streets in Suburbans, here on eBay is this 1989 Silverado version, bid to $5100, reserve not met. A buy-it-now option is available at $14,999.
The engine is Chevy’s throttle-body injected 350 cu. in. V8, paired with a four-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic transmission. The motor is good for 210 hp; the Suburban may look like a linebacker but it sprints well enough, reaching 60 mph in about ten seconds. The seller indicates that the truck starts and runs reliably. The odometer reading is 115,623, but the AutoCheck report shows several inconsistent odometer readings back to the vehicle’s first owner, with a flag for potential rollbacks. So actual mileage is a mystery here – it could be much higher than indicated.
The interior is in fair condition, showing a couple of dash cracks, stains and wear in the upholstery, and paint loss from the plastic trim. But the headliner is decent, and the cargo area looks great. I like the faux wood instrument panel – at least it’s not some ordinary linear grain. This Suburban is from the long-lived seventh generation and the first year of a redesign within that production run. The ’89 is distinguished by its black grill and quad headlights for most trim levels. The upscale Silverado model has power windows, power seats, power door locks, and cruise control. The horn is disconnected due to an issue with the truck’s alarm system.
The seller notes a few paint and body imperfections but says his Suburban has spent all its life in California, so rust is likely minimal. A trailer hitch is already installed; this is a V1500 half-ton so its towing capacity is not boundless. Values range widely. Mid-five figures will get you a ratty ‘Burban while well-preserved examples can sell in the $20k area. With mileage a mystery here, what do you think it will take to find this one a new garage?
Love the 4×4 Suburban. The 1/2 ton chasis isn’t my favorite, and those 15 inch rims always looked out of place even with 31inch tires. Best one i saw had 33×9.50/15 tall skinnys, looked 👌
The only difference between the 1/2 ton and 3/4 is the rear spring rate, the rear axle (1/2 ton-12 bolt. 3/4 ton- 14 semi float or 14 bolt full float depending on yearband options) and the front axle (1/2 ton- 6 lug dana 44/10bolt, 3/4 ton- 8 lug dana 44/10 bolt.)
Had a 1991 bought new GMC 4×4 350 posie rear tow package 8600 gvw a/c dutch doors vinyl interior tow cap. 7200 ran and towed great only down side 11 mpg loaded or empty 10 towing, paid for it self and then some! Great truck 🚚
I believe the 3/4 had much more robust tires vs the car tires they used on 1/2 tons of the day.
Tim, I doubt the tires are original and you can put any kind of tires on it you want, so I wouldn’t buy a 3/4 ton to get different….tires?
“I believe the 3/4 had much more robust tires vs the car tires they used on 1/2 tons of the day.”
As a side note, a common mod that used to be done (and I have done on a 1994 “non square body”) is to replace the 1/2 ton rear axle with the 14 bolt semi float rear axle that came on a lot of 3/4 tons.
I’m with you, for my money it would have to be the 3/4 ton…..
I’ve had many Suburbans, a 69, two 74’s, an 87 and currently a 2011. I love em. This one is a beauty.
Tried buy one just like these several times from a customer at garage I worked at, they never would give it up.
Yes sir boys and girls, this is what a real SUV was from back before they were called an SUV. This thing is a real gem! Since I live in the rust belt it is pretty rare to see one of these on the road anymore.
My brother John loves his. 454 provides serious “grunt” and you can lay 4×8 sheet goods flat behind the front seats with room to spare.
$15 grand…..ha,ha,ha. Rolling back the od is bad carma. $3500 truck…. that’s it.
Find some of those 3500 dollar suburbans I’ll help you flip them will split profit.
Here’s a truck that lives up to the hype. A true legend of the automotive world. You couldn’t build a bad one.The TBI 350 carried these around just fine. I used to get about 14 mpg with the ones we had in our department. Never more than 7000 miles before being sold off thru the PEP program. True that a 3/4 ton is an incredible beast but a much smaller piece of the pie.
My brother has had three the current one he is sitting on is super ratty… but, it has great personality. The previous owner painted it camo and put a fat brush guard on the front. But honestly, it’s starting to be on its last leg. He drives it but barely… with gas prices the way they are now, he decided to go buy a toyota camry and let the monster sleep. But, it needs… well… everything. Body is rotted… exhaust is gone… manifolds are cracked… oil leaks.. etc. It’s just crazy that just 10 yrs of ownership the thing has fallen so far. I’d love to have one… there was one for sale out by me that had 40″x 17 tires and a 6″ lift. It was a 3/4 ton with the corporate 14 floater in the rear and a dana 60 front. It was what Darth Vader would’ve owned as a off road cruiser. They wanted almost 50k for the thing… but, it was BAAAADDDD… I’d say worth every penny.
“Dana 60 up front”. You sure about that?
If I needed a suburban I’d be on it in a flash…..love the one I have!
Had a ‘89, 1500 series 2WD, 350 motor. The small rearend and trans went out towing a 4,000 lb trailer. Otherwise, a fine vehicle. Must know its limitations.
Hos much for the doggie?
Had 2 88’s, , one with 350 V8, the other with 6.2 Diesel. Both great truck’s with 4×4. No problems, wish I still had them, but now that I’m in the market again, they’re nowhere to be found, or when they do appear on Craigslist I’m too late!