1998 Suburban

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hardworking - 27 Mar 2005 22:25 GMT

Just bought a 1998 GMC Suburban with 86k miles. Good shape but am wondering
if I need to do any preventive maintenance on this vehicle. I would rather
have it in the shop at the time of my choosing rather than out on the
highway with a toeing charge plus repair and a screwed up vacation. Maybe
I am being paranoid. Ive seen all the old GM repair records on this VIN and
see nothing major, granted this does not show any non-oem repairs.

Several things come to mind....water pump, fuel pump, alternator...engine,
transmission. :)

just wondering what others have had go out.

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(Pete Cresswell) - 27 Mar 2005 22:35 GMT

Per hardworking:

> Maybe
>I am being paranoid. Ive seen all the old GM repair records on this VIN and
>see nothing major, granted this does not show any non-oem repairs.

I don't think you are paranoid. I'm coming up on 130k on my 98 (bought
new...first and alst car I'll ever buy new...) and have discovered a few
design-related failure points.

>Several things come to mind....water pump, fuel pump, alternator...engine,
>transmission. :)

Trans: If it has the 4L60 trans and the valve body hasn't been re-sleeved (GM
doesn't do this, they just replace it) I'd expect failure about every 30k miles.

Wiper Board: If your wipers get weird, I'd replace the board rather than fixing
it. I fixed mine twice, but it didn't stay fixed. I think it's something
about the basic structure of the original board and vibration.

Intake Manifold: Mine failed at about 80k. Shop said they're known for that.

Water Pump: I did a premptive replacement when the intake manifold went.

Fuel Pump: I did a premtive replacement at about 100k. No particular reason -
just figured it couldn't last forever....

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PeteCresswell

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hardworking - 27 Mar 2005 23:44 GMT

I have the 4x4 with the 350 engine. how do I tell if I have the 4l60
transmission. I would guess it is not because I do not see this on the GM
extended warrantee tickets...

> Per hardworking:
>> Maybe
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> reason -
> just figured it couldn't last forever....

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hardworking - 28 Mar 2005 00:51 GMT

Pete,

thanks for the info...

All vehicles, and for that matter, everything has design related failure
points. Does your seatbelt warning lite work? Mine stays on for 55
seconds and then goes out per manual as though the belt is not fastened.
Ive checked the belt latch switch and this bugs open for belt in and closed
for belt out. Since open is belt buckled, I suspect some module is out but
dont know where.

How do I know if the automatic rearview mirror is working. The green led to
the right of the temp switch does not glow and I am wondering if the thing
is broken?

The vehicle came with new tires that have 44 psi max inflation spec, Ive
been running at 36 and am wondering if I could push up to 40psi for better
gas mileage. For now, I am seeing 16.5 mpg on the freeway. Is this normal.
I didnt buy for gas mileage, but any hints would be appreciated

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(Pete Cresswell) - 28 Mar 2005 02:17 GMT

Per hardworking:

> Does your seatbelt warning lite work?

Probably not because one of the first things I did after purchasing the vehicle
was crawl under the dashboard, find the module responsible for the audible alert
and disconnect it and I'm guessing the same module controls the lite.

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PeteCresswell

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ajeeperman@comcast.net - 28 Mar 2005 02:18 GMT

I would have the transmission fluid and filter changed.
old john

> Just bought a 1998 GMC Suburban with 86k miles. Good shape but am wondering
> if I need to do any preventive maintenance on this vehicle. I would rather
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> just wondering what others have had go out.

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