In reply to Mazdax605:
I've owned two car with trip computers that would give you long-term average speed (like over the last couple thousand miles), and 35 mph is pretty much where they usually sat during my normal driving.
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Jan. 17, 2012 10:25 a.m. codrus New Reader
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Jan. 17, 2012 10:46 a.m. dj06482 HalfDork
With no rust, I'd buy it. Provided it hasn't been abused, I think that the 4L60E's (and the 700R4s before them) can hold up pretty well if you take care of them (regular fluid changes, proper cooling, etc.).
I'd personally add an aftermarket transmission cooler if it didn't come with one from the factory, but my parents and myself have owned several vehicles with these transmissions and have had good luck (all were purchased used, and the majority had well over 100K on them when they were sold - the '97 was sold with close to 300K on it). All were on original transmissions (as far as we knew):
'83 C10 Suburban - 5.7L, 700R4 - aftermarket transmission cooler, used to tow a 3500# travel trailer
'87 C10 Suburban - 5.7L, 700R4 - towing pkg transmission cooler, used to tow a 3500# travel trailer
'89 C2500 Extended Cab Short Bed - 5.7L 700R4 - factory tow package, heavy duty hauling of gravel, wood, etc
'94 K1500 Regular Cab Short Bed - 4L60E - aftermarket cooler, towing (up to 8K), a ton of hauling wood/rock/gravel. I personally made two 25 mile trips with a pallet of ceramic tile (over 2200 lbs) in the back of this truck.
'97 C1500 Extended Cab Short Bed - 4L60E - no cooler, again, more gravel/dirt/wood hauling
'98 C1500 Extended Cab Short Bed - 4L60E - factory tow package cooler, more gravel/dirt/wood hauling
'03 GMC Sierra (1/2 ton) Extended Cab Short Bed - 4L60E - factory tow package cooler, more gravel/dirt/wood hauling
My dad is very gentle on a vehicle (especially when hauling), and I've inherited that trait from him. Any used vehicle is a risk, but the good news is that the 4L60Es are common, which should make them cheaper to rebuild.
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Jan. 17, 2012 10:55 a.m. Bobzilla SuperDork
being an '04 it may be the updated 4L65E... but not much different. Dad's 03 Silverado has 178k on it's original trans, my 06 Sierra is at 70k on original trans, boss's 02 'burb has 290k on it now with the original trans.
Keep the fluid changed, keep it cool and it'll last.
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Jan. 18, 2012 4:49 p.m. Mazdax605 Dork
Talked the seller down to $6300. Just need to get the carfax, insurance quote, and decide if I want to move forward I suppose. Seems like a good deal, but I have only ever owned one GM product and that was a 72 Nova. This one may have a bit more technology in it. Heck the drivers seat probably has more technology than that whole car. I do miss that old piece of E36 M3 though.
Would it be safe to assume that with the truck having the tow package that it has an auxiliary trans cooler? If not then can you guys recommend one?
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Jan. 18, 2012 7:37 p.m. SyntheticBlinkerFluid Dork
Being a GM truck, if it has a towing package, its got a trans cooler. Or at least it should.
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Jan. 18, 2012 9:41 p.m. doc_speeder Reader
Stop worrying and buy the damn thing...
5.3's are solid, the trucks are comfortable and decently built, and the 4L60E's are far worse on the internet than in real life. As long as you don't drive on the internet, you should be ok!
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Jan. 19, 2012 5:34 a.m. Mazdax605 Dork
doc_speeder wrote:
Stop worrying and buy the damn thing...
5.3's are solid, the trucks are comfortable and decently built, and the 4L60E's are far worse on the internet than in real life. As long as you don't drive on the internet, you should be ok!
Thanks Doc you made me lol. Just trying to cover my bases. Being a strictly Dodge/Mazda guy all these years I have no idea how the GM products hold up. My area of the country seems to be Ford/Subaru country as well. Not that there aren't a ton of GM's, but there is a lot more F-Series trucks.
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Jan. 19, 2012 7:42 a.m. Bobzilla SuperDork
Yes, if it's the GM tow package it will have the aux trans cooler AND an external engine oil cooler.
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Jan. 25, 2012 7:45 a.m. Mazdax605 Dork
Loks like I will be picking up the 'burban in the next couple of days. Just need to figure out which is best for the seller and myself. Also need to get by the bank which may happen later today. Wish me luck.
Now do I try to sell the Dodge Ram Wagon cheap on here or CL, or just give it to my father?
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Jan. 25, 2012 11:52 a.m. amg_rx7 HalfDork
Mazdax605 wrote:
Loks like I will be picking up the 'burban in the next couple of days. Just need to figure out which is best for the seller and myself. Also need to get by the bank which may happen later today. Wish me luck.
Looks awesome.
Mazdax605 wrote: Now do I try to sell the Dodge Ram Wagon cheap on here or CL, or just give it to my father?
Do you hate your dad that much?
I say craigslist it. 
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Jan. 25, 2012 12:55 p.m. Mazdax605 Dork
Do you hate your dad that much?
I say craigslist it.
It isn't actually that bad a vehicle it is just getting rusty due to New England winters. He could use it as he goes through vans at a pretty rapid pace. Also his current van is a half ton Ford with a V6 that is too small a van for a flooring contractor in my opinion. Mine being a 2500 with the V8 would work better for him in my opinion.
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Jan. 26, 2012 5:57 p.m. Mazdax605 Dork
Hey guys,
Does anyone know for sure if these will work with my Suburban with the factory installed DVD player?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Wireless-Chevrolet-DVD-Headphones-New-Headsets-/26093456...
I know it says it is compatible, but I want to know from someone who has experience in such things to tell me YES it will work no problem. Could a dealer tell me for sure? I will be getting the Suburban on Saturday, and I am looking at getting a few things for it. I am actually really excited about getting this thing.
Thanks,
Chris
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Jan. 31, 2012 11:07 p.m. Mazdax605 Dork
So I ahve had the 'burban for a couple of days now. Aside from a problem I caused by removing the third brake light the truck has been great in my limited use. I love it so far, and wonder why I even questioned buying it. It has 13k more miles on it than my Dodge van did almost 5 years ago, and feels like three time the vehicle.
The fuel mileage is about the same, but this vehicle seems better in every way. Still have to get used to the dash controls, and such, but the truck handles so much smoother, and feels way more solid than the Dodge ever did. I will see in the spring how it does towing our camper, but my guess is it will do it even better than the van. I may miss the added interior height of the van, but I think I can get past that pretty easily.
Thanks for all the help in this decision.
Chris
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Feb. 1, 2012 12:00 p.m. Mazdax605 Dork
Hey guys,
Until I get a proper repair manual could you guys tell me how to adjust the parking brake on this Suburban? I just had it inspected, and that part failed. I doesn't hold good enough, and the pedal goes to the floor with little resistance. My guess is it wasn't adjusted properly when the rear axle was rebuilt. Any help would be appreciated.
I got the electric brake controller installed this morning. All set to tow the camper now.
Chris
