Market Position:
The 2011 Chevrolet Suburban 3/4 Ton positioned as a heavy-duty, full-size SUV offering substantial passenger and cargo capacity, towing capability, and robust performance for families and commercial use.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed primarily with other large SUVs like the Ford Expedition EL and the Toyota Sequoia. Its 3/4 ton classification provided a distinct advantage in payload and towing capacity over its 1/2 ton counterparts.
Key Features:
Three-row seating, significant towing capacity (often exceeding 9,000 lbs for 3/4 ton models), powerful V8 engine options, comfortable ride for its class, durable construction, available with various luxury and convenience features.
Systems Covered:
Powertrain (engine, transmission, drivetrain), Chassis (suspension, steering, brakes), Electrical System (lighting, power accessories, diagnostics), Climate Control, Safety Systems (airbags, seatbelts, ABS, StabiliTrak), Infotainment, Controls and Indicators, Vehicle Operation, Maintenance Procedures, Tire and Wheel Information, Towing Information, Emergency Procedures.
Procedures Included:
Starting and driving, checking and adding fluids, tire pressure monitoring, replacing bulbs, jump starting, changing a flat tire, basic maintenance checks, understanding dashboard warning lights, using infotainment system, setting climate control, operating power features, towing guidelines, roadside assistance information.
Technical Depth:
Designed for the vehicle owner, focusing on operation, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting. It provides practical information for everyday use and routine upkeep, not in-depth repair procedures (which would be found in a Service Manual).
Primary Engine:
6.0L Vortec V8 (L76)
Engine Options:
6.0L V8 (L76) standard on 3/4 ton. A larger 6.2L V8 (L92) might have been available on certain higher trims or configurations, though less common for the 3/4 ton specified.
Horsepower 6.0L:
352 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque 6.0L:
382 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated, Overhead Valve (OHV)
Emission Controls:
Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Cooling System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system
Standard Transmission:
6-speed automatic transmission (6L90) with manual mode
Optional Transmission:
N/A for 3/4 Ton models, the 6L90 was standard
Transmission Features:
Tow/Haul mode, electronic shift control.
Drivetrain:
Available in RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) or 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron VI Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)
Exterior Length:
222.4 inches (5649 mm)
Exterior Width:
79.1 inches (2009 mm)
Exterior Height:
75.5 inches (1918 mm)
Wheelbase:
130.0 inches (3302 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row
Cargo Volume Behind 3Rd Row:
45.8 cubic feet (1.3 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row
Cargo Volume Behind 2Nd Row:
97.3 cubic feet (2.8 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume Max:
137.4 cubic feet (3.9 cubic meters)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approximately 8,600 lbs (3901 kg) for 3/4 Ton
Curb Weight:
Approximately 5,600-6,000 lbs (2540-2722 kg), varies by configuration
Towing Capacity:
Up to 9,700 lbs (4400 kg) (with appropriate trailering package and configurations for 3/4 Ton)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating:
4 Stars (indicative, as rating methods can evolve)
Active Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), StabiliTrak (Electronic Stability Control), Traction Control System (TCS), Trailer Sway Control.
Passive Features:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), Side-curtain airbags (all rows), Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Brake System:
Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS.
Infotainment System:
Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (base models might have a simpler audio system, but touchscreens and navigation were available).
Infotainment Features:
AM/FM stereo, CD player, MP3 capability, auxiliary audio input, USB connectivity, Bluetooth, available navigation, available rear-seat entertainment system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Rear parking assist, rearview camera (available), StabiliTrak (stability control).
Connectivity Options:
Auxiliary audio jack, USB port, Bluetooth for phone connectivity.
Climate Control Type:
Manual or automatic dual-zone climate control, with rear-seat climate controls available on higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first, or based on oil life monitoring system.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Transmission Fluid Change Interval:
Refer to manual, typically around 100,000 miles under normal conditions, more frequently for severe use (towing).
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 5 years or 150,000 miles, then every 2-5 years or 30,000-100,000 miles depending on coolant type (Dex-Cool is typically longer interval).
Fluid Specifications Engine Oil
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30, API SN certified (or equivalent), GM dexos1 (check manual for definitive spec).
Fluid Specifications Coolant
Coolant Specification:
GM Original Equipment (OE) 50/50 antifreeze/coolant (blue or orange variant depending on original fill, often Dex-Cool compatible orange).
Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Known Issues:
Potential issues for this generation include AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter problems, transmission torque converter shudder, and sometimes issues with the infotainment system or power liftgate. The 6.0L engine is generally robust.
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
ACDelco PF48 or equivalent.
Air Filter Part Number Example:
ACDelco A3147C or equivalent.
Brand Heritage:
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, has a long history dating back to 1911, known for a wide range of vehicles from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks and SUVs.
Model Evolution:
The Suburban nameplate is one of the longest-running continuously used in automotive history, originating in 1935. The 2011 model is part of the GMT900 platform, which saw significant updates in styling, interior comfort, and technology compared to previous generations.
Production Location:
Janesville, Wisconsin (historically, though production location may have shifted or ended for this specific platform generation by 2011, often with US assembly.
Recognized For:
The Suburban, in general, has often been recognized for its towing capability and passenger capacity, making it a popular choice for families needing to transport multiple people and cargo.
Fuel Economy Rating City Hwy Est:
EPA estimates around 10-11 MPG city / 15-16 MPG highway for the 6.0L V8 with 4WD (actual mileage varies).
Certifications:
Meets all relevant US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for 2011.
