My family has out grown my Jeep TJ and I am looking for more space (elbowroom). I came across a 2005 Chevy Sub with a salvage title. It looks spectacular and I need to drive it to determine functionality. My question is about factory installed options. I want to know what came on the vehicle from mexico, out of the assembly plant. I have the VIN and have found out the basic items...Mexico, Chevy, 1500, 4x4, auto, 5.3 V8. I want to know axle ratio (gearing), differential type, E85 capable and other options that was originally installed.

Can someone point where to go? I have found the sticky about posting a VIN to get the BOM, but I have to show that I am not a fly-by.

If anyone has advice on a Salvage purchase, I am all ears. It is a 2005, with 111,248 miles and they have it priced 11,900. I think it is over priced but that can be negotiated. According to the seller (a body shop) it was only sheet metal and doors on drivers side that needed repaired. I would like negotiate my test drive to include an alignment check at my tire shop to verify it is straight.

Thanks for the help.

 

I am planning to drive it tonight. Any comments or suggestions?

It is the LT model with autoride. Should this be a consern? If it seems fine now but fails in the future will the Arnott/Bilsiten Coil Spring Conversion Kit be a good fix?

 

Welcome to the forum.

Personally I'd be very, very leery of a salvage title.

The Arnott conversion should work but check their website to be sure. They are a forum sponser.

 

The Arnott / Bilstein Coil Conversion Kit should work on the 2005 Suburban 1500 ($685.50). Comes with new heavy duty springs, Front and Rear Bilstein Shocks and Arnott's exclusive patents-pending Electronic Bypass Module (EBM) which will turn off any dashboard warning lights.

If you plan to do any heavy towing, you may want to select one of our Autoride replacement products. We have a Bilstein rear kit which offers an upgraded ride from the stock, remanufactured O.E. shocks which will be an exact replacement and a new low cost rear passive kit. (AS-2598)

You can find them all right here: https://www.arnottindustries.com/par...d11_pid93.html

Also, forum members can use code ChevySave12 during checkout from the Arnott Web Store (or by calling Arnott's phone sales team) to save 10% off your purchase (up to $75).

 

Thanks for the offer!

I took the Sub for a drive tonight. It seem to drive alright...no pulling one way or another. 4x4 functions as I would expect to, the engine sounded and felt strong, no weird drivetrain noises (except a hard shift...read below), and the doors sound good when shutting. I like to listen to the doors shutting, a good solid thud is needed...no rattles!

The body shop owner showed me pictures of when it arrived at his shop. It was a pick from a local salvage yard that had, I would consider, little damage to the driver's side front fender, front door, and rear door. The front fender, door, and rocker panel was replaced, the rear door repaired, painted, washed waxed and set out for sale. The test drive produced no odd wind noise.

When I was sitting in the parking-lot and getting ready to start working the 4x4, I sat in drive with the brake applied and there was a bit of a rumble in the seat of my pants and I hadnt switch the 4x4 yet. I did drop it out of drive to neutral and the vibe did lesson. I didnt feel it when driving it. Transmission...IDK? The test drive also produced a bit of a hard transmission shift while accelerating from 45MPH to passing speed. It was dropping out of OD and the shift felt a bit hard. Too hard...IDK? Could this be a result of a cold transmission? I dont think think these are problems.

Boy, I liked the ergonomics of the drivers seat to the radio and other controls.

Any comments or concerns?

 

I like the 2005 salvage title that I drove last week, but those issues I spoke of in the previous post and it is a SALVAGE.

I found a 2004 sub with the Z71 package with 96000. The transmission felt better and the engine sounded good. The intereior was nice but not as nice as the 2005. I will lean more toward the 2004 if we can meet at a price. Plus it is not a SALVAGE.

My questions are:
Could the Z71 come with the autoride system? I didnt see or hear the compressor and no lines to the rear shocks.
What gearing was standard with the Z71 and would the rear diff have limited slip standard?
The owner puchased this 2004 Z71 new in California. Should California admissions be a concern for me in Ohio?

What can yall tell me about the Z71 vs an LT like the 2005?

Thanks

 

Z71 does not have autoride. It does have bilstein shocks.
California emissions should not be an issue as they are "better"
Than federal. Less pollution. Limited slip is standard for z71

Z71 is the off reading package and included skid plates gas charged bilstein shocks limited slip
I believe it also included the heavier duty trailerimg package's cooling system

 

And painted chrome front and rear which is something to check, esp the rear as there have been rust problems on the bumper.

 

OK the 2005 LT with salvage is out and the 2004 Z71 sold before I could get to it again. Now I am looking at a 2001 Sub, 2500 with the 8.1L engine and 110,000 on the odometer. What should I know about this engine and drivetrain? I know the fuel economy is not good, but it will be a driveway queen. I have a beater for daily driving.

Comments?

 

Anything to add?
I am going Monday to look at a 2005 3/4 ton 8.1L Suburban. What can you all tell me about this animal? How bad should I expect the fuel economy?