In recent years, automotive designers have transformed most sport-utility vehicles into car-based crossovers. There are plenty of reasons for this; comfort and energy-efficiency are among the top benefits. But some motorists have unique needs that require something a little more heavy-duty. For example, if your family occasionally has a need to tow up to 10,000 pounds, you might want a big-block Suburban.
The Pick of the Day is a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 2500 LS listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Lake Forest, California. (Click the link to view the listing)
How capable is this rig? To put it in perspective, consider the fact that the average fiberglass fishing boat (with an accompanying heavy-duty trailer) may weigh about 5,000 pounds. This three-quarter-ton Suburban could conceivably tow two of them at once. We don’t recommend that, of course.
It has been 90 years since Chevrolet first began producing what was then called the “Carryall Suburban” in 1934. For 12 generations and counting, the Suburban has been a familiar sight on American roadways. Today’s featured vehicle was produced during the eighth generation, which dated from 1992 through 1999. These full-size sport-utility vehicles were based on General Motors’ robust GMT400 pickup truck platform – and therein lies the hauling, towing, and off-roading skillset that so many people love.
Power comes from a big-block Vortec 7.4-liter (454cid) V8 mated to a 4L80 four-speed automatic transmission. Despite the fact that the odometer shows nearly a quarter-million miles (249,660 to be exact), the transmission was reportedly replaced about 17,000 miles ago, and the listing provided a spreadsheet of detailed service records dating back to 2007. Some of the bigger-ticket items from within the last few years included replacement of the oil cooler, brake master cylinder, steering pitman arm, spark plugs, radiator, ball joints, and air conditioning system.
The striking red exterior is perhaps my favorite aesthetic aspect of this Suburban, but I also enjoy the auxiliary lighting, tubular side steps, BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A tires, and the roof rack. Based on the photos of both the exterior and interior, it is hard to believe this vehicle has as many miles on it as it does. And based on the service records, its clean bill of health should mean there are many roads left to travel. Not to mention fishing boats to tow!
The asking price is $13,900 or best offer.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, visit the archives at Pick of the Day.
Had a 97 Suburban bought new. Fell apart rear axle seals leaked within 6 weeks, antifreeze ate gaskets, Wipers failed, speed sensitive steering fail, power brake booster fail, dual ac failed twice, ate front brakes, plastic distrubor failed, fuel pump failed 3 times before replacing under gage wire, dual battery connector poor design before I fixed it, all 3 O2. Sensers failed drank oil, leather seats cracked within 2 months. Prior to buying was a Chevy man, this ended it.
Just recently sold my 97 3/4 ton 4×4, Sub, base model. Bought it with 114k, sold it 8 years later with 186k, running strong with the original engine and tranny. During my time, I replaced the original alternator and the tank fuel pump twice, but that was it. Only sold it because it was not practical for my 45 minute 9n way commute. This was my favorite generation of GM trucks, really durable and still had the old school small and big block engines that were easy to work on without being a techy wizard. Price is a bit high for the miles, but nice looking truck, and prices are out of control on everything, too…
I got a 2002 K2500 from an estate I was in charge of, and simply didn’t have the time to fix it up. 6.0L, black exterior with tan leather interior, sunroof, towing package, and only 150k. Sold it to just rid myself of it to a coworker whose teenage daughter totaled it 3 weeks later. Wish I’d kept it, but let it go because my wife and I both have (truck-based) SUVs and we don’t tow more than 5000lbs. Now adays I wouldn’t mind a 2500 for the cargo space and towing capacity, if it were needed.