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97 Suburban - Newbie questions!

PFUND28

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PFUND28 Enthusiast

PFUND28

Posted
Posted

Like everything I've seen so far - great forum! Unfortunately, every time I use the "Search" to look for answers it doesn't seem to work...

 

So here I am, 1997 Suburban 1500 4x4 with 98k on it and wondering a few things:

1. The front end has had extensive work on it (shocks, pitman arm, idler arms - sorry, going off of memory so please be gentle if any of these are wrong!!) but it still wanders like crazy..... alignment?

 

2. There is a low whine that starts around 45mph and gets increasingly worse (scary between 65-75!) in 2wd.

 

3. What type of things do you guys recommend I do for drivability and gas mileage? I know not to drive it like a rental - but anything like different air filters, reprogramming the computer etc...

 

4. Anyone have any pics of stainless steel rocker kits installed on their Suburban 1994-1999 with fender flares? Can't seem to find any and my truck is BLACK!!! Looking to break up the massive one color thing.

 

 

Thanks so much in advance!!

Bob

2004GMC1500CC Enthusiast

2004GMC1500CC

Posted
Posted
Like everything I've seen so far - great forum! Unfortunately, every time I use the "Search" to look for answers it doesn't seem to work...

 

So here I am, 1997 Suburban 1500 4x4 with 98k on it and wondering a few things:

1. The front end has had extensive work on it (shocks, pitman arm, idler arms - sorry, going off of memory so please be gentle if any of these are wrong!!) but it still wanders like crazy..... alignment?

 

Are your wheels tight?  Tires up to pressure?

 

2. There is a low whine that starts around 45mph and gets increasingly worse (scary between 65-75!)  in 2wd.

 

Are your wheels tight?  Brakes in good condition?  How about bearings?

 

3. What type of things do you guys recommend I do for drivability and gas mileage? I know not to drive it like a rental - but anything like different air filters, reprogramming the computer etc...

 

4. Anyone have any pics of stainless steel rocker kits installed on their Suburban 1994-1999 with fender flares? Can't seem to find any and my truck is BLACK!!! Looking to break up the massive one color thing.

 

 

Thanks so much in advance!!

Bob

 

 

 

99silveradoz71 Senior Enthusiast

99silveradoz71

Posted
Posted

I'd try an alignment if you've had front end work and are still having tracking issues. As for fuel savings, my truck is stock, so I can't really comment from personal experience, but others may suggest programmers, intakes, exhausts, etc. Finally, you may wish to look for a company called stylin concepts. They're local to me here, and I know I had seen chrome rockers in their catalog a few years ago...though they were for pickups, but they might offer something for a burb too or at least be able to steer you towards a manufacturer.

 

Welcome

Bish Senior Enthusiast

Bish

Posted
Posted

First, an alignment should have been done after the front end work. Second, do you know if they replaced everything? Everything IMO would include 4 ball joints, 4 tie rod ends (2 inner, 2 outer), pitman arm, idler arm. If all items were replaced and a proper alignment was done, you need to look elsewhere. Steering box could be loose. You may be able to tighten it a little with the adjusting bolt. Research steering box adjustment as you can destroy yours if you do it improperly.

 

Lastly, look into the EVO sensor. I believe 97's had them. It is a donut shaped device around the steering shaft above the brake pedal. It is a common problem and makes the variable assist VERY unpredictable especially on the highway. Some have had success spraying it with WD-40. I replaced mine and it took less than 30 minutes and cost around $60 from a dealer.

PFUND28 Enthusiast

PFUND28

Posted
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Posted

Thanks for the replies guys! I had an alignment done - WOW!! Is that better!!! Bish, I will check into that and let you know...thanks! 99-2door, don't care for the bright stuff huh? If you saw this truck, it's just ALL black..... I just bought the truck and wanted to get it fixed before I start driving it.

Thanks Bob

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