suburban 400 or 550?

[dave24 18]

hello, i was wondering how 2 tell the difference between the suburban 400 and 550, i know its not a 551 or 401, it does not have the original engine either, thanks david

[WHRNaddict 5]

I believe they are the same except the engine, look in the toolbox under the seat for evidence of a battery. If it had a battery at sometime it is probably 550. There's a lot people here that know far more than I. Pics will help a lot.

[CasualObserver 3,408]

I'd start with the hood... look to the right of the steering column, is there a hole? If there is no hole, or there is a plug in the hole, you have a 400. The hole is for the key switch of the 550.

Having a hole but no plug means you move on and check for battery and solenoid evidence in the tool box to see if you have a 550, or a 400 with a missing plug. Look for a discolored, rusty or not rusty rectangle where a battery may have sat. Also look at the sides of the tool box for evidence of a solenoid mounting point such as holes or small bolts that aren't holding anything. You might also look for any evidence of wires scraping.

The fenders and tool box were standard on the 550, but optional on the 400.

[linen beige 14]

I'd check for the past presence of a battery and solenoid before relying on any holes/plugged holes in the hood, because it COULD be a 550 that has been re-powered as a 400 with the key switch removed and the hole plugged.

You may also be able to tell from any tool marks left on the frame from where the original engine was. The 400's engine foot print is different from that of the 550's.