This is NOT an Ordinary Suburban: This Is One Of The Greatest Classic SUV's Of All Time!
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- čas přidán 12. 04. 2022
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Meet the 1996 GMC Suburban, but not just any Suburban: this is a big block 7.4 liter model, here's why it is so amazing!
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I have a 99 Chevy suburban 1500 4x4 that I bought 6 months ago with only 144,000 miles. Literally in perfect condition and I get complements all the time on it. I spent 12 grand, but it has been so worth it. I bought it after both of my newer vehicles had costly issues (one needed a brand new transmission) before even reaching 80,000 miles. I told my wife that we are going back to the 90’s after that. Now I haul all of my 6 kids (oldest is 8) in comfort and style with power!
Do you daily drive it? I’ve been looking at a 1999 gmc suburban and want to know how it is on gas and just daily driving in general.
@@wulybuker I do drive it daily. So according to the specs of the vehicle it gets 14 city and 18 highway. I drove it down from SLC Utah to Dallas TX and was seeing it about 20 but maybe that’s because I was coming down from mountains and stuff. My daily commute (Before I started working from home) was 46 miles there and back. I would have to fill her up every week and a half. For me it made sense as the monthly gas was still a lot cheaper than the payment of a new vehicle that could transport the size of my family. I hope it helps.
My dad recently gave me his 1997 Chevy Suburban 1500 4x4 and i want to change my stereo but im having trouble finding one that’ll fit do you have any recommendations?
@@manuelarvizu8999 what do you mean? Any single din will fit and you can do a double din screen unit if you are willing to modify the dash
95..1500 Chevy Tahoe
When I was growing up we had a 76 GMC Suburban heavy half ton (“trailering special”). It had the 454 big block. Very useful truck and fun to drive. It would usually get around 10 mpg regardless of the load, towing or not.
The typical 454 milage. Doesn’t matter what it’s in, it’s a fuel hog.
Mlallq
My first dually was an 82 CCLB with 4.56 drive, sm465 and a 454. Empty, loaded, uphill, downhill, windy or calm... she got 8mpg. Of course when gas was under a buck, ot didnt matter. That ole girl would pull ANYTHING up a grade at 55mph.
I had a 78 4x4 with standard 4 speed. It was tough.
How VERY AMERICAN was that Suburban?
I have a 99 K2500 Sub with the 7.4 vortec and factory 4.10 gears ;) 128k single owner, bought it in Utah last year. Thing is beast. It doubles as my hunting truck and the family road trip vehicle. Its like driving a M1 Abrams with lazy-boy cushions down the hiway
I own a 1999 Suburban 4x4. My dad bought it brand new. It’s a 1/2 ton but has been set up to tow with heavier springs and lower gears and such. It’s been in a garage it’s whole life. Love the thing.
I hope you appreciate what you have there and take good care of it. Sad to see them get trashed in the woods or rocky canyons.
It will last longer than the brand new 10 speed 4 cylinder model
Are you interested To sell it I've been looking to buy one since these past couple of years please Maybe you know someone else wanting to sell one ?
I’ve got a 98 half ton the same way. Tugged around a 12k 36ft camper most it’s life. My grandpa bought it brand new fully loaded in 97.
I tow a 7,000 lbs, 32 ft camper with my 2001 Suburban 1500 lt with almost 200,000 miles on it. Couldnt be happier.
I have a 98 Chevy Burban 2500 with the 7.4 L. It has 139,000 miles and is in near pristine condition. It's our tow rig. My daily driver is a 99 1500 Burban.
I remember seeing these ol' school suburbans sitting at the Chevy dealerships brand new out of the factory, clean and ready to find a home. Someday me and my family will get a suburban. My wife and I love them a lot. I've always had thing for the 90s and early 2000s Tahoe's and Suburbans.
I loved my 2004 suburban . I have a 2003 envoy xl 5.3 right now and it’s a baby burban really I love it and it scoots real good I’m buying a 6.0 for it and camming it to make 500 hp with a 4500 lb suv I’m gonna keep up with everyone in the new suvs with a 20 year old truck
@@harryfp1494 I love seeing that there's still quite a bunch of them still on the roads today. They're either towing boats or travel trailers, all while hauling the family and gear. And with that swapped 6.0 Envoy with light mods, you could easily make other performance SUVs think twice, I can only imagine the look on a Trackhawk drivers face after seeing your taillights lol.
