Considering A New Truck

KyleBst264 · June 23, 2003

I'm considering selling my '98 Chevy K1500 Ext. Cab 4x4 w/ Vortec 350 so I can purchase a 2003 or 2004 Chevrolet 2500 HD Ext. Cab 4x4 LT w/ 8.1 and allison. I test drove an '03 GMC 2500 HD Ext. Cab w/8.1 litre and allison trans, and I was nothing less than highly impressed. Ride qualty was good and quiet and throttle response was pretty nice. One question, are 4.10 gears the only gears you can get w/8.1 and allison?

As much as I loved test driving that GMC, I still would like to hear opinions from you guys who own these trucks. Would I be making a good choice.?

Shaners · June 23, 2003

I think with the 8.1L the 3.73 and 4.10 gears are the options. With the Dmax you can only get the 3.73 gears. With the 6.0L you can only get 4.10's

SxViper · June 23, 2003

Shaners is right the 4.10 is standard on the 6.0 and an option on the 8.1L...

KyleBst264 what are you going to be doing with this truck? Towing a lot or are you using it for just everyday driving?

GF7PE · June 23, 2003

get the 8.1 for sure...I have been regreting the 6.0 since the first time I went up to the mountains.

Multimax · June 23, 2003

Big 10-4 with the 6.0 in the mountains< These 4:10s are Ok around town but run a 14K foot pass and I swear I can see the fuel gauge going south!

Dmax/A require a 3:73 this year.

8.1 HD GMC · June 23, 2003

You will love the 8.1 / ally combo, I went from a 96 gmc 1500 with the vortec to the 8.1L and absolutley love it! You will not be dissapointed, If you are going to be doing any towing at all this truck is the way to go!

Good luck in you decision making

BlackSilver · June 23, 2003

Unless you need real low speed stump pulling power, the 3.73 rear end is right for you.

03GMC2500HD · June 23, 2003

Just went from a 97 Z-71 x-cab to a 03 GMC 2500HD CC and it is really night and day. I have the 6.0L and the next one will probably have the Duramax. For a gasser I would get the 8.1L because there isn't that much difference in the MPG of the two gas engines.

Make sure you test drive the crew cab because you can never have too much room. $$$ well spent over the x-cab!

KyleBst264 · June 23, 2003

I'm going to be using the truck for towing and everyday driving. I have a landscaping trailer, I may buy a car tailer in the future and have a 32 ft Coachmen fifth wheel RV that weighs about 10,000 lbs that I may have to tow at times. The duramax is a great diesel engine, but I like the throttle response of the 8100.

timk49 · June 25, 2003

My friend lives in Big Bear. Thats a community located in So Cal in the mountains. His 8.1 Ally is a pulling fool. His only complaint is the range of the truck due to low gas mileage (he says 7 to 8 towing) (10 empty). I don't remember how big the tank is but he has been trying to find a replacement tank that will extend the range of the truck betwen fillups.

BlackSilver · June 25, 2003

I'm going to be using the truck for towing and everyday driving. I have a landscaping trailer, I may buy a car tailer in the future and have a 32 ft Coachmen fifth wheel RV that weighs about 10,000 lbs

With all that towing this is a no brainer. Go with the Duramax. The gasser will pi$$ you off everytime you hook something to the rear end.

422 SS · June 28, 2003

Dmax is a faster truck than 8.1.Every magazine test has confirmed this.I have one of each and the Dmax (after break-in) will stomp the gasser.The Dmax does'nt drink oil either.Like Blacksilver said when towing 8.1 is a fuel sucker.Pulling that load plan on 6-8 mpg.My Dmax will deliver 14 mpg at 75mph pulling a 28 ft,9,000lb enclosed car hauler.