1998 Chevrolet Suburban 6.5l Diesel, 4x4, Hard To Find 1500 3:42, 3/4 Ton Rated on 2040-cars

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I am selling my 1998 Chevy Suburban 1500 6.5L turbo diesel 4x4 (electronic), this is technically a 2500 as it has 8-lug wheels with a 14 bolt 9.5 rear axle & 3:42 gears with the same frame and suspension as the 2500. The only difference between the 90s model year diesel Suburban 1500 and 2500, is the 2500 has the 14 bolt 10.5 w/3:73 or 4:10 gears and 2500 badge. The two are both rated at 3/4 ton, just mine has a 1500 badged with 3:42 gears from the factory with a GVW of 8050 lbs (2500 is 8600 lbs). So this would still make a good tow rig as it is a 3/4 ton Suburban. This is 100% factory, the diesel was a rare beast that was still a 3/4 ton, but had a 1500 badge. The 1500 is also more rare and with the 3:42 gears it makes a great cruising truck for those long road trips for fuel mileage. Average if you keep from rolling coal is about 18mpg.

This has "F" code L65 no EGR engine with a 4L60e transmission, the PMD has been  relocated to under the bumper. I replaced the motor mounts with Energy Suspension polyurethane motor mounts, not the cheap rubber ones so they will last ($400). There is a slight oil leak on one of the cooler lines near the front cooler. I have the replacement lines, but never changed it out. The ABS light is on, but brakes are fine and were recently replaced by the previous owner. These are the only two issues, otherwise the truck is fine. Starts every time and runs great as it was always well maintained with regular oil changes using Rotella with backflow valve oil filter. I just did a trans service on it, the previous owner also kept up with them.

The 4X4 works well and both Hi and Low function normally, it is electronic shifting. This also has a 4x4 auto that I have used in heavy rain and helps to get traction when starting. It does shift into and out of neutral with the crazy method as found in the manual. I have tested the neutral shift just in case I ever needed to put it into neutral. 

The previous owner spent some money modifying the truck as well. From Heath Diesel we have; Super Flow 4" exhaust, 2-1/2" cross over for Turbo, BOSH high output injectors, Max E Tork programming and spring actuated waste gate. It used to have a K&N filter, but it was getting old and I just replaced it with a OEM filter.

It has leather interior with power driver seats, windows, locks, cruise, title wheel, etc. (See window sticker picture). Aftermarket radio with MP3/CD/USB and good speakers. I added large trailer tow mirrors and are powered ($250). Driver seat has the common tear on the side and a rip in the rear seat center, also has the third row seat. All the seats move correctly and leather is still good. The visors are wearing out, but still work (mirror is missing from driver visor). The interior is in good shape for it's age and seems to have never been smoked in. The guy I got it from did not smoke and the ash trays are clean.

I replaced the wheels with 17" H2 alloy with BF Goodrich All Terrain M/T tires. These are 8-lug and fit perfectly on the Suburban and look great. I will include the original 16" wheels and still good tread 245/75R16 tires. I just wanted the cooler look of the H2 wheels.

The paint clear coat is starting to peal on the passenger front fender. You can see this in one of the images above.

Runs and drives great and been a daily driver since I have owned it. I really hate to sell it, but I need to part with one vehicle and this was it. Times change and I need to part with this Suburban, so please take care of my baby if you win.

The original headlights and parking/turn lights were really fogged and needed to be replaced. I do allot of night driving and need good clear bright lights. I never liked the look of those composite halogen lights and preferred the work truck style single glass headlights. So I installed the grille, headlights and parking lights from the work truck and I think it looks so much better. The headlights are the new style glass H4 bulbs and new corner parking lights. I also installed a relay harness so they are much brighter as power is true 12v from the battery. The daytime running lights were disabled with no dash light showing they are on (card pulled). This is a simple swap out to the work truck look as all the parts are a direct fit with no modifications needed. The sealed beam H4 lights are 10x brighter over the dual lights, especially the hi-beam. I also added a brush guard that was Bullet Lined with UV protection.

Original window sticker shows MSRP price of $41554.20

Options list

Heath Diesel Power Mods * Max E Tork Performance Program & Turbo-M        * Turbo-Master Model GM96                                                      * Hi-Flow 2 1/2" Crossover pipe                                                   * Heavy-duty, high-quality fuel lift / transfer pump             * Bosch High Output Injectors                                    * Heath’s 4” Super Flow Exhaust