I have been looking to upgrade my TV and I have a few questions I wonder if you all can assist me. I am looking at 2008 GMCs and I am not sure if I should get a 6.0L Vmax 1/2 ton with the enhanced towing package, or the 6.0L Vortec 3/4 ton or finally the Duramax diesel with the Allison transmission. Fuel isn't a huge issue, since I only put on 5000 to 8000 miles a year. I am concerned about maintenance costs and longevity.
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edited 04/16/08 08:12pm by an administrator/moderator *
2005 Ford F-150 Lariat
2007 26 FBSS Puma, XM Radio,
Beautiful wife,
2 Kids, a
Yellow lab(Kramer) and
a Brittany(Newman)
Since GM dropped the 8.1/6-speed Allison option from the 2500HD/3500 pickups there is a huge gap in power between the 6.0 and Duramax. In fact the highest tow rating was the 2500HD w/8.1 and 4.10's at 16,100 lbs . If cost is not a factor then go for the Duramax 2500HD.
i would be the first one to say todays gassers are wonderful.....and improved but the diesel remains king even though the price per gallon has risen and the cost of the engine is just out of control.
* This post was
edited 04/05/08 09:36pm by Sir Buffalo *
Sir Buffalo!
2006 Zinger by Crossroads 27BHS
2007 Toyota Tundra Double Cab 5.7
I have a dealer in my area down to $34988 so far on a 2008 GMC 3/4 ton Duramax diesel crew cab LT package. I can get a few more bells and whistles on the 1/2 ton, but I don't use them on the truck I have now. So, price is not an option I guess.
The other consideration is waiting until the Fall to make your purchase. New trucks will be significantly discounted and private parties will be selling their used trucks for a song, as dealerships won't be willing to pay them for their trade-ins.
Why will trucks be so much cheaper this summer and fall? Is it the new model change over?
In any event, if you can afford it, go with the diesel. There is no comparison in my book. Plus moving up from a 1/2 ton to a 3/4 (gas or diesel) will make a difference too. I find that with the diesel, I arrive at my destination much more relaxed than when I pulled with a gasser. But other folks love their gassers and they can do a great job too, but I would stick with a 3/4 ton.
,2003 Chevy Silverado 2500 Black EC D/A 4X4, REVOS Pwr. TT Mirrors, A.R.E. Cap, Equal-i-zer Hitch, Jordan Ultima
2003 Jayco Kiwi 23D, Carefree Awning, Trimetric.
Robin Subaru R1700i, 2 T105s,32 Gal 4 Wheel Tote Tank
8.1 Van wrote: Since GM dropped the 8.1/6-speed Allison option from the 2500HD/3500 pickups there is a huge gap in power between the 6.0 and Duramax. In fact the highest tow rating was the 2500HD w/8.1 and 4.10's at 16,100 lbs .
Hmmm, "was" is the correct term. Currently, the HIGHEST tow rating for the Duramax Diesel is **16,500lbs with only 3.73's on the rear end on a '08 model 3500.
Nothing beats the Duramax/Allison combo currently. In fact, for this year anyway, GM's Duramax has more horsepower and torque with it's Duramax/Allison combo than Ford's "powerstroke" and the Dodge Cummins diesels.
Here's my little story on why I bought the diesel just a few days ago. I actually ordered the 6.0L gasser from GM with other upgrades. My dealer said "none" were out there when he did a search. So, GM accepted my order. Well, unfortunately, "American Axel Mfg." is on STIKE! They make the axels for Silverado's and Sierra's. Guess what? GM ran out of surplus axels on April 4th! My dealer said that GM cancelled my truck order.
I was screwed big time because my new ordered trailer is due any day now. I did NOT want a new truck with zero miles on it. I wanted a few weeks to break in the truck before towing, per the manual.
So, I bought a oil burner (diesel) with all of my extra options I wanted. The second day of ownership, I put 700 miles on the truck! I think I'm good for towing now. Hahaha.
Look at it this way. Why are you buying the new truck? If you're like me, I didn't buy it for a "commuter vehicle." I bought the truck for a specific job. That is towing without breaking a sweat. Therefore, fuel price wasn't a concern for me either. I glad that GM can't currently get these axels for any NEW ordered trucks at the moment. It forced me to get a diesel and I absolutely love it! Going up a 15% grade hill in 6th gear at 65mph was awesome. I can't wait to see what it does with a fully loaded trailer behind it.
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