Direct fit GMC Suburban 1/2-ton 1973-1991 era. 'Suburban 10' refers to OLDER GMC Suburban naming convention for 1/2-ton variant (C10 = 2WD, K10 = 4WD), before GM dropped '10' naming in 1992 with GMT400 platform modernization (switched to 1500/2500/3500 numbering like sister pickup trucks).
GMC Suburban heritage: GM's FAMOUS FULL-SIZE SUV with 14+ generations spanning 1935-present (90+ years production making Suburban among LONGEST CONTINUOUS NAMEPLATES in automotive history). Founder of full-size SUV concept before modern SUV era. Used by families/service/commercial applications throughout decades.
3rd/4th generation Suburban 10 1973-1991 era: featured 'square body' styling - distinctive iconic American SUV era. Body styles: 3-door (early era) and 4-door (1973+ later - Suburban was among first SUVs to offer 4-door configuration, pre-dating modern SUV 4-door designs). 1/2-ton capacity distinct from Suburban 20 (3/4-ton, Batch 56 vaz517 GMC 2500 reference for older naming) and Suburban 30 (1-ton, Batch 56 vaz518 GMC 3500 reference for multi-era heritage).
Sister vehicle Chevrolet Suburban C10/K10 1973-1991 (same platform, different Chevy badging). GM made both Chevy and GMC versions simultaneously at same plants sharing most mechanical components. Many parts interchange between Chevy and GMC Suburban versions - different grille/badging decorative trim only.
Suburban 10 engines: 305 V8 (5.0L small block), 350 V8 (5.7L most common - the FAMOUS GM small block V8 heritage used across GM lineup 1955-2003), 6.2L Detroit Diesel V8 (optional heavy-duty), 7.4L V8 (454 Big Block some configurations for towing - the famous GM Big Block V8, Batch 56 vaz518 GMC 3500 reference). Transmissions: Turbo-Hydramatic 350 (TH350 3-spd auto common smaller V8), Turbo-Hydramatic 400 (TH400 heavy-duty 3-spd, Batch 56 vaz517 GMC 2500 reference), 700R4 4-spd with overdrive (late 1980s+), 4L60 4-spd (later models), 3-spd/4-spd manual early years. 2WD (C10) or 4WD (K10).
Applications: family hauler (most common pre-minivan era 1984+ Batch 55 vaz510 reference), work vehicle, towing vehicle (RV/boat/trailer), recreational vehicle, government/military use. 4WD K10 versions particularly popular for off-road and rural use.
4th generation 1992+ (GMT400 platform): when GM switched to GMT400 platform 1992 the 'Suburban 10' naming was dropped in favor of '1500' designation following sister truck conventions (C1500/K1500 Suburban). Same '10' = '1500' translation = '1/2-ton'. GMT400 brought modernization including OBD-II federal mandate 1996+ (Batch 56 vaz517 GMC reference for older pre-OBD-II era context).
Sill plate definition: trim piece mounted on door threshold/door sill (bottom door frame where rocker panel meets door opening). Functions: (1) Protection (protects sheet metal door threshold from foot wear and damage from many daily entries/exits), (2) Decorative trim (provides finished appearance to door opening), (3) Vehicle branding (often includes 'Suburban' or 'GMC' logo embossed or painted), (4) Weather seal (helps maintain door seal at threshold), (5) Foot traffic protection (many daily entries/exits wear sheet metal without sill plate).
Construction: stamped steel or metal plate (typically aluminum or stainless steel for corrosion resistance), mounting screws or clips (Phillips screws typical), branding/logo (embossed or painted 'Suburban' or 'GMC' lettering), anti-slip profile some designs, multiple colors (chrome polished, black, body-color variants).
Common failure modes: bending from foot traffic wear over years, corrosion (especially salt-belt areas), missing screws/clips (lost during removal), damaged logo/branding (worn lettering), cracking (plastic variants), paint wear (painted plates). Replacement is easy DIY 15-30 minutes per plate.
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| GMC Suburban C10 1973-1991 | 2WD 1/2-ton |
| GMC Suburban K10 1973-1991 | 4WD 1/2-ton |
| Position Specific: | |
| Driver Front (Left) | Specific configuration |
| Passenger Front (Right) | Mirror configuration |
| Rear Driver (Left) | Rear door specific (4-door models) |
| Rear Passenger (Right) | Rear door specific (4-door models) |
| Body Style: | |
| 3-Door Suburban | Front doors only |
| 4-Door Suburban (1973+ Common) | Front and rear doors |
| Sister Vehicle: | |
| Chevy Suburban C10/K10 1973-1991 | Same platform (often interchanges) |
| Trim Level: | |
| Base, Custom, Silverado, Sierra | May affect plate color/style |
| Color Options: | |
| Chrome, Black, Body-Color | Specify preference |
| NOT Compatible: GMT400 Suburban 1500 (1992+) | Different '1500' naming era |
| NOT Compatible: Modern Suburban | Different platform |
Call (240) 301-0095. Critical questions: (1) Year (1973-1991). (2) Position (driver/passenger, front/rear). (3) Body style (3-door or 4-door). (4) Color preference. (5) Trim level if specific.
| Part Type | Door sill plate / threshold trim / step plate |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | GMC Suburban 1/2-Ton 1973-1991 |
| Era | Pre-GMT400 naming (C10/K10) |
| Production | 19 years US |
| Generation | 3rd-4th gen 'square body' |
| Sister | Chevrolet Suburban C10/K10 1973-1991 |
| Body Styles | 3-door (early) | 4-door (1973+) |
| Suburban Heritage | GM longest nameplate 1935+ (90+ years) |
| Engines | 305/350 V8 | 6.2L Diesel | 454 Big Block |
| Transmissions | 700R4 | TH400 | TH350 | 4L60 |
| Drivetrain | 2WD (C10) or 4WD (K10) |
| Naming Convention | 10 = 1/2-ton (vs 20 = 3/4-ton | 30 = 1-ton) |
| Gmt400 Successor | 1992+ adopted 1500/2500/3500 |
| Construction | Stamped steel/aluminum/stainless | branding logo |
| Mounting | Screws or clips |
| Color Options | Black | Chrome | body-color |
| Common Failure | corrosion | Bending | missing screws |
| Approximate Weight | 0.5 to 2 lbs |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy | 15-30 minutes per plate |
Contact (240) 301-0095 within 15 days of delivery.
