Thinking of Buying a 00-06 NBS Tahoe/Suburban? Look Here

Ok guys I dont own one of these trucks So I need ALL of the info you can
Admin has seen Fit to Create a Catch all thread for the countless "looking to buy" threads that go unanswered because lets face it some are repetitive. Hopefully people will read through this sticky and have all or most of their questions/concerns answered. Some of this may be biased and if it is please let me know and Ill Edit it out . Also if any of you veterans have anything to add Please post it below and I will add it at a later time . Any newbies may also post questions here that have not been answered . I will add Content as it becomes available or as I come up with it

Thanks again


The 2000-2006 is the GMT800

Engines available: TAHOE
2000-2005 4.8L Vortec V8 275hp
2000-2003 5.3L Vortec V8 280-295hp 325-330 lb-ft Flex fuel Option
2004-2006 4.8L Vortec V8 285-295hp Flex fuel Option
2004-2006 5.3L Vortec V8 295hp 335 lb-ft Flex Fuel

Engines for Suburban:
2000-2006 5.3L 295hp 335 lb-ft Standard all years
2000-2006 6.0L 330hp 375 lb-ft standard in 2500
2001-2006 8.1L 325hp 446 lb-ft Optional in 2500 only


Yukon Denali
2001 6.0L 320hp 375 lb-ft STANDARD ALL WHEEL DRIVE
2003 6.0L 325hp 375 lb-ft STANDARD ALL WHEEL DRIVE

Cadilac Escalade
2001 6.0L 320hp 375 lb-ft STANDARD
2003 6.0L 325hp 375 lb-ft STANDARD


2002 was the first year for FlexFuel

these motors have a 4 speed 4L60E Overdrive transmission
2001 Onstar became standard on LT & LS with Z71 package
2001 QuadraSteer (4 wheel steering) was an option for Suburban
2001 Front & Rear Air standard on LS
2003 New interior, double din radio, better dash/cluster, new electrical system, better center console, etc.

2003 first year for "StabiliTrak" stability control option (standard in 2006)

2004 has TPMS
2004 Hydroboost brakes were added to 1500 Suburbans
2005-2006 hace electric cooling fans

Q: HOW TO TELL IF IT HAS AIR RIDE?
A: The compressor is located on the driver's side rear behind the tire mounted on the frame rail. It usually has a rubber cover secured with push pins.

The air ride(auto level feature) usually goes bad but is eaily fixed.

You cannot get a 2001-2006 Tahoe/Yukon with a 6 speed...they were never offered and it is a lot of work to get one to work.

Expect to replace a couple of the steering components with that mileage, like the tie rods and idler/pitman arms. They are fairly cheap and start to wear out at that mileage. It's more of a tire-wear issue than safety.

Most people here have replaced their water pumps after 100,000 miles. They are relatively cheap as well and can be replaced in your driveway on a saturady.

You'll notice the steering wheel feels like it has a rattle to it. This is normal. The grease settles to the bottom of the intermediate steering shaft and produces a slight rattle sensation in the wheel. Not a safety issue though and chevy sells a kit to correct it if you so desire.

Trucks that have lived in the northers states tend to suffer from rear diff cover corrosion and sometimes failure. So take a look at the cover. It is a <$20 part plus new oil. but it is an easy driveway one hour job.

Awd Front diffs like to eat themshelf.
Transmission valves like to get stuck.
Blown autoride shocks and compressor
Steering linkages
Oil leaks from cooler
Ps pump lasts about 80k
Tsb for steering shaft
Rusted brake lines
Headlines aspirator

In general the escalade/denali will be much more expensive to maintain vs the tahoe/yukon.


Z71 package - roof rack,painted bumpers,running boards, Fender flairs, painted grille,17 inch wheels, and suspension.

the Z71 was available on bot 2 and 4wd models.

Great idea. They are very repetitive... However I think you should sticky it at the top of the general discussion area. It seems most of those thinking of buying threads end up there.

Noted , It will be stickied as soon as enough Information is available to make it so. Again I know nothing but what I read on the forum about problems and such care to share?

