If you've been to a large truck show east of the Mississippi River, chances are you've seen one of Denny McKrill's creations. You see, this Elkhart, Indiana, resident has churned out 12 show-stopping rigs in the past 25 years and they've been a staple of eastern truck shows, earning numerous awards in the process.
His latest creation is this fascinating '91 Chevy Suburban. When he found it on a car lot in 1998 it was a bone-stock grocery-getter. "I wanted to build something different," McKrill says, so he plunked down the cash and took it home. After an enormous effort, he trotted out this amazing rig that is not only a large, juicy piece of eye-candy, but also an intriguing fusion of off-highway technology.
A body color-matched 10-bolt...
A body color-matched 10-bolt axle has been fitted with 4.10:1 cogs and a Barney's 4x4-built truss. The axle is bolted to a pair of BDS 8-inch-lift leaf springs, and a pair of BDS shocks reside at each wheel. Also on the mod list up front: a pair of BDS steering stabilizers and a BDS pitman arm.
The original 350ci V-8 was...
The original 350ci V-8 was meticulously rebuilt and fitted with a Weiand 6-71 Series supercharger, a pair of Carter 450-cfm carburetors, a set of Hedman headers, and Flowmaster mufflers and 4-inch-diameter exhaust tubing. Anything that could be polished was polished. McKrill estimates that the mill generates around 450 hp.
Like the front, the diesel...
Like the front, the diesel Chevy pickup-sourced 14-bolt rear axle is color-matched to the body, has 4.10:1 gears, and has a healthy truss. Lift comes from BDS 8-inch-lift springs and there are four BDS shocks. A set of custom traction bars help keep the axle planted and a polished driveshaft sports 1350 U-joints.
Unusual features abound on...
Unusual features abound on this Sub, like the custom Barney's 4x4-built tube assemblies that locate the Autofab removable fiberglass front fenders. The assemblies are made from 1.75-inch-diameter 0.125-wall tubing.
The NP205 transfer case rests...
The NP205 transfer case rests on a custom Barney's 4x4-built crossmember made from 1.75-inch-diameter 0.125-wall tubing. The transfer case is bolted to a completely rebuilt and upgraded Turbo 350 transmission that features a slew of B&M parts. Oh, one more thing: the entire frame was smoothed and painted.
You want unique? Here's unique:...
You want unique? Here's unique: A pair of Autofab fullsize Chevy pickup fiberglass bedsides were modified to fit the Suburban's rear fenders. The fiberglass fenders clip onto the Sub's radiused steel fenders. To create a smooth look and a nice transition from the door to fender, the fiberglass continues onto the rear passenger doors and these pieces clip on as well. A lot of work went into these mods, including boxing the panels for a finished look.
General
Owner: Denny and Sue McKrill, Elkhart, Indiana
Vehicle/Model: '91 Chevy Suburban
Estimated Value: $35,000
Engine
Type: 350ci V-8
Aspiration: Dual 450-cfm Carter carburetors, Weiand 6-71 Series supercharger, Hedman headers, Flowmaster mufflers, 4-inch-diameter dual exhaust
Output, hp/torque (estimated): 450/Not available
Drivetrain
Transmission: Turbo 350, B&M components
Transfer Case: NP205
Suspension
Front: BDS 8-inch-lift leaf springs, dual BDS shocks
Rear: BDS 8-inch-lift leaf springs, dual BDS shocks, custom traction bars
Axles/Differentials
Front: GM 10-bolt, trussed/open
Rear: GM 14-bolt, trussed, disc-brake conversion/limited-slip
Ring-and-pinion: 4.10:1
Wheels/Tires
Wheels: 15x14 Weld Racing
Tires: 46x19.5-15 Mickey Thompson Baja Claw