Ideal expedition vehicle for a trip to South America

[Clecio]

First of all, thanks everyone for helping deciding the truck to buy for this trip. i kind of stuck with the Blazer/Suburban, it is easy to get, parts cheap and easy to work and fix.
However, I found recently a good deal in a Suburban 4x4 diesel which I wasn't looking for. 't is in a very good shape and it is Diesel. So what you guys think about it, any drawbacks? Something special I should check before make a deal?

By the way, it is a 6.2l, TH400, NP 208, 4.10

Thanks again.

[Fleetwood]

I i am remembering correctly the 6.2 are vulnerable the cracking heads, so look out for any symptoms that would show this flaw. Water in the oil, over pressurized water system, and i believe if it is putting out alot of white smoke.

[Clecio]

Everyone,

Thanks for the help.
I finally got the truck for this trip. It is a Suburban 83, 1/2 ton Diesel. It is in a great shape, no rust, 92.000miles.
Now is time to prepare it....IMG_0528.jpgIMG_0529.jpgIMG_0530.jpg

[haven]

Congratulations! Tell us more about the preparations you plan to do.

[deadbeat son]

Congrats on the purchase, that thing is amazingly clean!

[Clecio]

Well, I am not sure yet how I will prepare it , but I want to keep it original as much as possible.
First of all, I am checking everything mechanically. I don't have experience with diesels and seems the first thing I have to do is replace the harmonic balancer, mine looks very good but I will replace it anyways. Also, install new water pump, injectors, injector pump, fuel filter, etc.
Second of all, I want replace those original tires. I really want to put 32" or 33" inch tires but I think the gear ratio is too low. I have a TH700 with 3.42. Not sure yet, but I think I might replace both axles. Might be a good idea replace those for 3/4 axles, but I am not sure.
And them I will really prepare the truck for the trip. install a winch, buy a lot of spare parts, a roof tent, etc... I am accepting suggestions!!!

[Christian P.]

Cecio

when do you plan on leaving? My suggestion would be to leave the truck as stock as possible. You will find great mechanic everywhere down the road - just drive it as it is for a while and replace what's necessary, but don't get crazy. Keep your money and energy for the trip itself.

[Clecio]

Next year, probably September. I agree. Stock means more reliable. It is kind of easy to get crazy and install/replace a lot of things might not be necessary. Thanks

[rblackwell]

Clecio, Don't know where you live - but if you are near Colorado I suggest you take a test drive through one of the high passes.

Some of the interesting stuff in South America (Cusco Peru, Uyuni Bolivia) is at high altitude, say 11,000- 13,000 ft.

I am guessing an 83 suburban 6.2 is not a turbo engine. Would be worth knowing in advance how it will handle altitude.

[Clecio]

I am in Indiana. I agree, it is a good idea having a test drive in Colorado, I am not sure how this Suburban will be in a thin air, it is not a turbo.
I have been to the Andes many times before by motorcycle and car. First time I was riding a Yamaha XT 600 cc, and I was afraid about messing with the carburetor mixture so, top speed was around 25miles/hour at 12.000ft. However, last time I was in a Land Rover Defender 110 with a 2.8 diesel turbo engine as we were able to go up to 90miles/hour at higher than 15.000 ft crossing the Paso de San Francisco, between Argentina and Chile, this is the higher pass at the Andes.
I think I will not install a turbo in this engine, it is not prepared for that and it has already 90.000 miles on the clock. It will be necessary install a complete new turbo engine and it is very expensive for Diesels. I think I will have to live with that and maybe be prepared to adjust the injection pump when get to higher altitudes. Again, it is a great idea test it in Colorado.
Thanks