Dad wants a new truck...

[Benelli]

He's considering going to the Ford or Dodge camp, so I need some arguments from you guys on why he should stay true to Chevy.

He wants to spend $20,000. This truck must be 4 wheel drive. He does a lot of hunting and fishing, he'll pull a boat around in the summer. And hopefully I'll get to take it out of town when I want something nicer than the old v6.

What is the price difference between a Duramax 3/4 ton and a 5.3 half ton? From what I've read it sounds like the 5.3 is a pretty crappy engine.

Either way I need some arguments on to which why he should get a 3/4 ton duramax vs. a half ton dodge or vs a 3/4 ton ford with the 5.4 triton.

Waiting in the wings....
Tyler

[Matt Man]

well #1 the 5.3 is a great motor.
Im going to tell you my opinion on what i would do. I would buy a nice 12 valve dodge cummins 4x4. 20,000 will get you a duramax but the dodge will be less money. I love both trucks though, just make sure he doesn't buy a powerjoke lol.

[bpeters5814]

Why doesn't he take the $20,000 and buy a relatively low mile 2500HD with the 6.0? Mine's got 170,000 on the ticker and I get 14 - 15 mpg pretty regularly. Towing I get 11-12.

The 5.3 isn't a crappy engine. I know a guy that went darn near 300,000 miles on his 5.3 with only regular maintenance and a few replacement parts here and there, as will happen with any engine. If your Dad is going to tow a lot, the 6.0 would be awesome.

I have two cousins that had half-ton Dodge's with Hemis. Towing they got about 9mpg. Both now drive Chevys. I do not have personal experience, or know anyone with experience, but I would think a 5.4 in a big Ford Super Duty would be a bit underpowered.

Honestly, for the price he's looking to give, I'd say you could find a 3/4 ton with 60-80,000 miles on a 6.0. If he puts 15,000 miles on a year, and it goes 200,000, that's a lot of years.

That's my .02 worth. Hope it helps.

[Benelli]

Thats a great suggestion, I never gave a thought to the 6.0

I think that I'm going to go try that route.

Lastly, is there a difference between the Silverado and the Silverado "Classic"?

[bpeters5814]

If I'm correct, the Silverado Classic was only offered for the 07 model year. The Classic is the 03-06 type body style, while an 07 that is not designated a Classic is the new body style.

[67ChevyRedneck]

You're the first person I've ever heard that called the 5.3L a crappy engine It's actually one of the best "overall" engines ever put in a half ton, IMO.

Your pops is a grown man, let him get the truck he wants, then when it dies, tell him he should have gotten the Chevy

[Benelli]

Well. He's found two he wants now, what's the better deal? Just asking.

2006 Silverado 1500 with 5.3, Z71 good condition. 55,000 mi. 22500$
2004 Silverado 2500 with Duramax and Allioson. 90,000 mi. 23500$

[bpeters5814]

If he's gonna pull, I'd go for the Duramax.

[ed2552]

Does the 04 have the LB7 or the LLY? LB7 will have injector issues, LLY won't, generally.

I love our 05 LLY Duramax. Way better than the 03 6.0 we had before it.

[Gray Ghost]

Originally Posted by Benelli

Well. He's found two he wants now, what's the better deal? Just asking.

2006 Silverado 1500 with 5.3, Z71 good condition. 55,000 mi. 22500$
2004 Silverado 2500 with Duramax and Allioson. 90,000 mi. 23500$

Am I the only one that thinks both prices are too high?

[JohnC]

Originally Posted by ed2552

Does the 04 have the LB7 or the LLY? LB7 will have injector issues, LLY won't, generally.

I love our 05 LLY Duramax. Way better than the 03 6.0 we had before it.

I think the injectors were fixed in the 03-04 range. So it should be good.

Out of those two options I would go with the duramax if he pulls on a regular basis. If it's just occasional towing then I would prob go for the 5.3.

I also have the 1500HD with the 6.0, and I love it.

[Benelli]

Originally Posted by Gray Ghost

Am I the only one that thinks both prices are too high?

You won't find a decently priced used truck in a small town...

[bpeters5814]

I agree with Benelli. I don't know where he is in Nebraska, but around the Grand Island area you can't even find a used 3/4 ton. In fact, I've been looking statewide since October, and can't find anything I want. If you do find something, it's usually with high miles. The farmers must be holding on to their trucks.

[Gray Ghost]

Ah...ok, that makes sense...but it sure sucks. No wonder that guy in Nebraska bought my MCSS back in 2001 and had it shipped. He never even tried to get me to lower the price.

[bpeters5814]

Originally Posted by Gray Ghost

Ah...ok, that makes sense...but it sure sucks. No wonder that guy in Nebraska bought my MCSS back in 2001 and had it shipped. He never even tried to get me to lower the price.

Yeah. I'm looking for an 05 or newer GMC crew cab 2500HD short box with a 6.0 and can't find one. They either have 130,000 miles, or they have 30,000 and they want upper 20's for them. Or they're pewter or white, and I'm not a fan of either of those colors.

[ed2552]

All LB7 trucks (01-04.5) have injector issues, due to the design and layout. Most LLY's don't have injector issues, but can have overheating and/or headgasket issues, all of which are covered under warranty (5yr/100k for Duramax/Allison w/ $100 deductible, except for 06+, which have no deductible).

[Benelli]

Originally Posted by bpeters5814

I agree with Benelli. I don't know where he is in Nebraska, but around the Grand Island area you can't even find a used 3/4 ton. In fact, I've been looking statewide since October, and can't find anything I want. If you do find something, it's usually with high miles. The farmers must be holding on to their trucks.

I agree. I drive a 6.0 at work for a farmer, a 2003 with about 240,000 miles, it runs great. It's a little low on the power, when towing, but it's a great truck.

I'm pretty sure he's going with the 06 half ton, thanks guy for reassuring me with the 5.3.

[miracle whip]

I have a 6.0 in my denali and beat the brakes off it every day, i mean i stand on the throttle and have 195,000 on original motor and trans and its like brand new. and its turning 26'' rims. stay with chevy!!