Who has a 2500 Suburban/Yukon XL?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Who has a 2500 Suburban/Yukon XL?

Posted: 4/16/2017 8:07:34 AM EDT

I'm looking at one for a family hauler while pulling a trailer that will make mostly interstate runs on decent roads.

How do they ride?

Would you buy another?

Known problems with the 2007-2012 models?

Posted: 4/16/2017 8:17:26 AM EDT

[#1]

Quoted:
I'm looking at one for a family hauler while pulling a trailer that will make mostly interstate runs on decent roads.

How do they ride?

Would you buy another?

Known problems with the 2007-2012 models?

View Quote

They rode a bit floaty when I test drove one. I preferred the ergonomics of the Expedition EL.

Posted: 4/16/2017 8:20:51 AM EDT

[#2]

Can you still order a 3/4 ton burb? I want one like what they used to call a surveyors model with van doors. Hate the lift gate

Posted: 4/16/2017 8:33:13 AM EDT

[#3]

I have a 2005 2500 Suburban with 6.0l engine. The 3500s are not floaty at all, the 1500s from that era are a bit floaty.

I bought it as a family hauler and it served extremely well in that role until it was replaced by another Suburban in 2015. Sad but they no longer offer the 2500 version.

My 2500 is now my dedicated hunting, fishing and dog rig.

Over the years I have had to have about $1k of work done on the transfer case and just had a front wheel bearing, water pump and thermostat housing replaced.

Windows all work, rear wiper has been iffy, working intermittently for maybe three years, passenger side rear door pneumatic lock hasn't worked for 3-4yrs.

I have 190,000mi on mine. Computer says 12.9 life time mpg, mostly around down where it sucks fuel.

Mine has the auto adjusting air ride suspension and it has been trouble free. Other owners have had trouble with that suspension, which was optional on higher end versions.

My leather drivers seat ripped 3-4yrs ago and the rear seats about the same time, all along seems. Seat covers for the cure.

Hope this helps.

JPK

Posted: 4/16/2017 8:33:52 AM EDT

[#4]

Quote History

Quoted:
Can you still order a 3/4 ton burb? I want one like what they used to call a surveyors model with van doors. Hate the lift gate

View Quote

No you can't. Available for govt purchase only I believe.

OP, my 2006 in town rides a little stiff but I bought it for pulling my camper. 6.0 is very nice motor and 4L80 is a good transmission. After we bought it we have used it a lot hauling the kid and her friends around. Very handy to have, I'm actually looking to get a Denali of the same vintage for a DD.

Posted: 4/16/2017 8:43:58 AM EDT

[#5]

2013 was the last year for the 2500.
I have owned 3 Suburbans. I had a 95 that was OK. Then a 2005 2500 that was really nice. Current one is a 2007 2500 with a Duramax engine, transmission and rear end. It is chipped to 460 HP/ 900 fpt. It is awesome. At 78mph I am getting 22-23 mph.
Duraburb in Opopka Florida does the best conversions. 2007-2009 are the easiest years to convert.
It drives like you would expect a 10 year old 2500 to drive. It's not like a new truck, they drive much better. Expedition has more interior space. I am not a ford fan. The Duramax engine is the best.

Minivan? For around town hauling kids this is hard to beat and a lot less money.

Posted: 4/16/2017 8:59:51 AM EDT

[#6]

I have an '02 Yukon XL 2500 6.0L.
Rear knock sensor died at ~85,000 miles.
Driver's front hub replaced at ~95,000 miles due to bad ABS sensor.
Replaced the differential cover because there was a pin hole leak at ~110,000 miles and the fill port in the differential was rusted shut, so I had to replace it with a welded cover with a 1" bung that I could fill it through.
AC condensor and power steering cooler rusted out at 115,000 miles, where the driver's side of the cowling rubbed against their lines running to the radiators.
The Autoride computer crapped out on me a month after I put $1k worth of new shocks on it, so I replaced the electronic shocks with conventional ones.
I bought it when it was it was 5 years old with 75,000 miles, now it has 120k, and I could never afford to replace it due to price inflation on similar trucks.

It's like driving two recliners and a love seat on road trips. 10-12mpg.

