I have a 2009 Tahoe that is my daily. 226k miles and will serve me with many more. It is a 2WD truck that is lowered, so a different use case, but I think the 2010-2014 4WD trucks with the 6 speed are the last relatively simple, reliable Tahoes. You've already noted the disabling the AFM, which is the one large weakness until dealt with. If it is a well-maintained truck that's clean, I think they can provide hundreds of thousands of miles of relatively cheap usage. the coilover-style front end lends itself well to a modest level and 33's pretty easily through a Bilstein setup or similar.
GMT900 Overland build anyone?
- Thread starter socal4n4
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ThundahBeagle
Well-known member
Mine's a K2 pickup (2014-2018/19) but the coilover system is the same. 5.3 and 6 speed with Tow/Haul and Manual modes. I did the Bilstein setup with 33 inch BFG A/T LT load range "C" tires on 17 inch stock steel 7 spoke rims and I absolutely love it. Long over the road trips in all kinds of weather and light to moderate off-road use is quite within its capabilities and comfort zone. Really they are built for that, as the GMT 900 Tahoes, Yukons and Suburbans are all built on the pickup truck platform that ranchers and farmers have been using for decades.
Over 10 years and over 200k miles on mine. Just make sure to service the tranny!
ThundahBeagle
Well-known member
Ok, that's the newer steelie, correct? Seen them mainly on work T1's. And that's the size BFG I have, if I am not wrong.
The steelies are heavier than similar sized alloys, and the load range C BFG ko2's a bit heavier than highway tires. Probably amounts to a mpg penalty. Leveling the front and removing the chin under the front bumper dings your mpg still a little more.
But I drove home 55 miles in the pouring rain and cold last week without breaking traction. Waiting on measurable snow
southeastyukon
New member
I have a 13 Yukon XL Slt.....3 inch lift, 33s....12k winch and various other mods..... currently building a custom roof rack. I carry 3 kids, a wife and a 100lb dog everywhere in this thing. It has an LC9 5.3 with Afm and the 6l90e trans....truck has around 215k miles and was not maintained well before I got it at 180k.... but this truck is amazingly strong and super reliable, and i over maintain it now. The biggest issue I run into is aftermarket support.....while there is basic stuff out there, it isn't super plentiful without spending a ton, or going custom like my winch mount....that being said, this truck sees mud, beach, mountains, sand, water, everything and never fails to put a smile on my face, the power of the v8 can get me out of several hairy situations. But the size has gotten me in a bind a few times..... overall I'm super happy with it and wouldn't change platforms if I had to do it again.
ThundahBeagle
Well-known member
^^^ I feel like with these GM vehicles and of course other similar ones, there is so little NEEDED, just that some folks feel the need to "deck out" their vehicle. Theres not as much need with these
southeastyukon
New member
You're absolutely right though..... the small lift and the bigger tires is really all that's needed to be a very capable rig. Def don't need any drivetrain mods, just proper maintenance. I'm building the larger roof rack because we travel heavy on and off road and need the space for gear.
Dmski
Adventurer
I never thought I'd see myself here but the white Yukon build is epic. I've been contemplating a 100 series, 4th gen 4runner or potentially a GMT8-900. In the past i've owned Nissan's and loved them, but with a growing family of 4 I'd like to be comfy on the highway with somewhat decent mileage, be able to tow a small travel trailer like a casita and still be able to wheel on blue trails. I'm thinking this platform is a tad large, but god to I love seeing some of these monster truck builds. So unusual and fun! Who has had experience in comparison with the Toyota reliability?
phsycle
Adventurer
A family member in the construction business has always had GM trucks. Took them to 200k without issue. They may nickel and dime you, but parts are plentiful and fixes are cheap and/or easy.
For a family of 4, the only Toyota I’d look at is the Sequoia or Tundra. But once you get in a Suburban, it’ll be hard to accept any less room. I’d get a 2013-2014 Suburban. Or 00-06 Burb’s are great as well but harder to find a clean one.