GM's family of full sized SUV's are based on platforms
Mine is a GMT 400, next is GMT 800 (2000-2006), GMT 900 (2007-2014, I think) and
current is GMT K2xx (xx for each different end product...pickup/SUV)
link to Wikipedia, GM GMT platformsA Tahoe is a Yukon. A Suburban is a Yukon XL. Half ton SUVs are Tahoe, Yukon and
Yukon XL. 3/4 ton SUVs are Suburban and the new Yukon XL, based on the Chevy
Suburban. Starting with the GMT 900, they dropped the 3/4 ton altogether
Best to avoid market badging confusing...best to use their true ratings:
GVWR, GCWR, FGAWR, RGAWR
Forget about MTWR, as that is based or derived from the curb or stripper model
After gathering their true ratings, then the comparison is on an even playing
field without confusion
Add rear diff ratio, as that affects the *TRUE* MTWR
Here are my 1996 GMC Suburban's :
GVWR....8,600 lbs
GCWR...10,000 lbs with a 4.1 diff ratio
FGAWR...4,250 lbs
RGAWR...6,000 lbs....this is where the biggest difference is. 1/2 tons are in the 4,000 range
Engine size and type is a personal choice. As they all 'can' do it. Some easier
than the other and why I ordered the big block.
If MPG is at the top of your have to have list, then it will work
harder towing heavy/inclines/altitude/etc. If performance and
ability to manhandle the setup, then the lower MPG will manhandle
the setup much easier towing that same heavy trailer
Most of that info is on the drivers door label...except for the GCWR. That is
the tough one to find. Generally, it is in the neighborhood of "curb" + "MTWR" + misc
My Sub's curb is listed as 5,400 up to 6,000. MTWR is 10,000 with the 4.1 diff
The generic formula to figure which to get is:
GCWR => TV + TT + Misc
You will find mostly half tons, as most order them as 'cars' (the
new station wagon, mini van) and MPG is high on their have to have
list. Rare will be the 8,600 GVWR, but they are out there. Think you
would be best served by a GMT800 8.1L Sub or even the Yukon XL (same
platform). There is an Avalanche that is based on a Sub and a few 8.6K GVWR's
out there
19 years old and still looks pretty much the same...the main difference
is that the fender flares need repainting
mysub mysuburban
