New Trucks

fasst450 · January 3, 2009

Hey hows it going? I just found this site yesterday, looked pretty informative so I thought I would join. The reason I am posting here is a have some questions about the new GMC's. Im out in Iraq right now until June possibly, so Im trying to do as much research on them as possible. Ive had a few early 90's GMC's and Chevys along with an early 80's Chevy so the new 1/2 tons are a whole new ballgame I dont know much about. Im looking into getting a shortbed, extended cab 4x4 1/2 ton with an automatic(I am so done with shifting in heavy traffic!).Basically, I want something reliable and will last a long time. The most I will ever haul will probably an aluminum trailer with a few ATV's on it, so power is not a huge concern, but I dont want a lead sled either. Im curious as to what options I should look into/stay away from. I could care less about heated cupholders and all that ****, I want a TRUCK. What would be the best engine/tranny combo to look into? I would like to know about some other drivetrain upgrades as well. Again, reliability and long life being key factors. Fuel mileage is somewhat of a concern, it is a fullsize truck so it will never be great, but ill take as best as I can get. Thanks for the help and take care.

Yotaman · January 3, 2009

Hey hows it going? I just found this site yesterday, looked pretty informative so I thought I would join. The reason I am posting here is a have some questions about the new GMC's. Im out in Iraq right now until June possibly, so Im trying to do as much research on them as possible. Ive had a few early 90's GMC's and Chevys along with an early 80's Chevy so the new 1/2 tons are a whole new ballgame I dont know much about. Im looking into getting a shortbed, extended cab 4x4 1/2 ton with an automatic(I am so done with shifting in heavy traffic!).Basically, I want something reliable and will last a long time. The most I will ever haul will probably an aluminum trailer with a few ATV's on it, so power is not a huge concern, but I dont want a lead sled either. Im curious as to what options I should look into/stay away from. I could care less about heated cupholders and all that ****, I want a TRUCK. What would be the best engine/tranny combo to look into? I would like to know about some other drivetrain upgrades as well. Again, reliability and long life being key factors. Fuel mileage is somewhat of a concern, it is a fullsize truck so it will never be great, but ill take as best as I can get. Thanks for the help and take care.

Neil,

First off I asssume you are in the Military. If so thanks for your service and sacrifice. If you are not get the hell out of there !!!

As far as the truck I would go with the 5.3 liter engine or 4.8

I've been happy with both my GM truck so far 01 and 06 models

Thanks,

22R

weymard · January 3, 2009

In first congrats for your courage !

For me choose the extended cab with the 6,0L (or 6,2 2009), excellent mileage, best towing, best power when you need it !

georgerosen06 · January 3, 2009

Any engine with gm these days is pretty reliable. It really is all up to what is in your budget. If its properly maintained they can last a long time. I have the 5.3 non flex fuel(2004) and it has about 57000 miles on it and it runs great still, has great power, and has the ability to tow an atv or two if needed. The two main transmissions are the 4l60e and then 4l80e I believe. the 60 is a 4 speed the 80 is a 6 speed. The 60 has some weak links (sunshell gear?) and the 80 has some beefier parts. Things have changed with the 09 models so I can't really tell you which engine goes with which trans but whatever you choose you will really be happy.

SLESierra · January 3, 2009

Love mine and yes most of the GM Stable of engines is reliable. Only one I would worry about is the 6.2 because it will pass everything but a gas station hehe

MarkD · January 3, 2009

I've had several 5.3's with very little problems.

What are you going to do with the truck?

dietz4ibanez · January 3, 2009

Hey hows it going? I just found this site yesterday, looked pretty informative so I thought I would join. The reason I am posting here is a have some questions about the new GMC's. Im out in Iraq right now until June possibly, so Im trying to do as much research on them as possible. Ive had a few early 90's GMC's and Chevys along with an early 80's Chevy so the new 1/2 tons are a whole new ballgame I dont know much about. Im looking into getting a shortbed, extended cab 4x4 1/2 ton with an automatic(I am so done with shifting in heavy traffic!).Basically, I want something reliable and will last a long time. The most I will ever haul will probably an aluminum trailer with a few ATV's on it, so power is not a huge concern, but I dont want a lead sled either. Im curious as to what options I should look into/stay away from. I could care less about heated cupholders and all that ****, I want a TRUCK. What would be the best engine/tranny combo to look into? I would like to know about some other drivetrain upgrades as well. Again, reliability and long life being key factors. Fuel mileage is somewhat of a concern, it is a fullsize truck so it will never be great, but ill take as best as I can get. Thanks for the help and take care.

I've had several 5.3's with very little problems.

What are you going to do with the truck?

He said in his post did you read it?? I learned this trick on the forum its ok!!!

dietz4ibanez · January 3, 2009

I dont know about you but I like power and I would get the biggest 1/2 ton you could get... Right now thats the vortec max with a 6.0L v8... I think the 09 version they are switching over to the 6.2L (about 400 base hp) with possibly a 6 speed tranmission...

But to be Honest for what you need.. You would be happy with a V8 5.3L V8 Ext cab Z71 With 3.73 gears... But I am not a fan of low gearing like the 3.42's that they commonly throw in the 4.8 engines and some base model 5.3 engine trucks...

bowserb · January 3, 2009

Thank you for your serving......

