Part 1 of infinity. I sold my 2018 High Country half ton diesel ($70,000) for this old suburban ($24,500) in hopes of freeing myself from the shackles of being held prisoner to the dealership for high-end repairs that I couldn't perform. That High Country left me stranded more, and cost me more in repairs than any vehicle I've ever owned over my 52 years, BY FAR.
Am I crazy to give up all that luxury found in a High Country truck for the rattle-trap of a '72 gas engine suburban? We'll learn together!

In this video I outline what happened to lead me to this point, and the basics of what I've done so far in getting this 1972 c20 suburban road-worthy and able to safely tow my 28' Arctic Fox travel trailer.
It needs a lot of work, but it also has some good assets.

The stats:
1972 Chevrolet c20 Suburban (c20 means 3/4 ton 2-wheel drive)
402 big block engine, only 200 miles on it when I bought it.
TH400 transmission
4:11 single wing read end
Power brakes in great shape, disc in front.
Power steering with tilt column installed.
4-core aluminum radiator, brand new


Upgrades I've perform so far in chronological order:
* Steam-clean undercarriage, removing literal pounds of sand and dirt from its Reno origin.
* Installed hood locking device. https://www.zlokhoodlock.com/
* Installed manual choke cable.
* New custom built driveline (original one exploded the carrier nearing about 50 miles outside of Susanville on its maiden voyage home) $1,500
* Replaced points style distributor with MSD distributor. $400
* Had a technician tune the carb and timing $90
* Installed new defroster tubes under dash $50
* New larger tires with 3-peak mountain logo for maximum traction. $808 net after selling the existing tires
* Installed 3 door seals and door bumpers (made it a lot quieter inside)
* Applied Glasparency coating to the windshield for maximum visibility in the dark rain.

Next-up list:
* Have transmission serviced and shift-kit installed if needed. Add trans temp gauge. Add trans cooler.
* Install all new coil springs and tie rod ends (wanders a bit)
* Replace various suspension bushings.
* Fix oil leak at oil pressure sending unit on side of block (easy)
* Replace loud and inefficient flex fan with clutch fan.
* Replace rusty rear hatch and tailgate (already have replacements ready $1,000)
* Have glass shop install new gaskets on both rear side windows $600