So you want to buy an old Tahoe/Yukon?

[S33k3r]

I’d argue that the GMT800 edges the Toyota out simply because they’re a dime a dozen. I see old Tahoes and Yukons and Suburbans CONSTANTLY. Versus the occasional Sequoia. Hence parts are much more readily available and competitive. Hence why we’re all here on a forum talking about a vehicle that was discontinued almost 20 years ago

I thought we were all here on this forum, talking about vehicles discontinued 20+ years ago because we are persnickety and don't adapt to change well.

 

[Fless]

I thought we were all here on this forum, talking about vehicles discontinued 20+ years ago because we are persnickety and don't adapt to change well.

I resemble that.

 

[S33k3r]

I resemble that.

Hey! That puts me in good company.

 

[triker97]

Hey guys,

About 3 months ago, I bought a 2003 Yukon XL to use as a 3rd vehicle. Over the course of those couple months, I have driven it regularly to work the bugs out. I thought I would post my list of findings so the next guys could have an idea what to look out for.

One note: this truck had about 200k miles, 5.3 4x4 SLE (basic, few options) and no real rust except for some bubbling near the passenger rear rocker. Frame, interior, under hood initial inspections were all relatively clean, so that's the baseline I started from.

Here are 3 categories of things I fixed or changed. The first is the category that I would think you should look into or may expect to have to repair on a truck to keep it running. If you're short on cash, this is the list I would focus on. The second list are those things you probably should take care of to improve safety, drivability, ease of use and reliability. The last list is a short group of things I improved on the truck but were in no way needed. By the way I'm not a mechanic, just my personal opinion from my experience with exactly one, old truck that seemed to be cared for in a pretty average way. Maybe it will help the next guy:

Things the truck needed to have fixed/maintained:

• Rotted Steel brake line
• Transfer case encoder ring – failed giving “Service 4wd” signal
• Intake manifold gasket failed – p0300 code
• Transmission filter and service
• Rear end service, replaced corroded bolts and cover
• Transfer case service
• Front differential service
• Engine oil service
• Alternator whining, replaced
• Replaced all 4 tires
• Serpentine belt, pulleys and tensioner
• Flushed coolant
• Upper and lower radiator hoses, thermostat
• Flushed brake fluid
• Spark plugs, wires
• PCV valve
• Windshield washer pump – leaking – replaced
• EVAP valve – broken with CEL - replaced

Things I could have lived with but addressed proactively:

• Replaced all calipers and rubber brake line hoses to calipers. They looked ok but figured I would get in front of any failures.
• Inner and outer tie rod ends – too easy not to replace preventatively
• End links had failed, replaced
• All 4 speakers inside the cab blow, replaced them
• Oil pressure sending unit leaking, replaced
• Oil cooler block off plate gasket leaking, replaced
• Exhaust manifold bolts broken, installed clamps and new bolts before any more broke off
• Transmission lines seeping at crimps, repaired and installed transmission cooler
• Power steering lines seeping, replaced
• Rear tire hoist rusted and steel wheel deteriorated, replaced assembly and wheel
• Front axle seals seeping, replaced
• Brake backing plates – rear – deteriorated. Replaced with 2 piece from Dorman
• Steering intermediate shaft and bearing collar clunking – probably could have lived with it but needed replacing and enhanced drivability and steering
• Center console lid – broken off at hinge, replaced
• Fog lights – broken and destroyed, replaced
• Daytime running lights and plugs – burnt and destroyed, replaced with LED
• Rear defrost non-functional, needed repair kit
• Rear lift gate and rear window pistons, failed and replaced
• Rear view mirror circuitry – solder joints failed and caused temp and compass to fail intermittently – replaced
• Hood ground strap
• Head lamp restoration/polish
• Lifter Valley Gasket

Things I upgraded for functionality

• Head unit and back up camera
• Internal LED replacements for courtesy lights
• Floor mats and cargo mats

This is great cause it gives me a list of stuff to check on mine (minus the 4wd, mine is a 06 Yukon XL, RWD, 5.3, 226k) I think my crank is starting to have wear, i know its not good, probably getting a new motor come tax season

 

[Aquamania001]

Hey guys,

About 3 months ago, I bought a 2003 Yukon XL to use as a 3rd vehicle. Over the course of those couple months, I have driven it regularly to work the bugs out. I thought I would post my list of findings so the next guys could have an idea what to look out for.

One note: this truck had about 200k miles, 5.3 4x4 SLE (basic, few options) and no real rust except for some bubbling near the passenger rear rocker. Frame, interior, under hood initial inspections were all relatively clean, so that's the baseline I started from.

