Can the itch for a new truck be cured by an old truck?

[rjpoog1989]

Hi guys; I’m looking a 2006 Silverado 2500, loaded, crew cab, 8ft bed, 8.1 v8.

 

Right now I’ve got a 14 Sierra 1500 with 6.2. It’s been a good truck for 4 years and I still like it well enough. It’s been my dream to get a camper and the 1500 just doesn’t have the payload to get me where I want to be.  Plus about every 4 years I get this itch for a new truck.  Getting the 2500 with 8.1 would pull anything I desire, plus free up cash since my payments would be cut in half or less.

 

The truck looks really solid for an 06 in pictures but is a good drive away so hard to tell for sure what it looks like underneath.

 

What are some known issues, if any, with the 8.1 other than eating gas?

[Formulabruce]

Truck payments might be cut by 1/2, but FUEL payments would be double .

 8.1 really isn't supported much anymore by GM

 Might cost you more in maintenance, "E" rated tires

 Check the E brake and rear brakes on it if Disc.

 These all had front brake line rust out issues. Look directly behind the drivers side front tire with wheels to the right

and you can see on the frame where they tend to rust.  GM has a kit offered by the trucks VIN, which has coated lines.

[rjpoog1989]

1 hour ago, Formulabruce said:

Truck payments might be cut by 1/2, but FUEL payments would be double .

 8.1 really isn't supported much anymore by GM

 Might cost you more in maintenance, "E" rated tires

 Check the E brake and rear brakes on it if Disc.

 These all had front brake line rust out issues. Look directly behind the drivers side front tire with wheels to the right

and you can see on the frame where they tend to rust.  GM has a kit offered by the trucks VIN, which has coated lines.

I can’t imagine fuel would cost double. Remember, my 6.2 runs on premium which is 60+ cents more per gallon.  I’m averaging about 17mpg with it. I’m figuring on 10mpg for the 8.1, but it’s not my DD so it doesn’t matter much.  It would just be used for towing and hauling stuff.  I’ve already got LT tires on my half ton.

 

Thanks for the info on brakes, I’ve only ever dealt with brake lines once and it’s a pain.  

[davester]

the rear brake line as it runs along the frame over the fuel tank can also rust out, but it's more difficult to see there.  fuel lines as well.

 

I'm happy with my '04, and even with the poor mileage (just under 10 mpg) and various parts needing replacement, it's still way cheaper than having any payments.  Even if the engine blows, I'd replace it rather than buy a newer one with payments, and a new one is just a crazy amount of money and I'm over the "must have a shiny new bauble" thing...