Question On Suburban/yukon Options

sawzall · December 2, 2007

Hello, glad I found this place.

I'm currently looking at a 3rd full size vehicle for towing and trips only. Looking at something in the 2000-2004 arena ,for pricing, this will be a low highway miles runner (yearly), Suburban/Yukon XL.

I'm not that familar with that class of GMs and am looking for any important info on stuff like, any concerns on certain years, 5.3L vs. 6.0L, when a 3rd seat was available and if that was an option or standard, what are the weak points if I'm looking at taking it to 170-200K plus miles, etc.

Also, is the Suburban and Yukon XL pretty much exactly the same except for some cosmetics?

thanks for any info!

ChrisNJ · December 2, 2007

We need more info. Is it just going to be a tower? What are you towing, weight, etc... Where are you towing? Any mountains, hills?

Basically here's my take: Under 5Klbs, 5.3 is OK, but will struggle on hills if more than 3-4K. Up to 8-9K 6.0 will work but struggle on hills. More than 8-9K, 8.1L is only choice.

Struggling on hills is not an option for me where I live.

I believe the 6.0 and 8.1 were only avail in the 2500 burb.

Watch out for 3.4 rears, stick with 3.7's min. 4:1 even better.

caddycruiser · December 2, 2007

Also, is the Suburban and Yukon XL pretty much exactly the same except for some cosmetics?

Yes, the Chevy and GMC models have always been identical, aside from cosmetics and how some option packages were arranged.

I'm not that familar with that class of GMs and am looking for any important info on stuff like, any concerns on certain years, 5.3L vs. 6.0L, when a 3rd seat was available and if that was an option or standard, what are the weak points if I'm looking at taking it to 170-200K plus miles, etc.

There were 1/2 ton (1500) and 3/4 ton (2500) models of the Suburban and Yukon XL. 1500's always had the 5.3L V8, and 2500 models had the 6.0L standard with the big block 8.1L optional--and both classes came with 2wd standard, and 4wd optional. The 1500 is the most common, as is 4wd, with the 5.3L. These have a coil spring rear suspension, and are lighter/typical duty, and the most on-road refined but still strong towers. The 2500 models are beefier underneath as far as suspension, 8-lug wheels (vs. 6), etc., and a specific leaf-spring rear suspension.

Other than that, things like a 3rd row were always standard. In both the Chevy and GMC, the "base" model always had 3 rows in cloth, with a front 40/20/40 bench, middle 60/40 bench, and a sold 3rd row bench. From this, upgrades started with cloth front buckets and console. Then there's leather. Then, from there, upgraded leather with heated/memory front seats and also the option of middle row captains' chairs (basically front buckets, in the middle).

The Suburban came in LS and LT trims, with the LS starting off as the base with cloth and such, and being optionable with various things, such as the front buckets and console--and black plastic trim/handles/mirrors outside. LT came with leather and other features standard, such as upgraded sound systems, heated seats, and body color outside trim.

The Yukon XL is the same as far as option levels, with the SLE instead of the LS and SLT instead of LT. Only difference is, as far as outside trim, the GMC has the same body color trim all over regardless of model, and no black plastic.

That should clear up a lot...feel free to ask more