The K2500 454 Suburban could tow 8,000 lbs with 3.73 gears and 10,000 lbs with 4.10. The K2500 350 Suburban was rated for 7,000 lbs.
I inherited my 1999 K1500 from my dad. I absolutely love it. The 4x4 is quite good for mountain roads and fire trails. Best part is the 42 gallon gas tank has a range of about 600 miles.
My Dad had a 2500HD Cheyenne Silverado and that’s the best truck I’ve ever driven. They are SOLID, ride great, and can handle a large load. We worked in construction so his truck was always loaded down with tools or debris from job sites. Even when loaded down the truck never felt like it was struggling. I wish I could find another one but like you said, most have been used up and thrown out. Of course, now everyone is starting to realize how well built and reliable these trucks were so their values are going up. GM kept things simple back then and it worked! With all the technology in vehicles now it has almost ruined the large SUV.
The new Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer SUVs tend to do pretty well.
They should, for what Stellantis wants for them.
Those old suburbs that came with a 6.5L diesel make me smile every time. What a unicorn
I have one, 1997 model, fully loaded, and ❤️ it. They all have 8 stud wheels, and the 4L80E transmission. The 1500 duty has less leaves in the rear suspension than the 2500 duty.
I had a 1995 black / tan GMC K2500 (4x4) 6.5L diesel Suburban w/ the lift gate tail gate combo. Tan leather interior just like this one. I absolutely loved it. When I sold it, it shipped to a guy in Germany.
How much did you get for it?
One of the best things about the older subs was being able to completely remove the third row seats. The newer ones fold into the floor and take up a ton of space.
Yes, absolutely. Even better on a Tahoe for many years with the split seats. So easy to remove and you have a huge cargo area. I prefer the Tahoe but have had both.
That’s right. The 3rd row bench out of my 99 Burban is doubling as a love seat in my game room right now.
@@FunkyGOB lol same my third row in in my living room because big subwoofers are more important 😂
@@allaboutroofing2Tahoe’s are for people with a small
Garage
I had a '98 Suburban, and the back seat was a bear to remove or put back. It's was 90 lbs as I recall. It's not unusual for it to be missing from used trucks just because the owner didn't use it and never put it back in. The split removable seat that came after was a much better option as they were so much easier to remove or replace. And of course you could just remove one.
Had a 1994, loved it! 8-10 mpg towing, not towing, flat out, highway, in town. It didn't seem to care what was behind it, the gallons per mile stayed the same. I would still own it to just tow stuff, but I couldn't justify the mileage for a DD. Color in white was really bad, the paint came off in sheets!
The white paint that GM used back then wasn't prepped properly, that's what made them peel like they were sunburnt. I had a '90 square body Burb, white and light blue metallic . It did that the whole ten years I had it. Only the white part though, blue was fine. A previous owner had had the top repainted, but it ended up rusting there around the big side glass.
The spare is inside since gm moved the gas tank to between the rear frame. The space where the spare usually resides in pick-up. Especially if it's 4X4 since the transfer case takes partial location of the gas tank. Also 1500 series suburbans had 5 lug axles not 6 unless they were 4x4 equipped.
For a few years they had the 2500 Suburban with the 8.1L engine(496cu).
not until after 00 and the body style change.
I had a 2005 K2500 with the 8.1l. Fantastic grunt but 12 mpg on a good day became a challenge when fuel prices surged.
Yes in next generation
The 2003-05 Suburban 2500 with Quadrasteer was one of the best Suburbans. Another was the 2000-06 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1 Big Block V8. The 2007-2013 was another excellent model. The 2016-19 Suburban HD was designed for fleet, government and armored vehicle use. Even a much rare vehicle is the Avalanche 2500 which came with the 8.1 V8.
Not on that version. That was the following version
Suburban, the first truck-based wagon, still and always the best! Imitated and never duplicated. 2500 series with a big block, a real truck and yet so civilized. What a great find.
Yes. This and the next year gen 2500’s after are still a beasts. Love the ground clearance and wheels. Also the year 2000 Tahoe Z71 were my favorite 👍🏾as well.
Yes and those Tahoe Limiteds were very cool also!
