Looking to Buy... Have questions

[Booyahzman]

Hey everyone,

I've been lurking around these forums for a long while now researching, reading, and learning about Tahoes/Yukons. I've been waiting till the time I would be ready to actually be able to buy one myself. However, before doing so I still have questions that I couldn't find answers for, and I was hoping I could get some help.

I'll be in search for a 2003-2004 Tahoe Z71 with the thought of lifting it and making it my primary travel vehicle for both road and camping trips (including pulling a light camping trailer). It may also be a daily driver for part of the year. It will be replacing my faithful '96 Toyota 4Runner. Although it has been an awesome vehicle it's towing abilities has limits. Before I pull the trigger, however, below are some questions:

I heard the Z71 package came with 4.10 gears. Is the Tahoe Z71 the only version of this SUV that came with these gears that also did NOT come with an AWD system?

If a Z71 does not come with the third row seats, I've read that it may not be possible to add it afterwards. Is this true?

Is the second row captain chairs replaceable with a bench row?

Is it possible (and worth it) to replace the 5.3L and 4-speed transmission with a newer 6.0L and 6-speed transmission? Primarily reason for this would be for better fuel economy with the bigger engine and towing ease.

That's it for now (I'm sure I'll have more down the road!). I appreciate in advance any help everyone can give me!

 

[Z-56 Hoe]

The middle seats can be swapped to a bench seat!

The gears may not be 4.10's.

the engine can be swapped to the 6.0L ( he'll I did it).

The transmission can too(I have also done this but I have the 4L80). For the transmission a company called Compushift / HGN makes a stand alone control for it. These are great trucks BTW!!!

On the transmission you also have to build a custom cross member to clear the larger transmission.

 

[skbishop90]

Hey everyone,

I've been lurking around these forums for a long while now researching, reading, and learning about Tahoes/Yukons. I've been waiting till the time I would be ready to actually be able to buy one myself. However, before doing so I still have questions that I couldn't find answers for, and I was hoping I could get some help.

I'll be in search for a 2003-2004 Tahoe Z71 with the thought of lifting it and making it my primary travel vehicle for both road and camping trips (including pulling a light camping trailer). It may also be a daily driver for part of the year. It will be replacing my faithful '96 Toyota 4Runner. Although it has been an awesome vehicle it's towing abilities has limits. Before I pull the trigger, however, below are some questions:

I heard the Z71 package came with 4.10 gears. Is the Tahoe Z71 the only version of this SUV that came with these gears that also did NOT come with an AWD system?

If a Z71 does not come with the third row seats, I've read that it may not be possible to add it afterwards. Is this true?

Is the second row captain chairs replaceable with a bench row?

Is it possible (and worth it) to replace the 5.3L and 4-speed transmission with a newer 6.0L and 6-speed transmission? Primarily reason for this would be for better fuel economy with the bigger engine and towing ease.

That's it for now (I'm sure I'll have more down the road!). I appreciate in advance any help everyone can give me!

The gears would be an option. They did make 4x4 non Z71 models. If you are in search for a 4x4 Tahoe, the Z71s are always more expensive because of the infamous Z71 badging. Of coarse they have better suspension and shocks etc.. But that based on what you want out of the truck.

3rd row seating should be easy.

It is possible to replace the 5.3 with 6.0 but HELL NO is it worth it. Your looking at THOUSANDS just for maybe 2-3 MPG better? The 5.3 tows great. And if all you're towing is a light travel trailer, than the 5.3 will be more than you need. These trucks tow GREAT as is. I went from a F-150 4x4 Supercrew to my Hoe and my lowered Hoe on 20's tows better than my Ford, Power wise and Braking.

 

[Booyahzman]

Thank you for the feedback!

One of the reasons I love my 4Runner is for the manual transmission--the one thing I'm really going to miss going to a V8 truck/SUV. My hopes were to possibly put the NV4500 into the Tahoe (if possible), but from what I've read that transmission may be a bit too beefy for the 5.3L to handle. This may be incorrect as all I've got for information is what I've read on this and a couple other forums. That's the real reason to upgrade to either the 6.0L or 6.2L engine.

As for the 4.10 gear option, is there an easy way to tell which gears are on the truck when going to look at one before I buy it? Possibly a specific character in the VIN number?

 

[skbishop90]

Thank you for the feedback!

One of the reasons I love my 4Runner is for the manual transmission--the one thing I'm really going to miss going to a V8 truck/SUV. My hopes were to possibly put the NV4500 into the Tahoe (if possible), but from what I've read that transmission may be a bit too beefy for the 5.3L to handle. This may be incorrect as all I've got for information is what I've read on this and a couple other forums. That's the real reason to upgrade to either the 6.0L or 6.2L engine.

As for the 4.10 gear option, is there an easy way to tell which gears are on the truck when going to look at one before I buy it? Possibly a specific character in the VIN number?

Only "quick" way to find the gear ratio is to the look at the tag on the rear end. On one of the bolts holding the inspection plate on the rear end, there will be a tag. It'll have the ratio on there. It'll say 4,10 or 3,73, 3.08 etc..But wil 4:10s, you should be able to drive it and tell.

 

[Booyahzman]

Only "quick" way to find the gear ratio is to the look at the tag on the rear end. On one of the bolts holding the inspection plate on the rear end, there will be a tag. It'll have the ratio on there. It'll say 4,10 or 3,73, 3.08 etc..But wil 4:10s, you should be able to drive it and tell.

You wouldn't happen to have a picture of this tag so I knew where to look, would you?

 

[Booyahzman]

Also, were the 4.10 gears available in Yukons or the LS or LT versions of the Tahoes?

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[TheFuzz]

Easiest way to check gearing is to look at the RPO code list in the glovebox. RPO = Regular Production Option. They are 3-digit codes that identify what options each particular vehicle is outfitted with at the factory.

IIRC, GT4 is the code for 3.73 and GT5 is the code for 4.10.

Of course, this is provided that the PO didn't re-gear the truck. Easier than climbing up under it though.

 

[Justin Kerns]

Marc,

I'm another lurker and your story sounds very similar to mine. I'm in town here in Aurora. I searched for a long time for what I wanted and pulled the trigger a little over a week ago. Here is what I bought:

2005 Yukon SLT
Tan leather with second row 60/40 bench and third row seating
Sunroof, DVD, heated seats, all the interior bling
It has 4.10 gearing (TheFuzz is correct - GT5 is the RPO for this gearing)
5.3L
1 owner with clean Carfax
Just under 100k miles and I paid just under $13k

I'm super happy with this rig and did find it locally. But I had to look for a while and once I spotted it I had to act fast. It does not have the Z71 suspension but as others have said you will pay more for that. This truck is my DD and I also intend to pull a camper with it on trails here in CO.

I'm planning on keeping it mostly stock although I am going to add the tranny temp gauge for towing purposes. If I can be of any help just let me know.

Justin

 

[Booyahzman]

Thanks for the info, Justin! I'm glad to know that the Yukons also came with those gears. I prefer the Yukons over Tahoes just as a personally preference (front end look).

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