Kharn

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:04:11 AM EDT

[#7]

96 k2500 4x4 7.4l gas

it's a fuel hog but drives great. engine was replaced before i got it at around 75k. and i had to replace it at 235k. it will pull and tow anything. i pretty much use it with our fire department now. last month we put an engine in the ditch. both front tires in the ditch with rear axels in the air about 3'. after dumping the 750gal tank i pulled it out of the ditch with my truck before the wrecker arrived.

mine is lifted and a bit noisy for road trips but we have used it a few times for 5-6hr road trips. other than gas mileage sucking it was fine.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:11:17 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
Can you still order a 3/4 ton burb? I want one like what they used to call a surveyors model with van doors. Hate the lift gate

View Quote

Barn doors.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:20:20 AM EDT

[#9]

We pulled my trailer loaded from Miami to TN and it plus all the kids and luggage was too much for the 1500. Nothing broke but it would get squirrelly over 65.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:23:09 AM EDT

[#10]

I have a 2011 Yukon XL Denali that is my wife's daily driver.

My one complaint is that my head hits the ceiling because of the stupid sun roof.

The feature I initially though was a gimmick but have grown to love is the preset seat position. I open the car door, push the number 2 button, and the seat adjusts automatically to my setting. I hate all my other vehicles that don't have this.

The Denali has good pick-up, and the engine sounds cool and tough.

I've wanted to trade it in on a newer vehicle (blame it on my ADD), but my wife won't let me.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:25:22 AM EDT

[#11]

How many people & gear are you looking to haul?
ETA Those years should have the 6L90 with the 6.0. Its a solid combo. Not going to win any races but its a durable setup. We have 6.0 powered vehicles at work with a gvwr of over 20,000 lbs.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:27:12 AM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
Can you still order a 3/4 ton burb? I want one like what they used to call a surveyors model with van doors. Hate the lift gate

View Quote

.gov only.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:28:22 AM EDT

[#13]

At least 6 people plus luggage and a trailer that weighs 2k empty and I fill it up with equipment that I purchase for resale.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:30:40 AM EDT

[#14]

Id buy one right now....but only fleet and .gov sales. I think the market was very small and the 1/2 ton models are really creeping up on the capabilities. Probably costs a lot of money to engineer a dedicated platform for such small sales. A HD with a third row would be nice though.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:32:38 AM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
At least 6 people plus luggage and a trailer that weighs 2k empty and I fill it up with equipment that I purchase for resale.

View Quote

Well if you don't know this already the back seat on the burb is not that great. Have you looked at a Nissan NV? If you don't need 4x4 they are a bargain. The 2017 has 375hp and an 7 speed trans. We have a 2016 with Quigley 4X4. Leather and Nav it was right at 50k. Take 11k off that if you don't want the 4x4. Its been my favorite family vehicle so far.

Posted: 4/16/2017 9:56:52 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
2013 was the last year for the 2500.
I have owned 3 Suburbans. I had a 95 that was OK. Then a 2005 2500 that was really nice. Current one is a 2007 2500 with a Duramax engine, transmission and rear end. It is chipped to 460 HP/ 900 fpt. It is awesome. At 78mph I am getting 22-23 mph.
Duraburb in Opopka Florida does the best conversions. 2007-2009 are the easiest years to convert.
It drives like you would expect a 10 year old 2500 to drive. It's not like a new truck, they drive much better. Expedition has more interior space. I am not a ford fan. The Duramax engine is the best.

Minivan? For around town hauling kids this is hard to beat and a lot less money.

View Quote

Tell me about this chip.
02 2500 8.1L here, looking to enhance mileage.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:23:47 AM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

Tell me about this chip.
02 2500 8.1L here, looking to enhance mileage.

View Quote

You're not going to see those numbers from a gasser. I believe duraburb had teamed up with Duramaxtuner for their tuning which is EFI Live tuning. EFI live tuning isn't a chip you install, it's reprogramming the ECM with new tunes. I don't know if this is the particular case for this poster just making a guess since he mentioned it was a Duraburb.

Posted: 4/16/2017 10:56:18 AM EDT

[#18]

I had a 1996 and now have a 2009. great trucks...it's a chevy little things will go but if your mechanically inclined no big deal. Drive trained are solid.

We love ours.

Posted: 4/16/2017 11:18:35 AM EDT

[#19]

I have an 03 Escalade ESV now so I know how to fix the Chevy BS that they cheap out on. The rear seat is fine for a 9 and 11 year old.

I need 10 years and 100k out of one and I'll be happy.

Posted: 4/16/2017 11:36:42 AM EDT

[#20]

OP needs to buy a mini van.

Posted: 4/16/2017 11:41:51 AM EDT

[#21]

Official vehicle of soccer moms who text and drive and swerve all over the place with a "baby on board" sticker on the back.