To help you I would recommend a 5.3 or 6.0 Vortec engine, you could always get a 4.8 in a base extended cab, but I have a feeling you'd be much happier with a 5.3 or 6.0. These two engines are decent on gas, and have a nice amount of power. I would stick to 3.73 gears. Just from experience 3.42 might be ok with the 6.0, but I would recommend 3.73, its a good settle between power and mpg.

These new trucks are going at very highly discounted prices right now. For example I saw an extended cab 4x4, with 5.3, LT trim (power windows,locks,mirrors, etc) that was 33,600, on sale for like 26,500, and that was just with GM red tag, and rebates, thats with no dealer incentives.

I hope this information helps.

Until you get back.........stay safe, and thank you for serving such an awesome country!

66nova · January 3, 2009

I put in a vote for the 5.3l with the 4L60E (the typical 4 speed auto you will find in 90% of GM trucks). This motor trans combo is time tested and will handle everything that from the sounds of it, are going to do and much more. It gets decent mileage and there are a TON of performance/mileage upgrades available. What year I would get just depends on your budget. I would buy the newest you can afford.

There are a number of engine combos available 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, 6.2. I didn't list the V6, because I wouldn't recommend it. As far as transmissions, everything you find that has a 4.8 or 5.3 will have the 4L60E. If you go to a 6.0 in the half ton it has the 4L70E. Basically the same trans with more hardened parts to handle the extra torque. The 4L80E is the 4 speed transmission that is in the 3/4 and 1 ton pickups. I believe the 6 speed is the 6L80E it is only found in the Denalis and the 3/4+ ton trucks until now. The 09 models have it as an option. I don't think it is a great choice for what you are wanting. It's not as time tested and will be overkill, IMO.

Hope this helps and thanks for serving our Country.

Impalacat · January 3, 2009

I dont know about you but I like power and I would get the biggest 1/2 ton you could get... Right now thats the vortec max with a 6.0L v8... I think the 09 version they are switching over to the 6.2L (about 400 base hp) with possibly a 6 speed tranmission...

But to be Honest for what you need.. You would be happy with a V8 5.3L V8 Ext cab Z71 With 3.73 gears... But I am not a fan of low gearing like the 3.42's that they commonly throw in the 4.8 engines and some base model 5.3 engine trucks...

On the gearing a 3:42 is a higher gear than a 3:73 not lower, any time a gear number has a smaller number( 3:36,3:42 those are higher geared than a (3:73, 4:10 or 4:52) alot of times they are called taller or shorter gears, a taller gear has a smaller number, a shorter gear has a bigger number, like in a 4 speed manual you start off in 1st gear and shift up to 4th gear, 1st gear is low gear 4th is high gear. the bigger the number gear(3:73) the rpm's you will turn at a certian speed will be more than if you where running at the same speed with a(3:42) higher gear, Hope this makes sense.

Porter_ · January 3, 2009

i'm happy with my 4.8, it has plenty of power. that being said i would get the most powerful engine you can afford. gas mileage is negligible between the 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0. i found a great deal on a 4.8 so i went with it. if i were you i wouldn't turn away from any of these three engines if you find a spectacular deal on one.

thank you for serving our country.

hockeypro1411 · January 3, 2009

i'm happy with my 4.8, it has plenty of power. that being said i would get the most powerful engine you can afford. gas mileage is negligible between the 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0. i found a great deal on a 4.8 so i went with it. if i were you i wouldn't turn away from any of these three engines if you find a spectacular deal on one.

thank you for serving our country.

HA! Depending how you drive, the difference between a 5.3 and a 6.0 can be huge. I know a guy with both, he drives them the same, and he always complains about the gas sucking habits of the 6.0 compared to the 5.3. He's talking like 6 or 7 mpg difference.

Porter_ · January 3, 2009

i'm happy with my 4.8, it has plenty of power. that being said i would get the most powerful engine you can afford. gas mileage is negligible between the 4.8, 5.3, and 6.0. i found a great deal on a 4.8 so i went with it. if i were you i wouldn't turn away from any of these three engines if you find a spectacular deal on one.

thank you for serving our country.

HA! Depending how you drive, the difference between a 5.3 and a 6.0 can be huge. I know a guy with both, he drives them the same, and he always complains about the gas sucking habits of the 6.0 compared to the 5.3. He's talking like 6 or 7 mpg difference.

well sure, i can get a turbocharged 2L to suck gas at 8mpg if i drive it like a bat out of hell. i'm sure once your friend got in the 6.0 he *thought* he was driving with the same habits, but something tells me he wasn't able to resist putting his foot down in the 6.0 (i know i wouldnt be able to)

texx · January 3, 2009

I dont know about you but I like power and I would get the biggest 1/2 ton you could get... Right now thats the vortec max with a 6.0L v8... I think the 09 version they are switching over to the 6.2L (about 400 base hp) with possibly a 6 speed tranmission...

But to be Honest for what you need.. You would be happy with a V8 5.3L V8 Ext cab Z71 With 3.73 gears... But I am not a fan of low gearing like the 3.42's that they commonly throw in the 4.8 engines and some base model 5.3 engine trucks...

6.2 / auto 6spd began with the 2008 SDs. Great motor, last long time. MPG average 15.5 I've seen 18.5 on the hwy.