I have 1998 I bought new and it's the same one with cloth interior with 42000 miles and always stored in heated warehouse and never driven in winter. It's a time capsule. Just made a trip from Pittsburgh to Florida. A pleasure to drive.
Texan here, appreciate the mostly accurate shout-out! 😄
I remember a buddy of mine had the 454 in his SS Silverado. It had a 3spd with no overdrive and 4.10 gears. He said he could get “up to” 8mpg on the highway LOL
I just scored the same truck! 105k with a brand new 7.4. Blue with silver bottoms. Very good condition with minimal rust. I'm actually getting 10.7 might bumping around town. It gets immense respect from many people to my surprise! Great video and spot on!
The GMT 400 was an amazing platform! I had a 1997 GMC 2500 3/4 ton 4x4 extended cab short bed with the 7.4 and that great 4L80E transmission.
same here!!! with a 6inch lift on 35's!!!!
Nothing great about a 4l80
Nothing great about a 4l80
Back seat thing thing between the cup holders is a Kleenex holder.
I have a 1998 Tahoe , had it 21 years , 317, 000 miles , 4x4 , 5.7 vortec , barn doors 💙, have pulled many people outta mud or sand , she just squats when i power up ! People ask why i don't get rid of it , and i just tell them i love her !
I got lucky and found a 1997 Chevy Suburban K2500 with a 6.5 and 4x4 up here in Alaska. It has 232k miles and it still runs like a top. Surprisingly, very little rust due to a prevention option that I discovered while combing through the truck.
Awesome deal! I live in Alaska as well and have had issues finding a decently priced Suburban or Tahoe. I am now wanting something completely different but should one of those come up for a decent price then I might jump on it.
@@27Zangle I would. These are solid as can be and pretty fun to drive in 4x4. If you can find a 2500, then you really scored.
@@stonewondercloud8432 - Oh for sure. Although, now I am interested in a Honda Element. I've always wanted one and they are just as hard to find for a decent price. The big issue with finding a vehicle is located, I hate having to drive to the Anchorage area due to how long it takes, and at least once lost out on a great deal for a nice car a few years back.
@@27Zangle I’ve seen a few for sale from private sellers that weren’t half bad. They were all 4WD too, but they get scooped up pretty fast. I’m always hunting for cars even though I know I don’t need a second one. But with the gas prices. I might just try to find one myself.
I have a 1996 GMC Suburban, 2500, 454, black as well full loaded that my parents ordered from GM brand new back in the day and we used it for towing a camper trailer to go camping when I was a kid and they handed it to me and now it is mine. It does not have the barn doors, it has the lift gate option, I love this truck and have memories from when I was a kid in it on trips we took and will never get rid of it. I like it better then my 2004 Suburban.
My neighbor daily drove one of those for many many years. It was a 2500 with the big block, I remember riding in it as a kid.
88-98 gm is the last of the great GM trucks made.
Agreed 1000%💯💯💯😍🥰
Oh boy memories of going skiing ⛷ in one of these with bunches of friends in late 80's as a teen and still had hair back then. 👍
The middle eastern version has most distinctive and beautiful V8 sound EVER
The 99 is the last year of the GMT trucks. I have one but, it's a k1500 not a k2500.
What’s wrong with the 99? I found one I like… is there something I should know?
After watching the movie speed in 1994 I fell in love with the 1992 gmt 425 suburban and the crown victoria. I was just a little kid but I still love them.
We have a 1999 K2500 suburban with the 454 and only 290,000 miles on it at my work. We have never touched the motor or transmission but it does like to eat power steering pumps and the trans cooler lines every few years. It is also a black LT with gray leather. It drives just as nice and our 2006 and 2009 suburbans. Also have two 97 K1500 suburbans. Thanks for the video.
The barn doors were more common back in the day on that body style, especially in the heavier duty Suburbans. The other option was a lift glass/tail gate with a wiper, and was more common on the shorter Tahoe's and Yukon's than the Suburbans, but all could be had with either door setup.
I love these trucks, they're the pinnacle of GM pickup and SUV design in my book. They are robust and durable and very versatile. There are few other vehicles that you can load up with 40 sheets of sheetrock, off-road some reasonably rough terrain, take a family of 6 on vacation with a 7000 28 foot travel trailer, and it'll still shine up and look pretty and be super comfortable for date night or church on Sunday. It truly is a vehicle that you can both make the family and take the family, wherever you go.