Not too sure what all would like in the thread, but some common problems I have seen on NBS Tahoes / Burbans / Etc are

1. Fuel Pump goes out or fuel gauge is incorrect (fuel level in pump is bad)
2. Water pump goes out

That is what ive had to replace and thats it thus far. 5 years later and 50k plus later

Ill use anything , cosmetic issues I think you guys body styles had issues with the paint chipping or fading on the interior dash??

Like I said I don't own one but I do read through some of you guys threads I just want to make sure all information is valid and accurate . If I see trends with people posting water pumps ect Ill throw it in thanks for the input

I have a 2002 suburban

Back glass hatch got dehinged

Dash paint some off. But at least it does not crack

goodinblack said:

Dash paint some off. But at least it does not crack

Click to expand...

Yeah, dash paint comes off, very very common on all NBS.

Also, i have seen quite a few threads during the winter season about rear heat not working

the 2000-2006 is the GMT800

Engines available: TAHOE
2000-2005 4.8L Vortec V8 275hp
2000-2003 5.3L Vortec V8 280-295hp 325-330 lb-ft Flex fuel Option
2004-2006 4.8L Vortec V8 285-295hp Flex fuel Option
2004-2006 5.3L Vortec V8 295hp 335 lb-ft Flex Fuel

Engines for Suburban:
2000-2006 5.3L 295hp 335 lb-ft Standard all years
2000-2006 6.0L 330hp 375 lb-ft standard in 2500
2001-2006 8.1L 325hp 446 lb-ft Optional in 2500 only


Yukon Denali
2001 6.0L 320hp 375 lb-ft STANDARD ALL WHEEL DRIVE
2003 6.0L 325hp 375 lb-ft STANDARD ALL WHEEL DRIVE

Cadilac Escalade
2001 6.0L 320hp 375 lb-ft STANDARD
2003 6.0L 325hp 375 lb-ft STANDARD


2002 was the first year for FlexFuel

these motors have a 4 speed 4L60E Overdrive transmission
2001 Onstar became standard on LT & LS with Z71 package
2001 QuadraSteer (4 wheel steering) was an option for Suburban
2001 Front & Rear Air standard on LS
2003 New interior, double din radio, better dash/cluster, new electrical system, better center console, etc.

2003 first year for "StabiliTrak" stability control option (standard in 2006)

2004 has TPMS
2004 Hydroboost brakes were added to 1500 Suburbans
2005-2006 hace electric cooling fans

Q: HOW TO TELL IF IT HAS AIR RIDE?
A: The compressor is located on the driver's side rear behind the tire mounted on the frame rail. It usually has a rubber cover secured with push pins.

The air ride(auto level feature) usually goes bad but is eaily fixed.

You cannot get a 2001-2006 Tahoe/Yukon with a 6 speed...they were never offered and it is a lot of work to get one to work.

Expect to replace a couple of the steering components with that mileage, like the tie rods and idler/pitman arms. They are fairly cheap and start to wear out at that mileage. It's more of a tire-wear issue than safety.

Most people here have replaced their water pumps after 100,000 miles. They are relatively cheap as well and can be replaced in your driveway on a saturady.

You'll notice the steering wheel feels like it has a rattle to it. This is normal. The grease settles to the bottom of the intermediate steering shaft and produces a slight rattle sensation in the wheel. Not a safety issue though and chevy sells a kit to correct it if you so desire.

Trucks that have lived in the northers states tend to suffer from rear diff cover corrosion and sometimes failure. So take a look at the cover. It is a <$20 part plus new oil. but it is an easy driveway one hour job.

Awd Front diffs like to eat themshelf.
Transmission valves like to get stuck.
Blown autoride shocks and compressor
Steering linkages
Oil leaks from cooler
Ps pump lasts about 80k
Tsb for steering shaft
Rusted brake lines
Headlines aspirator

In general the escalade/denali will be much more expensive to maintain vs the tahoe/yukon.


Z71 package - roof rack,painted bumpers,running boards, Fender flairs, painted grille,17 inch wheels, and suspension.

the Z71 was available on bot 2 and 4wd models.

Dude.... Way to go man.... Awesome first timer info.

Look at John all productive and what not

---------- Post added at 09:10 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:08 AM ----------

Thread Moved and Stuck Anybody else have anything they want to add?