Yukon/Tahoe VS. Commander

[NW-ZJ-SCOTT]

I know that like some vehicles they initially had some issues. Pretty much all were worked out within a couple years.


I dunno how it is a "completely different vehicle". Sure the Trailblazer SS got a 6.0L/LS2, AWD, slightly lowered from the factory and 20" wheels.
But the Trailblazer/Envoy/Ranier had 5.3L options, same with 2 or 4wd.
If I could get a TBSS for the right price, I would.

Drivetrain and suspension, As you noted are completely different.

Witch is where the majority of the reliability issues stem from..

 

[scoobyxj]

I partially agree to this. The 4L60 is basically an electronic version of the 700R4. Rebuild kits are relatively inexpensive, and for an auto transmission supposedly not hard to do. There is a basket, or something of the like that is the most common failure. They are literately millions of GM vehicles so even if you don't want to try a rebuild it would be fairly easy to find a replacement. They can last too. My Tahoe has 230+k on the original trans. I'm the second owner, and bought it off a family member so I know it's history. It's never had a fuel pump, or intake manifold gaskets replaced either... Now that being said I've been having antidrainback valve issues, but a key cycle before starting re-primes it, and it fires right up.

 

[IdahoEagle]

Hell, just buy a Wag, do an LS, 4L80E swap, do a 2-3" lift and call it bueno...
That way you end up with a good suspension, great brakes, body on frame, solid axle, decent amount of room, and an excellent safety structure... Have you ever seen a 74-up Wag after a rollover? They actually hold up very well... Locally maybe 15 years ago, a guy rolled a 78 at about 65 on black ice on the freeway, he was wearing his belt, it rolled several times. He walked away with just bruising and a separated shoulder. Jeep was done, but you could still tell what it was... Unlike so many of the vehicles that tried replacing it since... (I.E. Tahoe/Yukon, XK, Durango, etc...)

 

[yossarian19]

Sounds like a plan.
The Tahoe I can buy for 8K, though.
The Wagoneer w/ LS swap, 4L80e, rust proofing, decent interior & a lift? Yeah... no.

 

[Root Moose]

The most expensive word on the Internet is "just".

Every rolled Waggie I've seen (a handful mind you) had a fully pancaked greenhouse.

 

[IdahoEagle]

How bad were they rusted out? The handful I've seen were still pretty solid, deformed, but solid...

 

[w_howey]

Trying to sell my wife on moving away from the minivan and into something that can tow. Im thinking a yukon or tahoe might be the answer. Her only holdups are that its a bigger vehicle and no sliding doors.

Aside from those two. Are there any other suddested family suvs that meet the ops requirements?

We bought an Expedition to replace our baby hauler as a family mover/tow vehicle. We got one with the factory HD tow package, and could not be happier with it. It was used and had a transmission put into long before we got it. Third row seats that even a teenager can fit in it. It only gets about 14-15 on the highway without towing.. Towing it can be down into the single digits if you want to be on the throttle. I normally run around 60-65 and I see 11-12 with it. I have towed right around 5k on a semi-regular basis and over that a few times. The trailer doesn't push the truck around at all, and I have extremely surprised about how the coil springs in the rear take the bounce from a trailer.

Two things to watch for are the rear air bags can get leaks and you will get saggy ass. The other is too watch for the rear control arms rusting out as they are the same crappy stamped style with lips that hold water and road debris in them.

Ours is an Eddie Bauer which is the high end version. We have power ports in all three rows and leather seats throughout. Heated seats in the front make it really nice in the winter.

 

[GordoSmasho]

We pick an 03 z71 suburban today.

Factory two package as well. Ill be doing a few trans upgrades before we do any towing but its a very nice upgrade from or mazda mpv

 

[scoobyxj]

We pick an 03 z71 suburban today.

Factory two package as well. Ill be doing a few trans upgrades before we do any towing but its a very nice upgrade from or mazda mpv

Sweet! I've always liked the NBS Burbs in white, and the Z71 trim! Do a Black Bear tune, and a Vett servo in the trans. Run it till the sun shell goes then rebuild it with a Monster Transmissions Monster In A Box kit and drive it like you stole it!

 

[kmanxj5050]

Just got one. 2004 with 211k. Higher miles But only paid 4k for it. Only needs New rear shocks and a little rust repair and a dent fixed on the rear quarter. Its loaded up to