I just picked up a 2003 GMT800 Yukon XL with the 8.1 and 4.10 gears. 162k miles. Absolute beast and a great family hauler and tow rig. $1k for new LED lights, head unit, backup camera, and tow mirrors and it will out tow and outwork a new SUV that costs 10x more.

@thechosen5805

Жыл бұрын

how much did you pay for the truck???

@epickleuva

Жыл бұрын

@@thechosen5805 $11k. It’s mint, been in Cali it’s whole life.

@rickbalderas7153

Жыл бұрын

wow that's awesome. I hope you never get rid of that thing

@epickleuva

Жыл бұрын

@@rickbalderas7153 I did 😂

@rickbalderas7153

Жыл бұрын

@@epickleuva I hope you made some good profit haha

Having owned many GMT800s, I can confirm his lack to fear towards taking this truck on long road trips. This rig is more reliable than most new cars, even with 300,000+ miles

@rickbalderas7153

Жыл бұрын

yup, i can attest to that. I have owned 4 GMT800s and never had any major problems with them. My dad had a 2003 single cab 4.8L 2wd that he would use for work and got that thing to right around 340k miles! My previous truck was a 2001 2500 6.0 crew cab 4x4, got rid of it at 265k miles, still ran strong

@sorryociffer

Жыл бұрын

I have an 05 Ford Excursion with the 6.8 V-10… also very reliable. Currently have 341k on it and I still get 13mpg highway…😂

@sorryociffer

10 ай бұрын

371k on my 8.1 2006 2500 Suburban

That 8.1 Yukon XL has two tanks, total 37gal, 345 hp 455 lb ft torque. If its equipped with the 4.10 rear, it's max towing is 12k.

@Mrpremiosneakers

10 ай бұрын

325hp and 477 torq A* 345hp is in the 6.0 in Escalade. Denali 335hp

I have pretty much the exact same truck. It's a 2006 Yukon xl 2500 with the 8.1 it's fully loaded and I absolutely love it. Tows our 26ft boat with 6 to 8 people inside and doesn't struggle at all.

@captainamericaamerica8090

Жыл бұрын

@Ky Christell V 1O! TRITON= 🐯🐯🐯👑👑👑

@jhomrich89

Жыл бұрын

@Ky Christell V10 or diesel even with the 6.0 diesel most of the known issues can be corrected unlike with the 5.4

@beptex2858

Жыл бұрын

8.1 Liter engine damn it’s big a 2500 Sierra gas has the 6.0 liter engine

@Blue-moon12

Жыл бұрын

I have a 1998 Ram 2500 8.0 V10. Love it and has never let me down and always maintained.

@Blue-moon12

Жыл бұрын

@Ky Christell 3v?

Love it. I just picked up a 2001 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1L w/ only 137K miles. Looking forward to a long life with it.

We owned 3/4 ton Suburbans from 2000 till 2020. They actually made the 3/4 ton package until 2014 when it ended with GM900 platform. The 2015 and up was only available as a fleet or government package and are extremely rare. The last one we owned was a 2005 that we had converted to diesel using a 2006 LBZ Duramax with the 6 speed Alllison transmission and 10.5" HD Rear Axle. The Diesel made it absolutely the best SUV on the planet. It towed our 38 foot Travel Trailer, took the kids to School and was just a great all around family vehicle. Plus, it was just the coolest rig that everyone asked about when sitting at the Diesel Pump.

@alale923

Жыл бұрын

Wow

@jackhall290

Жыл бұрын

My dream Off-Road/Camping/Hunting Rig is a GMT800 with a 6.6 Duramax and a 6 speed (or maybe 10 speed?) Allison, and also Quadrasteer even though I am WELL aware of how much of a pain it can be the system is just like the rest of the truck. ie- Looks/seems complex but the tech is old enough to be robust, but new enough to be luxurious too, and if you can turn a wrench you can be back on your way.

I’m glad that you’re driving it. Keep it & driving it. I would take this one over a new one anytime. Love the update, keep’m coming

Two words: Ike Gauntlet Absolutely awesome SUV. I have a huge GM fan and have a soft spot for these generations of trucks from that era. I currently own a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 with less than 129,000 miles and still runs. Awesome video Tommy and Brenden.

@Thumpr110

Жыл бұрын

Mine has over 360,000 on it. I still love it.

@thagerdorn2009

Жыл бұрын

"less than 129k and it still runs"...like that's some surprise to you? God I'd hope it still runs at that mileage. You must not know GMT800s are the best and most reliable trucks ever made. And most of them are over 200k and still going. The 4L60e is the downfall in these. They fail regularly. So be prepared to swap transmissions.