Posted: 4/16/2017 11:43:57 AM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:

They rode a bit floaty when I test drove one. I preferred the ergonomics of the Expedition EL.

View Quote

Expedition won't cut it. I wish the Excursion was still produced

Posted: 4/16/2017 11:52:29 AM EDT

[#23]

Have owned a couple Suburbans with the 350 and just bought an '06 Ecalade AWD with the 364 (6.0l). The Escalade was relatively low mileage and in much better shape than similar year Suburbans or Yukons that I looked at. Don't be afraid to give the Caddy a look.

Posted: 4/16/2017 11:58:29 AM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
Have owned a couple Suburbans with the 350 and just bought an '06 Ecalade AWD with the 364 (6.0l). The Escalade was relatively low mileage and in much better shape than similar year Suburbans or Yukons that I looked at. Don't be afraid to give the Caddy a look.

View Quote

I have a Caddy

. It is too soft and squishy to pull a loaded trailer.

Posted: 4/16/2017 12:26:44 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have a Caddy

. It is too soft and squishy to pull a loaded trailer.

View Quote

Not if you beef up the suspension a little bit.

A 6.2 ESV can haul a good sized trailer with ease, 8000lbs is no sweat behind one.

Posted: 4/16/2017 12:35:46 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
We pulled my trailer loaded from Miami to TN and it plus all the kids and luggage was too much for the 1500. Nothing broke but it would get squirrelly over 65.

View Quote

Sounds more like a tongue weight/hitch setup issue.

Isn't the tow capacity for 1500s like 7000lbs+?

Posted: 4/16/2017 12:57:59 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:

Sounds more like a tongue weight/hitch setup issue.

Isn't the tow capacity for 1500s like 7000lbs+?

View Quote

Well if you figure 6 people and packed with luggage then add a tandem axle trailer with 2 tractors and implements I'm positive that the truck was overloaded.

This ain't my first rodeo.

Posted: 4/16/2017 1:13:45 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

Quoted:
Well if you figure 6 people and packed with luggage then add a tandem axle trailer with 2 tractors and implements I'm positive that the truck was overloaded.

This ain't my first rodeo.

View Quote

Yeah a couple tractors & implements is significantly more than the 2000lbs I thought you were towing.

I'm thinking you're gonna be pushing the limits on a 2500 'Burb too.

Posted: 4/16/2017 1:15:14 PM EDT

[#29]

I bought usex 2001 2500 with 275k plus. Knock sensors, exhaust manifold, brakes, pitman arm.

To do steering box, fuel sensor/pump. PO did brake lines with copper to rear, ebrakes.

Probably $5k including repairs so far. I could spend another $20k and still be 1/2 new or newer.

Posted: 4/16/2017 1:16:29 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
OP needs to buy a mini van.

View Quote

Yep

Posted: 4/16/2017 1:23:07 PM EDT

[#31]

Quote History

Quoted:

Yeah a couple tractors & implements is significantly more than the 2000lbs I thought you were towing.

I'm thinking you're gonna be pushing the limits on a 2500 'Burb too.

View Quote

A good tandem axle trailer weighs nearly 2k empty.

Posted: 4/16/2017 1:28:08 PM EDT

[#32]

2007 2500 with a Duramax engine, transmission and rear end. It is chipped to 460 HP/ 900 fpt. It is awesome. At 78mph I am getting 22-23 mph.
Duraburb in Opopka Florida does the best conversions. 2007-2009 are the easiest years to convert.

Sounds like a dream ride of mine.

Wish I could afford one.

How much you got in it?

Posted: 4/16/2017 1:59:36 PM EDT

[#33]

I have an '86 Suburban 20, Silverado trim, 454 with TH400 and 3.73 gears. I like it.

Just bought it from an older gentleman who used it just to tow a camper. The previous owner was pretty much the same. Had just over 54,000 (not 154,000) miles on it when I got it. I was initially worried it had just sat in a field for years with that low mileage for the year, but garaged when not towing.

Other than the passenger side power windows have some trouble and the dash has about 4 cracks, the interior is very nice. Headliner, carpet, and seats are almost like factory fresh.

Exterior has the crappy GM factory faded/chipped paint, but that's the biggest fault.

Posted: 4/16/2017 2:27:38 PM EDT

[#34]

we have a 2014 Yukon XL Denali, compared to my 08 suburban that thing is a rocket. Love the car, plenty of space to seat 4 adults and 4 kids. Plenty of power

Posted: 4/16/2017 7:09:12 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sounds more like a tongue weight/hitch setup issue.

