Towing with a Suburban?

[Matador]

Hi All-

I'm in need of a tow vehicle (possibly). I'll explain. I haul computers a lot for my job. I used an E-350 box van until the transmission decided to commit suicide. Now, I have upcoming events in a few weeks, and an option to consider:

A friend is selling a 1999 Suburban K1500. My question: how do they tow and haul? I've always wanted a Suburban and will probably get it anyways, but I'd like a little feedback from some people who own them. What do you like? What don't you like? Would it be good towing 5000# if need-be or hauling 2000# of cargo?

Thanks for the help!

[Cabnchassis]

Personally I don't do any heavy work out of a half ton, because I've had the 1/2 ton running gear let me down a few times. It'll pull a 5k trailer no problem, but not sure if a 99 half ton is rated for a full ton in the back though. I'd guess it isn't. The other thing that i'd check before I got it for a trailer rig is that is has sufficiently low gears to get you going under full load on a grade without working your drivetrain too hard. Seen way too many chevy half tons spit out trannys because people over load them.

[Matador]

Is there a specific rear end that I want or a specific RPO code?

[Cabnchassis]

There were a lot of different options. Is it a z71 package? If so it will have a limited/posi traction rear end. The RPO code for this rear is G80. It's an eaton differential that is limited slip most of the time, then locks into posi if neither wheel can get traction. A lot guys hate them because they have a reputation for blowing up and throwing pieces out the pumpkin cover. I've never had problem with them, but don't spin tires on asphalt, and don't try to wheel like its a detroit locker or it might let you down. This option was available in any axle.

Mainly you just want to find out what the gear ratio is since I'm pretty sure all half ton 4x4s are 12 bolt rears. If it's 3.08 or 3.42 it might be a bit high geared to give you the juice you'll want. 3.73 is a good medium between still moving weight around and not killing fuel economy. 4.10/4.11 is great for working out of, but my k2500 with 4.10s and a 5.7 can't do better than 15 mpg dead empty with a tail wind. In town I get about 8-10mpg.

[Boog]

I owned a 97 K1500 Burb for 9 years and towed 4 to 5,000 lb with it without problems. It was a 5.7 auto/od and 3.42 gear. I'm sure it would have towed easier with a 4.10 gear but I can't complain with what I had to tow.
Burb's are great all around trucks.