A couple general suburban questions...

[bartspedden]

I'm considering buying a 2003 suburban 1500. I live in Colorado and will be regularly taking this vehicle over high mountain passes. Are there known issues with either the engine or the transmission with this vehicle. I'm particularly concerned about the transmission because I've spent so much money fixin transmissions. If it were up to me I'd have a manual, but I don't think chevy has offered a manual suburban in a number of years

My hauling plans are minimal, just people plus a utility trailer with no more than 500lbs in it. I'll be doing a fair amount of car camping in it (taking the 3rd row seat out and sleeping in the back) - so any info/links on what folks are doing to use their suburban to camp with would be nice too.

Thanks!

bart

[84fiero123]

First of all, Welcome Aboard.

I think you will be very surprised with the capabilities of the Burb.

I haven’t heard anything yet about the newer Burbs as far as tranies. But then if I did I probably forgot it. (STML).

As far as a camping vehicle goes, you will not find any better, plenty of room to stretch out and sleep for 2 or more.

You didn’t say what kind of engine you have so I am guessing the 350/5.7 and that has been the mainstay rock solid engine in the Burbs since, well I can’t remember how long.

If this is a new vehicle to you, before ever going someplace out away from civilization I would take it in to a reputable local mechanic and have him give it the once over and pay him his hourly rate.

He may find something you wouldn’t. if he does you will thank me for it, and if he doesn’t then you will be thankful for the peace of mind.

Keep it between the ditches.

[MrShorty]

Are these camping trips/mountain passes paved, or are you talking about some moderate off-roading here? If reliability trumps gas mileage, I'd consider holding out for a 2500. Weak points I've heard of on the 1500:

10 bolt rear, especially with the factory G80 locker or other locker. The 10 bolt rear just doesn't seem to hold up well in the heavier trucks, especially if it's locked. The G80 in the 10 bolt seems to have a tendency to blow up, especially when abused (think moderate to hard off-roading). The 14 bolt rear that comes in the 2500 has a much better reputation, even locked.
8.25 inch IFS front (if you're getting a 4x4). There are no locking options available for the 1500 front diff, because it's just too weak. It seems to hold up ok open, so this may not be as big of a concern as I'm making it out to be if moderate-sever off-roadiing isn't your interest, or if you're not at all interested in a front LS/locker. The 9.25 inch IFS front in the 2500 again holds up better, and even has a few locker options available.
4L60E transmission has had anecdotal issues over the years. A lot of people run it to 200K miles or more, but others have issues as early as 100K miles. Sunshell seems to be the big issue, and a 4L60E can be rebuilt to handle a lot, but it sounds like you don't want to even worry about this. As I prefaced, if reliability is your biggest concern, you might want to get a 2500 with the 4L80E transmission.

I'm not sure which engine options were available for the 1500/2500 in '03. In general, the 2500 is heavier and, even with the same engine, wouldn't be expected to get as good of gas mileage. The 2500's also had bigger engines, so the gas mileage could go down (not really counting diesels in this, I don't know if that's of interest to you) even more.

My fiinal analysis: A 1500 is good enough for most people, and may be good enough for you, too. However, if you expect to drive it hard and get way off the beaten path, I would suggest you consider the 2500 with it's stronger drivetrain.