Suburban 2500

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puckhead

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Does anyone have any history on the Suburban 2500? I did a bit of research and am getting conflicting information. Thought I would come here to the brain trust for the correct info.

Thanks!
 

rzabel

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My understanding is that they started with the 6th generation ('67-'72) and ended with the 10th generation in 2013. Mine is a 2003 with 8.1 engine and 4.10 ratio, which gives it a GVWR of 8600 lb, 12,000 lb towing capacity and 2800 lb payload.
 

OR VietVet

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My understanding is that they started with the 6th generation ('67-'72) and ended with the 10th generation in 2013. Mine is a 2003 with 8.1 engine and 4.10 ratio, which gives it a GVWR of 8600 lb, 12,000 lb towing capacity and 2800 lb payload.


A gas guzzling beast I bet. Plus, gas isn't as cheap here in Oregon as it is in many other states.
 
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puckhead

puckhead

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Not sure I understand what you mean by what kind, @wjburken

As for year, I guess the newer the better. Just looking for something that can haul a good amount but is still good on the highway ride wise. Not looking for economy lol.

The 8.1L with 4.10's sounds like fun!
 

wjburken

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Not sure I understand what you mean by what kind, @wjburken

As for year, I guess the newer the better. Just looking for something that can haul a good amount but is still good on the highway ride wise. Not looking for economy lol.

The 8.1L with 4.10's sounds like fun!
What sort of historical information are you looking for? What conflicting information have your come across that you would like clarification on?
 
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puckhead

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Double tap.
 
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puckhead

puckhead

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Okay, let's see if I can throw a wrench in this with a 3rd option!! We'll see if I am shooting myself in both feet here lol

Option 3: Keep the F350 and find a fairly cheap higher mileage Tahoe or Suburban. I figure this way I can park one, work on it as needed myself and not need to do everything all at once. I say a Tahoe or Suburban only because I know them and can fix them easily. Just haven't had a high mileage (150,000+) Chevy before. There are plenty of options for $3k or less from a quick search. I get it will be two vehicles, insurance, etc. but I can always pause insurance for one. What do you think? Stupid?? Or worth a shot?
 

swathdiver

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Don't know what your budget is but you might consider the 2012 and 2013 2500s. They have all the latest electronic improvements for towing, are FlexFuel and have 6-speed transmissions. Built in Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, and varying levels of powertrain and cruise grade braking. RWD versions are rated to tow 9600 pounds or 9400 for the 4x4s. They are overbuilt, far more durable and reliable then our 1500s and can exceed their towing capacities with ease.

I don't remember if anyone else other than Bob on here tows with one regularly, he's been all over this wonderful nation pulling a travel trailer with his and can tell you everything you want to know. @intheburbs
 

intheburbs

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Don't know what your budget is but you might consider the 2012 and 2013 2500s. They have all the latest electronic improvements for towing, are FlexFuel and have 6-speed transmissions. Built in Trailer Brake Controller, Trailer Sway Control, and varying levels of powertrain and cruise grade braking. RWD versions are rated to tow 9600 pounds or 9400 for the 4x4s. They are overbuilt, far more durable and reliable then our 1500s and can exceed their towing capacities with ease.

I don't remember if anyone else other than Bob on here tows with one regularly, he's been all over this wonderful nation pulling a travel trailer with his and can tell you everything you want to know. @intheburbs

Bill ;)

The 8.1 was offered from 2000-2005. But 8.1s are hard to find unless they're high mileage and beat to crap. The 6.0 is much more common.

8.1 trucks got free float axles and the beastly 10.5" rear. 6.0 had semifloaters and the 9.25" rear.

The platform was refreshed in 2003 with newer/better electronics and interior.

2007 was the first year of the new platform. Only 6.0 was offered 2007-2013.

The 2007 came with the 4-speed and either 3.73 or 4.10 gears. 2007 trucks will generally be cheaper than the later models because of that.

All 2008-2013 had 3.73 and the 6-speed. They also all have free floaters and the 10.5" rear. No 4.10 because the 3.73/6-speed has a higher first gear final drive ratio, and lower overdrive final drive ratio compared to the 4.10/4-speed, so it's the best of both worlds.

None of these trucks have AFM, so no issues with collapsed lifters. They do, however, have VVT.
 
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puckhead

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Bill ;)

The 8.1 was offered from 2000-2005. But 8.1s are hard to find unless they're high mileage and beat to crap. The 6.0 is much more common.

8.1 trucks got free float axles and the beastly 10.5" rear. 6.0 had semifloaters and the 9.25" rear.

The platform was refreshed in 2003 with newer/better electronics and interior.

2007 was the first year of the new platform. Only 6.0 was offered 2007-2013.

The 2007 came with the 4-speed and either 3.73 or 4.10 gears. 2007 trucks will generally be cheaper than the later models because of that.

All 2008-2013 had 3.73 and the 6-speed. They also all have free floaters and the 10.5" rear. No 4.10 because the 3.73/6-speed has a higher first gear final drive ratio, and lower overdrive final drive ratio compared to the 4.10/4-speed, so it's the best of both worlds.

None of these trucks have AFM, so no issues with collapsed lifters. They do, however, have VVT.

Thanks for the great information! for the 2008-2013 models, is it the same 6.0 that would have been in our 2007 Yukon Denali? That thing gave me tons of issues.
 

intheburbs

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Thanks for the great information! for the 2008-2013 models, is it the same 6.0 that would have been in our 2007 Yukon Denali? That thing gave me tons of issues.

A 2007 Yukon Denali would have had the 6.2 all-aluminum engine. The 2500 trucks have the 6.0 with a cast-iron block.
 
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puckhead

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A 2007 Yukon Denali would have had the 6.2 all-aluminum engine. The 2500 trucks have the 6.0 with a cast-iron block.

Thanks for the reminder! It's been a little while since we had it. Good to know.
 

07Burb

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Sorry Bill, hadn't had my coffee yet!
tenor.gif
 

stallion_412

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This is slightly off-topic, but 2015+ you can buy a Suburban 3500HD as long as it's for a fleet. There aren't many out there, but occasionally you can find one on cargurus or similar.
 

07Burb

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This is slightly off-topic, but 2015+ you can buy a Suburban 3500HD as long as it's for a fleet. There aren't many out there, but occasionally you can find one on cargurus or similar.
Would be cool if it also had dually fenders and a duramax engine :naughty:
 

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