@SkinnySkinch

Жыл бұрын

@@thagerdorn2009 The 4L60 was only in the 1500s luckily. The 4L80 and up were solid trans actually

@thagerdorn2009

Жыл бұрын

@@SkinnySkinch read the original comment that I replied to...on a 1500 avalanche. It has a 4L60e...and some 2500s had 4l60es as well.

Who can afford new vehicles now days compared to 10 years ago. I can't. I have 06 Tahoe and 02 accord. Love them both.

We have 4 kids, 2 dogs and a 30ft camper to haul. Absolutely love our 02 yukon with the 8.1 family/camper hauler.

I like these vehicles I can pay cash for them, ins = 30$ a month, plates = 200$. The only risk is the chance of unexpected breakdowns, but with just the cost of tax and registration on a new car, you can pretty much cover any repairs.

@dbootypirate123

Жыл бұрын

I agree and have been doing so almost my entire life. Do have a newer vehicle for my long hauls but for work and around town….cheap.

@juliobello4561

Жыл бұрын

Easy to work on

@markm0000

Жыл бұрын

Alternatively buying a brand new car and keeping it for 40 years the average yearly cost is peanuts and it will last with preventative maintenance.

@dayjeremy

2 ай бұрын

​@@markm0000You're not going to make a brand new car last 40 years. They're not designed to last that long.

@markm0000

2 ай бұрын

@@dayjeremy did I stutter. Preventative maintenance. It will last if you know exactly how it wears out and what commonly breaks down. That’s why it’s good to buy the last model year of a car model once they’re off lease.

That makes me miss my 03 Chevy truck. I have had an 03, 15 and now an 18 all purchased new. I definitely agree the 03 had the best seats by far.

I owned a "GMT800" in Polo Green with a tan leather interior. What a magnificent truck!! It wasn't perfect, but I truly loved it. Probably the most comfortable ride of any of the trucks I've owned (which is many). The owner is right, you just don't get comfy seats like those anymore. All the seats in the newer trucks nowadays are too small and too firm. You notice how slim the center console is in the GMT800? That's to make room for the extra width of those fantastic seats. Still sad I got rid of mine, but it was having transfer case issues and I couldn't afford the repair bill at the time. Just looked online and one exactly like mine (1 owner, less than 60K miles) just sold for $24K. I think people are starting to remember how good these trucks really were and they're starting to command more money for good examples. Also, the Vortec 8100 was a monster. Absolutely loved the effortless power.

Great job showing the well built GMC, I wouldn't be scared to say you could get another 200,000 out of it.

What a unit, with all the features you need. these 8.1's are built well! Mine has 240k in my Silverado 2500HD pulls hard.

I just got home from pulling a camper with my 8.1 suburban. It was my first time really towing anything on the highway at all and I was beyond impressed with it. But it was THIRSTY.

These are great second vehicles for towing. I have 03 Yukon XL 8.1 with 253,000 and the power/torque when compared to a 5.3 is amazing. I tow a 7,500 lb boat and the 5.3 would pull it, but it would barely make it up big hills. The 8.1 should be in every suburban/Yukon xl.

My parents just bought the Suburban version of this for towing a camper they just got. Was one of the better deals on 2500 trucks one could get as of late. Went on a test drive with my dad in one with the 6.0L, and neither of us were as impressed with that as the 8.1 he managed to track down.

If it had a Duramax diesel from the factory, prices will certainly double

Brendan is a great addition to Tommy

@jameshalbirt5807

Жыл бұрын

100% agree, and great addition to the channel. Seeing the Auction stuff is great as well. Want more of that. And flipping the classics

@chaosseat

Жыл бұрын

@@jameshalbirt5807 And people in hell want ice water….

@CreampuffgameZ

Жыл бұрын

Could agree more !

@badandylaoc

Жыл бұрын

Think he's much better in fact

Great, reliable, suv, that is in terrific shape. At 300k things are working very well.

I have the 02 2500HD with the 8.1 and Allison, the 8.1 is a very reliable and impressive engine!! Sounds great with true dual straight pipes too!

@A2ZREY

Жыл бұрын

Your 2002 has a Allison transmission 4x4?

I had one of these in high school. It had 3 benches and we definitely crammed more than 9 people in it

Love it and actually didnt know or wasn't aware of this beast!!

Tough to find these in my area. Awesome tow vehicles. I’d like to see you do a tow comparison video with this.

I own a Ram 2500 8.0 V10 so I am familiar with all petrol stations within a 100 mile radius haha. However she has never let me down and she has 120k miles.

