2003 4.3L Chevy WT package

gregschevelle · July 12, 2006

To all,

Great Site...I am interested in a newer Chevy truck, and I am looking at a 2003 WT package truck (used) at the local dealer. It has approximately 30k miles on it and appears lightly used. It also has a manual trans. I like the fact that it is a stripper model without any extra stuff that can break (windows, locks, rubber floor mat)

What is the reasonable expectations for this truck with regards to:

1. towing (I may tow a small fishing boat or at the largest an open double axle car trailer with a race car on it every once in a while)

2. gas mileage - not towing anything, but in town and on the highway?

3. since it is a WT, there is no 4WD, so how does it do in inclement weather?

4. Any issues with loading up the bed with lumber from a weight perspective?

Thank you,

Greg Nelson

05W/T · July 12, 2006

1. My 89 4WD v-6 5-speed was used to tow an 18' fifth wheel through Idaho and Washinton before I bought it, and that was with only 160HP.

I think the newer trucks are only rated to tow 3,500 lbs. with the stick no matter what engine is in front of it. This is from the 2005 owners manual.

2. My 05 gets 19mpg in the winter and 21.5mpg in the summer, mixed driving.

3. I got stuck once in the driveway this winter, but never had any trouble on the road with the stock General tires.

4. I loaded a 7' Valley pool table in the bed with a 1" slate top and had no problem getting up to speed. I shift a 2000 RPM.

Brian

1989 RCSB Cheyenne 4.3 5-speed, 255/85-16

2005 RCLB GMC W/T 4.3 5-speed, 245/70-17

udlooz · July 24, 2006

I have an 04 RCLB W/T 4.3 MT w/ 3.42's - I didn't know what the towing capacity was and regularly tow my 2000 lb. double axle 18 ft. trailer, often with cars on it. I think the heaviest car I've towed on it was a camaro weighing ~3400 lbs.

I generally get around 15-16 mpg in town and 21-22 mpg highway at 70 mph. I do have a K&N which I dont think affected mileage at all.

I once hauled a pallet of 6' pickets (260) and 24 2x4's in the 8ft. bed for about 40 miles, no handling or braking problems with that load.

It can get a little slippery on ice. Better tires improved that. The stock goodyear wrangler ST's are crap, stock Generals are fine.

I drive it about 1300 miles per month for work + 1000 for personal commute. It has 60k and has never been serviced except for general maintenance and the defective steering shaft for which there is a TSB.

Maybe I am too hard on this truck...