help buying truck

[Jethro]

Another thing to consider is having a set-up that will STOP the load efficiently also. Heavier trucks have heavier brakes. I would definately recommend a brake controller in the truck and brakes on the trailer.

 

[rcrcomputing]

Ok, You talked me into it. (And my wife said quit screwing around and get what I want)

Here's my notes. What do you guys think?

***********************************
Silverado 2500 Crew Cab - RED
Brake controller? (Guess I'll put it in)

6.0L Gas engine
4-wheel drive (note, the tires must match the truck)
automatic transmition
rear sliding window
good stereo (6 disc changer w/7 boise speakers)
wheel molding
overhead storage
Cloth split bench seat
sun roof (I've no idea why)
Towing package
auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Powered drivers seat
Flex-fuel

Tires and wheels? 2500’s come with 16in??? Looks like a stork.
Ask about reverse sensing system. (Sounds handy)
Which rear end?

Check the gas mileage rating (Doesn't seem to be one)
WIRING PROVISIONS CAMPER
Remote Vehicle Starter System
bed liner
Pickup bed side rails?
running boards (I guess black)

Wanna go shopping??

 

[Casco1]

That's almost my rig.
Differences are
Extended cab
no sunroof
rear defroster instead of split rear window
I have 4:10 gears
Running boards, I would recommend tubular steprails in stainless steel. My last set was black powdercoat, they didn't hold up as well
Truck is great I love it
I also own an F250 I plow with but I like the Chevy a lot better. Handling, and ride are much superior.

Good Luck

 

[LBrown59]

Ok, You talked me into it. (And my wife said quit screwing around and get what I want)

Here's my notes. What do you guys think?

***********************************
Silverado 2500 Crew Cab - RED
Brake controller? (Guess I'll put it in)

6.0L Gas engine
4-wheel drive (note, the tires must match the truck)
automatic transmition
rear sliding window
good stereo (6 disc changer w/7 boise speakers)
wheel molding
overhead storage
Cloth split bench seat
sun roof (I've no idea why)
Towing package
auto-dimming rear-view mirror
Powered drivers seat
Flex-fuel

Tires and wheels? 2500’s come with 16in??? Looks like a stork.
Ask about reverse sensing system. (Sounds handy)
Which rear end?

Check the gas mileage rating (Doesn't seem to be one)
WIRING PROVISIONS CAMPER
Remote Vehicle Starter System
bed liner
Pickup bed side rails?
running boards (I guess black)

Wanna go shopping??

I didn't see these on your list.
Cab over pipe rack
Air Cond.
Dump bed.

 

[arrow]

I think it way too much truck for how you described your "real" truck needs. It may be meeting your "emotional" truck needs however. If money is not a problem for you, I always suggest meeting emotional needs as a priority. You may not be lugging a tractor around all the time, but one does lug around their emotions all the time. I also have a feeling you kind of knew what you wanted before you posted this tread and you may have wanted confirmation is all. I'm not sure you actually were convinced by anyone as to what truck to get. Now just fess up and go out and buy what you want.

 

[chili]

I would go with the 3.73 gears on the rear. I have been told that 3.73 gears versus something higher would help with less wear and tear on your engine. Your gas mileage may be a little lower but better than having 4.10 gears.

 

[HGM]

For a truck the limited slip diff is a must in my opinion.. A 2wd will get stuck in wet grass if its loaded w/o the L/S.. It wont hurt fuel economy since its only providing resistance on turns or slick surfaces..

The gear ratio, I agree with most about the 3.73 for an all arround ratio.. The 4.10 would be nice for low end Tq and getting things moving, but for general use its a bit low.. My dad loves his though and I couldnt talk him out of it for anything.. Just think of the ratio as a lever, or cheater bar.. The longer the lever is(higher rear end number/ lower ratio), the less effort you have to apply to move the object

The 5.4L is a decent engine, most of the negatives you hear about the Ford engines in general, being low on power, is related to th overhead cam design.. These, especially the 3v 5.4 are typicaly higher reving engines.. This means that the Tq isnt produced down low like a push rod engine typicaly does.. If you go with the 5.4L(especially the 3v) do your tune ups early(arround 50K rather than 100K), and let the dealer do them.. There have been issues with spark plugs on these engines, most of them are due to improper torquing of the plugs on the earlier versions and carbon build up on the newer ones.. The dealer tech will be much more aware of these issues and more likely to do the job corrctly.. If there is a problem, they will also be more likely to make good on repair assistance..

Just my opinion.. Good luck with your decision.. BTW, my vote would be for a 3/4 ton..

 

[MLinOleMiss]

I have a crewcab k2500hd 4x4 with the 6.0 and a standard tranny. It would probably pull a house off of its foundation if need be.

 

[rcrcomputing]

Wonder what kind of gas miliage to expect with the 2500 6.0 liter. The sticker leaves me with no clue at all..

