Tahoe Z71 or Yukon AT4?

totally agree on the GM 6.0
Bought this 07 3500 dually new in late 06 for my farmers market business. Only issue I had was the clunking steering column (warranty) water pump and transmission replaced at 105K and some other small, minor repairs. I replaced the plugs and wires at 260k Miles. Sold it about 3 months ago with 310k miles for $7500

 

I agree on all points. if you need the Yukon XL, Expedition max, Suburban, or Escalade ESV room behind the third row, the LC/Sequoia is out. And the bench 2nd row can be a pain.

 

Yep we’ve had 4 6.0’s and they all have been bulletproof.

Honestly if GM made a 2500 Suburban/Yukon again, it’d be a no brainer that’s what I’d choose if I needed a big 3 row SUV. Most 3 row SUV’s don’t have enough payload to haul a family and a decent sized trailer (boat/camper). That’s where the old 2500’s shined

Sadly GM limits the new 2500 SUV’s to Govt and fleet buyers.

 

So far I have 21k miles on my 2020 2500 HD with 6.6 gas. Absolutely zero problems so far. Really impressed with it over the 6.0's.

 

If the new Tundra doesn’t blow me away and have good payload/towing, I think the 6.6 will be my next truck.
Been waiting for GM to put the 10 speed behind it, and I’ll probably be ready to pull the trigger

 

I would be careful what you wish for.....

We have a handful of 7.3 Fords at work, as well as 6.6 Chevy. There is a ton of potential with the 7.3 admittedly......

However, our guys are not a fan of the 10 speeds when towing. There is a lot of shifting happening and not the smoothest once you get weight on them. Our guys over time actually prefer the 6.6/6 speed combo. Sure the Ford has more power, but like towing with the 6.6 better. We have had absolutely zero problems with the new HD's. Can't say the same about our new Fords with 7.3.

Long story short, I know 10 speeds sounds good, but these gasoline engines still do not have the torque to hold gears like their diesel counter parts. I also prefer my 6 speed in the Tundra and in my HD.

 

Escalades are nice but have one of the highest depreciation rates of any vehicle with 4 wheels.....and was the primary vehicle of choice they used in Bait Car........

 

I don't know about the HDs but, from what I've read, GM did a better job of their version of the 10 speeds in their 1500s than Ford did in the 150s.

 

I assume the Fords gear hunting when towing with the 10 speed?

I was thinking the 7.3/10 speed/4.30 gears would be a nice combo

Thanks for your first hand experience. I test drove a 7.3/10 speed/4.30 on regular (non Tremor) tires and it felt snappy. I also test drove a 6.6/6 speed/3.73 and it left me wanting a little more. I chalked it up to GM going from 4.10’s in the 6.0 to 3.73’s on the 6.6. The 10 speed GM’s I’ve drove have had better programming than Ford 10 speeds. Maybe Ford did a lazy job programming the 10 speed under load.

I didn’t tow with either, just regular test drive. I appreciate your first had experience especially with towing between the 6 speed and 10 speed.

I haven’t towed with our Cruiser, but I prefer the 8 speed behind the 5.7 in regular everyday driving. Hard to compare apples to apples since one is a SUV and a Truck, but I’m still happy with the 5.7/6 speed in the Tundra for my needs

 

Overall they don’t. I have been in the Ford game for 23 years now. Biggest issue was with the Cam phasers in the 5.4s but that came at the higher mileage numbers.
GM went sideways when they decided to use Active Fuel Management. I disable that immediately. I have had tons of Ford’s and Chevys over the years. Our current Suburban has been the most problematic. No deal breakers yet but the Expedition was a better nicer vehicle.
The Ecoboost Expeditions do have quite a bit of oil blow by and should come from the factory with a catch can but that is a simple $150 fix from JLT.

This coming from someone who has actually owned all the vehicles in this discussion and have always been very active in their communities.

Not just a Ford and Chevy suck guy nor am I am Ford or Chevy are the best guy.
I realize they both have their issues as does every car maker.

 

Depending of Escalade. This bad boy just came off the truck. Customer ordered it back In January and just got it today. It’s a beauty but I would never own one after working here at a GM dealership

 

$108k SUV and it's 2wd...

 

.....and it will depreciate 40% to 50% in 4 years during normal times...which will return

 

Oh yeah. And all kinds of electrical headaches.

 

I would agree with your assessment. Just driving around the 7.3 will feel stronger. I can't say that my 6.6 is an absolute hot rod. It is still pretty dang stout.

The gear hunting I am referring to is in regards to when you have 10k pounds and more hooked to it. When our guys hook one of the felling trailers with a roller or what not....

Both engines are advancements in the HD world and will cut into the diesel need for some.

 

This is the way.

pretty sure it would be way more reliable

 

Told the wifey she can have my 20 Pro and I’ll get me a 23 Pro. She said “NOPE! I want the new Sequoia”

she had a 02 Sequoia for almost 10 years. No engine issues at at all.
Just the normal service, brakes, and tail gate latch/handle.

 

Past models and years yes. In the current environment this black on black sport is worth $15k more than what I paid. Definitely tempted to list it soon.

 

Hey man, so I’m looking at a Yukon AT4 right now that does NOT have the air suspension. Curious on why you say not to get it? Just risk of problems down the road?

 

Just talked with the Gm Service manager about the lifters, he didn’t deny it, said there was a bunch of Vins from like August to Feb where they tracked it back to and have fixed the problems in the new productions. He’s a family member so I trust his opinion. Just thought I’d throw it out there for your thoughts. Also, I’ve found one that is going to be produced second week of July. Can I PM you the spec sheet? See if you see anything I should have or don’t have? Particularly I don’t see the air suspension and I’m curious on if that’s a should get or a stay the hell away from. I want this thing to drive like a dream for the $$$

 

Exactly! I know first hand the Lx470 cost $2k to replace bags after leaking, and considering GM's history of using less expensive parts I would not be surprised if they went out in 5 year span. Where as a straight coil and strut suspension is simple and cheap to replace. So it costs more upfront, costs more to repair and has a greater risk of failing sooner.

 

Perfect, that’s what I was thinking to. My honest thoughts are to trade this in close to the end of the warranty or buy the extended for peace of mind. Granted I’m spoiled with driving Toyota and Lexus for the last 12 years . Wonder how much of a difference it makes in ride quality.

 

Be sure to get a catch can for the blow-by
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV5DuAUJIsE

 

Trust me, I’m not thrilled buying a potentially unreliable vehicle.

Truth of the matter. The Expedition is a Ford which I won’t buy and it looks like a grown up Scion XB. The Sequoia looks like a Beluga whale with as much outdated tech as our Tundras and I can’t afford an Escalade. The infinity SUV also looks like a big foreheaded bug and the Lexus LX is even further outdated than our trucks. Yukon and the Tahoe are the only tech updated, family hauler and capable tow vehicles left… At least the AT4 and Z71 look better and can take a trail for camping/towing the boat. Plus my wife never complains when I drop money into my truck so gotta give her this one and let her win. As much as I don’t want to.

 

I agree! Just sharing what I would do if I were in your shoes... Like you said, keep a warranty on it, install a catch can, decline the air-ride and be aware of the common problems people have.

 

My thoughts exactly and freaking cringe signing that paper work lol.

 

shoot me the last 8 of the VIN and I'll see if I can get you the build sheet.

 

Just for giggles. Here’s a 2021 Tahoe with 4500 miles with the 5.3

lifters and push rods. Just like the other 7 that just left here. Still got three more to get in the shop.