Love these old school reviews, keep up the good work
I can confirm and agree with your commentary, as I am also an owner of two GMT-400's (Silverado C2500, and Suburban SLT K2500).
My father in law has a 2001 2500 suburban with the 6.0 gas over 400k miles on it original motor and transmission front end hasn’t even been touched yet man they sure don’t build them like they used to.
That back seat arm rest looks to have a tissue box holder, next to cup holders too!
The Chamber of commerce inducted the Chevy Suburban onto the walk of fame after it has appeared in 1'750 films and TV shows since 1952. It's been ranked the most driven family vehicle and it's been ranked longest lasting vehicle numerous times. It's also the longest continuously used automobile nameplate in production, which started in 1935. It's traditionally been one of GMs most profitable vehicles.
@@Back_door_bandit_98 your name is funny. 😅people gotta laugh more bro this world takes things so serious
I hated these cars in the early 2000s but they grew on me. The 2500 version is the one to get.
We daily a 1999 Suburban LT. It was a one owner with 123k on it and garage kept. We love it. They are easy to find becsuse they are as reliable as the sunrise, but very hard to find in good shape because they are reliable and got used a lot.
Thanks guys for continuing to drive the price of the GMT400 /800 through the roof because of these excellent videos 😝 lol I really miss my late 90’s Chevy, such a shame GM can’t produce them like they used to.
They can, but they won't!
My first vehicle was my parent’s 2 door 94 Yukon SLE. Drove that thing everywhere, off-road, highways, everywhere. My dad then drove it for another 5 years. 265k miles later they sold it. Still miss that old 350 small block with the flowmaster on it.
used to have one of these, 4x4. Great for towing, hauling all the guys with gear, family roadtrips, etc.
still miss it
That is super clean…Tommy it’s a tissue holder in the rear seat😂
Brings back memories…what a beast!👍
You can tell he is young, doesn't know a tissue holder when he see's one. they don't make them that way anymore.
Yup that's for the pocket size tissue package. And the cup holder that pulls out from the dash is very usable; you just have to have a cup that fits it well and isn't too top heavy. I'm on my second GMT 400 Suburban ( first one got wrecked and totalled after someone ran a red light and hit it. My dad and brother walked away from the wreck; the jerks that hit our truck didn't). I use this cup holder every day; liter water bottles and medium Whataburger cups fit just fine!
My Dad had a blue with the blue cloth interior, was a 98 with the 454. My parents put over 300k miles on it over the 15 years they had it in the 2000s, thing sounded awesome too. Brings back a lot of memories seeing this
I remember back when my aunt used to own a white 98 Chevy Suburban 2500, it was quite a beast.
The 454 living room edition with a HD foundation.. and just the right amount of plush!! we'll never have this moment in time back. This particular one embodied the essence of 70s/80s/90s.
Into the 2000s, body lines then got rounded-off and plastic cladding was in.
Our buddies used a basic '02 Yukon swb halfton - it was the weekend autocross hauler.
Still a fine unit.
All these earlier 'Burbs were just simply comfortable unlike the harder seats of current day Sport Utility.
We owned a 1997 K2500 Suburban for 6 years and it was our daily driver. I kept meaty tires on it and we did some light off-roading all of the time. Fantastic vehicle.
When I was a kid, there were Suburbans that were used by airport parking that had 4 or 5 doors per side. I ALWAYS wanted one of those.
Many of them were built by Armbruster Stageway in Ft Smith Arkansas. I think they would be an excellent road trip vehicle. There are currently at least 3 6 door F350s running around in my area. They’re pretty cool
@@chrisestill8825 Unfortunately, I grew up in Ct and this was the 70s. Those things have melted back into the earth by now. Now, I don't have a driveway that could fit it, or a BMX team to drive around! LOL. Good times!
Two of my buddies had the 3/4 ton early 90's suburbans. I had a 92 GMC Yukon 2 door, I loved that whip.
I miss my 1995 Suburban. Especially, that 42g gas tank.
Until you gotta drop the tank and replace fuel pump. Lol I did it recently. Not that bad though.
@@ikingpinikp I owned it for seven years. Never had to do that. When I sold that suburban it 184,000 miles an ran like a champ.
