Should I buy a 2003 Suburban 2500 2WD?

[alodawg26]

We are considering a suburban for our growing family (twins on the way!). I love the body style of these, and I found a 2003 in great shape, interior is flawless, reasonably priced at $7,800. Individual seller, so I plan to negotiate.

 

Here's what I know:

2003 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 LT

2 owner

102k miles

6.0L + 4L80e

2WD

No rust (huge find in the rust belt)

 

I'm hung up on the fact it is 2WD. We are in southern Ohio and get a decent amount of snow and slushy rain each year. I can't find any info about the rear end or differential. Is it limited slip? Open? I am leaning towards making a move, but I also want to get some expert opinions on the forum before I do so.

 

Thanks for your help.

[davester]

look in the glovebox, there's a sticker with a bunch of 3-digit codes.  If it has the code "G80" in that list (it's alphabetical, so easy to find), then it came with the G80 locking rear diff from the factory (it likely will still have it, but it's possible someone swapped it out for an open diff if it failed).

[alodawg26]

8 minutes ago, davester said:

look in the glovebox, there's a sticker with a bunch of 3-digit codes.  If it has the code "G80" in that list (it's alphabetical, so easy to find), then it came with the G80 locking rear diff from the factory (it likely will still have it, but it's possible someone swapped it out for an open diff if it failed).

Will do, and thank you.

[Donstar]

I lived in Northern Canada during the '80's.  You could plan on snow for six months of the year.  I bought a brand new Suburban in 1986 and didn't consider 4wd.  Proper winter tires were a must and I kept a set of chains handy.  4wd's have been around for a long time but their popularity is fairly recent.  (We all wanted to own one but the cost to buy and maintain was prohibitive.)   If I was in the situation you describe, I wouldn't be discouraged by the 2wd.  

[sefiroxx]

Have a 01 4wd and formerly a 94 4wd - yes for family of 3 boys, 3 dogs, 3 cats. Ambo doors. CT and eventually TX ice storms.

 

Only had them in 4wd 3-4 days a year. Wifey's car and she was uncomfortable with 4wd and never used it. Only used it on the beach, family ski trips and for the boys to pull friends out of the medians in TX

 

For the 2wd, the weight of the burb is able to keep the rear wheels well engaged. Be sure to put a good set of tires on as the oem tires were lousy in rain, snow, mud