I own the 2004 GMC Yukon SLT 1500. It now has over 312,000 miles and still going strong. You're right the seats are plush, l have all the Bells and whistles even adjustable pedals. I've owned it now 18 years. And won't give it up! New ones are Way too expensive. Ridiculous

The 2000-2013 3/4 ton Suburban and Yukon XL had two tanks totaling 39 gallons. The 2016-2019 Suburban HD was for fleet and government use only. Check out a company called DuraBurb; they converted gas Suburbans and Yukon XL to diesel SUVs.

I have an 06 Yukon Denali. I love it!

I got a Yukon XL 1500 in the same color. Great trucks.

Brendan is a great addition to the channel!

We want a series of that beast🔥😍

This is cool. I own a 2010 Suburban 2500 & I wish it had the 8.1 instead of the 6.0.

Bought an 04 Avalanche 2500 new. One of the best trucks I ever owned….hands down. Only changed a headlight bulb on it. Towed exceptionally.

@thru7887

Жыл бұрын

I've heard most transmissions on avalanches are bad, what's your opinion since you own the best model of them?

That’s the truck that the feds came in to Bob Lee Swagger’s cabin in the movie “Shooter”.

The GMT-900 (08-14) for the SUVs still had a civilian version available but the K2XX (15-19) were only available for government. I think they should bump up the GVWR to increase tow ratings on some models in the current platforms.

I get 16litres per 100 kilometres on my 04 Tahoe stock motor and wheels. Hard to get oem parts for it, have to go after market (some time good and not so good) don’t have much of a choice. A lot of those parts where made in Southern Ontario Canada and I’m pretty sure those seats we have were made in my home town of Kitchener Ontario back in the day. Still holding up🙂

@blazerteam

Жыл бұрын

I have a 2003 Avalanche 1500,and i need a steering gear.Bought from redhead,and too much play from day one

I have a 03 silverado with 8.1 6 speed Allison. Less than 90k miles. 38 gallon fuel tank, average 7.1 mpg whether I'm towing or not. Tows fifth wheel effortlessly, i will own this truck as long as I own the fifth wheel. Seats are like sitting in a lazy boy.

My family had a 2000 model of the 2500 GMC Yukon XL with the 8.1 L V8 and not only did it carry my five siblings and my parents and myself with these but we would tow a trailer behind us when we would go camping And never had a problem climbing mountains it was great. I do remember driving it when I was first learning how to drive and it was pretty easy. Eventually my older siblings moved out and we no longer needed this large SUV but it was great when we had it. I think we average to around 11 mpg something like that. When my parents bought it though gas was like $.95 or a dollar at the time.

@dayjeremy

2 ай бұрын

Gas was around $2/gallon in 2000.

@SuperSnakePlissken

2 ай бұрын

@@dayjeremy Where?! LA? NY? Where I grew up in Florida it was less than a dollar until 9/11. After that it never was under $1.00 again and hovered around $1.10-1.20. When the US went into Iraq I remember it went to $1.60 in 2003. So, not sure where you are getting $2.00 unless you lived in a big blue city.

I love these SUVs so much

Nice score Big Steve...💪👍👍

Check if you have a leaf stuck in the hvac. I once fixed that sound by taking a leaf out that was stuck right above the cabin filter

There’s a handful of non fleet decked out 2500 burbans and yukon xls from 07-14 and up to 2018 or 19 for the suburban only

I'm considering a 02 Avalanche 2500 with the 8.1. 135k miles, 4x4, looks very clean. Guy wants 4k for it. Not gonna be using it as a daily, gonna be prepping it as an overland vehicle for a trip up north to snowy mountains. Devouring everything I can find about the 8.1 and the platforms it was used on

@ianspeckmaier9565

Жыл бұрын

Dude, I hope you bought that thing, any update?

@ryenkump2957

Жыл бұрын

Go to your bank and give the man his money!! ...$4000...what a deal. Or wait and get a suburban/yukon XL, you will have all the room you can want and then some left over

@Jojosdad

Жыл бұрын

Did you end up buying it?

@hotandnasty

Жыл бұрын

The rear seat pass through to the bed makes it more suv like than other trucks. Seems like a neat feature that makes sense for overlanding. I like the way both generation avalanches look. Would be interesting to see an 8.1 swap in a 2nd gen or an Escalade EXT. Supercharged and turbo charged would be the sickness! What an intimidating noise that dino-juice contraption would make!