I love my 1999 K2500 suburban with the 6.5 diesel. I got it from the original owner and I only have 48k miles on it. I dually swapped it with a Dana 70 HD out of a 4500. The dually burb always gets compliments when I take it out. They are great vehicles and they are making a comeback.
I loved the interior spare tire. Much easier and cleaner to get if you needed and here in PA wouldn't rust off and fall or rust weld and never come off.
Also the spare can’t go under because of the MASSIVE fuel tank! I’d much rather have that range!
As Tommy ages he will find many things cycle. Spare tire location is one of these.
I live in the PA Appalachians in the Jim Thorpe area and the spare under my '01 Silverado was completely rusted solid. It took me about two hours of banging, prying and pulling to get it out. The rest of the truck is generally solid and rust free. I undercoated the crap out of it so PennDot salt doesn't eat it alive.
@@calebjared75
If you think about it, the massive fuel tank has nothing to do with it, due to the very limited space under the truck and behind the rear diff, any fuel tank at all in that space requires the spare to be inside.
The next gen from 2001 to 2007 is by far the best.
I’ve got a 97 Chevy 2500 suburban, 454, and I love it! Right at 260,xxx miles but still runs great! SLT also, gotta love the leather😁 awesome trucks. Thanks for the video, good job
Father owns a late-90s 2500 4x4 Suburban. Purchased about 15-years ago, for get this, $10,000 with just 100,000 miles from a dealership. The truck was immaculate at the time, the rear seat had never been sat in. These are pretty durable trucks, 7.4 with the 4L80E trans. 4.10 gears. Has over 260,000 miles now, most of those towing. 4L80E transmission recently lost a gear, but it's been a great truck. It has the lift gate rear. Front & Rear AC. 16 MPG on the interstate, 12-13 MPH city.
Brendan has the coolest vehicles. Keep it going, man!
Not sure if someone already said it, but the hole in between the cupholders of the 2nd row armrest is for Kleenex. You lift the plastic piece up & put travel size Kleenex in there & feed it through the hole like the tissue box. Great Video!
I was going to mention that too.
My Dad Ordered one of these in 97. 2500, 454, 4wd, 4.11 gear, 3500 axles and suspension. Just an absolute beast. He finally got it in 98. He drove that truck into the ground. The valve seals were leaking so bad the plugs would foul out in 100 miles. That was the only reason he got rid of it.
Glad these are getting some love I just got a 1999 conversion suburban with a z71 package from the trucks added to it. Picked it up for nothing and just started restoring it.
I owned a 1994 Suburban 2500 6.5 TD. I really enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I sold it years ago. It was shipped to the Middle East, so I won’t be able to buy it back.
My mom had one of these, except it had some wild custom conversion done to it. Beautiful sparkling green paint with a body kit, interior wood trim, interior limo lights, heated AND COOLED cup holders, and little TV with vhs player. Ive never seen another one like it, even online. I was only about 13 when she got rid of it, I'll never get over it being sold for Cash for Clunkers
What the fuck? Lol
slap your momma
I live in upstate NY last year I bought a black 98 2500 4x4 with 155k 454 from California. Tan leather heated seats. $5100 to my door. Love these trucks had a 1500 5.7 20 years ago. Missed it so much need another 1
I own a 1999 GMC Suburban SLT 7.4 liter, 3/4 ton, white in color, gray leather w/third seat, only has 110k original miles. I love my truck.
i've got a 96 w the tailgate set up (doesn't block rearview mirrow like the barn doors); ordered it in August '95 and picked it up November '95. got the 454 of course, now has 395K miles on it, still runs great, have kept maintenance up forever since new! And THE best option that is even more rare on any suburban -- i checked the box for $63 when ordering for "Roof Marker Lamps" -- THAT makes it one bad ass looking Suburban. Color is black on tan bottom including wheel flares. Enjoyed your video. This truck is now a family member, has all the trips in it. it's only towed a small uhaul once, otherwise i bought the 2500 because it was rock solid, overdesigned for the normal duty (so it will last, and it has!, with only one front end alignment!!), and most important the 2500 looked much more bad ass w the 8 lug OEM GMC wheels. Anyway, enjoyed your video! Kool to see the younger generation liking these. And sadly so many of them were probably lost on the moronic 'cash for clunkers' gov't policy.
