New Suburban

TomTom · October 8, 2004

Just traded in my 2002 Silverado in for a 2004 Suburban Z71. I hated giving up the pickup but, my wife is pregnant with our 2nd child and we are always the ones driving the extended family around, so the wife said we needed a change. She wanted the Tahoe, but since it will be mine, she ok'ed the Suburban as long as we got the Z71. She likes the "buff look". I like the ride, so we are both happy. Hopefully it will be as good to us as my last 2 Chevy pickups.

I do have 2 quick questions I was hoping you guys could help me with.

1. This is my first 4x4 (always wanted one, never had an excuse). What should I be doing for maintenence? I want to keep this vehicle for a long time, so I want to make sure I keep it up.

2. Both my wife and I prefer a bench seat to the console in the middle, I know you can get the middle seat off ebay and make the switch. Has anyone actually done this? Is there any surprises under the console? or is it an easy switch?

Thanks for any help you can give me.

dannyukonxl · October 9, 2004

congrats on the new truck

1. i would switch to synthetic in the engine transmission, transfer case, front and rear differentials, this will allow them to take more heat

2. as for the middle bench seat, there is a lot of wiring under there for my rear ac/ audio/video hook ups and i think the stock subwoofer is under there, im sure it can be done but you would have to get hte panels to seal off the front/ underside, so bottom line, it should be an easy switch but the fit and finish might not be top notch... do you plan on carrying more than 8?

Supurban · October 9, 2004

That's great about the new Sub purchase! Post pics!

For the 4x4 maintenance, take care of the fluids in your diffs and driveline per schedule or even more frequent. Make sure you actuate the transfer case periodically to make sure solenoids and other things don't stick from non-use.

The seat project sounds incredibly interesting. But that center console is a beast. Bose subwoofer is under there along with all kinds of wiring. When you describe the center seat, are you referring to a piece that sits between the front buckets or are you doing a full LS-style bench up front?

99silveradoz71 · October 9, 2004

As the others said, frequent fluid changes at early intervals will help you out greatly. As most likely do here, documentation will make it easy to make your truck a keeper.

carguru · October 10, 2004

Congrats on the new purchase.

TomTom · October 10, 2004

Thanks for the replies. Dannyyukonxl - I doubt I ever carry more than 8, my wife likes the bench to stretch out on long trips. Supurban- Yes, I want to do the whole LS bench. I guess I am going to have to take it apart and see what I am looking at. Thanks for everything.