Hi all - I have a 2003 Suburban LT (original owner) 140,000 miles. I have permanently relocated it to Baja Mexico. I have always maintained it (regular oil changes, trans flush, etc.). I did brakes and rotors at about 80,000 miles. Right before bringing it to Mexico a few years ago, I changed the belts and any rubber radiator hoses, charged the AC, replaced the oil cooler and hoses, and replaced the fan clutch. AC compressor needed to be replaced a few months ago and on my last trip to Baja, the rear steel brake line started to leak. My question is what other parts should/could I replace before they break on an almost 20-year old truck. I would rather replace something before it breaks than end up on a dark desert highway in Mexico with no brakes. It's also easier to buy parts in the U.S. and bring them down rather than try to find them in Mexico. Thanks!

 

Brake lines usually fail due to rust from living in the salt zone. Same with trans. and A/C lines from living in a prior wet area.
At 20 anything is possible as parts age out, especially anything with rubber in it.

 

To make sure brake lines are in good shape ios always a good idea.. same with brake hooses..

Consider/check:
-Shocks
-Oil seals (axle, propellershaft)
-Bumperstops
-U-joints, especially if not greaseble and never replaced..
-Fuel filter
-Make sure brake bleed screws can be opend/closes, else replace or bring spares.
-The forward air recirculation filter.... for some insane reason, Chevrolet removed the replaceble cabin filter from 2003 models, but there is a workaround, i found mine on ebay ofcourse, the kit includes a new filter and the removavle filter cover.. it takes some tinkering with a dremel to open upp the fan house again.. i was just thinking.. driving around in a somewhat more desertlike enviroments.. its nice to have the car dustfree on the inside... hmm..
Make sure the "only used once or twice in a lifetime" sparewheel and the lift thingie works fine.. that all tools are present.
-some extra fuses/relays in a spare kit.
-Last but important; a proper first aid kit and a fire extinguisher... a broken brake is one thing.. an accident with a injury or a fire is as bad.. or worse..

And your Suburban looks badass nice! :-)


/P