Forum Discussion

Haley's avatar
Haley
Explorer
Sep 09, 2013

Suburban Maintenance 1500 vs 2500

Shopping tow vehicles; late 1998-2004 ish Suburbans. In my area the 2500's are not that much more expensive. Does standard maintenance service on a 2500 cost way, way more than a 1500?

I would think the truck is heavy duty so may break less but am curious if maintenance is very different.

A neighbor mentioned the HD trucks are very difficult to work on ut he may be talking new.

Thanks

jh

13 Replies

  • One of the best things about that period of 2500 is the braking system. I had an '04 2500, and I was still on the original brakes when I traded it at 140k miles. I discussed it with the GM parts guys, and they said they were seeing 2500s come in with more than 200k on the brakes. They said to just flush the brake fluid every 50k, and you shouldn't have to worry about brakes for a long time.

    As for other maintenance, it was pretty much a wash between that one, and my 02 1500.
  • If the 2500 has the 4L80/85 transmission vs the 4L60/65 that would be a plus. Like Donn states the less you max out a machine the better to a point in my view.
  • The biggest expense difference is probably tires. You can buy some pretty cheap "P" metric tires. Whereas a decent LT tire will cost you more money. Get a 2500 and go happy in the knowledge that you are not going to be maxed out with just passengers.