Two Door Tahoe Reliability

[tristan]

Hi, everyone! I've been looking through the forums lately and have decided that I really want a 94 - 99 year Tahoe (or Yukon) for when I turn 16. I've talked to my dad and he swears up and down that we shouldn't get one of the vehicles because after 100k miles, their transmissions and such are known to start failing.

Apparently, my Mom's old Tahoe, Grandmother's Suburban, and Dad's Silverado all had the same-ish problem.

So, I guess what I'm asking is, if we do end up with one of these, would the transmission or something most likely need to be rebuilt or replaced? Aaand, if so, how much would these things cost.

Thanks!

 

[SunlitComet]

depend on it health and maintenance history. some last longer and some shorter Mine went some 230k+ miles. but when it failed it went from working to limping to the shop in less then 40 minutes. the rebuilt ones from gm itself will cost about $1900 iirc from a dealer for the part.

 

[Gzes]

Mine is a workhorse an never has given me problems even when the engine had no pressure and the trans blew was still limping around. Get one they are strong and don't give in like at all

 

[bowtiefreak]

Depends on the previous owner and how well it was treated and maintained

 

[00Caddy]

I bought a 97 Yukon with 140k on the clock and the trans went at 180k. So what im saying is mine lasted 180k before it crapped out. It crapped out on me becuase of improper maintenance on my part lol... I chose to rebuild it myself and it cost roughly 1000$. That is with replacing all the parts with the better quality pieces. It all depends on previous maintenance and the proper maintenance when you own it.

 

[Huntin Truck]

You cannot ask for a better vehicle. Yes there are issues with the transmission but guess what...there are issues with every vehicle out there. Especially vehicles that old. Every manufacturer has issues. Ford sedans break coil springs. Ford trucks have oil sludging and spark plug issues, Honda's burn up transmissions and the list goes on and on.

The questions you and your parents have to ask are "How much will the common issues cost to fix and is the vehicle worth it?"

I run a shop and we rebuild transmissions. The transmission is a 4L60E and the main weakness is a drum that is too thin at the hub and it will strip and actually tear. There is an aftermarket drum that has a reinforced hub. Make sure that your rebuilder installs that drum. I would also recommend a shift kit and rebuilt torque converter. The typical customer cost for a complete rebuild with the above upgrades is $2700. That is with having us R&R the tranny.

 

[bowtiefreak]

I've owned my tahoe for 15 years. I like it. Went to buy a new truck....bought another 97, but a suburban.

 

[PsychoPimpKiller]

I've had my 97 Tahoe for almost 9 years now. I bought it with 151,*** miles on it and it now has 191,*** on it. I've had to replace the starter, fuel pump, steering box and a handful of other important but not major items. I love it and I can't imagine myself without it.

 

[xanatost]

I have owned mine for about 5 years. When I got her the sun shell was striped (common problem with 4l60e's) I paid 1000 bucks and had 75,000 miles on her. I researched the weak points with these transmissions and ordered better parts and rebuilt the transmission my self. Its not that hard to rebuild one (easier than rebuilding a motor IMO) and for around 500 bucks, and one day of work I got a Tahoe that will be with me to the day I die. I take mine on trail rides and camping adventures. She never left me on a trail or stuck in the middle of no ware. Keep the maintaince up and you will have one of the best truck you will ever own. For a first car you cant beat it. It will teach you and if you start moding it, one of the best looking SUV's one the road.

 

[Nak]

If you don't know the maintenance history, EVERY auto transmission in the world is suspect after 100K. If maintained properly these trannys will go quite a long time. Mine has 220K, and the tranny is just now starting to go. (1992 2 door Blazer.) But then again, I installed an aftermarket Tranny cooler and changed the oil every 30K and the filter every 60K. (I put a drain plug on the pan first thing.) I did a lot of towing the first 100K, not so much the second 100K. This truck has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. Keep the oil changed and keep it cool and the tranny should last 200K or better.