Recommendations - buying a '92 -'99

I have narrowed down my pick for a Suburban to a '92 thru '99 and I have a couple of questions I hope someone can help me with.

What is the first year for the Auto 4WD option? Is this a good system compared to the previous system?

I think the first year for the Vortec 5.7 engine is '96. Is a Vortec engine signifigantly better than the previous engine?

Of the '92 thru '99 models, are there any particular problems that I should be aware of?

Thanks for the help.

Hey there, glad to hear your interested in becoming a fellow suburban owner! I'll answer your questions to the best of my ability.

1. The first year for the Auto-4WD system was 98'. I have driven my grandfather's 99' around lately, as I am selling it for him. This suburban has the Auto-4WD option. I personally don't need it. I think it's more a matter of preference. I know he has had to repair the electric motor in the transfer case. That was expensive. Havent had that problem in my 96'. Also when the system is in the Auto option, I notice it clunks alot, coming in and out of 4-wheel drive. I have generally heard the Auto system is a little more fragile? is the word? But either system is fine. In 96' they switched over to the push button. 92-95 had the floor shifter. Some people prefer this because it seems to generally not "break" as easily. I have owned both systems. Both have worked well for me.

2. Yes, the first year for the Vortec 5.7 liter was 96'. I have noticed more power in my 96' than in my 93' Throttle Body Injected engine, but also more headaches with O2 sensors/ various other sensors. Also beware of the Vortec intake gasket failure. These typically fail around (general number) 100,000 miles, and leak coolant either into the engine, or outside the engine onto the ground, or both. Make sure it has been done unless your handy and don't mind replacing it, or have a lot of money to spend, (seems to generally be around $600 in the shop, depending on where you go). The Vortec puts out about 50 H.P. or so more than the TBI injected engine found in the 92'-95' burbs. It seems to have more get up and go. I have found my TBI to be less expensive to fix in terms of sensors and intake gaskets. But, my Vortec really seems to outperform the TBI. However, either one can have it's problems if they aren't maintained! Both are good engines and are capable of going to 200,000 miles or more if they are taken care of properly. Just something to look out for.

3. There are a few things to look out for. One is the transmission. They have never been particularly great on these rigs. (The 4L60E, which is found on the half-ton models seems to be weak for an outfit such as a Suburban. The three-quarter ton models are usually equipped with the 4L80E, which seems to hold up better than the 4L60E). The tranny (4L60E) in my 96' gave out at 153,000 miles. Some people get more out of them, some get less. But it seems to most be a matter of "WHEN" not "IF" they fail. Try to find out if the tranny has been replaced/rebuilt in the past. If not, try to look for evidence of heavy trailer towing. Most of these rigs have a trailer package with the trailer hitch, but a heavy hitch is a good clue that it has been used to tow. Towing isn't easy on these transmissions. You are looking at around $2,000 give or take for a transmission overhaul. So this is a big thing to check into if you can. Another thing that goes out on these alot is the fuel pump. I see no easy way to check if this has been replaced. However I do know that if you like to run your tank on empty all the time, you generally go through more fuel pumps. Also look into the pitman and idler arm on a high mileage burb. These wear out causing bad aligment, handling, and tire wear. An alignment shop can easily check this for you.

Hopefully I'm not scaring you away. But these are the common plagues found on these Suburban models. Once again, with any vehicle, proper maintenance is the key. If the 'Burb you are looking at seems to be beat up or abused, it probably was, and you will generally end up paying for it in the long run. Just use common sense with buying a used vehicle. These are great vehicles, and with good care they will give miles of service. Sorry for being so wordy. I hope that helps answer your questions.

Thanks very much for your well crafted response. That is exactly the kind of information I am looking for. Sounds like a '96 - '99 would be ideal, but a good deal on a '92 - '95 would be just fine also. Any other recommendations out there?

Tinman . I have owned the same 1992 2500 Suburban for years now. It has two wheel drive and a 454 cu. in. (7.4L) with the 4L80E tranny. I love it. Only trouble it ever gave me was an alternator once and the radio , which I replaced from a bone yard donor for $15. It works great. I use mine for travel trailer towing #4,500 pound trailer. I service it religously. Synthetic oil, lube the ball joints, change tranny filter & fluid, Bleed brakes every two years. I've never had a problem. I love it. Have NO plans to ever sell it!!!!! I take care of it because it takes good care of me (or visa versa) I put my Kayaks on the roof and GO! It is comfortable and smooth. Hauls anything I can fit in it. Hope YOU have the satisfaction I've gotten out of the great Suburban! DangerDude

Thanks, DangerDude,

I am definitley getting a '92-'99 Suburban and I appreciate your input. I plan to use it for Boy Scout campouts and family vacations.

Tinman you won't regret buying one. I made 8 trips to northern Colorado to Scout camp with my two sons and two Suburbans (86 & 97). I urge you to be involved with your son's scout activities, as it makes a profound difference in their lives.

The father of 2 Eagle Scouts:)

Suburban yes, now that I have one (3/4 ton diesel 4X4)I cant think of any other vehicle that would do. You never see em at the wreckers. I call around every once in a while when I'm missing my rear air deflector that got ripped off in a car wash a couple years ago. Makes me wonder where all the dead ones go. I see many on the roads here in Southern Alberta. All kinds of room for your kids and a friend each to come along. You wouldnt believe what you can load into one of em, I've come home with a entire concrete block fire pit, furniture(squeezed in a queen sized mattress), three bikes, and half of Costco. No kind of weather can keep me off the roads, Child safe door locks and windows are the best it gets, and you'll get used to parking it.

I wouldnt buy the 6.5 L diesel though, a lot of little things keep me visiting the diesel shop, but even that has an up side... they are used to seeing them! I also once read and believe it, that they are the #1 vehicle involved in accidents when backing up. This was in a parenting magazine and the accidents involved backing over children. The blind area behind mine is sopposed to be a whooping 15 feet! They sell back up sencers but nothing beats a visual check and a head count.