07 oil dipstick in12 5.3

[Bronson357]

OK so I have an 07 tahoe 5.3 and a 2012 suburban both 5.3. The oil dipstick in the burb is ribbon shaped= pain to see the oil and doesn't like to play nice going back, kinda have to twist it just right.
The tahoe on the other hand uses a straight one much easier to deal with.
Can I get a 07 tahoe one and throw it in the burb?
Any part numbers? I can probably look on the dipstick lol I think they are stamped.
Thanks

 

[Fless]

Why not just swap them and compare how they read the oil levels?

 

[mikez71]

Interesting.. Here's some photos from rockauto..

The 07 has a longer dipstick.. 808.05mm vs 742.8mm, both double o-ring
Both tube's have the same diameter..

I would imagine it should work unless something is in the way on the '12 model that isn't in the '07..

07

12

 

[Joseph Garcia]

As @Fless stated, you may need to re-calibrate the fill marks on the dipstick, as it is unlikely that the fill line mark spacings, and the distance to the top of the dip stick are exactly the same on both.

 

[mikez71]

I too, find myself rotating the dipstick when inserting. It just doesn't slide in there like older cars..
The straight style was easier to wipe also..

New tube could be stronger, bracket is shorter and bolts more centrally on the tube.

Why extra bends in tube and spiral the stick?

OK, the reason I see shown for a spiral tube, the dipstick is more centrally located and thus more accurate..
Sure, I guess if someone was to force a dipstick sideways or you put some bends in the dipstick?
Seems like an answer in search of a problem to me..

And the rivets, supposed to strengthen that section of stick so it doesn't bend..
I don't recall that being a problem.. and the fix would be a new dipstick if it ever happened?

But now, the old straight dipstick costs more than the twisted-riveted new one.

 

[kbuskill]

The difference is the '07 has a 4L60E transmission and the '12 has a 6L80E transmission.

That doesn't necessarily mean you couldn't use the straight stick on a '12 but I am betting the difference in length noted above for the tubes is because it goes into a slightly different spot on the pan rail.

As mentioned, you could just stab the stick from the '07 into the '12 and see where the level lands. Making certain that the level is full when hot on level ground with the original dipstick of course.

Worst case scenario is you might have to scribe a new HOT full mark on the straight dipstick you purchase for it. Actually, worst case scenario is it might not be long enough.

Personally, I don't check my transmission fluid frequently enough for it to be a nuisance so I wouldn't go to the trouble, but to each their own.

 

[j91z28d1]

I don't know about the trucks. but some of the early ls cars had the dip stick bolted to the exhaust manifold, later moved it to a head bolt.

as long as the ratio of stick to tube length are correct. it shouldn't really matter the over all length. Just don't put a short stick in a long tube lol. long stick in a short tube could be modified to read right

 

[Bronson357]

I'm talking oil not atf here. I honestly can't see the oil on the ribbon style, fresh change, did 6 quarts, I have wiped it several times nothing, I changed the oil and still hard to read

 

[Bronson357]

Plus it does not like to slide in lol. That's what she said

 

[homesick]

The first measurements I'd be looking at are the cross-hatching and their distance from the low end of the stick.

joe

 

[mikez71]

The difference is the '07 has a 4L60E transmission and the '12 has a 6L80E transmission.

Looks like '09 is wavy-tube / spiral-dipstick too. And I wouldn't think the trans would hit anything forward, on side of motor..

It goes with the other early model stuff that's better, like door panels and adjustable head rests!

I may try a new stick and tube someday.. when I finally run out of things to replace..

 

[kbuskill]

I'm talking oil not atf here. I honestly can't see the oil on the ribbon style, fresh change, did 6 quarts, I have wiped it several times nothing, I changed the oil and still hard to read

My bad, I must have been half asleep or something. I for sure thought I read transmission somewhere... lol

Carry on

 

[mikez71]

Apparently there was some transmission dipstick recall because it was breaking...

And the foam tube around the dipstick tube may have been the fix...

 

[Doubeleive]

I could be wrong but I replaced the dipstick on mine and when I looked into I believe the difference is how it is molded on the 12 to help keep it further away from the exhaust manifold by a small amount. I also think the 12 dipstick is longer because of that
again I could be wrong
I just know mine was actually burnt pretty bad right where it passes near the manifold and is why I replaced it, the heat had weakened the metal and I didn't want it to break off

*if your dipstick doesn't smoke when you pull it out then your not driving fast enough