Isn't the tow capacity for 1500s like 7000lbs+?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
We pulled my trailer loaded from Miami to TN and it plus all the kids and luggage was too much for the 1500. Nothing broke but it would get squirrelly over 65.

Sounds more like a tongue weight/hitch setup issue.

Isn't the tow capacity for 1500s like 7000lbs+?

Not with 3.08 gears. Those are rated around 5k IIRC.

Posted: 4/16/2017 8:00:07 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:
Expedition won't cut it. I wish the Excursion was still produced

View Quote

Expedition EL = Suburban/Yukon XL.

Posted: 4/16/2017 8:07:04 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:

Expedition EL = Suburban/Yukon XL.

View Quote

Not the 2500 series

Posted: 4/18/2017 5:15:01 PM EDT

[#38]

Dealer sent me more pics. How can a 2009 have shoddily repaired rust? My beat to shit F150 looks new underneath, even where the paint has been torn off

Posted: 4/18/2017 5:25:53 PM EDT

[#39]

Posted: 4/18/2017 5:28:56 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f358/pyramidmountain/IMG_0985_zpszfdgp0hz.jpg

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Run a carfax, see if it was a northern or seaside truck. Mine has a ton of surface rust, but frame is solid.

Posted: 4/18/2017 5:29:51 PM EDT

[#41]

Quote History

Quoted:
Dealer sent me more pics. How can a 2009 have shoddily repaired rust? My beat to shit F150 looks new underneath, even where the paint has been torn off

View Quote

Chevy=Rust

Posted: 4/18/2017 5:32:29 PM EDT

[#42]

It has been in KY since 2011. I didn't think they used much salt up there.

Our 2003 Escalade looks nice underneath with 2x the miles.

Posted: 4/18/2017 5:43:10 PM EDT

[#43]

I have owned both an 01 and an 03 3/4 ton burb...the first with the 6.0 the last with the 8.1... The 01 was good, but didn't have the power for a heavy trailer..fuel economy was ok....the 03 was an animal, no issue pulling a 10,000 pd trailer thru the mountains...fuel economy was as good or better then the 6.0 as long as you didn't have the 8.1 flat on the floor..which you didn't need to anyway unless you just wanted to piss cars off..

I would love to have seen GM modernize the 8.1 for the HD trucks for those who don't want a diesel..
On the newer years I would buy a gmc Denali with the 6.2 and the 8 speed auto tow package, then have quality airbags put under it...

Posted: 4/18/2017 5:43:24 PM EDT

[#44]

OP, my dad is the original owner of a 2004 Yukon XL 2500 and I can tell you that it rides just as nice as an Escalade. If you get one find a 03-06 as they were built WAY better than the 07+ and have less issues. We tow a 30ft cigarette boat with it and have no issues.

Posted: 4/18/2017 5:47:06 PM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
OP, my dad is the original owner of a 2004 Yukon XL 2500 and I can tell you that it rides just as nice as an Escalade. If you get one find a 03-06 as they were built WAY better than the 07+ and have less issues. We tow a 30ft cigarette boat with it and have no issues.

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/a8jkMHOTBbU/maxresdefault.jpg

View Quote

I found one like this with 88k miles that did not run right for $3k. I should have bought that one

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:09:25 PM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
Expedition won't cut it. I wish the Excursion was still produced

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

They rode a bit floaty when I test drove one. I preferred the ergonomics of the Expedition EL.

Expedition won't cut it. I wish the Excursion was still produced

If I only had the $$$$$

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:49:53 PM EDT

[#47]

Quote History

Quoted:

If I only had the $$

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Not my style. I am happy with bone stock and trouble free.

Posted: 4/18/2017 10:02:54 PM EDT

[#48]

I have a 2008 suburban 2500, first year with the six speed. I average around 12mpg I've seen 15 on highway. 120k miles on it, had it since 8k love it. Like the fact that the suspension is still greaseable hope it will last. Plan on keeping it for a long time, since the stopped making them used prices have gone up. Ride is stiff added adjustable shock helped a little, it's still a truck. Bought 2500 for the payload, it is real easy to overload a 1500 suburban 4 or 5 people and gear and you will have no payload left for your tongue weight.

Posted: 4/19/2017 5:14:44 PM EDT

[#49]

How can a 2011 be a rusted out piece of shit?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Who has a 2500 Suburban/Yukon XL?

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