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SUBURBAN - What to look for?

Burb Guy

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Burb Guy Enthusiast

Burb Guy

Posted
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(There is a summary of this thread on post #12)

 

Hi guys, I am new here.

 

I was lurking around this site ( X 2 weeks ) and now I subscribed.

 

What do I need to look up for on a 2000-2002 Suburban before buying it? I'll be buying one within the next couple of weeks (or sooner if I find the "right" one). I apologize for not searching before posting but the search function seems not to be open for “guests”. I did see a couple of threads with this topic but either these trucks are bullet proof or no many comments found on this issue.

 

You can skip the rest of the post and offer me your help if you wish. The rest is just more info and a little bio on my self.

 

This is what I am looking for:

2000-2002 Suburban as a daily driver for my wife; at the same time, it will take us (the suburban… not my wife) for our 3 or 4 times a year trips. We don’t have special loads/needs… 6 or 7 adults with normal luggage and stuff. I am considering on pulling a couple of wave-runners… but they weight less than 1,000 lbs (including the trailer) so I don’t think that is an issue. We usually travel on good roads for about 400 miles max. One time a year we go to Mexico City which is about 1600 miles round trip (on very good roads by the way).

 

By reading on this board I learned that I will do fine with a 5.3L, 1500, 4X2 with a 3.73 diff… right? Do you all have any suggestions? How do you inspect (hidden things) these trucks before buying them?

 

Now for a little background on me: Male, 38y/o, married with two boys-teens, I have a good mechanical knowledge although in no way I have the experience/ability of a mechanic but, I have two old cars (BMW and a Land Rover) that I always work on and I do all minor stuff and some that require a little more wrench skills like troubleshooting electrical problems, changing the water pump, replacing valve cover gaskets and replacing intake manifolds.

 

Sorry for a lengthy post and I hope to hear from you guys… great forum you all have!

 

BTW… the Rover is for sale if anyone is interested. :confused:

 

~Ed

rdraidr Enthusiast

rdraidr

Posted
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I've had four of 'em so far -

1998 - Sub 4x4

1999 - Sub 4x4

2000 - Sub 4x4

2003 - Denali 4x4

 

Many more in the family - we travel long distances - pull boats, etc.

 

1. Get the newest you can afford.

2. Get the towing package - it has the tranny cooler.

3. Get the most options you can afford.

2000 was a new model year - my sub was fine.

2003 there were many more changes - look at the stearing wheel for example.

 

Otherwise, Carfax, mechanics' review, noises, vibrations, buy from a reliable source.

 

Hope that helps. :confused:

Burb Guy Enthusiast

Burb Guy

Posted
  • Author
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I've had four of 'em so far...

 

...  2.  Get the towing package - it has the tranny cooler....

 

  ...2000 was a new model year - my sub was fine...

 

Otherwise, Carfax, mechanics' review, noises, vibrations, buy from a reliable source.

 

Hope that helps.  :confused:

 

 

 

 

Thanks for your comments!

 

As far as #2 above (towing package), if it already has the OEM hooks on the back, that means that it already has the towing package? If I look at the radiator, the tranny cooler will be fan #2 at the rad? Or is it just a single heavy duty fan? Do I still need the towing package for pulling less than 1,000 lbs?

 

As far as 2000 model, are there too may or too critical setbacks for being the new model year?

 

I already have one sub in mind and it is from a reliable source. I think I don't have a problem checking for the "normal" stuff as far as mechanical, noises, vibrations, electrical, etc. I am mostly asking for the "known" issues (to suburbans' owners/mechanics) that might not be as obvious for a new kid on the Chevrolet world. I have never own a truck and I have never own a GM car/truck.

 

~Ed

C & A s Dad Senior Enthusiast

C & A s Dad

Posted
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For the year models that you are considering, you will find one large mechanical fan. If the truck has the factory tow package, you will find an aux trans cooler in the middle of the grill just behind the Bow Tie or the GMC logo on the Yukon XL. It will be about 5" tall and 11" long.

 

If you are towing no more than 1,000lbs, this truck will never know it is back there. I have an 02 Yukon XL and can really tell you of know real issues to look for. You will need to see if it has the dreaded Steering shaft clunk but if it does, the dealer can easily correct this. I have also heard that some of the models with the Drive By Wire Throttle have had some issues with the Throttel Body unit. Mine has had no problems.

 

These are great trucks and with normal maint and care, they will provide you with miles of great service.

pwall Senior Enthusiast

pwall

Posted
Posted
These are great trucks and with normal maint and care, they will provide you with miles of great service.

