Help buying a late 90s Suburban

[Falcon_LS]

Friend of mine is looking to buy a '97-'99 Suburban, and is asking me to check out a few cars with him. I'm not too knowledgable on 'Burbans, so I had a few questions to ask.

- What's the difference between the 1500 and the 2500? Is the 2500 equipped with the 7.4L?

- Are there any things in particular that I should check out? Any trouble spots?

- A 4x4 version is preferred, so is there an easy way to identify them without having to call and ask? Would help short list vehicles.

Thanks!

 

[UNC017]

I'm by no means a Suburban expert, but I can tell you that a 1500 is built on a half-ton truck chassis, and a 2500 is built on a 3/4 ton chassis. The 2500 will carry more weight, but the penalty (as with a pickup) is a harsher ride and more weight to drag around when you're not loaded. Also, you do NOT automatically get a 454 (7.4) engine in a 2500. The 5.7 is probably the most common engine even in both the 1500 and 2500.

Not everyone would use the correct terminology in a "for sale" ad, but a "C1500" or "C2500" is a 2-wheel drive, "K1500" or "K2500" is 4-wheel drive just like any other GM truck.

 

[Chris142]

The gizmo that locks the front axle into 4x4 is an oil filled electronically heated balloon looking thing. They fail often. If 4x4 don't work use that as a bargaining chip to get the price lower.

The part is easily replaced and only about $50.

I don't think I've ever seen a 454 in a 1/2 ton Burban. Always a 350.

And I can't remember ever seeing a 350 in a 3/4 ton one. The 454's are very common here in both Burbans and trucks.

 

[MNgopher]

The 3/4 ton does not automatically get the 454 - we had several 350 powered 3/4 ton suburbans of that generation at a former employer.

The survey rig I drove for a few years was a C2500 Suburban with the 350 in it. It rode fine - when it had about 1500 lbs of survey gear in the back of the truck

Never did drive it completely unloaded! All the running gear, springs, etc... were much firmer than what you would find in a 1/2 ton version.

Not really any great exterior cues I can recall to tell the difference between the 2wd and 4wd versions. Particularly in the 3/4 ton flavor, the 2wd version still rode high like a 4wd in terms of its stance.

 

[Boomer]

Trans in the 1500 is probably a 4L60E and in the 2500 a 4L80E, a much more rugged and longer lasting transmission. Check which it has.

 

[meep]

IIRC the 2500 had 6-bolt wheels?? easy exterior cue??

 

[UNC017]

Originally Posted By: Chris142

And I can't remember ever seeing a 350 in a 3/4 ton one. The 454's are very common here in both Burbans and trucks.


I don't actually know what the production split between 350 and 454 was. But glancing at online "for sale" listings of 97-99 C/K 2500 Burbies shows mostly 350s. Maybe people hang on to the 454s longer? Maybe people get sick of bending pushrods and swap 350s in place of 454s?

 

[dja4260]

We had a 98 & 99, 1500. No major issues other then one transfer case. It was a PITA.

Towed around the country pulling 1500lb drag boat.

 

[Donald]

Originally Posted By: meep
IIRC the 2500 had 6-bolt wheels?? easy exterior cue??


My 1993 K1500 has 6 bolt wheels.

 

[Donald]

I would stick with a K1500 unless he is really going to be pulling a lot.

Unsure when they fixed it, but the fuel pumps in those GM vehicles broke it you looked at them wrong. I am on my 4th. I have done 2 of the 4 myself. Don't go below 1/4 tank for any reason.

 

[Smokescreen]

Change the fuel filter every year. Once they plug up your fuel pump has seconds to live.

The 4L60E was found in 1500's and 2500's unless the 4L80E was chosen as an option. I have nearly 220K miles on mine...all original drive-train too (engine, transmission, 4x4 running gear, transfer case etc). Keep up on maintenance and it will be pretty trouble free. Make sure it has G80 locker in the rear and skid plates(aka the Z71 package) as well as aux trans cooler. I pull 5500lbs and 3500lbs each week in spring to late summer, no issues.

Mine seems to use rear u-joints, I'm on my 2nd one...probably due to the gravel dirty roads.....I love my suburban, it does everything I need it to do and then some...very dependable and awesome ride.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: Chris142




And I can't remember ever seeing a 350 in a 3/4 ton one. The 454's are very common here in both Burbans and trucks.


I don't actually know what the production split between 350 and 454 was. But glancing at online "for sale" listings of 97-99 C/K 2500 Burbies shows mostly 350s. Maybe people hang on to the 454s longer? Maybe people get sick of bending pushrods and swap 350s in place of 454s?

[/quote]I'm in Ca where fuel is the highest in the nation and I see more Big Blocks than small blocks. Just weird.

Maybe there was some sort of "Emissions fine" imposed on the small blocks in the Suburbans? Ca has been known to pull that kind of stunt.

I've never seen a F250 with anything but a 460 or diesel. Same with Suburbans.......Lots of 454's rare to see a 350.

When I was younger I couldn't find a BB Chevy in the junkyard to save my life. Go there now and theres a dozen 454's in wrecks.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: Chris142



And I can't remember ever seeing a 350 in a 3/4 ton one. The 454's are very common here in both Burbans and trucks.


