C/K Man

Good question. I got a look at the 2020HD service manual, and most of the front suspension components look similar to the 2011-up GMT-900 and K2XX HD's. However, I did see some differences, sway bar end links for one. Of course, looking at pictures doesn't give you the whole picture! There very well could be enough minor changes to each part to make the whole suspension 'all new'.

Like I said, IF the Ford 7.3L shows any meaningful advantage over the GM 6.6L, it will be because of Ford's 10 speed transmission. I hear that currently work is underway on a version of the 6.6L for the new Silverado 4500/5500/6500 medium duties. It may be teamed with the Allison 2000 series, as the 6.0L L96 is in Freightliner chassis built for UPS and others. I wouldn't be surprised if it too caries a different rating than the L8T's in the 2500/3500, but remember these differences often are the result of how medium duty commercial vehicle engines are rated, not because of any real difference in the engines.

Noticed the Ford 6.2L continues with the Torq-Shift G 6 speed transmission. I have been hearing that since the L8T 6.6L is the standard engine in the HD pickups it should be compared to the standard (6.2L) V-8 in the Super Duty pickups, even though it is very close in output to Ford's new 7.3L.

That's true, probably any performance advantage the 7.3 would have over the 6.6 would be attributable to Ford's 10 speed transmission. I wonder if at some point GM will offer the 10 speed Allison as an option with the 6.6L, but I have a feeling that if the rumors of an 8L+ gas V-8 are true the Allison would certainly be offered with the larger V-8.

I thought the bodies, including hood and tailgate, were all steel on the 2020 HD's. Andre get that wrong?

And I think 3.73 gears will be just fine.

Wow, over 400 ft. lbs. @ 2000 r.p.m..

Interesting, thanks for posting. Looks like the chassis is about the same as the GMT900/K2XX HD design.

Battery cables good?

Stock size wheels/tires? Speedometer reading correctly? Could be a problem with accelerator position sensor or throttle body out of range but not failed completely. Had a good GM guy scan it, not just check for codes.

Not a problem, they are supposed to break there! Allows for heat expansion. Many of the newer 6.0L manifolds are saw cut in the same spot between the 3rd. and 4th. bolt.

A recalibrated L8T set up to work with an Allison transmission (not sure which one) is rumored to be in the works for the Silverado 4500/5500/6500. It may be introduced halfway through the 2020 MY. Likely the 6.6L gas will also show up in the LCF 6500 and the Isuzu FTR as well. Not much is known about the 8+L V-8, but speculation is that it is for an upcoming truck larger than the 6500.

Some of the trucks in the spy photos appear to have the same wheels as the current models. There were pictures of a 2500 reg. cab WT and it appeared to have the GMT900 17" steel wheels on it.

You are absolutely right! I work for a big fleet, and all the new diesels with SCR and DPF's are trouble. Expensive trouble. We are going to CNG, and they are much better. Almost no repairs, much less routine maintenance. That is what Ford's 7.3L seems to be designed for. At least that's what Ford is emphasising, a gas engine for medium duty F series trucks. I think GM's 8+L engine will likely be used in larger Internationals, bigger trucks than Ford's F-650 and 750. Interesting that Ford will offer the 7.3L in F-250 and 350 pickups. The 7.3L replaced the 6.8L V-10, and that engine has not been offered in pickups for 9 years.

How did a thread about the upcoming commercial gas V-8 degenerate into sniveling about interiors? Honestly, I think the interiors of the new GM trucks look a little boring, but the fit, finish, and quality of the materials seems to me to be as good as Ram and better than Ford.