First suburban

[TomO]

Hey all,

My wife and I are searching for a 00-06 suburban for a family adventure/camping rig. Wanting something simple I can work on & to do an “overland” type build. And to fit our 4 kids.

We are going to look at a nice 1 family owned 03 suburban z71 with 172k. Never bought a vehicle with this many miles - any tips on what to look for? Any obvious deal breakers?

Thanks,
Tom

 

[TomO]

**also I live in a place where these trucks rusted bad, so I’ll be driving it 15hrs home!

 

[mikez71]

Make sure the torque converter locks up.. might be hard to know without a scanner.
That's what bit me on my '05.. so I'll need transmission work, even though it shifts fine, it will probably overheat on a longer drive.

Check fuel trims with a scanner too...(mine later popped a P0101 MAF code.. not too expensive)
LTFT was 25, with a new MAF it dropped to 10.

Make sure the emissions monitors are ALL complete..
(I still have EVAP incomplete, no codes but I won't pass smog until I fix something, NVM, no big deal passed smog!)

Inspect the coolant level, check dipsticks and tailpipe..

 

[TomO]

What scanner do you recommend? Can it adjust for tire size?

 

[mikez71]

Unfortunately I have zero experience with standard scanners, and only use a tech2 and hptuners.
I do recommend something that graphs forsure..
I keep hearing names like autel and maybe topdon..

 

[Joseph Garcia]

172k miles, if properly maintained, still leaves you with ~1/3 of the truck's life still ahead of it.

Since this will be an adventure rig, make sure that it is a 4x4 drivetrain.

Yes, if you can bring a scanner with you, that would be great as a starter on evaluating this truck. Certainly ask for maintenance and repair records, if available. Find out what major items, if any, like the transmission have been replaced. Check oil and transmission fluids consistency and smell.

If the transmission is original, then budget money for its replacement, as it will need to be replaced sooner than later. I would also budget an additional $3000-$5000 in miscellaneous repairs that you will most likely need to perform in the first year of ownership to have it truly ready for your adventures.

Good luck!

 

[TomO]

We are flying out tonight and going to look at it tomorrow. We made an appointment at the local Chevy dealership to have the oil changed, trans serviced and to have a vehicle inspection - I’ll have them verify the converter is locking up.

Let me know if you guys think I should have the dealership do anything else before we make the trip.

Thanks for all the great info.

 

[TomO]

We ended up making the deal. Took it straight to the tire shop to put on some 285/70 ko3s on it & headed back to the rust belt. The seller was a great guy & took excellent care of it. I have a few things that I plan to take care of before our first trip. I’m sure I’ll have more questions for you all but here are the first 2.

1 - Does anyone have ko3s on their burb, if so what tire pressure are you running? I’ll chalk test it to get it right but it would be nice to have a starting point.

2 - I originally planned on doing about a 2” lift but I really don’t think that’s necessary. The rear wheel well it 38” high front is around 36”. I just want to level it. Do you all recommend torsion keys with shock spacers or keys with actual lift shocks to accomplish this?

We bought it in Fort Worth so my kids named it Tex

 

[JoeBlobs]

We ended up making the deal.

Looks great! Nice pick up dude!

 

[Fless]

Looks great! And just recently broken in. 5.3L or 6.0L? Looks like the headlights need to be polished or updated. The cooling fan may be a clutch fan, so you may want to consider converting to electric fans if it is. Also verify that both top and bottom fan shroud halves are in place.

 

[TomO]

Thanks - 5.3

Ordered cerakote headlight & black plastic restoration products while my wife did her share of the drive. My grandfather worked at guide lamp for over 50 years hoping I can save the headlights - won’t be happy with aftermarket! I’ll check the fan.

 

[Fless]

The headlight fixtures (and the DRL / turn signals) are stupid easy to R&R. No tools required. Great design!

 

[SpareParts]

Looks like it's in nice shape. Gratz!
If im trying to just make it a little more level a couple turns on the adjuster key does not hurt anything and i would get it aligned.

 

[TomO]

Looks like it's in nice shape. Gratz!
If im trying to just make it a little more level a couple turns on the adjuster key does not hurt anything and i would get it aligned.

Would stock length shocks work after I do this?

 

[SpareParts]

As long as it was under 2 inch crank i have never had a problem. YMMV.

 

[TomO]

This stance is the goal. Wheels are the same just black and same size tires.

 

[EvergreenZ71]

We ended up making the deal. Took it straight to the tire shop to put on some 285/70 ko3s on it & headed back to the rust belt. The seller was a great guy & took excellent care of it. I have a few things that I plan to take care of before our first trip. I’m sure I’ll have more questions for you all but here are the first 2.

1 - Does anyone have ko3s on their burb, if so what tire pressure are you running? I’ll chalk test it to get it right but it would be nice to have a starting point.

2 - I originally planned on doing about a 2” lift but I really don’t think that’s necessary. The rear wheel well it 38” high front is around 36”. I just want to level it. Do you all recommend torsion keys with shock spacers or keys with actual lift shocks to accomplish this?

We bought it in Fort Worth so my kids named it Tex
View attachment 485042

Nice looking ‘03.

On my 2002 Z71 Tahoe I did new keys and front shocks to level the front rather than shock spacers as I felt it provided the stronger option for off road use.

 

[TomO]

Nice looking ‘03.

On my 2002 Z71 Tahoe I did new keys and front shocks to level the front rather than shock spacers as I felt it provided the stronger option for off road use.

What keys and shocks did you go with?

Are you happy with them?

 

[TomO]

First road trip plans require another seat. I’m on the search for a tan/neutral leather bench 2nd row to swap out the captain seats. I’ve found several on marketplace in the wrong color. Any suggestions on where else to look?

 

[Fless]

www.car-part.com might have something near you.