New Truck Search

[Parsonsjb88]

Hi everyone!

 

I am new to this forum and I am looking to purchase a 2008-2011 GMC Sierra 1500 5.3L fuel management 4x4 in the very near future but I am unfamiliar with a few things on the newer trucks. I know the newer GMT-900 series trucks can come with either the 4spd auto or the 6spd auto and I am unsure as to which is better for daily driving and minor towing. Ive been leaning more towards the 6spd based on some research but the issue is during my search I come across hundreds of used 1500's fitting every feature I want but 99% of them come with the 4spd. Another thing I am wondering is whether all the newer gmc 1500 z71's come equipped with a g80 locker or not? Also if I have the 4x4 and stability/traction control is the g80 locker necessary? Because a salesman at a dealership tried to convince me its only necessary on 2wd pickups. I understand his logic but I feel it doesn't warrant not getting a g80 on a 4x4. I will be using the truck mostly for daily driving around town but I live in northern ontario so winters are quite harsh and we get a lot of rain during the other seasons. On the weekends it will be used to transport my snowmobile/atv to and from some backroads which may or may not be muddy and slushy at times. Sorry for the rant but I hoping you guys with a little more experience with purchasing the newer trucks will be able to tell me whether its worth it to get the 6spd transmission or not and/or if I need a g80 locker or limited slip differential? Any information would be greatly appreciated guys! Thanks!

[Beer Belly]

I have no personal experience with the 6-speed, but have heard from some individuals that the 6-speed, matched to a 5.3l, and 3:42 gears is not a good combo for towing. Hopefully, someone with real experience will jump in here and give you thier opinion

[Stevens03]

The G80 Is available on the new trucks. If looking at a used truck, look for the G80 in the RPO code list in the glove box. Next, the 6-speed 3.42's are a great choice but in the 4-speed it's not. I wasn't a fan of the 6-speed at first, but I love it now. I've got no complaints.

 

If you find a truck with the 6-speed and 3.08 gears... stay away from it if your planning on towing. You won't be happy.

 

And Welcome to the site Good luck on your search.

[Parsonsjb88]

The G80 Is available on the new trucks. If looking at a used truck, look for the G80 in the RPO code list in the glove box. Next, the 6-speed 3.42's are a great choice but in the 4-speed it's not. I wasn't a fan of the 6-speed at first, but I love it now. I've got no complaints.

 

If you find a truck with the 6-speed and 3.08 gears... stay away from it if your planning on towing. You won't be happy.

 

And Welcome to the site Good luck on your search.

 

Sorry for the late response. Thanks for the help. I'm gonna keep looking, might just jump on a new one with the employee discount on.

[Stevens03]

Good luck

[wurgs]

I have the 6 spd(6.0L) with 3.42s and G80 and have no problems with towing my camper that weighs about 7500lbs loaded so atvs and such shouldn't be an issue. I would definately recommend the G80 as the traction control sucks in the winter, in fact I turn mine off all the time when the snow flies. Traction control just stops the wheel from spinning doesn't transfer power to a different wheel. Its so touchy on my truck that one day it wouldn't let me even back into my driveway after a big snow, turned it off and had no problem.

[nickvrebel]

I have no personal experience with the 6-speed, but have heard from some individuals that the 6-speed, matched to a 5.3l, and 3:42 gears is not a good combo for towing. Hopefully, someone with real experience will jump in here and give you thier opinion

I have a 6 speed 5.3L with 3.42 gears and it is the perfect combo for towing. I've towed everything from my light utility trailer to a travel trailer.

 

I've owned 4 speed and 6 speed trucks and I think the 6 speed is leaps and bounds better all around.

 

The 6 speed was only available in 2009 in the crew cab 5.3L or 6.2L trucks or SUVs. After that it became optional in other configurations, I'm not sure of any other requirements.

 

I don't think the G80 is part of the Z71 package, I do have it but it is standard on the SLT trim level. I also can't promise that it's necessary, I know that it works beautifully on old logging roads, in fact when climbing hills in the mud I turn traction control off so that it doesn't cut my throttle and gives me more control to keep momentum. If I didn't have the G80 I'm sure I would have to leave it on and it would be a risk that could send me sliding back down the hill.