newb questions

[Z28Johnny]

I'm buying a toy hauler for my family (between 21' to 28'). I have a 94 Bronco (probably a bad word on here) that I love, but I don't feel good about towing a heavy load with it. This vehicle will be 90% for towing the toy hauler, and maybe 10% for the wife to drive during bad snow storms in the winter. After a lot of thought and research I have decided to buy a 96-99 (newer if budget allows) Suburban 2500. I'm looking to spend around $3000 to $3500. I've looked on the local classifieds site and have seen some that I would have been happy with that sold for this amount. I have a few questions for the pros:

What are the most common issues that these years might have that I need to look for when looking to buy?

What size rims/tires will fit on this thing without lifting? Will a 285/60/18 fit alright? (I love rims and tires and even though I haven't told the wife yet... rims, tires, and stereo will be first thing on what ever we get) :)

Do the 2500's automatically come with a class 3 hitch and everything I would need to tow?

Any advise?

[phoebeisis]

Best advice is be patient.You are on the low end pricewise of a 96-99 2500-I'm guessing you want 4x4 since you mention snow? You will be buying a highish mileage-150,000+ miles- for the under $3500 price.

Now gas is going up,so prices will be going down-a good thing for you in that respect.


The Suburbans of all ilks are pretty reliable, but these things should be considered
1)Find one that has had the transmission rebuilt recently.They get heavy use, and you can expect the trans to sign off about 150,000 miles or so. I'm basing this on the 4L60E, not the heavy duty 4L80E that the 2500 have, but I expect it doesn't last forever, and folks use them as tow vehicles. If you go high miles, try to get a newish trans.

2)Radiators/waterpumps/intake gaskets fail-no huge deal-they are relatively cheap, but look for a coolant reservoir with no fluid in it-sure sign that something is leaking. The leaks are usually slow, and you can usually repair them at your leisure. Not always of course, if the intake manifold gasket is leaking into the intake track-steam and such out the exhaust pipe- you have to repair that right away.

In general they are reliable-sturdy, and you don't have to Fix On Road Daily (just kidding).

Be patient-don't buy the first POS you see.If you are in the rust/road salt belt-keep your eyes open for rust.As gasoline goes up, prices will go down.You can get a decent Suburban-96-99 at the high end of you price range. Might not be a bad idea to boost what you are willing to pay-if you want a 4x4-A $4500 Suburban should run great.look great. A $3000 4X4 2500 Suburban will "run good", but might be cosmetically challenged!
There are loads of Suburbans in the south-especially Texas-might be worth it to travel to avoid getting a rust bucket.The NE and Midwest has loads of rustbuckets-all brands..

Get the best one you can afford-avoid works in progress"needs work""needs front cap" etc-unless it is minor body work/dents you can ignore.

Fairly high miles but well maintained can be a good bet-especially if the trans has been rebuilt-receipts etc.(about $2500)

Luck, Charlie

[KidHauler]

I started to respond to this post earlier, but got called away. Good thing Charlie was on the ball!

I agree with what he said, so I will try some other answers:
As far as tires/wheels - I have 265/16's and have plenty of room, but I don't know if the 285's will fit.
For the trailer package, I'm pretty sure that the 2500 got at least the wiring kit, and if not already on it, the hitches are easy to find.
Now, as far as your plans for usage - trailering and snow travel will be no sweat - breaking the bond between you and your Bronco will probably hurt a little. It's OK, we'll be here for you.

Good luck,

Dusty

[Z28Johnny]

Thank you for the responses so far! Paying $4500 is definitely within my realm if I find a vehicle that is worth it. Especially if it has nice rims and tires, maybe a small lift, tint, etc. I live in Salt Lake City, so rust is kind of common on cars, but not quite like it is in some other places. I would not be opposed to flying out to pick up the vehicle somewhere if the deal were right.

As for parting with the Bronco... :) I don't think I could. I really only drive it for towing and to replace my daily driver during parts of the winter, so I might use it less when I have the Suburban. I could never sell it though. It may be horrible of me to post it on here, but I have posted my Chevy's on a Ford website before :)

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk28/Z28Johnny/weddingtires223.jpg

Keep the info coming, especially if anybody knows the max size tire that will fit on a stock vehicle.

Thank you,
John