97 Suburban, a couple small things

[PhotoDude]

Hi All

I've been checking Craig's List for over two months looking for a solid used Suburban, and I finally jumped on a 97 with 119,000 miles for 6k.

It is a K1500, (honestly, I have yet to figure out the difference between the 1500 and 2500, 1/2 ton 3/4 ton {what does that mean?}). It has leather and all of the options. Everything works great, the transmission shifts smooth and it is a great ride. I am replacing a Jeep grand cherokee that could never quite handle all of my photo gear.

So a couple of things. Some of the lights in the radio display are dead. I removed the unit, disassembled it and found that the bulbs are not replaceable. I went to the junk yard and got another for $40, and guess what? Its got dead bulbs too. A common problem I suppose? It kind of bugs me, but otherwise the audio sounds great. If anyone know how this can be fixed without spending a ton of $$, pleae fill me in. I don't want to try and solder replacements since I'm not that skilled with miniature soldering.

Also - the seller sent me an email after the purchase saying that he only put super premium gas in otherwise it pings. Its cool here now, but I filled it with regular and no pinging so far. I suppose this might crop up when it gets warm. What fuel do most run their suburban's on?

Anyway, I really like the rig. It has all the space I need and seems to run like a champ.

Thanks in Advnace.

MD

[Old Dave]

Originally Posted by PhotoDude

Hi All

I've been checking Craig's List for over two months looking for a solid used Suburban, and I finally jumped on a 97 with 119,000 miles for 6k.

It is a K1500, (honestly, I have yet to figure out the difference between the 1500 and 2500, 1/2 ton 3/4 ton {what does that mean?}). It has leather and all of the options. Everything works great, the transmission shifts smooth and it is a great ride. I am replacing a Jeep grand cherokee that could never quite handle all of my photo gear.

So a couple of things. Some of the lights in the radio display are dead. I removed the unit, disassembled it and found that the bulbs are not replaceable. I went to the junk yard and got another for $40, and guess what? Its got dead bulbs too. A common problem I suppose? It kind of bugs me, but otherwise the audio sounds great. If anyone know how this can be fixed without spending a ton of $$, pleae fill me in. I don't want to try and solder replacements since I'm not that skilled with miniature soldering.

Also - the seller sent me an email after the purchase saying that he only put super premium gas in otherwise it pings. Its cool here now, but I filled it with regular and no pinging so far. I suppose this might crop up when it gets warm. What fuel do most run their suburban's on?

Anyway, I really like the rig. It has all the space I need and seems to run like a champ.

Thanks in Advnace.

MD

Check out this link for the bulbs and instructions.http://www.corvetteradios.com/Page7.html
I have never run anything but 87 octane in my 97 Sburban 5.7L with 117K and it's never pinged. You might watch the upper intake manifold gaskets that are prone to leaking coolant. They usually start leaking on the ground or garage floor first. I replaced mine a year ago when it had 106K on it. Good luck, we love ours.

[PhotoDude]

Old Dave,

Thanks for the great reply. Nice info.

Best

MD