Broad range of choices...recommendations?

[11bravo]

I know it's a common thread, but all seem to be different. I am 74, and between 1996 and 2019,owned twelve '96 to '03 Tahoe/Silverado Chevy's, but never a newer year. None owned since 2019, just Vettes.

I am now looking for a Tahoe as a second car. High miles, up to 150k, doesn't bother me. I've found several nice '03 to '10 LT Tahoes. The AFM thing has me a bit concerned. I like the later models, but don't want a huge repair bill on something that was running perfectly one minute, and completely broken the next. Also don't want to put a cheap AFM kit on, yet don't want to spend $3,000 or more to replace valves that are just fine, and mod the system.

So...I am curious about how serious, or likely, the AFM engine-breaking issue really is. Like, one in 10, or 1 in 100. I don't expect a real number, I am just phrasing like that to get an idea of how bad the problem really is.

Thanks for reading my long message.

11bravo, Vegas

 

[swathdiver]

The newer the vehicle the less of a problem as the system became more reliable as the improvements were released. 2012-2014 are best.

The solenoids wear out at some point, just like an alternator or starter and when they do they often take out a lifter or two. Plan ahead and delete it or turn it off.

2009 Tahoe with 6.2 does not have AFM. Neither do 2007-2009 Denalis or Escalades.

 

[petethepug]

08/09 Tahoe w/ 6.2L non AFM is an extinct unicorn and sellers know it.

07, 08 & 09 non AFM 6.2L Yukon Denali in standard or XL length is a bit easier to find. 07/08 are AWD only. 09 had a 2WD option same year as options for a/c front seats, retractable running boards.

All Denali have 1st & 2nd Row heated seats and leather. All 09+ have e85 and hp from 385 to 403.

All 07-14 5.3L have AFM. All 10-14 6.2L have AFM. All Burbs are 5.3L w/ rare exceptions of 6.0L & 6.0L 3/4 Ton Burbs & Yukon XL.

As swathdiver said 07-09 Standard & ESV (XL) Escalades 6.2L don’t have AFM with 09 also having the 2WD option same year. Almost all Esky have cooled front seats and all 07-14 are 6.2L 403hp, e85 starting in 09.

 

[Doubeleive]

74? vegas? meh find yourself a nice 00-02, cloth seats, 2wd. call it day
drive by cable, fan clutch, no nannies, safe, reliable. (tons of used parts available, for less then new ones)
do expect it's going to need tlc at 150k
as you are likely aware, the less bells & whistles the less to go wrong.

 

[Marky Dissod]

... High miles, up to 150k, doesn't bother me ... AFM has me a bit concerned ...
don't want to put a cheap AFM kit on, yet don't want to spend $3,000 or more to replace valves that are just fine, and mod the system.

... curious about how serious, or likely, the AFM engine-breaking issue really is. Like, one in 10, or 1 in 100.
I don't expect a real number, I am just phrasing like that to get an idea of how bad the problem really is.

On a long enough timeline, it'll be no less than 5 in 6.
Engine Half@$$ parts are just not as durable as simpler lifters.

I'd prefer another '00-06 GMT800, or a non-AFM GMT900. If that means I don't get a 6L80E, so be it.
If the previous owner disabled Engine Half@$$ (or the owner prior to the previous), that's a plus,
but even Half@$$ disabled engines have had Half@$$-related component failures.

At that point the question is, is a non- Engine Half@$$ engine cheaper than
rebuilding an Engine Half@$$ engine, for the purpose of deleting Engine Half@$$?

 

[homesick]

74? vegas? meh find yourself a nice 00-02, cloth seats, 2wd. call it day
drive by cable, fan clutch, no nannies, safe, reliable. (tons of used parts available, for less then new ones)
do expect it's going to need tlc at 150k
as you are likely aware, the less bells & whistles the less to go wrong.

I second this. My '01 Tahoe only had one failure while I owned it, between '05 and '18- a fuel pump. It's been in the family from '03 to now, and has been rock solid.

joe

 

[Bigburb3500]

As @petethepug notes, if you are willing to setup to a lwb, go with a 2014 GMC Yukon XL 2500. The 6.0 is great, 6L90 trans and just a bit “tougher.” Many of the trucks were just grocery getters or supervisor trucks.
That would be my choice.

 

[j91z28d1]

what about that unicorn 6.2 2wd gmt900 tahoe. was that non afm? that seemed interesting. you have something newer and kinda rare.

 

[Marky Dissod]

what about that unicorn 6.2L 2wd gmt921 tahoe LTZ? was that non afm? that seemed interesting. you have something newer and kinda rare.

Yea, it was an L92 or L9H for 2009, not an L94.
L94 (with Engine Half@$$) debuted in Escalades & Denalis in 2010.
I THINK the rest of the GMT900s got L94 in 2011?

 

[Bigburb3500]

I think this vehicle fits the OP’s “wants” other than it’s the long wheelbase XL and I am not sure if I’m his geographic restrictions. Tell me that none of you are interested too…

Autotrader - page unavailable

 

[petethepug]

Hmmm, that’s something I never thought of. Now that you can swap the 10SP trans from the 2019+ trucks into our 07-14 / NNBS trucks you could make an unstoppable truck.

