Hello All...

I am looking at purchasing a used local 01 2500 Suburban LT 4x4 with the 8.1 motor and autoride. It is a 2 owner with 105k, the first owners were a local family who had it for 10yrs and pampered it to 85k. The second owner was a local biz guy who used it 6mos for towing and added the addl 20k to bring it current, supposedly he flips trucks pretty regularly I am told. It has spent all its life at the same dealer so I have all service records and also had a local mechanic look it over. He flagged a noise/clunk in front differential when shift into 4wd, brake fluid dark, brakes 50%, 3rd row seat stuck open, and left headlight dim...

Service records show (just posting the major items...rest was maint etc)
new tires...pre-sale conditioning
new cam position sensor 105k...pre-sale conditioning
new ps pump & line 105k...pre-sale conditioning
new alternator 105k...pre-sale conditioning
new fuel pump, filter, relay 100k
new starter 100k
new idler & pitman arm 100k
new trans cooler lines 100k
new sparkplugs and wires 76k
new oil cooler lines 76k
at & brake flush 76k
new battery 69k
new crank pos sensor 69k
flush fuel system 61k
new fuel filter 60k
replaced rear exhaust 51k

From what I researched these seem to be the items that are typically trouble spots on this vehicle...fuel pump, crank sensor, ps pump, idler/pitman so I feel good knowing all this has been replaced already and I wont have to but I read about the crankshaft position sensor issue shutting down the truck and I was wondering if it is FIXED completely now or will it just happen again with the new sensor? Does the replacement crank sensor fix the issue or is it just a new old sensor? I would hate to be towing the camper and shut down on the freeway with the wife and kiddos...I had a jeep that had a bad cam sensor and shut down while doin 60mph on a feeder road...not fun!

Any experience with the autoride system? Reliability, serviceability etc...

Overall advice? We are looking at this as a family tow vehicle/grocery getter and will put less than 5k max a year on it...we used to have an 03 z71 sub so we know and like these trucks but are new to the 8.1 and 2500 series.

Thanks in advance for the help!
Bill

 

you must be moving something big to justify 8.1L... what you pulling?!

I hope it's around 38 feet long with twin engines

 

I wish!!!...but to far from the water at the present...we used to be near the gulf but now we in the mountains...

we are towing a 28ft camper...the 8.1 is overkill i know (been looking for a 6.0l) but this 8.1 popped up local so thought i would give it a looksee...i am tired of the wifes 1/2 ton suv hunting when we tow ...so was looking for something with a bit more ummph and then some LOL...looked at v10 f250s etc...but pickups are a premium here so thought i would consider excusions and subs...etc

later

 

IMO the 8.1 is really not overkill for what you are towing. The 2500 rides rougher than the 03 1500 you had before, especially when it isn't hauling anything, so keep this in mind. Every mechanic I've ever asked says all 8.1s use quite a bit of oil.

I bet a dealer will want $9k for that truck and they'll probably get it.

 

boze_man: Welcome to the forum.

If the Autoride shocks are original, then they'll probably need replacing. Think they run about $400+ each. Also make sure the compressor and sensors are working.

 

dealer wants $9900...

 

Thanks...

Crazy price for those factory shocks...i called arnott but they dont make a replacement system for the 2500 autoride just the 1500s...also I think i found the non-oem on amazon for under 250$...the delcos and monroes think the monroes were 215$..not bad considering...

 

Did you purchase?
I am looking for a sub too and have found a good buy on a 3/4 ton.
Any words of wisdom before a purchase?

 

Shark,
JDybya here! Just curious why the Autoride's would need replacing if there's no indication of leakage or pending failure? Previously considered replacing shocks but turned-off at cost.

I have a 2004 2500 LT w/Autoride. Running Michelin LTX AT2 285/55/20s. The ride is definitely truck with no load (44 psi hw). Can improve ride going to lower psi, but abnormal wear a concern.

JW

 

if there are no indications that they're failing, then they don't need to be replaced. Just going by when they usually give up.