Should only be another week before I can get my 05 Yukon Denali on the road. I want to drive it around a little bit before I submit some pictures and a story into TFL. Great story behind this truck got it for a bargain in possibly one of the lowest mileage GMT 800s in the United States. Cheers

I’ve been trying to tell people about the 8.1, I used to tow skidsters and small backhos with my 3500 flatbed for years, never had any issues and to this day it PULLS HARD. If gm would’ve doubled down on it instead of becoming all pussified it wouldve beat out everything but the diesels. To me this platform is much better suited for dedicated work trucks and vans considering the gas mileage is not justifiable if it’s not actively making you money.

I bought one of those (Suburban) back in 2002. I got 3mpg driving up a hill in Encinitas, CA and giggled the whole time it happened. I loved that thing, but eventually got rid of it in 2006. I have regretted it ever since! The only problem I had with it is that the instrument cluster failed at just over 36,000 miles - which the dealer replaced because we always went to them and had all the service done. But it made a sound very similar to that flapping noise before it completely went out.

@bldontmatter5319

Жыл бұрын

3mpg? Something was out of tune lmao

@armsdirectory

Жыл бұрын

@@bldontmatter5319 nah, it was on the instant economy readout as I climbed a steep hill. LoL

I have a 2010 Chevrolet suburban 2500 LT and it has leather and all the options that the LT had to offer,but I do agree that most of the 2500s were base models

I had to replace the hydroboost in my workhorse RV when I got it. I got a yukon hydroboost and split it and married it to the Workhorse bracket. My 2001 8.1L only has 35,000 miles on it.

cool truck! i have an 2004 factory ordered 8.1 silverado 3500 srw

gmt800 for life

I have one for sale In the Dallas/Fort worth area with 155k. Many new parts and rides like a dream. It’s from the Midwest so it does have some rust though but i drove it 18 hours while towing my car here from Wisconsin

Very nice clean truck

Great Truck!!!!

that clicking is likely a blend door actuator. I have an 05 duramax since new. Over time, the grease for the gear/stepper motor compromises the potentiometer causing the HVAC control module to lose visibility as to the position of the doors; there are modules four... the fresh/recirc is the most difficult to r/r so I replaced this unit and cleaned up the others (2015), the only unit to fail again was the dorman (meidiot) for the recirc door, went back to ACDELCO on that one. If you have a decent scan tool you can go into the hvac module and observe commanded v actual for the counts of each blend door. This dash is a snap to r&r. Other common failure is the stepper motors for the gauges another simple DIY fix as well, steppers are available on Amazon. MN plates made me sad, cannot imagine what the frame looks like.

@mikesweet5848

Жыл бұрын

Can just send out stepper motors. But yeah that blend door actuator might not make that noise if you switch between recirc mode and external. They also have noisy ambient air temp sensors for the auto climate. They look like tweeters in the headliner.

Put electric fans on it if you plane to tow in hot weather. And in traffic keeps ac blowing colder. Way want to put cold air intake. And headers I did on mine got little more power but picked up 3 mpg on the high way towing 28 foot in closed trailer.

Never understood why gm wouldn’t put the Allison in the suburban with the 8.1(they did in the pick ups) An extra gear really helps with towing and it puts power down better in town.

@compactc9

Жыл бұрын

I had heard it was because the transmission tunnel, unlike in the pickups which had a larger tunnel specifically for it. Apparently this was the reason the Duramax never went into a Suburban. I don't know how true any of this is, but I'm fairly sure that company that converts them to Duramax has to put a body lift on them to get it all to fit.

@jaredpaskavitch4647

Жыл бұрын

@@compactc9 I've also heard the same thing about the transmission tunnel. I believe the 8.1 in the yukons / suburbans also has less power because it's not hooked to an Alison.

@zacharyball8009

Жыл бұрын

@@compactc9 that makes sense. I have always wondered why they never put the Dmax in these SUVs to compete with the Ford Excursion.

@KalleSWBeck

Жыл бұрын

@@jaredpaskavitch4647 they actually have more because the 4l80 takes less power to turn

@techs1smh13

Жыл бұрын

@@compactc9 duraburb in Florida. And yes they have to put a small body lift to clear trans

i saw some of those with quadrasteer. similar to my 2003 chevy tahoe.

The 8.1 litre vortec 496 reigns Supreme by a long stretch compared to anything available today 340 hp and 455 torque at 3200rpm and built to stand the test of time had one in a motorhome a few years back and yes you will have to open wide for fuel especially these days... but the old saying goes you pay to play

I had a 2001 sierra 2500hd with the 8.1 and ZF 6 speed. I had that thing for 15 years and the only problem I ever had was a bad crank sensor.

@fastsilverado

2 ай бұрын

I have the same truck. My only problem is belt whine when it cold starts.

