Keep it small or super size it?

R Dogg 56 · June 9, 2005

Well, the college life is winding down for me. I have about 16 more credits left in 3 months at NDSU, and I was told that I would be getting a truck for graduating. I have the choices up there for all of you to look at and vote, and before anyone says anything, I'll remind you that the 1/2 ton option is something that I do not want, since my brother has two of them and my dad has one...I want to be the "oddball" of the family. (Please don't ask why, it's just my way of doing things.) And, the 3/4 ton option is one that I may consider, but not at this time. So without further ado, please vote and let me know what you guys and gals think I should look at getting. All comments* should include pros and cons of each, what the "trouble-spots" are on the trucks that I should be aware of, and any other comments or critiques that may be of value to my exploration in the truck market.

*Frank S, CoolZR2, & Silverado3500: I especially need your opinions since you guys have (from what I've seen on the forums) the most experience with my choices above.

Thanks to all who participate!!!!

PELICAN · June 9, 2005

I have a 1/2 ton and really do not have any pros or cons on the two types of trucks you have listed but I would say go BIG. Ok one of the pros would be you could have the BIGGEST truck in your family and the con side would be paying for the gas

(that is why I got my degree )

Frank S · June 9, 2005

I'd say go big also.

The pre 98 ZR2's had drum brakes on the rear to begin with and according to those who have owned both early with drums and late model with discs, you'd never want to go back. Top it off with the fact that the ZR2's, while good trucks, had some serious issues and I'd personally stay away from them if it's going to be used to drive everyday or even half the time on the street.

Now on the other hand, if you're looking for a rig to just make a toy out of.....................

Jpshostr · June 9, 2005

In only see one truck listed in the options presented.

99-2door · June 9, 2005

The fact that you are considering both of those trucks means you don't really need the 3500. Great truck if you actually need it, but not worth a darn if you don't. (well ok worth a darn, but not much more than that)

99silveradoz71 · June 9, 2005

Yes, I was going to ask about your activities and usage. Like someone pointed out to me, if you're thinking long-term remember 6 tires to replace vs. 4. Stuff like that adds up. But of course at 6'5, I'd say go big.

MS3DALE · June 9, 2005

I had a '94 ZR2,and I loved it! If it would of had more room I would have kept it longer (It was a reg.cab,ext.cabs wasn't avail.until '95) It was like all my other trucks,very reliable.The big issue with them (Or any late S10 4x4) is the lower ball joints,they don't seem to last very long,other then that their very stout little trucks.

My only question is that your looking at one extreme (Small 4x4) to another (Big huge 4x4!) Why? Like others have said,decide what your going to do with the truck,If your not towing or hauling heavy loads the dually is going to be a waist of money and certinely is not a practical truck just for going to town for groceries or going to the bank,which brings me to another issue.....Ever try to drive a dually through some of these bank or fast-food drive-thrus? Or try to park one in town? Not to easy as I have driven quite a few,you always have to watch the fenders sticking out! You get used to it after awhile though,it just takes time and you have to remember the fenders are there

Good luck on your decision and keep us up to date on what your doing and why.

Greg · June 9, 2005

I would go big, but a 3500 crewcab, long bed, dually is really big. If it's just you & 1 passenger max and you're not doing serious hauling / towing, I'd go with a 3/4 ton extended cab short bed (or long bed if you prefer).

MCourson · June 9, 2005

How long have you been wanting a 3500?

You would be disapointed in the long run if you went small.

R Dogg 56 · June 10, 2005

Sorry.

You guys are right in saying that I should have listed what I would be doing to warrant going with the one tonner. I guess I would be using it as more of a daily driver than a real workhorse. I would have a chance to tow horse and livestock trailers, our 17' Maxum boat, and some light/medium duty farm equipment, like my dad's JD 630, but those instances may be few and far between.

It it also clear that my options aren't logical for my "activities". Some have asked why I would really feel the need to have a truck as big as the 3500. I don't know, I just have always wanted the biggest and most powerful truck there is. But, as time goes by, one must look at the logic and reasoning behind everything. And for a daily driver, the tonner is not the right choice. And for that matter, the smaller ZR2 would also not be a good choice as it can't tow very much weight, and the ball joint issues plague this truck.

