pickup trucks vs SUVs, and 1500 vs 2500, or: advise me in choosing a cheap tow rig

[1adam12]

The 6.0 is good choice as well. Ive pulled an enclosed trailer with a tj with that motor with no problems.

 

[1adam12]

The tj was in the trailer

 

[Greg]

The 6.0 is good choice as well. Ive pulled an enclosed trailer with a tj with that motor with no problems.

I'd agree with that, the 6.0 is a great tow rig engine.

 

[1adam12]

www.ksl.com/?nid=678&ad=24014669&cat=263&lpid=
My dad pulled doulbes with a set up like this for years. 454 and th 400 is a great combo.

 

[TurboMinivan]

If you really want the ultimate gas tow rig, look into the 8.1l engine, 496 cubic inches! It's a badass engine

The only reason I mentioned the 8.1l engine is because I found a 3/4 ton Suburban local to me with the 8.1 for $6k. Very clean, lower miles... obviously it sold quick.

Okay, here comes a serious question. We just got a 2001 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1L engine, and it looks like I could buy it for well within my budget... because it has 219,500 miles. It does seem to drive very nicely, though. Should I be concerned about the miles? Or is this the miracle I ought to jump on quickly?

 

[Greg]

Okay, here comes a serious question. We just got a 2001 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1L engine, and it looks like I could buy it for well within my budget... because it has 219,500 miles. It does seem to drive very nicely, though. Should I be concerned about the miles? Or is this the miracle I ought to jump on quickly?

That's a tough question, has it been very well maintained? I wouldn't be too scared of those miles, if it has been taken care of. If it's been neglected, then I'd walk away. Since you're only going to use it for towing duty, I wouldn't avoid it with those miles. It's not like you're going to put 20k miles a year on it.

 

[Greg]

Just doing some research, that Suburban might have an Allison automatic transmission! That's a very good thing.

 

[TurboMinivan]

Just doing some research, that Suburban might have an Allison automatic transmission! That's a very good thing.

Wow. How can I know for sure? Where do I look? (I'm not a Chevy guy, in case you couldn't tell.)

 

[Greg]

You could probably look up the build specs with the VIN#. Any chance the build sheet is available?

Otherwise, search for transmission pan images for the 4L80e and Allison transmissions and compare them to what is in the Suburban.

 

[flexyfool]

I think only the pickups use the Allison.

 

[Greg]

I think only the pickups use the Allison.

You may be right, after further reading. I was thinking the Allison was an option in the Suburbans, but apparently not. Still, it's not like the 4L80e is a bad trans... the Allison would have been that much better.

 

[TurboMinivan]

I think only the pickups use the Allison.

It turns out you are correct.

I have a co-worker who is a Chevy expert. (Seriously.) He said the GMT800 Suburbans didn't get the Allison because it won't fit in the frame. Instead, they use the 4L80-E (which is not a bad thing, of course).

Anyway, I had him check it out with me. He was impressed by how it drove, saying it is properly smooth and quiet and has great power and response. We then checked the oil cap and dipstick, plus the trans dipstick. Everything looks good. He also had me look at the code tag in the glove box. Based on the presence of code GT5, it has the 4.10 axle ratio... which would put its official trailer weight rating at 12,000 pounds according to the owner's manual.

Long story short, I think I'm buying it.

 

[Greg]

Sounds like a winner! IMO it will be a perfect tow rig, 4.10's will help it get up to speed while towing as well. Congrats!

 

[Greg]

Oh one more thing worth mentioning, it's probably not bad idea to have the mechanics do a pressure test and leakdown test, just to be sure the engine is healthy. With 200k+ miles, it's cheap insurance to know what you're getting into before you drop the cash.

 

[Maverick]

Just doing some research, that Suburban might have an Allison automatic transmission! That's a very good thing.

Allison never came in the burb, that's why it never got the deez. And the 8.1 was detuned to work with the 4L80 vs the Allison in the pickups. (you can turn it back up)

Guessing it also has the G80 code (for the Eaton govlock locking diff).

It will certainly do the job, and pass everything but the gas station.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

If you are considering a diesel suburban you can find a 97-99 model for a decent price, they seem to have had the least amount of issues for that run of the 6.5 TD. Or you can look for the perfect truck the way I did, but it's about impossible to find a very clean TD with a manual trans and under 150k miles in your price range.

 

[TurboMinivan]

Guessing it also has the G80 code (for the Eaton govlock locking diff).

It does.

It will certainly do the job, and pass everything but the gas station.

My co-worker once owned and towed with an 8100 Suburban. He knows what two mods to make to increase observed towing economy by 3 mpg. (Apparently, they really corked the exhaust on the 8.1L 'Burbs.)

Oh one more thing worth mentioning, it's probably not bad idea to have the mechanics do a pressure test and leakdown test, just to be sure the engine is healthy.

I'll make sure it passes a compression test on it before buying. Good idea.

 

[Gravy]

Should be a decent buy. You won't regret the bigger rear axle, 4.10s or bigger brakes.
For occasional towing you won't hate the motor THAT much. My buddy's avalanche with the 8.1 gets 8-10mpg. Towing anything from a grapefruit to a huge camp trailer he still get 6-8mpg.

I can almost guarantee your Wrangler is close to 4k lbs. My yj is 3900 and it's as close to stock to matter.
My tj with no top, no back seat, no doors, no interior, no spare, no extra anything, no fenders is 4200.

My 2 Tandem trailers have been 1500 & 2000lbs.

Add recovery gear, extra fluids, a spare or two (not a bad idea with trailers...) Camping gear, etc my tow has easily hit 7500lbs

Add a few passengers and their gear and a lot of half tons are close to topping out.

 

[Bart]

Sounds like you found a decent tow rig for the right price. The other good thing about a burb is you can use it for mild excursion running also. Nice find.

 

[Houndoc]

For a couple of years we towed our boat, 5500-6000 pounds with fuel and gear, with a Yukon XL. Did a decent job and no real complaints on performance. I think you would be very happy with the 2000 Suburban for your purpose. If you are not hauling gear, the comfort and seating is a huge plus over a truck.

We have since moved on to diesel trucks, but that is because our towing needs have increased. For camping trips I have loved the truck with shell for gear.