Thoughts on a GMT900 or a K2 platform?

[Stormhammer]

Lately have been in need of a 3rd row vehicle for daily life, but still want to go off the beaten path ( not needing storage stuff in the back etc like a full overland build )

Was looking into the Tahoe/Suburban z71s - from the GMT900, to the K2xx ones. I know the Displacement On Demand can be a sticking point ( but lots of deleting options there ).

What are the limitations I would be looking at say, compered to a Seqouia?

 

[p nut]

I went through the same quandary years ago and ended up with a 2nd gen Sequoia.
It’s my daily driver but I do take it camping in UT, CO, AZ, NV, usually traveling on dirt roads.
It’s been great for what I use it for. Lots of space for the family and cargo. And surprisingly capable off road. I like the beefy suspension, 10.5” rear end, and aftermarket support.

Having said that. If I were to do it again, I’d probably go for a GMT800 or 900 Suburban. Mainly due to cargo room. With the 3rd row up, there is almost no room behind the seats (same with the Tahoe). Additionally, I appreciate the parts availability no matter where you’re at.

So in my order of preference, it’d be Suburban, Sequoia, then Tahoe.

For the Suburban, I would probably shoot for 2013-2014. From my research, the earlier ones had more issues. GMT800’s in good shape and low miles are getting harder to come by. Otherwise, I’d consider those as well.
And I’d probably stick with the 1/2 tons for the better ride. Unless you ride loaded down all the time.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I have a K2 GMC Sierra. Love it as a truck. While the interior cabin of the gmt900 is less tech heavy, its still a great truck. I've seen the 2015 and up suburbans and Tahoes. They do not have the same interior as the K2 trucks. And while "comfortable", the driver/front passenger area is just too busy and tight for me, for a full size.

The GMT900 has more simple interior with more room up front.

My 2014 DOD K2 has over 215,000 miles on it and thank God I've suffered no I'll effects from it. Did have to replace the transmission about 25k miles ago, though. I think, the later 900's also have an earlier version of DOD, but it's called AFM. Same idea.

If I am not wrong, the GMT 900 with the 6.2 motor does not have AFM/DOD, so, if you get a higher end (Denail?) Or a 2500, you may have that as an engine option and no DOD worries. Plus the added durability and haul capacity of a 2500

 

[Stormhammer]

I think the 2500

I have a K2 GMC Sierra. Love it as a truck. While the interior cabin of the gmt900 is less tech heavy, its still a great truck. I've seen the 2015 and up suburbans and Tahoes. They do not have the same interior as the K2 trucks. And while "comfortable", the driver/front passenger area is just too busy and tight for me, for a full size.

The GMT900 has more simple interior with more room up front.

My 2014 DOD K2 has over 215,000 miles on it and thank God I've suffered no I'll effects from it. Did have to replace the transmission about 25k miles ago, though. I think, the later 900's also have an earlier version of DOD, but it's called AFM. Same idea.

If I am not wrong, the GMT 900 with the 6.2 motor does not have AFM/DOD, so, if you get a higher end (Denail?) Or a 2500, you may have that as an engine option and no DOD worries. Plus the added durability and haul capacity of a 2500

I believe the 2500 has a 6.0? and Yukons and Escalades have the 6.2 ( same with the RST ) on the 15+

 

[Klutch7]

I have a 2009 Tahoe with 226k on it. No AFM/DOD issues, but I occasionally get a sticky lifter if it sits for a while. Otherwise, it has received fluid changes, brakes and tires. Love the truck. Mine is an LS with cloth seats, front bench, and no frills, which is part of the reason I think it's been so reliable. It is a 100% street driver, but if I wanted something for daily use & occasional adventure travel, I'd look for a 2010-2014 LS or LT Suburban and budget in a mechanical delete of the AFM, or a 2007-2009 Suburban LTZ, Denali or Escalade with the 6.2L because it came without DOD/AFM - later years had them. The latter is going to be more complicated, though. You could also look for a GMT900 Suburban/Yukon 2500 which will command a premium, but have stout running gear and no AFM across the year range. The trade off is lower fuel economy and a bit stiffer ride (can't remember if the front maintains the coilover setup like the 1500s, or goes back to torsion bar like the 2500 trucks).

 

[ThundahBeagle]

I have a 2009 Tahoe with 226k on it. No AFM/DOD issues, but I occasionally get a sticky lifter if it sits for a while. Otherwise, it has received fluid changes, brakes and tires. Love the truck. Mine is an LS with cloth seats, front bench, and no frills, which is part of the reason I think it's been so reliable. It is a 100% street driver, but if I wanted something for daily use & occasional adventure travel, I'd look for a 2010-2014 LS or LT Suburban and budget in a mechanical delete of the AFM, or a 2007-2009 Suburban LTZ, Denali or Escalade with the 6.2L because it came without DOD/AFM - later years had them. The latter is going to be more complicated, though. You could also look for a GMT900 Suburban/Yukon 2500 which will command a premium, but have stout running gear and no AFM across the year range. The trade off is lower fuel economy and a bit stiffer ride (can't remember if the front maintains the coilover setup like the 1500s, or goes back to torsion bar like the 2500 trucks).

That's what I'm talking 'bout! And I have a K2. I've been fortunate. My neighbor is a mechanic and has a GMT900 Tahoe, but it is highest end and I believe its the 6.2. Granted, he only commutes about 4 miles a day, but that thing is too top, museum quality