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Secret: I tow a lot more weight (30' Formula on a Steel Myco trailer) with my 96 half ton Suburban 4x4 than you are talking about. Added air bags to the rear (LOVE 'EM), ceramic brake pads, and E range tires. It does a very nice job. Can maintain 65 mph going up Minniola Hill (sp?) with enough of a running start, in third gear. That's the big valley on I-70 between St. Louis and Hwy 54. The Suburban handles the load very well; better than it should. Only drawback for me is the 350 is not enough power (the Mrs. doesn't like not running the a/c when pulling the boat up big hills in the summer time) but it should be plenty for you, as your load is about half of what I pull.

Just this morning I struck a deal to buy a PSD. So my 96 half ton Suburban LS 4X4 with the vortec 350 is going to be for sale. If the deal on the one you're looking at falls through, feel free to PM me. I've been real happy with the Suburban, and if GM offered a diesel in it, I'd probably stay with them.

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Secret F233

Chart I think they do It's the Duramax. & ya that hill on 70 is one of the hills on my list of woes. thanks again guys i think im going to look for a 1500 burb w tow pak. Unless Norty comes back with the goods on the Navagator.

Eather way should be a far cry from my 88 2500 Vandura i hear there not even a real 3/4 ton >>shrug<<

Glad i talked to you guys first I almost signed on a 2500 burban w 454 the other night in texas. was going to be a tough payment to make......

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Is GM putting the DuraMax in the Suburban already? I though that was not going to happen for another year. Either way, with the miles I drive between Indy and St. Louis weekly, can't justify the depreciation on a new truck. I try to buy them a year or two old, so it will be my next "new truck" before I'm ready to look at the DuraMax. The alum heads should be proven by then anyway.

As we live in the same town, if you and Amy want to hook your boat behind my burban and try the half ton 350, you're welcome to. I know you are looking for a newer truck than mine, so there will be no presure from me to buy mine. (And until the deal on my new ride comes through, I don't want to sell the Suburban yet. Murphy's Law and all that)

Let me know if that will help you with your decisions.

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Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

I have read what all these guys have said. DEFINATELY go for the 2500 and the 454. There is no susbstitute for power and capacity. Why skimp it when you have the chance to do it right? I pulled 7000# with my '96 Tahoe, and anything over 20 miles made for a long day. The rear end did MUCH BETTER after Airbags, thanks to Skater & OutlawMark. However, you will definately not regret getting a 454 over the 350. So what if you have he power to pull 7000#... how about brakes and suspension to control and stop it. Heck, I was pulling a 6000# Maxum with a 4.3 S-10 Blazer a few times. Good thing I was never heading downhill, and hit a yellow light.

I just bought a 2500 Avalanche, with the 496. That trucks hauls ass. Why not check out new? Certain 2002 new GM vehicles, like the AV, have 0.0% financing until next week. That is like FREE MONEY, and you get a warranty. I was even offered $9K off the sticker of a new Sierra Denali, plus 36 months at 0.0%. The new dealers want to move 2002's; BAD!

Secret F233

Thanks Chart I may have to take you up on that the 233 is at Ricks Boat Yard next to the osage beach airport right now. But i was planing on bringing her home monday so cool I'll get back with you. mighty kind of ya!!!!

Secret F233

I'd love to sydways But the Credit won't allow it. I have to keep it under $23k & under 50K miles but newer than a 1997 or i don't get the loan. Makes for some tough shoping.

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Secret:

I spent a lot of time doing internet searches for my next truck, and finally responded to the "PeopleFirst.Com" pop up ad. And they ended up getting my business. Best rates I found other than the 0% mfg promotional rates on new, no milage requirements, and they will lend 100% of the purchase and licence and tax.

Now I havn't used their check yet, but everything else has been easy. So far they have treated me very right. It's worth your time to check into them.

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floatingphil

Secret F233,
Go with the 2500 Suburban if you can find one. Mine is a 98 2500 with a 350 and 4.10 gears. We tow about 6000 pounds without a problem, but any more weight and I would want the 454. If you are going to tow any distance in hilly country, you won't want less truck. My previous truck was a 96 Tahoe.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

No Duramax and no Allison in Suburban or Avalanche, (same truck).

As long as you qualify with GMAC, you can finance a new AV at 0.0% for the entire loan value at 60 months, and pay less than $700/month.

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Okay gang, what exactly is the difference b/t a 1500 and a 2500 Suburban? Heavery springs, bigger brakes (though all GM brakes from that era stink), stronger tires, beefier shocks, what else?