Newbie here. Want to know how easy it is to change plugs/wires on this engine. Hoping someone here has an answer.

From what I understand, this engine runs through plugs/wires relatively quickly. So, if I have an opportunity to purchase one to tow our 4 kids and 11K pound travel trailer, I'd be interested in knowing how easily I can do the work myself.

I'm not a mechanic (not even a "backyard" one), but, I'm fairly handy. Mostly, I only handle fairly minor maintenance on our family vehicles. I have certainly changed plugs and wires on many previous vehicles.

What I want to know is, I haven't had a chance to see just how easily accessible the plugs and wires are on this engine to know how easily I could swap them out. Anyone here owned one of these and could shed some light on how easy replacing the plugs and wires would be?

 

I have a 2002 Suburban K2500 with the 8.1L. I bought it used with 5K miles on it, it now has 196K miles.

I wouldn't say it runs through plugs/wires any more than any other engine. I have replaced the plugs twice and the wires once in 196K miles.

It's fairly easy to replace the plugs and wires. The wires are only about a foot long and go to the coils on the valve cover. I can replace the plugs and wires in about an hour. If I remember correctly, the only thing I had to move was the air filter housing cover and intake hose, which swung out of the way.

I would say its pretty easy compared to replacing the plugs on our two minivans.

Steve

 

Easy-peasy. Use Neverseize on the plug threads, and dilectric grease on the wires.

 

Also, to pull an 11K lb trailer, you will need the 4.11 rear axle (and front if four wheel drive), this axle ratio is rated to tow 12,000lbs. The 3.73 axle, which is most common, is only rated to tow 10,500lbs (including weight of people and cargo in the Sub). Also, make sure you don't exceed the max rear axle weight rating with the trailer tongue weight, people, and cargo.

Steve

 

Thanks so much for the info guys. It really is helpful.

 

The trailer tow rating does NOT include the weight of people and cargo in the tow vehicle. You're mixing trailer weight and payload, and they are separate numbers. The 2500 with the 4.10 axle(s) is rated to a GCWR of 19,000 lbs, and a max trailer weight of 12,000. Most 2500 GMT800 Suburbans have a curb weight around 5900 lbs. With an 8600-lb GVWR, that gives you a payload rating of about 2700 lbs. Now if you're pulling a 12,000-lb trailer, then the Suburban can't weigh more than 7,000 lbs, so that gives you about 1100 lbs for people and cargo.

And when you're anywhere near your towing/weight limits, it's best to spend the $11 for a weigh at your local CAT scales. They even do re-weighs at no charge, so you can get your weight of your rig, unhitch, then get the weight of the tow vehicle by itself. Those are the really important numbers.

 

Very helpful information. Thank you.

 

When using anti-seize on spark plug threads, be very careful you do not get it close to the electrodes.

 

Absolutely true. A light coating of anti-seize is all one needs to use on the threads.

 

No problemo. Its what we do here. :-)