I had quite a few of the 80's sqaurebody era burbans pre 88 where the lift gates were the common ones but when I jumped into that body style I went with a tahoe version where in both then the barn doors were the common option.. the one thing I miss the most is the 2 door blazers of that same era as his 2500
Have a 99 2 door,
Love it, parts reasonable
V8 power …
We had a 79 GMC suburban and then a 95 but they were 1500, great trucks
I just recently bought a ‘00 Escalade which is exactly like a Tahoe/Yukon. It has 185k miles and runs awesome. 5.7 and 4x4 it even came with the auto locking rear dif. I bought it to flip, but I really like it lol. Definitely one of the most comfortable rides I’ve ever had.
Great video. I have a 99 chevy Ls 2500 4x4 6.5 diesel love it. Best suburban made. Have had all model's. 1 owner 45k building a beasts all in one.
I really enjoy the 96 k1500 4x4 suburban I picked up last summer.
I had the spider replaced and it runs like a champ 🏆. God bless all 90's GM owners.
My dad has a 1999 GMC Suburban 2500 SLT with all terrain tires and that thing is awesome
I have a ‘95 3/4 custom van with air shocks and a 1 inch lift on front, 350, added posi and higher gears. At 100,000 miles nothing leaks. Coud not be happier.
Just bought a 1990 2500 Silverado, Reg Cab/Long bed etc - only 149k miles, had a newer (carb'd) 355, hooker headers, true duals etc. Also has a newer TH400 that I love but after going on a 600 mile roadtrip to get an old man camper shell that has a raised roof and skylights that included two trips up and over the Cascade mountains, an extra gear would be nice! Thing is thirsty! Truck cruises 70ish at about 3200 rpm - Truck is rush free and straight but has typical 90s GM paint, so the clear is trash. Eventually I'll get around painting it. Plan to keep this one for a long time. I've always loved these trucks, it's not my first and won't be my last 400.
Also, with mine being a reg cab, it just reiterates this fact - and I will take this to my grave - there is no front bench seat that is more comfortable than these trucks. Mine is really good condition for being 32 years old. I had thought about swapping buckets, but after spending 600 miles in it, I have no desire to anymore.
I currently own a 99 454 suburban with 135000 on it and will take 10g's for it it was a fire cheifs truck super cool still has the station number on top
I think these are the ones that the secret service used to use back in the day . One of my very wealthy clients had a blue 2500 gmc suburban. These are hard to find . Great video !
When we had our 3rd kid in ‘98 we had to trade up from a Jeep XJ. Had a 93 and then a 99, both 3/4 tons. Those beasts hauled and towed anything I wanted, the 99 is still pushing a 9 foot plow in MN. Now that the kids are gone and I’m in AZ, back to an XJ. Really miss my 454, but glad I’m not filling the 42 gallon tank right now.
Tommy, The crevice in between the rear seat cup holders in the center console is for a box of Kleenex.
Puffs is better
We had the 98 2500 diesel tailgate 4x4. I loved it. sold it 5 years ago and wished I hadn’t. Great video
How much did you sell it for?
I bought a 1999 GMC Suburban 2500 with 257k miles on it. I love it. It has the 7.4 Vortec Engine. It's the best SUV I've ever sat in.
Dads had lots and lots of them suburbans. I had a 98 Tahoe and currently have a 95 Tahoe with a blown motor. Cant wait to get it in the road again
I had a 2004 Chev Suburban 2500 with the 8.1 liter. I bought it new and used it to haul my family and a big travel trailer. I think it had 340 Horsepower and about 450 lbft torque. Those were big numbers in 2004.
I think it got 12 MPG in pretty much every non towing situation. My travel trailer probably weighed about 8500 lb. it seemed to tow it effortlessly.
Would be great to have a burb with an 8.1. Would need a bank loan to buy gas.
I've got a 1995 K2500 Suburban similar to the one in the video...but it's got the tailgate/lift window in the rear instead of barn doors. And the best part, it's got the 6.5L turbo Diesel 👍🙂
I love my Suburban 😊
How's the reliability of the diesel? Might trade my landcruiser for one
When I was in high school my mom had a 95 with the diesel. She used to let me take it snowboarding. That thing was an absolute beast in the snow.
I had a 98 suburban. I absolutely loved that rig.
