Tahoe & Suburban The power, space, and brutal towing ability make the Tahoe and its longer sibling, the Suburban, arguably the best full size SUV's on the market today.

2013 Chevrolet Suburban
Platform: GMT 400, 800, 900

New owner of a 08 Z71 Tahoe!...with questions

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 11, 2016 | 10:03 AM
  #1  
jranaudp's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default New owner of a 08 Z71 Tahoe!...with questions

70k miles and I paid $20k.

The truck is in amazing condition outside and inside. Literally looks new without a scratch or blemish really anywhere. Drives great.

What are some of the things I need to consider maintenance wise? Mods wise?

So I have some questions. I have been trying to determine the maximum towing rating. I have the 5.3 with the 3.73 gears. I looked in the manual and it says....

5.3 | 3.73 | 7000lbs
5.3 "Extended Models" | 3.73 | 8000lbs

What exactly does "Extended Models" mean?


Reply
Old Sep 11, 2016 | 3:07 PM
  #2  
KNERD's Avatar
CF Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
Default

You know how on some extended cab pickup trucks, instead of four full size doors, they have two full doors, and two half doors which open from the front? Well, there are some Tahoe models like that. So it looks like an extended cab truck, sort of.




Last edited by KNERD; Sep 11, 2016 at 3:10 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2016 | 12:20 AM
  #3  
73shark's Avatar
Administrator
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,337
Likes: 194
From: KC, MO area
Default

jranaudp: Welcome to the forum.

Not sure where the above artist's concept came from but extended for the GMT900s is referring to the Suburban model.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2016 | 1:49 PM
  #4  
Scotiapilot's Avatar
CF Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 320
Likes: 1
Default

3.73 gears are the best! Best gearing for nearly every situation. If you ever tow anything you will be very happy.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2016 | 7:19 PM
  #5  
intheburbs's Avatar
CF Pro Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 997
Likes: 21
From: SE MI
Default

Originally Posted by KNERD
You know how on some extended cab pickup trucks, instead of four full size doors, they have two full doors, and two half doors which open from the front? Well, there are some Tahoe models like that. So it looks like an extended cab truck, sort of.



^^^not sure if serious, or just trolling. That's a photoshopped picture.

The "extended models" are the Suburbans. The Tahoe only comes in one size. Small (compared to a Suburban).

I would never, ever, consider towing anything near a 7,000-lb trailer with a Tahoe. You don't have the brakes for it, you don't have the axles for it, especially the rear axle, and you don't have the wheelbase for it.

Regarding maintenance - with 70k on the clock I would look at replacing all fluids - transmission, transfer case and axles. And keep an eye on your oil consumption. The 5.3 motor is notorious for oil consumption issues due to the active fuel management system (AFM). Just Google 5.3 AFM for some light reading.

Last edited by intheburbs; Sep 12, 2016 at 7:23 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2016 | 12:28 PM
  #6  
jranaudp's Avatar
Thread Starter
CF Beginner
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by intheburbs
^^^not sure if serious, or just trolling. That's a photoshopped picture.

The "extended models" are the Suburbans. The Tahoe only comes in one size. Small (compared to a Suburban).

I would never, ever, consider towing anything near a 7,000-lb trailer with a Tahoe. You don't have the brakes for it, you don't have the axles for it, especially the rear axle, and you don't have the wheelbase for it.

Regarding maintenance - with 70k on the clock I would look at replacing all fluids - transmission, transfer case and axles. And keep an eye on your oil consumption. The 5.3 motor is notorious for oil consumption issues due to the active fuel management system (AFM). Just Google 5.3 AFM for some light reading.

I figured that picture was off. I'll be towing close to 6k lbs which I think should be fine.

Thanks folks
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 5:05 PM.