PM Service on 1999 suburban

[sparkylisle]

I'm the new owner of this truck, it has 117k miles, and was previously owned by the gov't. No mtc records were available, so I've been researching the site, and I want to improve the reliability. So far I've come up with replacing the timing chain with timing gears, replacing the fan clutch and replacing the fan w/ a duramax one, re-locating the PMD, and re-placing the serpentine belt tensioner. Since I'm going to be working on the front of the engine, should I also replace the water pump?? I don't want to waste money on un-necessary repairs, just the stuff that should be done. Lastly, can anyone recommend a good diesel repair shop in Memphis, TN????

[DennisG01]

I replaced the water pump on mine - even though it was working fine. I figured there would never be a better time (currently my engine is out of the truck). I think I only paid about $95 for the HO pump from NAPA (it was also the only one they listed for my engine - it did have "HO" stamped on it).

[DA BIG ONE]

Anyway, Good truck indeed. Cooling system is up to any task throw at it but you should look at changing out thermostats, flushing system and fresh coolant. Hoses maybe border line only because of age; if you have rear heat then I suggest change out of those plastic tee's at rear passenger side top of motor.

If Autotrac, check vent is attached then drain and install fresh t-case lube.

If 4wd drain and flush diffs, check all vents to ensure they are attached.

My burb ran into a turbo control issue shortly after 68k so switched to turbo master manual controller from heath.

Figure on a remote mount FSD too.

My mods and PM are over board but I can go anywhere and not worry about getting back.

Good luck w/it.

[sparkylisle]

How do you like the 3.42 gears in the differentials?? Mine has 4.10's, good for accerleration, not so good for fuel consumption:eek:. I don't plan on doing any towing with it, so I was thinking about going to 3.42's.

[sparkylisle]

How do you like the 3.42 gears in the differentials?? Mine has 4.10's, good for accerleration, not so good for fuel consumption:eek:. I don't plan on doing any towing with it, so I was thinking about going to 3.42's.

[HammerWerf]

Sparky,

Given the milage on your truck, you might want to take a look at the serpentine belt drive pulley. Easy to view from the bottom. Just remove the splash plate under the radiator/engine. 4 15mm head bolts.

I just had the rubber in mine fail at 107K miles. created a vibration that got worse as you loaded the engine at idle: engage drive, turn on A/C. Vibration went away as the engine rpm's went up.

The failure I had was at the inner hub of the pulley.

Pictures can be made available if you wish.

HammerWerf

[DA BIG ONE]

How do you like the 3.42 gears in the differentials?? Mine has 4.10's, good for accerleration, not so good for fuel consumption:eek:. I don't plan on doing any towing with it, so I was thinking about going to 3.42's.

With my mods truck gets up and goes like has lower gears but I'll change back to 4.10's when I get time to do so.

3.42's w/stock dia. tires is good for mpg however larger dia. 33" tires cause trans shift point to be higher w/od + lockup at 65 mph which sux.