As the original owner of a 1997 2 door Tahoe GMT400 LT/Z71 I couldn’t agree with you more. I absolutely love my Tahoe and aside from a few known issues(undersized brakes, leaky intake gaskets on the 5.7 and the occasional leaky PS pump), they are rock solid and super comfortable to drive. The paint wasn’t great and most of the clear coats are checking or flaking now but I stripped and repainted mine a couple years ago and she looks brand new. The interior leather is holding up well and the dash and door panels are perfect. Nice to see the GMT 400’s getting their due!
I have a 1995 Suburban, and believe it or not, that thing has 381K miles (613K kms) with the original power steering…
My family had a GMC of this era. I was told ours had an 'experimental' 5-speed transmission by my father.
The tailgate version was the BEST! Had a '99 with a 350. Drop the tailgate and flip the window up and you have a perfect seat for camping, ball games, etc. Also had a 42 gallon gas tank.
Had a 1978 Chevy Suburban 4x4. 400 ci small block, Loved it. Thanks for making me want another. Thumb up. 😛
Absolute Beast on the Road
Bought my 98 suburban 1 year ago
Just purchased A 5,000 lbs RV travel trailer
Tows Beautifully plenty of power
Love ❤️ my old school Chevy
Great video love the old-school truck
So functional in 2024 hard to believe
I’m 53 I remember when these cars came out
We've had a 03 Tahoe Z71 from 6 months old. Still have it, and still love it at 200,000 miles. A couple of years ago we started rent camping trailers and needed more towing capacity to be able to get a reasonable choice. That's when we found out how hard it is to find a super-nice 2500 Suburban. We eventually found ours - an 8.1 liter 2500LT 4WD with autoride. Only 50K miles and very special with sunroof, rear screen and leather. (The sun damaged paintwork needs fixing.) It tows great! We also use it to tow old classic sports cars to shows. I think the Suburban is getting more rare than the sports cars - it certainly gets more attention from people who recognize what it is. Only two grumbles so far: Gas mileage - which was expected - and not really terrible. No radiator drain tap to change coolant - which was not expected. Why I will never get a newer one: I like the 8ft x 4ft FLAT load space. Huge hidden storage space under the rear seats. The newer SUVs lot a lot of utility after the 800 platform. I think this is the "forever" SUV.
They’re getting expensive because as more and more people are wanting to return to these kinds of simple, comfortable vehicles, they aren’t being made anymore, so the leftover ones are demanding higher and higher prices.
I have a 2005 Yukon XL with 8.1L gas engine. Had a 2004 Yukon xl with a 5.3L pulling a 7400lb travel trailer. I changed to the 8.1L because I needed more oomf climbing hills. I was going to settle for 6.0L (of similar years/truck) until I heard/saw an 8.1L Yukon for sale.
The 5.3L was ok, but I really had to drive it when facing trafic and hills, had to sort of pick which lanes to go through since at times I was down to 90k/hr and lower going up some hills (50mph) when 100k/hr was posted (60mpg). Had to reach about 120k/hr when I could, just so I could get more than 80k/hr up hills.
So then I get the 8.1L, same trailer. Got in 8.1L found a hill needing a climb, left the cruise on to tackle the incline. Embarrassed to say, I got a goosebump the first time going up hill. No weaving around slower traffic. The transmission dropped a gear but never slowed down speed and never chocked, coughed or ever had to weave again between other traffic to make it up any hills we found. Never ever ever... had any problems going anywhere with the trailer using the 8.1L.
Sadly, getting a lot of rust under chassis and some around doors and wheel wells. Am looking for another truck (maybe another 8.1L if there's one to be had).
Yes I live in Canada, North of Toronto, ON - lots of salt or chems on roads in winter and yes I Crown proof every year. Sniff Sniff.... gotta move on. Maybe someone with a bent for restoration or building a big block racing truck/car will make a good home for it.
I just picked up the other day a 1999 GMC suburban k1500. I love it.
I owned a 97 and a 99 half ton with the 350 Vortech. Overall great vehicles. Hauled a lot of kids and gear. Mileage wasnt great but a pickup of the same vintage was no better. My 99 had cloth seats which were more comfortable. Just well built and have a timeless design. I regret selling both of them.
Small block is also very common to find in these 2500 suburbans as well.