07 Yukon 2500 w/ a 6.0L non AFM motor and swap the 4SP for a 10SP. You’d have a tow / haul monster that runs on Reg fuel, dual 39 gal tanks as well as picking up another 10-20% better milage.

You’d never feel the shifts, it’d be quieter and get you off the line quicker.

 

[Bigburb3500]

Yup. All for less than $20k… hard to argue with that unless it’s just too long of a vehicle as OP was looking at Tahoes

 

[j91z28d1]

I think this vehicle fits the OP’s “wants” other than it’s the long wheelbase XL and I am not sure if I’m his geographic restrictions. Tell me that none of you are interested too…

Autotrader - page unavailable

when I was looking, I didn't realize the 2500 6.0 existed. I might have gotten one if a nice on was available at the time.


the listing shows a 4 speed tranny, is it just wrong or did the first year's get the 4L60? maybe a 4L80? the 80 had a good rep, but I think I'd rather have the 6L90 you talked about.

sadly I really like the next body style up one, and would probably brave the direct injection nightmare if I was to replace my 2011 at some point. (wife likes a newer dash and hates needing a key to start) but if not seems like the 2500 is the way to go.

 

[Marky Dissod]

I think this vehicle fits the OP’s “wants” other than it’s the long wheelbase XL and I am not sure if I’m his geographic restrictions. Tell me that none of you are interested too…

Autotrader - page unavailable

It's an LY6 w/ 4L80E.
What I found interesting is that, underneath the GMT932 body, the frame is a modified GMT880
(front springs are incredibly stiff torsion bars).

 

[Bigburb3500]

when I was looking, I didn't realize the 2500 6.0 existed. I might have gotten one if a nice on was available at the time.


the listing shows a 4 speed tranny, is it just wrong or did the first year's get the 4L60? maybe a 4L80? the 80 had a good rep, but I think I'd rather have the 6L90 you talked about.

sadly I really like the next body style up one, and would probably brave the direct injection nightmare if I was to replace my 2011 at some point. (wife likes a newer dash and hates needing a key to start) but if not seems like the 2500 is the way to go.

As Marky said, it’s a 4L80 for the first two years I believe then then the few yrs it switched.

If you want newer and HD, check out my thread about my truck: 2018 Suburban 3500 (not a typo, it’s a 1-ton)

 

[j91z28d1]

As Marky said, it’s a 4L80 for the first two years I believe then then the few yrs it switched.

If you want newer and HD, check out my thread about my truck: 2018 Suburban 3500 (not a typo, it’s a 1-ton)

I have skimmed it, seem very had to find thou. but yeah. sounds like they are really nice too.


4L80 would probably last forever

 

[j91z28d1]

As Marky said, it’s a 4L80 for the first two years I believe then then the few yrs it switched.

If you want newer and HD, check out my thread about my truck: 2018 Suburban 3500 (not a typo, it’s a 1-ton)

ahh. my 96 had torsion bars. could have been the short 2 door thing but it rode like a bucking bronco. I tried didn't shocks, but only made it worse. always felt over sprung to me in the front. I was kinda happy to get away from them with this 2011

 

[Bigburb3500]

I have skimmed it, seem very had to find thou. but yeah. sounds like they are really nice too.


4L80 would probably last forever

4L80 is good. Had one in my 01 Sub 2500 and its was great.

Surprised on your torsion bar experience as well. All of my trucks are on torsions and I don’t have any buckin’ bronco rides. Quite the opposite actually. Wonder if the keys were turned up on yours causing the ride quality issues?

Either way, an 2011 truck is nice. I hope OP comes back and lets us know what he decides on or if he has any more questions.

 

[homesick]

ahh. my 96 had torsion bars. could have been the short 2 door thing but it rode like a bucking bronco. I tried didn't shocks, but only made it worse. always felt over sprung to me in the front. I was kinda happy to get away from them with this 2011

The short wheelbase is definitely at least one factor. I've had 2 two-doors [an '87 with front leaf springs, a '95 with torsion bars, and 2 short four-doors ['01 Tahoe and '07 Escalade, both with torsion bars]. The wheelbase difference [regarding ride] has been obvious to me. The difference in turn-in, between the 2 wheelbases, has been even more so. This was a little bit surprising, and unanticipated.

The '01 and '07 have had rack and pinion steering, but I'm not thinking that'd be much of a factor with ride and turn-in.

joe

 

[j91z28d1]

I think it did have the keys turned up a bit when I got it. but I turned it back down.

there's a 20mile long bridge across the lake in new Orleans. and it's has expansion joints and a little hump to each section.. in a normal car it's just the tire thump noise. in the 96 it made you sea sick by the time you got across it. I don't even get sea sick and felt it, my wife was like we are never driving this across that again with me in it. she was green haha.

I tried some softer Monroe shocks, but it only made it worse. less harsh but more bouncy. so I went back to the bilstein. it was definitely a short stuff little thing. had the z71 and tow package. so rear leafs were extra stiff too.


/high jack haha.