The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs 53 GMC Suburban - newbie

Hello, I am new to Stovebolt and look forward to all I can learn and achieve while taking on the challenge of getting on the road. I have a 53 GMC Suburban. Arlo the 53 got its name because I read the license plate incorrectly; it is Alro but Arlo is better. Arlo has been waiting patiently while I have tried to research information on the IFS that was put in prior to it coming to its new home. Until I found the Stovebolt website I had all but given up hope on being able to identify what has been installed. I have tried to add pictures in this thread. Sometimes I am electronically challenged with computers.
I have an ever-growing list of items needed to be addressed but am not in any rush to get all of them done since we have had it for 7 years. Myself my son and grandsons (5 & 6 at this time will grow into good assistants) are wanting this to be a teaching and learning adventure for all of us.
I acquired the Suburban from a neighbor down the street who had it for 29 years. He had some people "help" him with installing an IFS; it was not installed at the correct wheelbase length as far as I can tell. It is currently at 117 1/2 and from everything I can find it should be at 116 wheelbase. The rag joint is not fully connected and unsafe to drive. My problem is the IFS may have come from an AMC; the previous owner could not remember which model of AMC but through some reading it may have been a Pacer.
Decision time when the IFS can be identified as to what the next step will be.
I am excited to finally get started being frustrated and experience all the highs and lows that will come with getting on the road.
Thank you all for any information and advice in advance.

Arrlo, Welcome to the Stovebolt.

Congratulations on a fine family project!! You've come to the right place for information. I would suggest putting your vehicle information in your signature. This would help in the future when you ask questions as you won't have to repeat what your are working on every time. After all, this web site does cover Stovebolts from the 20's, up through the late 1980's!

Wheel base wise, your Burb doesn't look too bad. If anything, maybe the rear axle could go forward a touch? That might just be my personal preference, though.

In the past, the AMC Pacer was a common IFS. I'm sure those that know better than me could help you identify it. Lots of pictures help!

Again, welcome to the Stovebolt!!

Welcome to Stovebolt.com

You might want to also check out oldGMCtrucks.com

Welcome. If you can get a few photos of the IFS from several different angles with the wheels off, I bet we can ID it. As Mark mentioned in his post the Pacer clip was the “preferred” way to clip your frame style until the Pacer supply dried up. Camero, Firebird, Nova clips took over after that. Great project to share with family. I sold my chopped and heavily modified ‘48 Suburban a few years ago to a Grandfather in Alabama who wanted to take his grandkids on Cruising the Coast.

Welcome to the site Arlo.
looks like you got yourself a pretty complete burb project to start work with.

Can’t wait for progress pics.

( had a guy tell me he installs the front suspension a little forward of where it should be to better center the wheel in the fenders, never really looked to see the difference though)

The Pacer IFS is nearly perfect for an AD and was the #1 choice for years. It could be either welded or bolted in and the factory cross member could be retained. If it has drum brakes it is a 1975 as all later ones had disc brakes. If it needs rebuilt one can use Ford disc brake parts, Chrysler lower ball joint and Monte Carlo upper ball joint. The caster/camber ecentrics are the same as Chevy pickup so unit can be rebuilt to new but tweaking (some major) is needed. "We be Old" is a frequent poster on the BOLT and has an AD with the Pacer IFS so help/advice is available.

Pacer weight = 3000 curb weight (I could not find total "payload" weight).

4800 lb GVW for a 1954 Chevrolet suburban.

hmmm . . .

When someone upgrades a Stovebolt (47-55st) 1/2 ton truck with that Pacer front-end, do they often further "upgrade" with an engine that is heavier that the Pacer's 232-cu.in. straight-six?

I hope to get more pictures added especially of the IFS and get it identified so the real work can begin. Arlo is currently at my sons in his garage. There are door windows that are stuck, brake lines that have been bent and curved up into the frame (part of the "help" the previous owner had gotten) along with defroster/heater, sliders, floor and of course seats.
Thanks Cheryl

The Pacer X came with a 304ci V8. The location of the engine to the front axle center line is of huge importance. If the engine sits in front of the axle center line, like a Pinto then the factory springs are TOO HEAVY for a small block V8 that sits entirely behind the axle center line. Especially true of a Pinto station wagon IFS where even a big block wouldn't make the A-frames and control arms sit level. We used a Pacer X IFS on a 1940 Packard sedan and the ride was too harsh but some lower rate springs from Speedway did the job. I would not use factory MII or Pinto units as they are formed from several layers of formed tin and have strut rods that are under compression fro lower control arm to a pressed tin frame rail. Tension yes, compression no.

We were able to get some additional pictures of what has been installed. I hope the pictures are clear, please let me know if more are needed. Any and all input is appreciated.

1976 or later as Evan pointed out.

Thanks! Continued research ordered books today (suggested books from the numerous threads I've read here) truck shop manual, factory assembly manual and restoration book by Tom Brownwell. We (the collective we) will create a plan; plans are subject to change when daily life steps in. This website and the willingness of its members is priceless. Updates as we move forward and enlist the help of the next generation.