I remember from the SUV talk forums back in the day the plow package equipped 2500s used 1 ton front brakes!
being born in 1985 to a family that only had fords, man i always wished we had a burban, but we had a 97 expedition, it was cool but the seats were no where near as plush as the gm stuff. man the late 90’s were such a great time. lucky i grew up in such a cool era.
It seems like everything has to have a "sport" feel. Stiff suspension, narrow and hard seats. Bring back the couches
The useless cup holders are for sitting and having lunch on the job site or camping.
I have a 96' 2500 7.4L 454 RWD Chevy Suburban with 150,000 miles on it. Live in southern California. Every time I go out and drive i get my compliments. Its all stock put some nice all terrain tires on her and she is kept clean. Wouldn't trade her for another even with these high gas prices ouch. (42gal) Tank. So far I've only seen 2 other Suburbans like mine around here . One of a kind for sure. Thanks for the video.
I just got a 98 in great shape for 500 from my employer I love it definitely a solid truck great video
As a pretentious kid (I used to hate these. My neighbor had one parked in our upscale North Dallas neighborhood.
My dad called it a riff-raft box on wheels.
With dad who drives a Range Rover Autobiography, a mom with a B9 Audi S4, and an Acura MDX Tech as my for first car.
(Now have 2 of them. My own custom babies.)
I used to hate these.
Because I was taught to hate them.
But after a good friend bought a 2500, and took me on a road trip to Austin; I now love them!
They are reliable, well built American 🇺🇸 tanks!
I now appreciate them very much! I want one, especially if I need something to tow with.
(Here is the moral of the story.)
Something that my parents never learned.
But I did after 21 years of life.
If you become wise, pretentiousness is a phase.
Enjoy what you enjoy.
You do you!
Even if it is “riff raff” to the snobs!
That makes it even cooler! 😆
The best 'Burban ever made.
I don't think so. I think theyre all equal.
Figured I 'm gonna go ahead and be the 700th person to tell you that btw the cup holders is for tissues...
Anyways, I have a 96 GMC 3/4 ton that is going on 240k miles and starts/runs/drives like a champ with little to no issues except the usual wear and tear items such as battery, alternator, headlight switch. I love my truck and will hopefully own it for several more years
I just purchased a Suburban K2500 with 98k miles on it. The Burban has zero rust and 4x4! I love it!!!
I put 485k miles on mine and sold it and it's still going strong.
Also, I think that more than being used up and thrown away, they're being used... and still used. I've seen these things with near 500k miles, still in daily use. Both the 1/2 and 3/4 ton varieties
Yeah in North east Florida '00s Suberbans, Esclades, Yukons and Excurstions are the norm for full sized truck and 3 row things... So much so I have only seen less then 10 new Suberbans and the suposbly hot Taliride and Palsade... If fact my family has 3 '00s suburbans in 3 housholds. People who buy 3-row things love theem and take care of them forever.
It's funny how people say "modern" cars are more reliable even though most modern cars you're lucky to get 200k out of. We have a modern Ford 2016/Kia 2014/GMC 2017, and all 3 are struggling at 100k. One blew an engine, one has major suspension repairs, and one needs religious maintenance to the point that it's a money pit. My 2003 truck is gliding past 400k miles... No major issues. I will rebuild it when it breaks.
My '96 K2500, 7.4 has 225,000 Miles and runs perfectly. I put the Chip Tune on it and got rid of the 100MPH limit and also selected more positive shifts, I also went for Premium Fuel Only. It turned into a rocket ship. It is really fast off the line, especially with the rear factory locker. At SMOG time in CA, I just attach the cable and tune it back to stock with the press of a button. It's amazing! It's like owning a muscle car only it's a truck! Mine has the tailgate with torsion bars so it can be lifted and shut by a child. They alos came with front and rear A/C and Heat with passenger controls.
I have a 96 k2500 and I’m planning to cammed. What chip did you use?
ThTs awesome mi e just rolled past 311000 and still runs perfect
Yeah Buddy!
What chip tune did you use?
Love these things. I have a 1996 Chevy Suburban 2500 4x4 with the 454 in 2 tone Cherry Ice and Autumn Wood with the LT package tan leather and everything. Has the 4:10 rear end in it too. 12.5 mpg is what I got all the time. Best SUV I have ever owned and still do. Have around 166k miles on it. Great video.
Great comfortable and capable rigs. Great video.