2009 Suburban 2500LT (GMT900) - Misc Upgrades

[irishcreamer]

Long time reader first time poster haha...

After a great deal of research I finally found and purchased a GMT900 3/4 ton suburban. Part way into the upgrades and thought I would share to give back to the community.

Bought this to replace a 2002 Tahoe Z71 tow vehicle and have to say the difference is night and day. Towing the 6500# boat with the Sub is a breeze - more power, heavier tow vehicle with longer wheel base, and the tow mode downshifts when I brake. Just wish this had occurred to me sooner!

Phase 1 (complete)
- Trail Ridge Tow Mirrors (pn TRMRP00011)
- EBC S8 Kits Orangestuff Brake Pads and Black GD Rotors (Front: S8KF1021, Rear: S8KR1010)
- Hellwig Suspension Products Sway Bar Kits (Front: 7654, Rear: 7653)
- Bilstein 4600 shocks (Front: 24-060813 / Rear: 24-185677)
- Firestone Ride-Rite (2253 kit, discontinued)
- Weathertech mats
- UVS100 suncreen heat shield
- Pilkinton EZ-KOOL (DW1658)

Phase 2 (researching)
- Aux battery system
- Cargo glide


Curious about your experience with these platforms and any common upgrades or problems to watch out for.

Best,
IC

 

[PG01]

Nice, looks to be in good shape. Good luck with it. Any interior shots?

 

[Matt_]

Thats a solid vehicle! If it has a sunroof, keep an eye out for wet carpet after hard rain. There are a few common causes that are pretty easy to fix

 

[irishcreamer]

Nice, looks to be in good shape. Good luck with it. Any interior shots?

sure np here are some stock photos from the listing. anything in particular you are looking for?

 

[irishcreamer]

Thats a solid vehicle! If it has a sunroof, keep an eye out for wet carpet after hard rain. There are a few common causes that are pretty easy to fix

Thanks, Matt. No sunroof but there are two plugged holes I hope they are well sealed!!

 

[irishcreamer]

Guess I should add about the Wheels and Tires:

Wheels - MB Legacy 17" alloy wheels
Tires - Cooper Discoverer AT3 (LT275/70R17)

The front tire fit is quite tight. When I first received the truck the tires would rub slightly with sharp turns on uneven surfaces. After installing the shocks, and leveling and adjusting the front end up 1" (torsion bar adj I think) the clearance is okay.

-IC

 

[adventurenali92]

Looks like a nice rig! I’ve always like the idea of a 3/4 ton GM suv. Been thinking about looking for a 2500 Yukon xl.

 

[Jason in DLH]

Nice ride! What’s going on with the 2 plugs? Some previously installed antennas or something? Looks like I’d get the black caulk out for that just to be safe.

 

[wjburken]

Welcome to the forum firm Iowa.

As others have said, it’s a nice looking ride. Really like how those wheels look on it.

 

[Matt_]

Guess I should add about the Wheels and Tires:

Wheels - MB Legacy 17" alloy wheels
Tires - Cooper Discoverer AT3 (LT275/70R17)

The front tire fit is quite tight. When I first received the truck the tires would rub slightly with sharp turns on uneven surfaces. After installing the shocks, and leveling and adjusting the front end up 1" (torsion bar adj I think) the clearance is okay.

-IC

You can gain a lot of tire clearance on these rigs with the "norcal" fender mod, and trimming the front bumper supports, then reshaping the wheel well liner keeping it all OEM looking