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Goin camping · 07-09-2011, 09:07 PM

Just bumping this for more experiences and opinions.

overlander64 · 07-09-2011, 09:43 PM

Greetings Goin camping!

The best overall tow vehicle that I have owned is my 1999 K2500 Suburban with the 7400 VORTEC. Model year 1998 was abbreviated with the 1999s being introduced in early 1998 -- mine was a special order in February 1998 with delivery on April 21, 1998. If I had it to do over again, there is only one option that I would change and that would be to skip the four wheel drive option.

Beginning at 36,000 miles, the four wheel drive on my Suburban became a nightmare. The Lucas Electric electronic control module for the transfer case failed for the first time - - - it then proceeded to fail at 12,000 to 15,000 mile intervals. When the part fails, my dealer has replaced it under warranty if it was in place less than 12 months and no more than 12,000 miles -- if it doesn't fit those parameters the replacement runs in excess of $750. Now, at 199,000 miles, the transfer case is failing and at $2,500 for a warrantied replacement it just doesn't make sense to spend on something that has never been reliable. I have arranged to have my mechanic remove the transfer case and make the modifications necessary to eliminate the four wheel drive.

I can't fault the motor in any way. It has only required one major tune-up at this point (199,000 miles), but it is just about time for its second tune-up. The water pump failed at 140,000 miles, fuel pump at 180,000 miles, and rear main bearing seal at 178,000 miles. The transmission has only required regular fluid and filter changes at 30,000 mile intervals, and the rear differential has been serviced at the same time. Its front disk brake pads need replacement at approximately 60,000 mile intervals -- the rear drum shoes have only been replaced once. The truck is still running on its original starter and alternator.

The economy of the VORTEC 7400 shocked me at first. Even with the 4.10 differential, it returns 14 to 16 MPG solo on the highway -- and 10 to 12 MPG when towing either of my Airstreams -- '64 Overlander (6,100 pounds) -- '78 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre (3,200 pounds). Urban driving usually returns between 9 and 12 MPG whether towing or not. This truck out performs my 1995 K1500 Z71 Chevrolet pickup with th 5.7 liter and 3.73 gearing in all measures of fuel economy -- that truck rarely saw 12 MPG whether solo or towing -- I did have a couple of tanks on the highway at 16 MPG at a constant 55 MPH solo.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

Hoosierdaddy · 07-10-2011, 07:35 AM

I have a 1995 K2500 extemded cab P/U 6.5TD . Head gasket blew at 170,000 miles. We rebuilt the motor and it now has 244,000 miles total on the truck. Havent rebuilt trans but I have changed fluid/filter 3 times. Overall it has been very dependable. I have pulled many types of trailers with it including a 30' Fleetwood TTrailer. The 4WD has a shift lever on the floor that manually shifts the transfer case. There is an electronic module that locks the front axle when 4WD is selected. These modules do fail occaisionally. I found a vendor who sells a cable that replaces the module allowing manual operation of the front axle lock.

4x4 Posi-Lok Positive Axle Engagement System for Chevy/GMC K-Series 4x4s

It has worked reliably for years. An added benefit is the ability to use 4low w/o locking the front axle if needed.

Goin camping · 07-10-2011, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoosierdaddy

I have a 1995 K2500 extemded cab P/U 6.5TD . Head gasket blew at 170,000 miles. We rebuilt the motor and it now has 244,000 miles total on the truck. Havent rebuilt trans but I have changed fluid/filter 3 times. Overall it has been very dependable. I have pulled many types of trailers with it including a 30' Fleetwood TTrailer. The 4WD has a shift lever on the floor that manually shifts the transfer case. There is an electronic module that locks the front axle when 4WD is selected. These modules do fail occaisionally. I found a vendor who sells a cable that replaces the module allowing manual operation of the front axle lock.

4x4 Posi-Lok Positive Axle Engagement System for Chevy/GMC K-Series 4x4s

It has worked reliably for years. An added benefit is the ability to use 4low w/o locking the front axle if needed.

That is a very helpful bit of info!

Goin camping · 07-26-2011, 07:26 PM

We did the deal and picked up a 2001 2500 burb with a tow package and a 8.1 engine. I'm thinking that should do the job.

I really like that it has a trans temp guage. Now to get mirrors and off road tires and rims.

ROBERT CROSS · 07-26-2011, 08:29 PM

Good choice, is it white?

Chevy Suburban 1992-1999 Black Manual LED Signal Towing Mirrors | Chevy Suburban Towing Mirrors

These are pretty close to the factory mirrors on our Burb.

Goin camping · 07-26-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Good choice, is it white?

Chevy Suburban 1992-1999 Black Manual LED Signal Towing Mirrors | Chevy Suburban Towing Mirrors

These are pretty close to the factory mirrors on our Burb.

I was atually looking for a white one but ours is Pewter.

Those mirrors are fantastic. We'll be getting a set of power ones. It'll just be easier since the Mrs. will be driving it too.

SafariSS · 07-26-2011, 08:57 PM

Going Camping,

We absolutely adore our 8.1 suburban 4wd. It tows my safari 30 like a utility trailer. Before this suburban I had a 6.0 and while it was fine the big block is just so well suited for towing I could not recommend one enough. Mileage towing is the same as the 6.0 but the power is awesome. We have the 4.10 gears.

I only use mine for towing (touareg TDI is my daily driver) so I am trying to keep the miles down on it, the new suburbans just do not have the options of drivetrains and axle ratios. Don't be worried if it uses just a bit of oil. I pamper mine and it uses 1/4 of a quart every 1500 miles. Some people's use more, GM says up to 1 quart per 750 miles is acceptable!!

Have fun,

ROBERT CROSS · 07-26-2011, 09:03 PM

You will enjoy towing with it. DW loves it and is very comfortable towing anytime needed.

If the suspension is set-up like ours it has the Autoride option without self leveling, rides so much better than our 95 3/4.

POI..I linked the rong year, make sure you order correctly...

Have Fun...

Bob

Goin camping · 07-27-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

POI..I linked the rong year, make sure you order correctly...

Have Fun...

Bob

How clear were the instructions?

ROBERT CROSS · 07-27-2011, 05:58 PM

GC

I bought our Burb used in 08 14k, still under factory warranty. At the time I was still working part time at a Chevy store. When I did a Vehicle System Survey I found it had the wrong mirrors, it was supposed to be optioned with the folding tow mirrors. So I was able to get them replaced under warranty.

The wiring harness is a fits all so if you replace with the new ones they should plug right in. It shouldn't be very difficult, the interior corner piece behind the mirror has to come off and the door panel partially moved out of the way if i remember there are only three studs holding the mirror, pays .8hr warranty so it can't be to difficult. You should get complete instructions. Ask before you order.

Bob

Uzzah · 07-27-2011, 06:20 PM

We bought a 1995 3/4 ton 4x4, with the 454. I'm pretty sure it has 4:10 gears, but i've not counted them. i tow a '76 31 ft sovereign, and it seems to do pretty good. I had 8 ppl (4 adults, 4 kids) full of fresh water and gear for a 2 night trip, and was able to pull Snoqualmie pass here in Washington at 50 mph. Not sure what kind of milage i'm getting with it, because we've only had the trailer for 2 campouts, but solo is about 12 on the highway. we love our suburban, mostly cuz i don't like taking more than one car when i go on vacation. It's almost a bus!