I do like it, sucks the gas but will tow anything

I wish you would mention the years of these vehicles!

With my GMT900 3/4 ton 4X4, it’s not the miles per gallon, but the smiles per gallon that count 😂

My RL gets about 11 mpg in town so don't feel bad.

Oil pressure looking a little low there. Love GMT800s

Don't forget there's superchargers for these and recommend watching the turbo 8.1 builds on KZread.

Needa a fan clutch. And it'll free up a few ponies. Maybe an mpg, too.

GMT900 2500 Suburbans/Yukon XLs did exist, but I'm pretty sure only with the 6.0L.

are you guys near boulder? that looks like Valmont power station in the background. Did some work there a few times as a Boilermaker. Also, if so, Switzerland trail is a good easy spot near there.

You can still get a 2500 but you need a fleet account. And the gas tank size is 38.5 gallons. The noise in your dash are the HVAC actuators.

@TFLclassics I have a 2003 2500 that ive owned for 2 years and have done a LOT of deferred maintenance and repairs on it and a ton of upgrades along the way. If you want some more info/insight on these, let me know I'd be happy to share! PLEASE do more videos on this, or even a series on it! These have almost NO representation on youtube!

They also once offered a 2500 Avalanche. Crazy stuff.

@mikesweet5848

Жыл бұрын

Saw one with a 5th wheel camper in the bed out in Crestone, CO. Not a joke man, cmon you know the thing.

@12masterr

Жыл бұрын

@@mikesweet5848 I have a 2004 avalanche 2500,and just installed a 5 wheel!

I want one of these so bad.

Great overview, any idea where I might source them original GMC rim caps?

The 3:73 gears don't give you all that high Rev fan noise and is faster on the hills.

In your owners manual it tells you where to order a disc for your navigation unit.

I have a '02 burb 3/4 ton 8.1 and I get 11-14 mpg and 8-10 when towing. Yeah it sucks but my '07 burb is gutless and still only gets 13-14 mpg when towing and not as comfortable. 310,000 miles on the '02 and still pulls like a train!

mine has a 2nd gas tank above the spare i guess its got a fuel pump in it as well ? unless gravity feeds into main coffin size tank ? that noise maybe air door blend actuator motor gears stripped out?

Love it...

I've owned my 01 since 03. I'd rather spend 20 grand restoring it than getting a new one. With restoration, it'll go another 20 years.

@brewcrew5854

3 ай бұрын

same here -how are steel lines underneath ?

@wisenber

3 ай бұрын

@@brewcrew5854 If you mean brakes, just swapped them in January. If you're talking frame, it's fine.

Got an 04' Silverado 1500 cateye 4.8liter V8 4l60e 243,3xx miles bought it july2020 with 186k it's my daily drive the piss out of it

I’ve worked on those next generation 2500 suburbans he’s referring to they are rare

worrying about the noise behind the dash in the heater? id be more worried about that HUGE crack in the windscreen!

I found one the but the MPG is scary with current gas prices

With gas prices, I’d say yeah

I have a 2003 Suburban 2500 LT 4x4 with a 6.0L. 158,000 miles. Bought a 2022 Tahoe for the wife. I prefer the 'Ol Sub.

I got a 2006 Tahoe and it’s more comfortable then my 2013 Silverado my opinion

494 cubic inches! Wow!!

Just carry an extra fuel pump, crank position sensor and a spare alternator.

My 02 has 350k. I wouldn't be afraid to drive it to any coast. And I live in IA👍

@georgeruggles3144

Жыл бұрын

Oh it's a GMC Yukon XL

I have 2001 Yukon XL 2500 with a 6.6

Is awesome. I have 02 Yukon XL 4X4 1500 has 236000 miles and still ran like champ.

Been looking for one and most are over 200k. I've found them to cost around $6-8k.

Put it in tow mode with overdrive off then smash the throttle.

What year is it? I just bought a 2001 8.1 gmc sierra with 217k and very well maintained. Runs like a dream.

Flapper control box. Pretty easy fix. Think the part was $12 from Amazon.

Looking for one of these. Hard to find in my area... .wore out or just not for sale

I think this purchase is primarily a prop for videos income. Only 1000 mi of use is the key. Deferred repairs and 8-12 mpg make this impractical for regular use. Hard to believe they still support $5k -$10k purchase prices.

@dannysmith9882

3 ай бұрын

You are exactly right. I got rough one a few years back, and its the epitome of deferred maintence. It would cost more to get it right than its worth, and is impractical to run with the gas mileage. I hardly use it.

I’d like a 2500 HD suburban with a Duramax in it.

Run the Ike with it!!!