Here are 3 categories of things I fixed or changed. The first is the category that I would think you should look into or may expect to have to repair on a truck to keep it running. If you're short on cash, this is the list I would focus on. The second list are those things you probably should take care of to improve safety, drivability, ease of use and reliability. The last list is a short group of things I improved on the truck but were in no way needed. By the way I'm not a mechanic, just my personal opinion from my experience with exactly one, old truck that seemed to be cared for in a pretty average way. Maybe it will help the next guy:

Things the truck needed to have fixed/maintained:

• Rotted Steel brake line
• Transfer case encoder ring – failed giving “Service 4wd” signal
• Intake manifold gasket failed – p0300 code
• Transmission filter and service
• Rear end service, replaced corroded bolts and cover
• Transfer case service
• Front differential service
• Engine oil service
• Alternator whining, replaced
• Replaced all 4 tires
• Serpentine belt, pulleys and tensioner
• Flushed coolant
• Upper and lower radiator hoses, thermostat
• Flushed brake fluid
• Spark plugs, wires
• PCV valve
• Windshield washer pump – leaking – replaced
• EVAP valve – broken with CEL - replaced

Things I could have lived with but addressed proactively:

• Replaced all calipers and rubber brake line hoses to calipers. They looked ok but figured I would get in front of any failures.
• Inner and outer tie rod ends – too easy not to replace preventatively
• End links had failed, replaced
• All 4 speakers inside the cab blow, replaced them
• Oil pressure sending unit leaking, replaced
• Oil cooler block off plate gasket leaking, replaced
• Exhaust manifold bolts broken, installed clamps and new bolts before any more broke off
• Transmission lines seeping at crimps, repaired and installed transmission cooler
• Power steering lines seeping, replaced
• Rear tire hoist rusted and steel wheel deteriorated, replaced assembly and wheel
• Front axle seals seeping, replaced
• Brake backing plates – rear – deteriorated. Replaced with 2 piece from Dorman
• Steering intermediate shaft and bearing collar clunking – probably could have lived with it but needed replacing and enhanced drivability and steering
• Center console lid – broken off at hinge, replaced
• Fog lights – broken and destroyed, replaced
• Daytime running lights and plugs – burnt and destroyed, replaced with LED
• Rear defrost non-functional, needed repair kit
• Rear lift gate and rear window pistons, failed and replaced
• Rear view mirror circuitry – solder joints failed and caused temp and compass to fail intermittently – replaced
• Hood ground strap
• Head lamp restoration/polish
• Lifter Valley Gasket

Things I upgraded for functionality

• Head unit and back up camera
• Internal LED replacements for courtesy lights
• Floor mats and cargo mats

I would say you have al the bases covered for a good daily driver! My baby has 304,6** miles on her as of this morning. I love driving this truck. I am with you on not having all the luxury doo-dads on her. Nice, simple driving vehicle. And rides smooth aslo!

 

[Eric Thomas]

Hey guys,

About 3 months ago, I bought a 2003 Yukon XL to use as a 3rd vehicle. Over the course of those couple months, I have driven it regularly to work the bugs out. I thought I would post my list of findings so the next guys could have an idea what to look out for.

One note: this truck had about 200k miles, 5.3 4x4 SLE (basic, few options) and no real rust except for some bubbling near the passenger rear rocker. Frame, interior, under hood initial inspections were all relatively clean, so that's the baseline I started from.

Here are 3 categories of things I fixed or changed. The first is the category that I would think you should look into or may expect to have to repair on a truck to keep it running. If you're short on cash, this is the list I would focus on. The second list are those things you probably should take care of to improve safety, drivability, ease of use and reliability. The last list is a short group of things I improved on the truck but were in no way needed. By the way I'm not a mechanic, just my personal opinion from my experience with exactly one, old truck that seemed to be cared for in a pretty average way. Maybe it will help the next guy:

Things the truck needed to have fixed/maintained:

• Rotted Steel brake line
• Transfer case encoder ring – failed giving “Service 4wd” signal
• Intake manifold gasket failed – p0300 code
• Transmission filter and service
• Rear end service, replaced corroded bolts and cover
• Transfer case service
• Front differential service
• Engine oil service
• Alternator whining, replaced
• Replaced all 4 tires
• Serpentine belt, pulleys and tensioner
• Flushed coolant
• Upper and lower radiator hoses, thermostat
• Flushed brake fluid
• Spark plugs, wires
• PCV valve
• Windshield washer pump – leaking – replaced
• EVAP valve – broken with CEL - replaced

Things I could have lived with but addressed proactively:

• Replaced all calipers and rubber brake line hoses to calipers. They looked ok but figured I would get in front of any failures.
• Inner and outer tie rod ends – too easy not to replace preventatively
• End links had failed, replaced
• All 4 speakers inside the cab blow, replaced them
• Oil pressure sending unit leaking, replaced
• Oil cooler block off plate gasket leaking, replaced
• Exhaust manifold bolts broken, installed clamps and new bolts before any more broke off
• Transmission lines seeping at crimps, repaired and installed transmission cooler
• Power steering lines seeping, replaced
• Rear tire hoist rusted and steel wheel deteriorated, replaced assembly and wheel
• Front axle seals seeping, replaced
• Brake backing plates – rear – deteriorated. Replaced with 2 piece from Dorman
• Steering intermediate shaft and bearing collar clunking – probably could have lived with it but needed replacing and enhanced drivability and steering
• Center console lid – broken off at hinge, replaced
• Fog lights – broken and destroyed, replaced
• Daytime running lights and plugs – burnt and destroyed, replaced with LED
• Rear defrost non-functional, needed repair kit
• Rear lift gate and rear window pistons, failed and replaced
• Rear view mirror circuitry – solder joints failed and caused temp and compass to fail intermittently – replaced
• Hood ground strap
• Head lamp restoration/polish
• Lifter Valley Gasket

Things I upgraded for functionality

• Head unit and back up camera
• Internal LED replacements for courtesy lights
• Floor mats and cargo mats

That's a long list but did most of this as well on my 03 Tahoe. But over time as I've had it 14 years. Good thinking on the brake lines as mine failed while driving down a side street.