New-to-me '01 Suburban, rolled-back odom, need tune-up ideas

TRCM · May 16, 2012

Sounds like you got caught by a pro....good luck with getting it resolved.

Lv1G6He3V2 · May 16, 2012

I hope you have some legal options. If you cannot get the transaction reversed (due to fraud?), maybe you could see if action in a claims court would make up the difference in sale value (due to mileage). Obviously I'm no attorney...

As an upgrade I would suggest springs/shocks. Not everyone's choice but on my '99 this made quite a difference in handling (largely due to wear on the original parts).

txab · May 16, 2012

You have learned some valuable lessons with this purchase. Others can learn much from this too. Always research records on your purchase

nGAbear · May 16, 2012

You have learned some valuable lessons with this purchase. Others can learn much from this too. Always research records on your purchase

Indeed. As I said, I've got a couple of things working right now that I hope will pan out. I don't want to go into what those are at this time, seeing that this is a public forum. If and when they do, I will be more than happy to share.

Until that time...flush, repair, replace. That's about where I am at.

As for the shocks/springs, how difficult are these to diagnose and replace? I have noticed that they are not "as tight" as they might should be. When going over a bump I notice a sort of "worn-out Cadillac" type of bounce.?.

**That really makes my truck sound like it rides terribly...I didn't mean for that effect. I am just being critical after reading the post re: shocks/springs.

txab · May 16, 2012

Another service item to look at would be spark plugs. Might pull a few and take a look at what's installed and what shape they are in. Can person "A" help you with what maintenance items were performed while "A" drove it?

Lv1G6He3V2 · May 16, 2012

I'm not a mechanic, but from reading (and experience with my truck):

If the truck keeps bouncing unusually after a bump that indicates worn out shocks.

If the truck body feels like it floats around much over the tires while starting/stopping/turning that indicates worn out springs.

I've heard shocks can be replaced in a few minutes; I think it's just two bolts and some bushings for each shock. Coil springs require a special tool called a spring compressor. Add-a-leaf springs (or new spring packs) are supposed to be straightforward. I had a mechanic install this stuff and the labor wasn't cheap; I should've spent an afternoon or two to do some of it myself.

Some people like air bags, but I'm not sure what the point is (except when lowering the truck).

crtfour · May 16, 2012

It was my understanding that the actual mileage was stored in the truck's computer as well as the gauge cluser and that the dealership could hook it up to their equipment and tell you the mileage. Is that not correct?

nGAbear · May 16, 2012

While Person 'A' was helpful in eliminating himself from the subject pool, he is 'out' for any other sort of questioning.

My truck has Autoride. I can't find a whole lot in regards to troubleshooting/diagnosing or even explination of what this is. Michael-a, from your description I'm thinking my issue may be with both my shocks and springs. I need to learn more about the Autoride, something tells me there is more to this..

As for taking the truck to the dealership, that sounds great for my own etification, however, the damage is now done and the title reads EXEMPT in the milage field.

I am going to drop the ATF pan, clean it out and change out the filter + pan gasket later this week/weekend and I'm thinking about taking care of the differential lubricant the same time. Any suggestions as to the type of fluids I should use for these?

txab · May 16, 2012

For the trans, Dex VI replaced Dex III, so use it. Any quality brand will do as long as they meet or exceed the VI standard. VI is fully backwards compatible. For the diffs any quality brand synthetic. Mobil, Castrol, Amsoil etc....

nGAbear · May 16, 2012

For the trans, Dex VI replaced Dex III, so use it. VI is fully backwards compatible. For the diffs any quality brand synthetic. Mobil, Castrol, Amsoil etc....

Great info. Thank you.

txab · May 16, 2012

For the trans, Dex VI replaced Dex III, so use it. VI is fully backwards compatible. For the diffs any quality brand synthetic. Mobil, Castrol, Amsoil etc....

Great info. Thank you.

Any quality brand of Dex VI standard fluid

99silveradoz71 · May 18, 2012

Good luck and some great suggestions here. I hope the truck proves to be enjoyable and reliable. You wouldn't believe the people I stop at work who are driving around a newly purchased used vehicle and due to not doing their homework, do not have a valid title, and put themselves in bad positions.

nGAbear · May 19, 2012

Thanks.

No worries on the title and leaglities, I'm square in those regards. I just don't know the age of the parts-- as such, it is creating a lot more work for me.

The silver lining here is that I am getting to know my truck VERY well. <-- just staying positive.

Lv1G6He3V2 · May 21, 2012

Not a tune-up per se, but maintenance ideas: Spray seat tracks, door seals, etc. with silicone. Grab a flashlight, check for spills under/between seats; while replacing my front seats I found food, wrappers, gum, and corroded coins all stuck together by beverage spills - none of this was visible during my initial interior cleaning. If you remove/reinstall the seats, put towels down to protect any nearby plastic; the seat brackets will chew it up easily. The required sockets were female torx, E20 (deep) and E18, but 12-point metric sockets also work if careful not to round off the nuts and bolts.

scooby5121 · May 24, 2012

I may be a little late with a comeback to the rolled back odometer , but here it is plain and simple:

Buddy we know changes the odometers on all used vehicles from the auctions after these dealers remove the odometer and bring it to this licenced establlishment.

It is not illegal here for this technician to "adjust" the odometer as long as the vehicle is not on his lot, and the odometer is delivered to him. He is also linked to the car manufactures web via satelite and changes the reading at the source. So in a nut shell , the odometer reading can be changed back enough for warranty reasons!!!

This is no Bull shit. I can even let you know the place to send your odometer if you for any warranty reasons need be. The source is someone we know personally.

He is linked to Ford,Gm,Honda,etc.

Scooby