The GMC Suburban, a long-standing nameplate in the General Motors lineup, has a rich history dating back to 1937. This iconic SUV has outlasted its competitors, including the DeSoto Suburban, Nash Ambassador Suburban, and Plymouth Fury Suburban. While it now wears the Yukon XL badge, GMC Suburbans were sold in the US market until 1999. Today, we are taking a closer look at a four-wheel-drive example of the 1973-1991 Suburban generation, found in a car graveyard just outside of Reno, Nevada.
Upon inspection, we discovered an intriguing Service Parts Identification sticker on the glovebox lid. It revealed that this particular Suburban was part of a fleet order with various interesting RPO codes. One notable option was the “Retail Amenity Delete,” which meant that the cigarette lighter was an extra-cost feature. In those days, even small amenities had to be purchased separately.
Under the hood, we found the original carbureted Chevrolet 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) small-block V8 engine. This engine, which produced 165 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, may have been the same one installed at the Flint, Michigan assembly line. While it may not seem like much power by today’s standards, it was certainly adequate for the era.
The transmission in this Suburban is the optional 700R4 four-speed automatic, providing smooth shifts and ease of use. As for the interior, it features a classic bench seat, just as it should.
This particular Suburban is a half-ton model with four-wheel drive and the base Sierra trim level. However, higher trims like the High Sierra and Sierra Classic offered more attractive exterior decorations and additional convenience features. In 1985, both GMC and Chevrolet Suburbans had identical price tags, starting at $11,650 for the K1500 with a 350 engine. Adjusted for inflation, this would amount to approximately $24,682 in today’s dollars.
Moving on to the eighth-generation Suburban, which debuted in 1992, it introduced a luxurious independent front suspension. This significant upgrade was derived from the independent front suspension found in C/K-series GM pickups since 1988. The Suburban became even more comfortable and refined, solidifying its position as a top choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
During our inspection, we noticed that a tailgate from a Chevrolet Suburban had been installed on this GMC variant. While we can only speculate as to why this modification was made, it adds an interesting touch to the truck’s history.
Despite being found in a Nevada car graveyard, rust had not taken a significant toll on this Suburban. It remains unclear where this truck resided before it made its way to the Silver State.
Interestingly, the previous owner of this Suburban was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12, covering California and Nevada. This affiliation suggests that this Suburban worked hard and was likely utilized for demanding tasks.
As for what led to the demise of this once formidable Suburban, we can only speculate. Unfortunately, the car graveyard holds no clues as to what broke and ultimately sent this truck to its final resting place.
While the Suburban may not have received as much advertising attention as its Chevrolet counterpart, it has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape. With its robust capabilities, spacious interior, and enduring popularity, the GMC Suburban continues to be a beloved choice for those seeking a versatile and reliable SUV.