CHEVY SUBURBAN
7th Generation (1973 - 1991)
The Chevrolet Suburban was introduced in 1934 and has been in continuous production to the present day, after 11 distinct model generations. It's the longest-produced automobile nameplate in the world.
It began as one of the first metal-bodied station wagons, and is the progenitor of the modern full-size sport utility vehicle. The Suburban combines a wagon style body with the chassis and powertrain of a pickup truck.
The 7th generation Chevy Suburban, sold from 1973 to 1991, was slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, abandoning its carryall past. It was completely re-engineered as a station wagon style body with four full passenger doors.
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As the term "sport-utility vehicle" was more closely associated with off-road vehicles (such as the K5 Blazer), GM designated the Suburban as a truck based station wagon.
Alongside the long running twin panel rear doors, the Suburban adopted an optional tailgate style rear door with a retractable rear window.
Though technically fitted with only a front bench seat as standard equipment, the Suburban was offered in multiple interior configurations, offering up to nine passenger seating. Bucket front seats became a front seat option in 1978, with the third row seat changed to a quick release design for 1979.
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The Suburban shared several engines with the C/K pickup truck line.
A 250 cid inline six was the standard engine through 1979. The model line was offered with a 307 cid (1973 only) and 350 cid small block V8s. A 454 cid big block V8 was optional in C series Suburbans.
For 1976, the 350 V8 was joined by 305 and 400 cubic inch V8s. The latter was discontinued for 1981.
For 1980, V8 engines became standard for the model line, with the 305 returning as the standard engine for 1981.
For 1982, GM introduced a 6.2L Detroit Diesel V8 as a higher efficiency alternative to the 454 V8.
A three speed manual transmission was offered through the 1980 model year, with a four speed manual offered through 1987.
Initially offered with three speed Turbo Hydra Matic 350 and 400 automatic transmissions, a four speed Turbo Hydra Matic 700R4 became an option in 1981.
For 1980, K series Suburbans moved from full time 4WD to a part time system, allowing the front axle to freewheel.
For 1981, the shift on the fly 4×4 system adopted automatic locking front hubs.
For 1987, GM redesignated the Rounded Line C/K series as the R/V series to accommodate the launch of the 1988 GMT400 platform C/K trucks, which were being launched in the spring of 1987.
The gasoline engines of the model converted from carbureted fuel delivery to electronic fuel injection using throttle body injection (TBI).
For 1988, the 5.0L (305 cid) engine was dropped from the line, with the 5.7L (350 cid) V8 becoming the standard engine.
In a trim revision, the R/V line adopted the nomenclature of its GMT400 successor, with all vehicles adopting the 1500/2500/3500 payload series (previously used by GMC).
For 1989, the exterior underwent its largest revision since its 1973 introduction. Adopting a style similar to the GMT400, the black painted grille was offered with quad headlights (economy trims were equipped with two). After using the same design nearly unchanged since 1973, the steering wheel was replaced (adopting the same design as the GMT400).
For 1990, the Suburban introduced power-operated sideview mirrors, also adding the option of rear wheel ABS. Alongside the Suburban and Blazer/Jimmy, the R/V line was pared down nearly exclusively to one ton crew cab pickup and chassis cab trucks.
For 1991, the four-speed 700R4 automatic transmission was replaced by the electronically controlled 4L80-E unit. After an 18 year production run, the Rounded Line Suburban ended production as GM shifted crew cab pickup trucks and full size SUVs to the GMT400 platform for 1992.
Throughout the run of the 7th generation, three main trim levels were offered by both Chevrolet and GMC:
-- The “fleet” grade Sierra and Custom trucks with rubber floor mats and bare bones options.
-- A mid-tier trim package in the form of the Sierra Classic and Custom Deluxe/Scottsdale.
-- An upscale Sierra Grande and Silverado package that came with better sound deadening, power everything, and front and rear heater and air conditioning. In the context of the ’70s and ’80s, this was serious luxury for a truck.
Despite the very last 7th generation Chevrolet Suburban being built almost 35 years ago, there are still many on the road, often in great shape, and there is a vibrant market for them typically selling for around $10,000 in good condition, and up to $30,000 for exceptional examples.
Unlike many other "vintage" vehicles on the for sale/wanted market, their value isn't based on rarity. In fact, they're still quite common.
The '73 to '91 Suburban was simply an extremely solid, utilitarian vehicle. It could haul heavy cargo without straining the engine or chassis. It could tow massive loads. It could switch with ease from comfortable highway cruising for six (or even more) passengers, to tackling rough, off road terrain, or even handle icy conditions and plow tbrough deep snow. Countless suburbans doubled as winter plow trucks.
More than that, they were bulletproof. The engines could take hundreds of thousands of miles of abuse and keep running. The mechanicals were engineered to be simple and robust, but if anything needed replacing on a Suburban, parts were affordable, readily available, and easy to access, even for DIY mechanics.
Not surprisingly, 7th gen Suburbans are extremely popular with hot rodders. Many are modified to tackle brutal, off road terrain, with massive tires and beefy upgrades to the suspension and chassis.
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Still others modify the engines for power and speed. Even mild upgrades to the base 5.7L small block engine will easily produce 350 - 400 horsepower, while the 454 big block with stock bottom end internals and modest upgrades to the air and fuel induction system, intake and exhaust manifolds, and a bigger camshaft will get you into the 600 hp range without breaking parts or your wallet.
WIthout question, the Chevrolet Suburban is one of the most important vehicles in all of automotive history. Over 800,000 7th generation Suburbans were sold from 1973 to 1991.
They were a particularly significant milestone because they represented a qualitatively measurable shift from more primitive technology and engineering, to what we recognize today as more modern features, performance, utility, capacity, efficiency, safety, and quality.
Very few vehicles are so beloved by the public that they can still be commonly seen on the road decades after they were discontinued because their owners will never get rid of them. The 7th generation Suburban is one such vehicle.
