Need Advice on New Van

[sava]

I am going to be ordering a 2004 GMC Savana within the next 2 weeks and really need some advice. I am a locksmith, that puts 25,000 miles per year on a vehicle and and carries a shop with me everywhere i go. About 2000 lbs of it. I am pretty set on getting a 2004 Savana 2500 6.0 8600 GVWR with a curb weight of 5236 that leaves 3364 for a payload I figure 2000 lbs equipment 200 lbs of fuel and 200 lb driver that leaves almos t 1000 lbs left. Will that be overworking the susp. or ok with room to spare. I would rather have the above than a 1 ton because it weighs almost 300 lbs pounds less empty and gas mileage is a concern. Also the brakes on the 8600 and the 1 ton are the same so I guess the susp. is 300 lbs heavier on the 3500 w 9600 GVWR. Also What rear end do you guys recommend 3.73 or 4.10, most of my driving is around town @40mph but I do have a lot of 20 to 50 mile trips @70mph. I think that the 4.10 may help around town but may kill the highway mileage. TOW HAUL BUTTON?????? The estmate I got was 12/16 for the 6.0 in a Savana didn't say 2500 or 3500 3.73 or 4.10. What can I expect to get from day to day. What is up with this csk thing has been corrected or not?? Some say there was a change in the 03' model year but some people with o3s have this problem???????? Thanks in advance and sorry for such a long post.

[bigtruck21]

to save gas on the highway the 3.73 would be the best bet, but the 4.10 will have more tire roasting off the line power. The engine is pretty strong and I don't think you would have to worry. If the tranny is shifting around a lot hunting for gears, keep it in 3. If it feels like you can't get up the interstate merge ramp fast enough, use the tow/haul button. It will keep it in gear longer hitting higher rpms.