2006 Escalade ESV 2500 Platinum Build

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GMC Burbalade

Busy slacking
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A 2006 Riptide Blue ESV Platinum with a dead 4L60e managed to follow me home from Georgia earlier this year. Not in bad shape and too good of a deal to pass up. Unfortunately I have a bad history with 4L60s and am not a fan of the 10 bolt rear end or rear coils since this will be the tow rig once completed. So not long after the Escalade, a 2001 Suburban 2500 parts truck followed me home. It was lacking the stronger transmission and selectable t-case I need, but the leaf sprung 2500 frame was straight and all the suspension/axles/fuel tanks were there to get me rolling. Frame swap here we go.
As of right now, the basic plan is:
-LQ9
-4L80e
-NP246
-AAM 10.5 14B

So far the Escalade's LQ9 is set in the 2500 frame and the body bolted on.

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stutaeng

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Nice!

I've got a 2500 06 Suburban 6.0/4L80e daily driver. I really like that drivetrain. On the 2500 Suburbans of that generation, 6.0s got the 9.5 SF 14 bolts (seems like that's what you have?) and the 8.1s got the 14b 10.5" version.

Both very strong axles compared to the standard 10 bolt of the 1500s

At some point the Escalade went to that hybrid "AXN" RPO code axle. But still with coil prung rear, so not as stiff compared to leaf springs.

I'm sure you are aware of the 99-02 vs 03-06 cab wiring differences, right? That's for Chevrolet, I don't know how that applies to Cadillacs.

That Escalade is going to be a head turner!
 
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GMC Burbalade

Busy slacking
Joined
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Location
Wilmington, NC
I've got a 2500 06 Suburban 6.0/4L80e daily driver. I really like that drivetrain. On the 2500 Suburbans of that generation, 6.0s got the 9.5 SF 14 bolts (seems like that's what you have?) and the 8.1s got the 14b 10.5" version.
Always been happy with the 80e in my 97. The 01 frame did come with a 9.5 SF but it wont be staying, this will make four of them I've got taking up space.

At some point the Escalade went to that hybrid "AXN" RPO code axle. But still with coil prung rear, so not as stiff compared to leaf springs.
It was my understanding that the Platinums were supposed to have the 6 lug 9.5 14 bolt, but this one did not. I'll check the RPOs tomorrow to see if it's been replaced.

I'm sure you are aware of the 99-02 vs 03-06 cab wiring differences, right?
Indeed. I've likely got a good amount of wiring ahead of me but I'm hoping the local yard still has the 8.1 Burb that was out there on my last trip. IIRC it was 03-06 so it should have the ABS pump and chassis harness I need.
 
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