NEW 2500 DILLEMA PLEASE HELP

grimm2420 · January 9, 2004

I am planning to buy a new Sierra 2500-LD crewcab this weekend and was wondering if there is any difference in gas mileage between the 4x2 and 4x4 6.0 gas models. I will only use 4x4 maybe a couple times a year so i am wondering if it is worth getting. I just think its a nice option to have when u need it. Also, i like would like my truck to be quick on its feet, so do any of u think that i should wait for the 1500 crew cab with the 5.3 to be released before buying? Either one would be a Light Duty Which one would be quicker? I would definitely appreciate the extra gas mileage too.

2500LD or 1500LD ?

4x4 or 4x2 ?

6.0L or 5.3L ?

Please give me input this will be my first truck! Thank yOU!!

Bob G. · January 9, 2004

The two trucks are totally different beasts on different chassis'.

2500 Crew Cab: 8600 GVWR, 2800lb payload, 6.5' box, 10000lbs max towing.

1500 Crew Cab: 7000 GVWR, 1700lb payload, 5.5' box, 8500lbs max towing.

As far as 4x4 or 4x2, I can't help you there as I don't know where you live and the conditions. I live in VT and it's a no brainer here. Very few 4x2s. I would get the G80 locker, either way.

If you need a fast truck, the 1500 will probably be quicker. I wouldn't buy a crew cab if I was going to race!

If you have a family and plan on towing and hauling stuff, the 2500 is the way to go. The ride is nice too.

If you don't plan on towing and will only haul groceries, get the 1500.

Hope this helps.

Bob G.

gave20 · January 9, 2004

I agree with Bob the 2500 is a 3/4 ton with a payload cap of 3000lb. and a high tow rating so if your not going to use the truck for these purposes then don't get it.

The 4x4 is handy and you only lose 1-2mpg with it but when your stuck in the mud with your 2wd you'll easily lose that savings floorin it trying get out.

I fuel milage is crucial buy a hybrid, if you want HP and hauling capabilities get a truck but you can't have both.

t-bone · January 9, 2004

Wait for the 1500 crew cab. That truck with 4WD will probably get you the same or better mileage than the 2500 with 2WD. If your towing anywhere near 10,000 lbs you should seriously look at the Duramax anyway and that isn't available in the 2500 LD. My 01' Yukon XL 1500 4WD gets over 19 mpg with 6 passengers, a dog, and loaded to the gills. You would probably do better because the weight of a Yukon XL has to be more than the 1500 CC.

01BlackZ71 · January 9, 2004

Something to think about, but "they" say that you will get your money back for the four wheel drive when you go to sell it. I do agree with the guy above, definately get the G80 locker. For like $280 you double your traction with a two wheel drive, and probably 70% of the time that would have been all you'd needed if you were stuck.

tinman · January 10, 2004

Here is my take on buying the 2500 over the 1500. You get a better trans, rearend(both weak points of the 1/2ton) and little bigger engine. If you get the 3/4 ton with the 3.73 gears(I did not) that will help you mileage a bunch. I think that the 1/2 ton rides a little better in the rough stuff. One of the things that I like best about my 3/4 in the payload cap. A couple of times I hauled yard and a half of sand and gravel . The truck didnt even notice it back there. I need to haul some laval rock and just didnt want use my truck to haul it. I borrowed a 1/2 ton truck form work to haul a yard of gravel and I thought the thing was going to break in half.

I know that I wont be using the truck for hauling heavy loads very often but I did buy a truck to haul so its there when I need it. Go fo the 4x4 It the only way to go.

grimm2420 · January 12, 2004

Thanks a bunch guys, I bought the 2500 4x4 crew cab yesterday. Since there were no black ones in the area, theyre going to have to ship it in today so i wont get it until tonight. I did get the 3.73 gears so that can help a little. All your input was really helpful! Thanks again

-Mike