Looks like my poll was pointless, huh? Well, c'est la vie (sp?). Should we erase this thread and I'll just shut the hell up and never again talk about this, or should I look for a different model than the one mentioned above? Looks like the half ton model is the way to go for a daily driver.

mmmikkke · June 10, 2005

Looks like the half ton model is the way to go for a daily driver.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not necessarily. If you want something just a little different than dad's truck, and you can afford the fuel, the 3/4 ton is worth considering. That's *my* situation. I factored in the fuel costs and decided that I wanted, and was willing to pay for the gas for, a 2500HD. Like Greg said in a previous reply in this thread--it's not out of the question to use a 2500HD as a daily driver.

In my opinion, the HD aluminum wheels on the 2500HD, and the taller frame and front bumper, and the "bumped" hood, all set it apart from its 1/2 ton brethren. Put some 285's on those stock aluminum wheels, change out the factory sound system, and whatever else floats your boat. Make your truck personalized. The 2500HD is a good place to start.

Click on "view vehicles" under my ID on the left side of the screen to see my 2500HD extended cab--mine is a daily driver.

MCourson · June 10, 2005

Sorry.

You guys are right in saying that I should have listed what I would be doing to warrant going with the one tonner.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No need to apologize, nor justify your reasoning, you wanted one. That should be enough reasoning for anyone. If you want something, who cares if you need it or not, as long as you can afford it.

General Lee 01 · June 10, 2005

Marshal is right. No need for your apologies.

Case in point..... I am planning on up-sizing to the 2500-3500 sometime in the forseeable future. My next Truck is either going to be:

'99-'03 F-250 Superduty 7.3L Diesel

'98-'01Dodge Ram 2500 (Or 3500 Dually, yet to decide there) with the Cummins.

-'01 or '02 2500HD with the Duramax Diesel.

How much do I plan on hauling? Not much at all.

The only thing I'll listen to from the guys (no offense meant to anybody)is which of the 3 I should be more inclined to buy. I won't let anybody here deter me from getting a 3/4 Ton. And niether should you. ....If indeed that's what you truly want.

Now I have some more advice, I do not have Hi-rider or ZR2 experience but I do have S-10 Blazer experience.

It did have it's strong points, but in the end, in "the big picture", I was not happy with it. I don't plan on getting another member of the S-10 family in my lifetime. Take that as you want it.

MS3DALE · June 10, 2005

Yes,No need to apologize,I would have suggested a 2500HD,I think it would be just what you need.....a good daily driver thats easy to drive and pretty decent on gas (Well,sorta!) with the ability to tow if needed.

You did say a 3/4 ton is something you would consider "but not at this time" thats why I didn't suggest it now,but I think it would be the perfect truck for you.

You definetly don't want a ZR2 for "heavy" towing.

Now you just have to decide what engine you want! 6.0-8.1 or the 6.6 DMAX.

Cool Zr2 · June 11, 2005

Here I come to wreck the DAY!!! (in Jim carry's Voice)

Here is My .02 cents worth.

Like Frank said, A zr2 is a Good little truck, HOWEVER, it has design flaws. If you are prepaired to drop a few bucks into the front end, then you have the perfect midsized truck.

1. - Do I love my truck, your d**n right, I have put many many hours on a 4 wheeled creeper under the ole' girl and loved every minute of it. Its my type of thing.

2. - If I was sitting on that dealers lot and knew how much money I would spend on this truck, I would have ran really fast in the other direction.

My advice is this, don't buy crap, you will find out that buying a home is much more important and rewarding than buying another car/truck. It wasn't untill recently that I realized all this, People will be more impressed with you if you have them over for dinner in your house than they will if you take them for a cruise down the main drag.

I have had my truck for about 4 years now, and last june I bought a new car, and got bent over by Mr. depreciation. I bought that 99 S-10 for a project and couldn't bring myself to wasting more money on a truck.

Sorry for jabbering, buy a jalopie, you'll be better off.....