Rebuild, replace, or buy a new Suburban?
Asked by Becky Dec 31, 2016 at 08:56 PM about the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
We have a 2002 Suburban Z71 with 325,000 miles. Interior and exterior show
wear, but we really love this vehicle! We have recently begun hearing a
pronounced knock on acceleration. (2000 rpms and above) We are trying to
decide if we should rebuild the existing motor, replace it with a rebuilt (possibly
a Jasper) or just replace the whole vehicle. We would replace it with a similar
year, just fewer miles. Is it worth putting the cash into our current one?
5 Answers
enginecreator answered 7 years ago
Knock on acceleration is usually lifter/pushrod knock so if its been maintained otherwise I would pull the valve covers and see if they are loose or need adjusting or replaced. It could buy you some time while you look around for that low mileage suburban.
enginecreator answered 7 years ago
Check those push rods for any bends, pull them out a roll on flat surface if it wobbles replace it.
A crate engine would be a good choice. I am not sure I would go with Jasper. I would be looking at Chevy factory crate motors if I planned on keeping this vehicle.
That kind of milage I would buy new...
I agree with F_O_R, look into getting a rebuilt engine from Chevrolet. Might cost a few more bucks, but should be worth it. You are aware that the transmission will likely be the next thing that fails along with the A/C system and the rear gears and axles aren't you? I wouldn't spend much on it if it were mine.