 

 

 

Couldn't have said it better myself! ;)

C & A s Dad Senior Enthusiast

C & A s Dad

Posted
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Ed, I failed to provide you with one more very important piece of information. You really should consider the GMC Yukon XL over the Suburban. The GMC will tow more, ride smoother, provide better performance and get far better fuel mileage than the Burb. It is amazing what a difference that grill can make. LOL :cheers:

 

If you do not believe me, simply ask Patrick. I am sure he will agree with this. :confused:

Frank Sub Enthusiast

Frank Sub

Posted
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Hi Burb Guy--I've had ten 1/2 ton Suburbans, with no major problems, and each was better than the previous one. If it has the hitch receiver with the 2" square hole for the hitch, under the rear bumper, it has the tow package. My current Suburban is the only 4-wheel drive of the bunch, and I've never had a need to use it, even being in MN the past five winters. Once you've had a Suburban, you'll never be satisfied with "just a car". With a 5.3 ltr and a 3.73 rear (the most popular) you will have plenty of tow power for your light duty towing. On the highway (without a tow) you will get 17mpg. Don't get hung up on fuel mileage. The fuel cost differential between a Suburban, and a car you will really hate, is small compared to the really big costs of depreation, taxes, and interest.

 

C & A s Dad, above, has the same basic unit I have, except it is a GMC Yukon XL, and I can't believe his is so much superior to Patrick's Chevy, but rather it is the conversation they have when they get together over a beer.--Frank Sub

C & A s Dad Senior Enthusiast

C & A s Dad

Posted
Posted

Hey Frank, hope you know I was joking about the Yukon and Burb thing. The Patrick that I was speaking of is Pwall and you will notice his truck is a Yuk also.

 

Truth be known, when I began looking for a truck, I hoped to find a Yuk but would have been just as happy with a Burb.

rdraidr Enthusiast

rdraidr

Posted
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The hitch and electrical connector at the rear bumper are only clues of the tow package - look for the added cooler at the rad - I was shown a chart of the life expectation of a trans compared to operating temps by Allison - could not believe the difference.

 

The drive and stability of the 2000+ models over the earlier versions is night and day in my opinion. The newer ones are much more stable. If you want all the scoop look for service bullitens or recalls on the trucks. I never had the steering clunk.

 

Thinking back on your question, I really struggle to come up with a list of items I've had trouble with. The biggest is the headlamp bulb - one side, usually the driver's side - burns out - simple, low cost change out. Otherwise, keep the maintenance up as mentioned before and enjoy the ride! :banghead:

pwall Senior Enthusiast

pwall

Posted
Posted
Ed, I failed to provide you with one more very important piece of information. You really should consider the GMC Yukon XL over the Suburban. The GMC will tow more, ride smoother, provide better performance and get far better fuel mileage than the Burb. It is amazing what a difference that grill can make. LOL :D

 

If you do not believe me, simply ask Patrick. I am sure he will agree with this. :gmc:

 

 

 

Absolutely! :banghead:

bdeboer Enthusiast

bdeboer

Posted
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The automatic climate control sensor, that is located behind the little round grill above the driver is a common problem. There is an audible buzzing sound, if it is bad. The dealer replaced mine when I puchased the Suburban two years ago. Change the oil and grease all 11 zerts, and enjoy the room.

Burb Guy Enthusiast

Burb Guy

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  • Author
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Wow!! Thank you guys!

 

So... to summarize (for me and for others that might search with the same topic):

 

1. Towing package is a big plus. All suburbans have a mechanical fan and the ones with the towing package have an electrical fan. With 2003 (or it could have been 2004, they switched over to dual electric fans. (info not official yet)

 

2. Check for steering shaft clunk. If it exist, it is an easy fix a the dealership... at what cost though? Is this a DIY? Or involves replacing the entire shaft?

 

3. Check for issues with Throttel Body unit & Drive By Wire Throttle.

 

4. These are great trucks and with normal maint and care, they will provide you with miles of great service.

 

5. pwal agreed with item #4 "Couldn't have said it better myself!"

 

6. GMCs are superior vs Suburbans (controvesial topic but important to consider)

 

7. Ask Patrick (pwall) if you don't agree with item # 6 above

 

8. Headlamp bulb - one side, usually the driver's side - burns out. Easy/cheap fix

 

9. The automatic climate control sensor, that is located behind the little round grill above the driver is a common problem. There is an audible buzzing sound.

 

Any one care to add to the list?

 

Again, thanks for your input!

 

~Ed

pwall Senior Enthusiast

pwall

Posted
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Item #1.....Suburban/YukonXL had mechanical fans upto 2002. With 2003 (or it could have been 2004), they switched over to dual electric fans.

That's what I understand anyways.....I could be wrong. ;)

Burb Guy Enthusiast

Burb Guy

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Item #1.....Suburban/YukonXL had mechanical fans upto 2002. With 2003 (or it could have been 2004), they switched over to dual electric fans.

That's what I understand anyways.....I could be wrong.  ;)

 

 

 

Thanks... fiexed

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