Question about 02-05 2WD Chevy tahoes?

Question

I am looking to purchase a tahoe in the next couple of months. I have been exclusively looking at 4X4s within the 2002 to 2005 range(basically under $20,000), but I had a car salesman tell me that the 2WD tahoes come standard with traction control. Is this true? I live in an area that gets ice and snow quite a bit in the winter and I need something to get my kids to and from school, so either traction control or 4X4 is really important. I would appreciate some help clearing up this matter. Thanks in advance!!!
Oh, and how can I tell if a 2WD has trac. control? Thanks!!

Answer 1

If purchasing a vehicle that offers 4WD always get that option as later on if you decide to sell the vehicle it will bring more being a 4WD. Plus the added power to the front wheels will help get you moving easier in snow and ice, but remember 4WD and traction control will not help you stop.

An easy way to tell if the vehicle has traction control is a little vehicle symbol with squiggly lines will appear on the instrument cluster somewhere in a low traction condition where the rear wheels start slipping. So if you test drive one and gun the engine when taking off, if the vehicle is equipped with traction control that little light will light up and you will feel the vehicle's power drop which is the traction control system releasing the accelerator and applying brakes to help minimize tire spinning.

A locking rear differential will help as it delivers power to both rear wheels equally so since both wheels are constantly spinning, as long as at least one wheel has traction you will still be able to move. Unlike a limited slip rear axle which allows one wheel to slip at a specific limit which gives about the same result as a standard rear axle, which if one tire has traction and one tire don't the tire with no traction will spin and there you sit because a standard axle transfers power to the wheel with the least amount of resistance. A limited slip axle isn't much better because it still allows the wheels to slip to a certain degree, which usually is just long enough for you to get stuck.

Answer 2

I would still go with the 4X4. There is a lot of weight to push with a tahoe or a pickup for that matter. Since they are so heavy, especially front heavy you really need to have power in the front axle.

Traction Control should be advertised on the vehicle somewhere if equipped.

The above answer about having a locking rear axle is not totally correct. The ability to lock the rear axle will not get you through that much in poor traction conditions because as I said earlier, trucks don't have a lot of weight in the front. The rear axle just doesn't have enough weight to push the vehicle in poor driving conditions.

Answer 3

traction control is a nice feature but not that great. it does not lock up the rear end as others told you. it actually applys the brake at the wheel that is spinning, it works with your abs brakes,if you get into deep snow like after the plow covered your driveway and are going slow you will probly get stuck. in a 4x4 you can put it in 4 and get out. it sounds like your looking for a sure, trouble free way of getting around. the 4x4 would be better on snow and ice but u sacrifice fuel econ. for part 2 of your question, when you first turn the key to the run position a bunch of lights come on in the dash. key it on and off a few times while looking for traction control. depending on the year it says traction control or newer modles do have the squiggles. ask the sales man to show you in the owners manual. watch it though sales persons are better today but many of them will say anything to get your $$$$.

Answer 4

More important that traction control is the locking rear axle (not limited slip - LOCKING). With the locking rear you have almost no need for 4WD. Other than that, traction is 90% tires anyway. With good tires, you'll get through most storms with little trouble in 2WD.

Locking rear can be determined by option code G80 on the build tag.

EDIT::

Kdog says 4x4 is important, and I agree that it is. but I used to have a 2WD suburban and it went just fine through any New York snowstorm I had to get through. You missed my point - he asked about a 2WD, and I said it was more important to have the locker than not on that vehicle. And BTW, I've seen demonstrations where a 2WD vehicle could go where a 4WD with limited slip could not.

Answer 5

UNless you have 5 kids, or need to tow a big boat, they are a huge waste of money. Terrible gas mileage, and mediocre quality. The 2007's are much improved, but still are gas pigs. Need a big SUV? Get a Pathfinder or a Sequoia.

Answer 6

I believe all rwd chevy trucks have tcs on them since 2001.

Answer 7

why would you buy a planet killer? chevy trucks / suvs are junk...

Answer 8

www.carreview.com