The Chevrolet Suburban is one of the most popular full-size SUVs in the market. It has been around for more than eight decades and has evolved over the years to become a modern and luxurious vehicle. One of the most popular versions of the Suburban is the lifted square body Suburban, also known as the square body Suburban.
What is a Lifted Square Body Suburban?
A lifted square body Suburban is a modified version of the third-generation Chevrolet Suburban, which was produced from 1973 to 1991. The third-generation Suburban is also known as the square-body Suburban due to its sharp-edged body design. The lifted square body Suburban is modified by lifting its suspension to increase ground clearance, allowing it to tackle tough off-road trails with ease.
History of the Lifted Square Body Suburban
The lifted square body Suburban has a long and rich history. It started in the 1970s when off-road enthusiasts started modifying regular Suburbans to make them more capable off-road. These modifications include adding larger tires, lifting the suspension, and installing skid plates to protect the undercarriage of the vehicle.
In the 1980s, Chevrolet started offering a factory option for a lifted suspension for the Suburban, making it easier for off-road enthusiasts to modify their vehicles. This option was called the “off-road package” and included a lifted suspension, larger tires, and skid plates. The off-road package was a popular option and helped to popularize the lifted square body Suburban.
Features of the Lifted Square Body Suburban
The lifted square body Suburban is a highly capable off-road vehicle. Its features include:
- A lifted suspension to increase ground clearance
- Larger tires for better traction on rough terrain
- Skid plates to protect the undercarriage of the vehicle
- Four-wheel drive for better traction in slippery conditions
- A powerful engine to provide the necessary torque for off-road driving
Advantages of the Lifted Square Body Suburban
The lifted square body Suburban has several advantages over regular SUVs, including:
- Better off-road capability
- Increased ground clearance
- More comfortable ride on rough terrain
- Higher resale value
- Classic styling that never goes out of fashion
Disadvantages of the Lifted Square Body Suburban
Despite its many advantages, the lifted square body Suburban also has some disadvantages, including:
- Higher center of gravity, which can make it more prone to rollovers
- Poor fuel economy due to the larger tires and increased weight
- Higher maintenance costs due to the modifications
- Less comfortable ride on smooth roads
How to Lift a Square Body Suburban
If you want to lift your square body Suburban, you have several options. The most common way is to install a suspension lift kit. These kits come in various sizes and can lift your Suburban anywhere from 2 to 10 inches.
You can also install a body lift kit, which lifts the body of the vehicle while leaving the suspension unchanged. This is a cheaper and simpler option, but it doesn’t increase ground clearance as much as a suspension lift kit.
Popular Modifications for the Lifted Square Body Suburban
There are many popular modifications that you can make to your lifted square body Suburban to make it even more capable off-road. These include:
- Adding a winch to help pull the vehicle out of tricky situations
- Installing lockers to improve traction in slippery conditions
- Upgrading the brakes to handle the increased weight and larger tires
- Installing a roll cage to improve safety in case of rollovers
- Adding lights to improve visibility at night or in low-light conditions
Conclusion
The lifted square body Suburban is a classic and highly capable off-road vehicle that has a loyal following among off-road enthusiasts. Its timeless styling and rugged performance make it a popular choice for those who want a vehicle that can handle the toughest terrain. If you’re looking for an SUV that can take you anywhere you want to go, the lifted square body Suburban is definitely worth considering.