I don't actually know what the production split between 350 and 454 was. But glancing at online "for sale" listings of 97-99 C/K 2500 Burbies shows mostly 350s. Maybe people hang on to the 454s longer? Maybe people get sick of bending pushrods and swap 350s in place of 454s?

I'm in Ca where fuel is the highest in the nation and I see more Big Blocks than small blocks. Just weird.

Maybe there was some sort of "Emissions fine" imposed on the small blocks in the Suburbans? Ca has been known to pull that kind of stunt.

I've never seen a F250 with anything but a 460 or diesel. Same with Suburbans.......Lots of 454's rare to see a 350.

When I was younger I couldn't find a BB Chevy in the junkyard to save my life. Go there now and theres a dozen 454's in wrecks.


My F-250 had the 300 I6 backed by a C6 with a non-lockup and 4.11's.

 

[ls1mike]

3/4 ton burbs have 8 lug rims and full floater rear axles.
What is he going to do with it?

 

[artificialist]

Those trucks had that terrible fuel injection system called CMFI, and an intake manifold gasket that would easily fail and fill the oil sump with coolant.

Check the previous owners receipts to see when or if the repair was done.

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Friend of mine is looking to buy a '97-'99 Suburban, and is asking me to check out a few cars with him. I'm not too knowledgable on 'Burbans, so I had a few questions to ask.

- What's the difference between the 1500 and the 2500? Is the 2500 equipped with the 7.4L?

- Are there any things in particular that I should check out? Any trouble spots?

- A 4x4 version is preferred, so is there an easy way to identify them without having to call and ask? Would help short list vehicles.

Thanks!

As others stated, the difference between the 1500 and 2500 is payload/towing capacity. A 1500 is your basic family hauler, the 2500 is more of a heavy duty truck. 1500s are 5.7 only, 2500s had the 5.7 and 7.4 available, and the 6.5 diesel (though maybe not during those years). Diesel Suburbans can be quickly identified by the large rectangular holes in the front bumper.

2500s have eight lugs and steel wheels from the factory. 1500s sometimes had steel wheels in base and maybe even LS trim, but usually had aluminum wheels. The wheels can be a quick identifier of if the truck likely has 4WD or not.

This style was typically used on 4WDs:

This style was typically used on 2WDs:

Notice 6 lugs on the 4x4 wheel and 5 on the 2WD wheel. I don't know if that's always the case, but it's probably typical. Sometimes 4x4s have fender flares, sometimes they don't.

Overall these are very reliable trucks and are pretty well built. I doubt you will see much rust where you live, so the condition of the engine and transmission will probably be the major variable. The 4L60E and 4L80E are overall reliable, but I'm sure the high ambient temps in Kuwait are harder on the transmission. In my experience with these trucks electrical features are the most likely to act up in old age...CD players, HVAC controls, etc. Really though they don't have a lot of issues relative to other vehicles and replacement parts are plentiful.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks very much for all the input! Just wanted to update this thread.

Bought the truck this evening, it's a two-tone (red/silver) '97 GMC Suburban C2500 with the Vortec 7400. We bought it off the original owner, who bought the car in May 1997. He was 62 when he bought the car, and has now quit driving at age 76.

The good:

- 97,000 km (60,625 miles) on the clock
- Full service history at the dealership since purchase
- Drives smooth as butter
- Immaculately clean interior
- Engine is clean enough to eat off and everything is factory original
- 4 new Michelins

The bad:

- Sun baked hood and roof
- Dented driver's side running board
- Dents on the front bumper
- Rubber moulding on rear bumper slightly torn off on the passenger side corner
- Cannot open driver's door from the inside
- Missing AC control knob for rear AC
- Missing volume knob on audio unit

All in all, the problems are cosmetic, and will be sorted slowly. Can easily pick up most of it from the yards anyway for next to nothing. Initially, he was asking $6,935 but we agreed on $5,475. I just couldn't stop looking at the engine...amazingly clean for it's age and untouched!

The gentleman was sad to see it go, but we assured him it was going to a good home. In fact, once the paint work is done, we promised to go back and show it to him.

On Saturday, we're replacing the following:

- Engine oil (Mobil 1 0W-40)
- Transmission fluid (Liqui-Moly Top Tec 1200)
- Differential fluid (GM 12378261 75W-90)
- Power steering fluid (Liqui-Moly Top Tec 1200)
- Coolant (G-05 and distilled water)
- Brake fluid (Motorcraft DOT 3)
- PCV valve
- Spark plugs
- Spark plug wires
- Air filter
- Oil filter
- Fuel filter
- A/T filter/gasket
- Thermostat
- Radiator cap
- Serpentine belt

For added insurance, we're also replacing all the coolant and power steering hoses. Will also inspect brake lines and transmission cooler hoses, etc. whilst I'm at it.

 

[Falcon_LS]

One thing I forgot to mention, listening to that Vortec 7400 chug is pure music to my ears. I love the GMT400's! Will post pictures by next week.

 

[01rangerxl]

Sounds like a nice truck overall! It should have a lot of life left in it with such low miles.