4.8 vs 5.3 GMC Sierra 1500 First Truck

[Badass69]

Get at least 3.73 gearing and a 4.8 will do just fine. A 100 hp straight 6 from 35 years ago would do what you are asking for....... lol. If you can find 4.10 that's even better overall as its just more mechanical advantage. They seem to give a lot of the 4.8 trucks 3.23 gears which isn't exactly optimal..... same kind of logic that didn't work all that great with the 700R4 in the 80's still doesn't work all that great today.... even if the engines make almost twice the horsepower..... but not a ton more torque in this case at least.

[Volucris]

I have a 2007 4.8 4WD crew, 3.73 rear end. I tow a 2,500 pound camper and a 3,000 pound trailer occasionally. No problems. This is in the Mountains too. Pulling the 2,500 camper I get 16.5 mpg going down the hiway at 65.

 

The 4.8 can do it easily, the 5.3 is better at doing it. I got the 4.8 because it saved me thousands and was good enuff.

 

V

[oldmann]

I don't think you will have any problem. I used to do all that with a 4.3 in a full size. Even in mud it was cool with 4L as an option. The 6 speed mated to the 5.3 is a good buy though.

[WilliamBos]

Id go 4.8. The AFM in the 5.3 could cost you a ton of money if lomg in the tooth. I had a 5.3 in my 04, when I upgraded I went 4.8. Only way id take a 5.3 is new, or really low mileage. Thrn id buy a diablo and disasble the AFM.