Quote:
Originally Posted by Seahawk
- The engine/transmission combo was a bit disappointing. It really hunted for gears and the downshift was annoying on even small hills, especially in cruise control. I would definitely look at the 3/4 ton with the biggest motor available.
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The standard 5.3L is somewhat strained in a Burb loaded with passengers and cargo....heck, it's just okay when empty.
All 1/2 ton Chevrolet Suburbans have the 5.3L (320 hp / 335 ft-lb) with a 3.08 rear end (3.42 optional)......you likely rented a 5.3L with 3.08 = dog
All 3/4 ton Chevrolet Suburbans have the older 6.0L (352 hp / 382 ft-lb) with a 3.73 rear end
All GMC Denalis and Cadillac Escalades have the newer 6.2L (403 hp / 417 ft-lb) with a 3.42 rear end
All have 6 speed transmissions, the 6.0L backed by the heavy-duty 6L90E where the 5.3L and 6.2L have the 6L80E.....basically the 90 is the same trans with heavier duty sprag gears and different shift strategies.
It's clear that the Denali/Escalade is the winner, even compared to a 3/4 ton Burb.....unless you're towing a
really big trailer (over 8000 pounds) where the stronger mounts, bigger bearings, leaf springs (ugh!) and full-floating rear axle would be of needed benefit.
Otherwise 50 more horsepower and 35 more ft-lb torque trumps the extra 1000 pounds towing capacity.
If all you've ever driven is a rental Burb with the 5.3L and 3.08 gears, you OWE it to yourself to drive a Escalade/Denali 6.2L with 3.42 gears.......75 extra horses and 80 extra ft-lb leveraged by deeper gearing REALLY makes a difference
YMMV