Everything is fixable. The question is the cost. Whatever you pay for it, you have to factor in the cost of an engine rebuild and whatever else is wrong with it. Probably not a good buy.

 

Seems like the guy failed to do coolant maintenance. Not sure what's else he skipped so I think I will skip this one. Thanks for the inputs.

 

You're making the right call I think. There's lots of Suburbans out there.

 

The one I looked at was very rare I think. It's GMC K2500 SLT with double swing doors. The interior and the paint are perfect for it ages. The visible sight of oil/grease and the lack of service records were scary to me.
I think most drivers don't know that oil and fluid have limited life and they need frequent flushes.

 

Well, if you were to buy a junk yard engine and get a shop to swap it out for you it might still be a good truck. I tend to be optimistic when it's what you want and it fits into your budget. Doing an engine swap isn't a big deal.

 

Against common sense, I went 120miles and brought this rig home last night. It behaves well on 80mph freeway but shakes violently when stopping at the intersection.
Looks like I'm going to be active on this forum begging for helps to restore its health.

 

Sounds like warped rotors. Not a big deal. 1997 CHEVROLET K2500 SUBURBAN 5.7L V8 Rotor & Brake Pad Kit | RockAuto

Looks like it has drum brakes in the rear. They might need a look as well. Looks like a good project truck.

 

I'm not too sure about the warped rotor...

I found these wheels from 2017 GMC 3500 Van:
16 Inch 8 Lug (8X165 Bolt Pattern) Wheels
Will they fit the 97 K2500?

 

If it was the wheels they would be giving feedback while rolling down the road I should think. If it's only when pressure it applied to the brakes then..

 

I'm looking at those wheels to restore OEM look and to replace the worn out tires. Not for vibration issue.