gartho

Ok...here is my want /need list if you can point me in the right direction.

I need 4x4 is first priority...
#2...I need rear heat/Air
#3...I would like a 2500 with a big motor so "if" I ever need to tow anything I can.
#4...I want one that is reliable...I have heard of 5.7L, 5.3L, 6.0L and I think the 7.4L (454)
With that said I want the oldest year that will fit all these things because it will sit unused 300+ days a year.

If you could point me in the right direction I would be forever grateful

I own Subarus so this is a big change.
Garth

suburbansr4me

With that much info, chances are slim that you will get "pointed in the right direction." You will most likely be sent to each end of the inter webs with a list like that. This is a VERY short list for something that is such a "big change". You're going to have to do a lot more research and post back (probably multiple times) if you expect to get any real help. For instance, there are more things to consider than just engine size in towing. Do you even know the key differences between a 1500 and 2500 or what model years the next generation/redesigns happened? Help us, help you.

gartho

lol...Well I thought it was going to be easy to reply.
Lets try this again...How about someone suggesting a good used one from the 1990's that has 4WD...That should be easy
TIA, Garth

intheburbs

Not sure what your budget is, but if you're looking for a total beast of a truck, a 2000-2006 Suburban 2500 is just about the king of the hill. Available with the 8.1L motor, it's the ultimate towing vehicle.

The 1999 and older trucks are good, but many agree that 00-06 were the best.

My burbs sit a lot. We have a car and a minivan as our daily drivers. But when we take them out, they're working hard.

Here's a good one on ebay - '02, 140k, 4X4, 8.1 motor, asking $8650 - Click here

gartho

Ok that is great! I will shoot for a 2000...is there anyway to tell if it has the 8.1L in it other than the owner saying it? and does the 2500 have 8 lug nuts? I dont see many like that.

tech2

have to agree with that statement. 2000 to 2006 are the best gm trucks ever made imo.


I had a 2006 2500hd p/u with a 4x4 6L, 4l80e trans and 4.10 rear axle. it could tow anything easily. get the 4.10 rear axle, smaller ratios with the same engine/trans combo do not tow nearly as well.

intheburbs

Yes, the 2500s all have 8-lug wheels. They are certainly less common than the half-tons (about 10% of Burbs are 2500s), but there are plenty out there. A search on Auto Trader (any distance) for either Suburban 2500 or Yukon XL 2500 in model years 2000-2006 yielded 223 hits. When I was ready to buy my next Burb, I was prepared to go as far as Texas to get one. Turns out I only had to go three hours away, to Ft. Wayne to find my '08.

The most common engine for the 2500s is the 6.0L. It's a great motor, the 8.1 is just better in terms of towing. If you pop the hood, the plastic engine cover will say Vortec 6000 or Vortec 8100. If you're doing a long-distance deal, get a picture of the RPO codes in the glove box. You can look them up online and see exactly what the truck has - engine, axle ratio, etc. It should look like this:





Don't forget about the GMC Yukon XL. Only minor differences - headlights, trim, etc. It's basically the same truck.

bird

FYI:

I was looking for a 2007-2012 Burb and the 8.1 liter 2500 9 passengers were cheaper than the 6.0 4x4 LT(Z)s by ALOT! $16k for a 2500 8.1L 9 Passenger Government Burb vs my 2008 LTZ 5.3 @ $18k