Project Polar Bear: 2005 Suburban 2500

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Geotrash

Dave
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Thanks! I'm trying to document everything as well as I can mostly for my own records and to get some traction on my youtube channel. I just picked up another project that was sitting for years, 2001 BMW 740iL. Much longer video on that one coming out soon.
Oh man... back in 2017, I rebuilt the ZF 5HP24 transmission in a '98 740iL on my workbench, and did a whole bunch of other fixes while I was at it. Valve cover gaskets, timing chain guides, heater core, radiator, all belts & hoses, front suspension, dashboard LCDs, alternator, cup holder, pretty much everything you'd need to do to a 150K mile car. The project damn near killed me but the end result was sublime.

Your '01 has the VANOS system, designed by sadistic engineers whose disdain for mechanics was borderline criminal. Hope your timing chain guides have already been done or you'll develop a drinking problem if you don't have one already. Which you might, since you bought a 740iL project. Good luck! Happy to help if I can.

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nsogiba

nsogiba

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Ah yes, the dreaded BMW problems which inevitably rear their head. Upon inspection of the bottom end with oil pan removed, the chain guides are fully intact.

I am patiently waiting for the motor or trans to give out, as I have a bit of experience with engine swapping this platform. Here's a project I completed over a decade ago:

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Anyhow, for about $1000 in parts, I've gotten the E38 roadworthy again and will enjoy it for the time being.
 

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