ANY 2500 Suburban 454/7.4 owners here??

[Chitown AirStreamers]

I'm looking at buying a a 1999 Chevy 2500-4x2- with the 7.4 engine... ANyone have a 4x2 with a 454 in it? What gas mileage are you guys getting?

[Jammer]

I get 8 towing, 12-13 otherwise, with my 8.1 engine. I understand the gas mileage is about the same with the 7.4. Most people find that 4wd is, if not necessary, at least important for pulling a larger trailer, because even on a flat site, you can get stuck from something as minor as dew on the grass.

[Chitown AirStreamers]

Anyone have a 4x2? Does it get a little better mileage?

[easyride]

No not really,I got about 8 towing when I had 1 a 4x2,now I have a 6. 4x4 and get a whopping 12 towing. Dave

[overlander64]

Greetings Chitown AirStreamers!

Originally Posted by Chitown AirStreamers

I'm looking at buying a a 1999 Chevy 2500-4x2- with the 7.4 engine... ANyone have a 4x2 with a 454 in it? What gas mileage are you guys getting?

IMHO, you are looking at one of the best Suburbans. The two-wheel drive is FAR preferable to the four-wheel-drive version that has what must be one of the most unreliable 4X4 setups around. The only problem that I have had with my '99 K2500 Suburban is with the four-wheel-drive transfer case. At approximate 15,000 mile intervals, it requires a new control module that has a list price of $750.

The VORTEC 7.4 Liter is a towing machine. With 4.10 differentials, I average 10 to 12 MPG towing my Overlander - - or between 12 and 14 MPG solo. At 196,000 miles plus, the only recurring problem with my Suburban has been the transfer case. The two-wheel drive version will certainly save you MANY dollars in repairs -- and should be a little more economical than that 4X4 version. I honestly don't know what all of the "hand wringing" is over 4X4 as my four-wheel-drive has never worked properly, yet in 196,000 + miles of use I have never been stuck or had to be towed when Airstreaming.

Good luck with your investigation!

Kevin

P.S.: I am keeping my K2500 Suburban, but will be spending $4,000 on converting it back to two-wheel drive rather than spending $3,000 on a remanufactured transfer case and $750 on another control module that would be destined to fail in 15,000 miles.

[subfan1]

We had a 98 GMC Suburban with the 7.4l and 3:73 gears. It got 8 to 9 MPG while towing or city driving. The best I got on the highway solo was 15.
The problem I had with mine were the brakes. Pulled to one side or another. And lots of maintenance work. I had to get rid of it after 11 years. I just didn't want to put any more money into it. Yes I was the original owner.

[tlavergne]

I have the same truck in 4 wheel drive and 120,000 miles. I have never had the problem with 4 wheel drive that Kevin has had (knock on wood). I use my 4 wheel drive often so I have no choice...I need it. But, I am replacing my transfer case on Friday...my fault for failing to see a leaking transfer case seal (re-manned Jasper...$2000 installed). I get 10 mpg whether I tow or not. I have been going back and forth with getting rid of mine or investing some cash into it and keeping it another 10 years. I have decided to keep it and put up with the gas mileage because, as Kevin said, it is a great towing machine. That said, I have had problems. I had to replace the rocker arms at 70,000 miles due to one breaking...$1300. I had to replace the front axle about the same time due to a bearing failure in the differential...$1300. This happened right after I bought the truck. Anytime you get something this old and used you just never know. All that said it tows like a dream and you can hit the mountains and stay at speed. I run Michelin LTX tires and have 70,000 miles on them and still going strong. The options for me was keep this great truck running and expect to put some $ in it now and again, or buy a new one for $40,000. I'm keeping it.
Tom

[tlavergne]

As an aside, I use mine mostly for towing and runs to the lumber yard. It is not a drive everyday vehicle for me.

[PLDodd]

My Truck is a 99 also. 7.4 4wd with 4.10 gears. 4wd has never failed me yet (189k miles) and I use it alot! I get 8 mpg towing @ average 0f 75 mph. I'm currently running nitto duragrappler 285/75r16 e rated, at 90 psi only when towing, 50 psi not towing. (great tires) Bought a programmer some time back, set the rev limiter higher, adjusted the shift points and pressures. Truck runs tight! I've looked at a few new dmax's but just cant stand the thought of even 25k for a used pickup (no burbs yet with dmax) I'm going for 500k. Truck still looks good and runs good. I think it might be in one of my pics...check it out