Help

BusterB · March 26, 2006

Hello out there! I am new to the site and am looking for some advice etc.

I am looking at buying my 1st Chevy, It is a 97 Silverado, 2500, 5.7 Vortec,

full trim pkg, 2 w/d, Ext Cab, L/box, 4 spd auto, 4:10 rear end, 96000 kms, Maroon & Tan, 8700 gvw

I will use the truck to tow a 23.5 ft 5th wh, approx 8000 lbs loaded, a wife and 2 mid size dogs

Not being familiar with these pick ups, I am wondering if anyone can tell me what I should look for, were there any reported problems with year and model,

how do the trannies stand up. what kind of mpg could I expect, I'm not a speed demon, running reg hwy speeds, 60-65 mph. Are there TSB's on this model?

Any other info you can think of ??

Did they make this truck with a 5 spd, If so, I cannot fine one

Just some questions, any input appreciated

Thx much,

carneyman · March 26, 2006

How often to you plan on pulling the 5th wheel? If pretty often, then you might opt to get a pickup with a bigger engine, probably an 8.1l. If the Chevy you are looking at was basically a commuter pickup or didnt have a hard life (the bed can usually be a good indicator: excellent shape w/o a spray in liner can mean hardly any mis-use), then it should be plenty. My dad had a 97 with a 350 in it, used it as a farm truck (which means drove the hell out of it), and never had a problem with it pulling a 30 ft. stock trailer maxed out. If the truck has been driven good its whole life, then the tranny should be just fine to pull your 5th.

GTUSN2006 · March 26, 2006

I am not sure about the 5.7L, but our farm truck is a 96 c2500 ECLB (extended cab long bed) with the old 6.5L diesel, 4.10s and a 5 speed manual.

If you can find one of the old diesels with a 5 speed, I would recommend it. 130,000 miles on that one and no significant issues. They aren't a duramax, but they will still pull and will work like a mule.

ChevyTech007 · April 3, 2006

A 97 R motor. If the intake gasket and water pump has not been replaced recently, do yourself a favor and do it before you head out. Make sure they replace the heater nipple also no matter what its condition is.