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 Advance.

MD

[PhotoDude]

I'm not sure why this double posted.