 

[rcrcomputing]

I think it way too much truck for how you described your "real" truck needs. It may be meeting your "emotional" truck needs however. If money is not a problem for you, I always suggest meeting emotional needs as a priority. You may not be lugging a tractor around all the time, but one does lug around their emotions all the time. I also have a feeling you kind of knew what you wanted before you posted this tread and you may have wanted confirmation is all. I'm not sure you actually were convinced by anyone as to what truck to get. Now just fess up and go out and buy what you want.

<grin>
I believe you have great insight! I confess! I want a "real man truck"

Now then, do I still want a 3.73 rear end since I'm going to a 3/4 ton? Or a 4.10?

 

[MLinOleMiss]

I get about 14 on the highway and less in the city, byt that's with a standard tranny, an automatic may be different

 

[KAB]

RCR
Brake controller? (Guess I'll put it in)
Supposed to be available on the NEW body style 2500's

Flex-fuel
I have not seen E85 on the 6.0

Tires and wheels? 2500’s come with 16in??? Looks like a stork.
The new style will have 17" as an option

Ask about reverse sensing system. (Sounds handy)
It is to available on the New Style

Which rear end?
Old Style 4.10
New Style 3.73

Check the gas mileage rating (Doesn't seem to be one)
The weight rating excludes this from mileage listing requirements

WIRING PROVISIONS CAMPER
Available on both body styles

Remote Vehicle Starter System
New Body style - Part of a Package

bed liner
Pickup bed side rails?
running boards (I guess black)
If purchased as a GM accessory prior to delivery (needs to be on buyers agreement) covered by bumper to bumper warranty

If you want the new body style you will have to wait until approx. April next year. (Same frame as current style. Possibly same suspension.)

You have some choices for the current body style.
1500HD - this is the old 2500 - w/3.73 7900# towing
w/4.10 9900# towing
16" rims

1500 w/6.0 MAX and Tow Package w/4.10 9900# towing
17" rims


Just as a note: Typically the smaller rim (less weight) is better for towing.


Kurt

 

[Boondox]

I get about 14 on the highway and less in the city, byt that's with a standard tranny, an automatic may be different

Nice! Up here in hilly Vermont I'm getting a consistent 12.7mpg in rural driving unladen. We don't have many straight stretches of road where I live. When towing a four ton load I get about 9mpg, which is also what I get when plowing snow in 4WD.

Pete

 

[dmccarty]

Wonder what kind of gas miliage to expect with the 2500 6.0 liter. The sticker leaves me with no clue at all..

Once a vehicle is over a certain weight the manufactuer is not required to publish the MPG. A 2500 is likely over that weight. My Chevy 2500 was over. My F350 is way over.

I carry loads of stuff and don't tow. But I did size the truck to tow my tractor if I ever needed too. I ended up with a diesel because of the much better milage. But the Gas Vs Diesel arugment goes on forever like which oil to use. My two cents is that while you pay more for a diesel over a gasser up front, but you get the power and MPG while you own the truck. When you sell you get the money back at resale. I know I did when I sold the Chevy that had a diesel.

Later,
Dan

 

[rback33]

<grin>
I believe you have great insight! I confess! I want a "real man truck"

Now then, do I still want a 3.73 rear end since I'm going to a 3/4 ton? Or a 4.10?

If you were pulling a HEAVY trailer all the time I would say 4:10, but I would get 3:73's and never look back... that's what my 03 3/4T Dodge with the Cummins has and I'll never go back... my old tonner had 4:11's and it was wound TIGHT at 70mph...

 

[arrow]

As I said, I've been doing this for a while and even though you weren't at my dealership, I could still see your grin after your first post. You for your "maybe" loads need nothing more than what's coming in that truck as its tow package. If its 3.43's, that will be fine. This ratio will tow your tractor and trailer weight without setting up too much of a buzz on the hwy and be a better package as a daily driver. Trust me, for what you might tow, that 3.40-3.70 final drive ratio will do ya.

 

[patrick_g]

Yet another vote for at least a 3/4 ton. No one ever complains there truck is too capable and tows too well.

Pat

 

[Skerby]

Some notes for what it's worth (or not!)
My brother's F250 rides like his old F150 once you load it up with sheetrock! Feels really nice.. (less bumpy etc).

Reverse sensing? I'd imaging that's useless w/ a trailer attached huh?

If I could spend more of your money, go w/ diesel!!! Diesel gets 30 - 35% better fuel economy. Flex fuel is a joke, e85 is our tax dollars subsidizing archer daniels midland's corn and the fuel economy is SIGNIFICANTLY worse than GASOLINE. if you get 15 mpg gas, you'll get like 12 on e85!
All above can be crosschecked at: Search by Class for Fuel Efficient Cars

Limited slip - my understanding that this was when both tires turn on the axel (driven) then as you go around a turn they would turn at different speeds, thus wear and tear if not allowed to 'slip' a little (like a full positraction rear).