Need help staying in my 08 Vortec Max

lilnasty · August 22, 2012

I’m really considering trading my truck for a 2010 F250 Super Duty with a V10. First my truck: 2008 GMC Sierra 1500 Vortec Max SLT CC 4x4. It is silver birch metallic with Ebony leather and wood grain. Check my sig for accessories. Now the F250 is a Green Lariat CCSB 4x4 with tan interior. It’s lifted 6” with 37” toyo MTs.

Things I don’t like about my truck:

Factory Height is as low as some 2wd trucks.
Small wheel wells.
4spd transmission just doesn’t have my faith. It hasn’t given me any problems but I swear it’s just waiting for me to let my guard down.
Small bed.
Small area behind front seats. The back seat is a good size, but there is no room between the door frame and the front of the seat. The ford does not have this problem and neither does my cousins Nissan titan.
Towing. ¾ ton vs ½ ton. Enough said.

Things I don’t like about the Ford:

Fuel mileage. The v10 w/ 37” tires is about 9.8 avg. Side note: Mine is averaging 14mpg now but doesn’t have the lift and tires I’m wanting on it. After 35’s I’m sure it will be close to the same.
Slow compared to my truck. I’m not racing but I like to enjoy the get up and go from time to time.
Color. I like green, but it’s more of a Teal and I like the Hunter of the past chevy’s and newer Toyota’s.
Looks. Though it’s my 2^nd favorite behind my GMC.

That’s about it. I really like my truck but also like the real man’s truck workability of Super duty. The only reason I’m comparing only this ¾ ton to mine is the price. I can get real close to even trade for my truck. I had originally wanted the v10 ford before I bought my truck but couldn’t find any. Amenities and appearance are the biggest grips against the ford vs my GMC. Help me think logically.

crankman · August 22, 2012

well if you dont like the color i would be tired of that real quick. Do you pull enough to justify needing a 3/4 when you have a pretty powerfull truck anyhow. Hay if you want a 3/4 nothing wrong with that if it makes ya happy. Good luck with your decision

Silverado4x4 · August 22, 2012

With everything you said about your truck you knew all that when you first bought the truck and as far as the transmission your crazy for thinking that. It looks to me like your picking the truck apart cause you want something differant and as far as the fuel milage on the V10 and all the mods to the truck you will be lucky to get that mileage of 9.8 mpg. Stop trying to find little petty stuff and trying to talk yourself out of the truck.

KMGZ400 · August 22, 2012

agreed^^

the problem is that the ford is a V10... i didnt know ford still made the V10.. is so its a terrible engine IMO.

if you want a new truck, wait for the new body style GM's or at least get a diesel ford.

Squirrely · August 22, 2012

The ford is a royal PITA to work on. I know, I own an 06 F150.

I would avoid the V10 like the plague. Take a look at the spark plugs alone... they are prone to snapping of since they are 2 pcs. I'm sure the rest of the truck is fine, but getting to the engine alone is a nightmare.

jdubub · August 22, 2012

My pops had a 2003 F-250 V10 4 door 4x4 long bed. Bought it with 6 miles on the clock, he put 240k on it and sold it to a guy that now works for him a few years back. The truck now has 380k on it and I see all the time. Minus the normal brake job, fluid change and plug change every 100k that thing has only had a tranny put in about a month ago. Mileage does suck, but that truck is a damn beast.

ruggedlife · August 22, 2012

i guess in my head i dont see how a v10 with a 6" lift and 37's can tow better than your truck... if it were stock height and tires i'd say sure of course. I've seen/heard several horror stories about it but that can be true for any vehicle. so if its averaging 9.8 what about towing? down to 6mpg? that seems worth it i swear... like stated above i'd look for a diesel ford if thats what you're set on. or wait till the new gen trucks come out and see what they have to offer. While yes i think these trucks sit very small from the factory, a 2500 sits huge compared to these with the 6.0 or the 6.6. and I dont care who you are the duramax/allison combo can't be beat. unless you have a cummins with an allison behind it with a gm truck body on solid front axle frame of course... if you want a new truck go buy one don't ask for justification we aren't making the payments on it. time and time again i've built trucks that people would kill for to sell them and get a new one when i get tired of it. I just got rid of my 09 that was fully built because i decided 20k miles was too many and i was bored with it.

kstruckcountry · August 22, 2012

V10 = POS. Nuff said.

cparks555 · August 22, 2012

Lift your truck, problem solved.

lilnasty · August 23, 2012

Crankman- At this moment not really. I help the in-laws with their farm a lot and the stouter truck would help. We’re looking to buy more land at the moment and could be hauling the tractor and bush hog a couple of times a month. This is another reason for me just to keep my truck.

Silverado4x4 – Yes, I tend to do that and the ford would be no different in that regards. It is making that mileage now as my buddy was looking into buying the same truck until another friend sold him his 2010 F350 4x4 diesel for a REALLY good price. I’m going to try and take the truck over the weekend just to spend a few days into to see the daily difference.

Squirrely – I’m unaware of the splitting spark plug issue outside of the 5.4L . I know the early 2 valve V10 did spit out plugs, but it has not been an issue with the newer 3 valve engines.

Jdub- That is what I hear the most about the V10’s. I knew a few people through the years with them and aside from horrible mileage they said they’ve been great trucks.

Ruggedlife – Valid points. But if I keep mine it will be lifted within the year’s end. I tried to buy a leftover D-Max when I purchased this truck but they wanted way too much for something barely more than a work truck package. I tend to do the same thing as you with my trucks. I’m not brand loyal just always preferred the GMC’s. This is my third one.

Kstruckcountry – P.O.S = Pillar of Strength. Correct, “Nuffsaid”.

This was helpful. Sometimes I like to get outside opinions just to make sure I’m not missing anything. More than likely I’ll just keep my truck until it’s paid off. That way I can buy another old jeep and lose the doors and top. That’s where I really enjoy spending my time behind the wheel.

99silveradoz71 · August 23, 2012

Look at your needs as well as your wants. Other than the price similarity, you're definitely not comparing apples to apples

BlackZ71Silverado · August 23, 2012

Nobody should have to try and talk someone into keeping a vehicle they do not want. It is very obvious by what you say that you DO NOT want the truck you have, I know what that feels like and it's terrible. The only thing to do is get something else or you will be totally miserable until you finally do........By your OP, it sounds like you have your mind made up...............Good luck with your new Ford.

Don't forget to post pics. of the new rig when you make a decision.

lilnasty · August 23, 2012

The problem is they don't make the truck that is exactly what I want. I'm sure we all can agree on this when it's time to replace our trucks. I need my trucks served "a la carte." I haven't been completely happy with a truck since my 1995 GMC Z71, but it didn't have any real compitition back then either.

I tend to do this every three months or so with everything I own. Last time it was with my lawn mowers. But above all I’m stingy with my money so likely that is going to win out over trading for the Ford. I’ll just use the Ford for the weekend to show myself that the grass isn’t greener.

cparks555 · August 23, 2012

I get what you're saying, I'm always swithching things up and am not loyal to any brand. I came from an F250 crew, and other than being a PITA to park it was great. My favorite truck to date was my 2005 Silverado ext cab though, beat it pretty good and never had one issue.