Chevy or GMC: the same basics???

[buccaneer1]

First things first: what is the difference between the GMC model and the Chevy? All I really need to know is if they are basically the same. Also, I own a '99 GMC Suburban and also have an AC problem. The front does not work (lukewarm air) and the back runs normal. I can't figure out why it would do that. At first I thought they were running on dual compressors, but thanks to this site I figured out that is not the case. What is the first thing I should do to pinpoint the problem???
Can anybody help???

[suburban_lee]

Originally Posted by buccaneer1

First things first: what is the difference between the GMC model and the Chevy? All I really need to know is if they are basically the same. Also, I own a '99 GMC Suburban and also have an AC problem. The front does not work (lukewarm air) and the back runs normal. I can't figure out why it would do that. At first I thought they were running on dual compressors, but thanks to this site I figured out that is not the case. What is the first thing I should do to pinpoint the problem???
Can anybody help???

I owned a '95 GMC and followed it with a '99 Chevy which I am still running. I swear up and down that the GMC was a better vehicle, but that's insanity. I don't know of any difference with the older models.

I've never had the heater box out of either truck, but stopping the heat is eather going to operate on a heater control valve, or more likely, a door that closes off the heater core portion of the compartment when the temperature dial is on cold. In any case, find your heater hoses where they enter the firewall and clamp one closed with a pair of vice grips. See if that improves the temperature of the air coming out of the front unit. If not, maybe an expansion valve problem in the front - they're inline and cheap, but you'll have to evacuate the system to change it. If clamping the heater hose works, you're either going to have to fix the culprit of the heat leaking through or put an inline manual valve on the heater hose if you don't mind that sort of approach.

[buccaneer1]

Thanks a lot. We'll give it a try later today...

[Dirtsled]

They are the same for the most part except fo rthe obvious, BUT they are built by different people at a different place under different management.

I own both and always have, I have to say something about my GMC's make me more partial to them and when I'm shopping I always look for the GMC version first..

[buccaneer1]

Dirtsled,
did you ever have an a/c problem like I discribed above?

[spudglo08]

Originally Posted by Dirtsled

They are the same for the most part except fo rthe obvious, BUT they are built by different people at a different place under different management.

I own both and always have, I have to say something about my GMC's make me more partial to them and when I'm shopping I always look for the GMC version first..

No they are built in the same plants by the same people under the same management that make Escalades H2's Thahos and Suburbans.Only differences are cosmetic and different option pacages (excluding sclades and h2's).Like front sheetmetal and bumpers.

[Dirtsled]

buccaneer1 - not yet

spudglo08 - I'm wrong your right, MY two vehicles were manufactured in different places.

[Eggert]

Hi,
the GMC line has more and higher end options, like the passenger compartment air filters and the Denali trim level with projector headlights.

Take care, Eggert

[buccaneer1]

A/C update: Got A/C looked at by local repair shop. They said I needed 3.5 pounds of freeon and dye to find leak. Called mechanic friend of mine. He said system only holds about 2 pounds. He filled it, injected dye and verdict is still out.
P.S. A/C works fantasitc now... :-)

[jsnowbordr47]

yeah basically the GMC is just the more upscale version of the Chevy line, kinda like mercury is just a nice ford. However I prefer the Chevy trucks, my family has alway had a at least one chevy dating back to my grandfather's 1966 Caprice. My dad even drove a Chevy Vega, he said he went through 12 quarts of oil during a trip to Arizona.lol Also I think that the Cheverolet looks nicer then the big red GMC. And i've also had better experiences in sales and services at the Chevy dealers. I have a 95 Chevy Suburban, and my friend had a 95 GMC Suburban. I think his was built at the mexico plant because his vin number started with 3. Anyway his was a lemon and they had to get rid of it. But honestly GMC or Chevy no matter what they're both still Great GM Products.!!!