Suburban, tahoe and yukon guys......

[RidgeRunner]

2001 Tahoe 2wd 5.3L - Tranny went at 40,000 miles while towing a 22' cuddy. Shell gear. Again at 60,000. Bit the bullet on a fresh tranny from GM (36,000 mile/3yr warranty no more issues) Check engine light with a generic computer failure message. ABS light on/off sporatically. Drives great, nothing a little electric tape wouldn't cure. Ride quality is better than the 96 Tahoe 4wd which had the 5.7L. The short wheelbase, same as a reg. cab shortbox, lent itself to a bucking bronco type ride on the interstate around here. The redesigned 2001 with similar wheelbase is more carlike in ride. Ferm is right on the 5.3 is more refined, simply a better mousetrap. Not that I had any problems but the Gen III chevy motors are easy to work on.
The 5.3 is built loose IMO. There is a little piston slap and the top end is a little noisy on cold starts but she is peppy.