92 Suburban tow package

cyoung

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 7, 2005
Location
Gibsonville, NC
I looked at a 1992 3/4 ton burb today. After looking at it I wondered if there were different tow package options for these trucks. I beleive it has 4.10 gears but it also had a step bumper with attachment points for a ball that appeared factory. Then it had a bolt on receiver hitch that appeared aftermarket (had some sort of "towing accessories company" sticker on it). Does anybody know what it should have or what towing options were factory?
Thanks!
 
Towing package didn't nessisarily come with a reciver hitch, and many times they were dealer installed,
"factory" hitches do not have the highest tow rating either, possible the hitch could be a higher weight rating than it was sold with.

" Towing package " could be anything from bigger mirrors and a trans cooler to that, and larger brakes, most GM trucks of that era had the wiring for a brake controller, ( orange and blue wires were wrapped and taped, tucked up under the brake booster, and run to the rear of the vehicle and tucked in the frame, a few even had a fifth wheel wiring package ) some even had "trailer" wiring at the rear already wired in, you just had to terminate.
 
Thanks!

Any concern about this truck being able to comfortably tow (I know it may be slow in the mountains) a 7-8 thousand pound trailer regardless of the "package" it came with?

On an unrelated question, in the drivers side wheel well there hangs a house type/110V looking plug that appears to go somewhere near the block. This truck shows no signs of having spent any significant time up North but is this likely to be a block heater? It looks factory to me.
 
Manufacturers recommended max trailer weight depends on 2or 4 wheel drive, engine size and axle ratio. For a C2500 suburban it starts at 6,000 lbs for a C-2500 w/5.7 and 3:73 up to 10,000 for a K2500 w/7.4 and 4:10. None of my K2500 suburbans (4) have blocks under rear axle. Of course you need the proper hitch. I can pull anything with my suburbans the issue is stopping. I like being able to carry a ton or pull 10k lbs with a $28 plate.
 
Oops

Yeah, I guess I left off some key info. It's a 4x4, 350 ci and I believe 4.10 gears. I jacked up one wheel, turned the tire once and got right at 1 rev of the driveshaft.

Based on the above that would make a tow capacity, assuming right hitch, of 10k lbs, right?
 
Chevrolet would say max trailer weight for 4x4, 5.7, 4:10 is 7,000 lbs. You would need a diesel or 7.4 to tow more. Inside the glove box are the build codes. GT5 is 4:10, GT4 is 3:73 and G80 is rear locking diff. Tires are also important. If you are maxing out tow weight I would have load range E tires to reduce swaying and have max weight carrying ability. I think you could tow more than 7,000 lbs, with proper equipment including trailer brakes, trans cooler and even engine oil cooler. I flat towed my 84 (6400Lbs) to Harlan with a 93 k2500 5.7. It was a bit of a chore in the mountains. Towing with the 99 5.7 (VORTEC) is easier with more power. My 97 K2500 with 7.4 (recently purchased) is awesome. It can't quite keep up with a modified diesel but it walks away from my son pulling his YJ on a trailer with a 01 k2500 6.0.
 
Not trying to steal the post but what is the difference between the 1500 sub and the 2500 sub with the 5.7? Is it just the springs and the rear axle?
 
Some of the differences I'm aware of are; heavier frame, larger gas tank, larger brakes,8 lug wheels,4l80 transmission,14 bolt rear (some are full float some are semi), exemption from OBDII (8600lbs GVW),springs, hydrobrakes.
 
MCJEEP said:
Not trying to steal the post but what is the difference between the 1500 sub and the 2500 sub with the 5.7? Is it just the springs and the rear axle?
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Depends on the year but the early 90's are the same frame I think. I know the late 80's are. Main difference is from 5 or 6 lug to 8 lug and heavier suspension.
 
what are your trying to tow? You haven't mentioned what size/weight trailer and such. stuff like how tall your rig sits up will make a difference on towing. Will it see DD use also or just tow pig ?

There should be a sticker on the door jam that clearly says what the GVRW is of the truck. And as mentioned all the codes on the glove box sticker will tell you what options.

I'm not 100% sure you would have a 4l80 in 92 on a 3/4 ton. They were still phasing out using Th400s at that time. Crawl under and check the tranny pan. With a '92 I would also be asking to see service or maintenance records or at least have someone indicate what they have done.

Possibly you can have someone go with you to look at it. Even with as many cars/trucks as I have boughten I still try to get a friend to go with me to point out the obvious that I may not see because I get excited when I'm looking at a different vehicle.

good luck
 
Thanks

Went camping with the family for a couple of days. Suffering from a little sleep deprivation from sleeping in a tent with a 3 yr old, a nine year old, wife and a dog.
Thanks for the replies! I'm just starting to look into the towing deal but would likely be a 78 f150 or 79 Bronco (around 5k lbs) plus a trailer that I don't have yet.
The 92 has the 4l80 based on the 17 bolt tranny pan. I looked at the glove box sticker. It was hard to read and I didn't know what I was looking for but thanks for the codes. Now I know.

Any more thoughts/info are appreciated.
 
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