35 replies to this topic

[EdoHart]

Our company truck is a 4 door long bed, what a pain in the ass for around town. Once again, it is what u are generally using it for. This is much like buying a new TV. U get a 42" two months later wish i got a 46".
Same when u bring home a new 46", later I hear should of got the 50". It never ends. We get suck in.
Just do it, be happy, u only go around once.

That's why my first (and for the foreseeable future, only) HD TV is a 52 inch.

[griz]

Ed, we all should think that why. Your the man................................

[Sam]

I never have thought much of Consumer Reports. I have had the best luck finding out about reliability issues by simply doing a google search for a message board related to the specific model you are interested in. It takes some time but read as many of the posts as you can and you will start to see the common failures and things to watch out for. Example; early Dodge & Fords had weak transmissions, early Ford 6.0 Diesels had numerous serious problems, Duramax has injector failure etc. Also www.cartalk.com has a section where you can put in a model and see everyones comments on it, you will see a pattern after you read a while.

[Argonaut20]

Good thought and a way to look at others' opinions about a prospective purchase.

[davinski]

OK, y'all, been doing some research and have some general questions for the more informed....your thoughts will be appreciated.



First, I have a family connection and probably will get a GM truck as the cost will be substantially less. Too bad they don't work for the other companies, but I can't argue with such a gift.

So far, looking for an extended cab, long bed full sized with big gas engine, towing package 4x4. That's the basics.

1. Since they don't make a manual transmission these days, I gotta go automatic. What is the difference between the regular and the Allison transmission? It is about 1000 bucks difference if not more.

2. Rear axle gear ratios....what does this mean and how will it effect the truck with camper. I tow rarely, but you never know what toys I will get in the future. Will keep the Hawk for now.

3. looking at "Z71" heavy duty off road gear, but really not all that much. Could do after market shocks, sway bars myself and do better. Not so sure about rock guards and such. Do many people add protection from rocks under the trucks as aftermarket upgrades?

4. I looked in the wheel well of these trucks and there is no plastic guard in them. It is an aftermarket upgrade! Mine came with them standard. I thought this would be necessary with a 4x4 but it appears not. Am I missing something here?

5. The GMs have the option of a second or dual battery setup. Will probably get this, but is the upgrade to a 160 alternator better or worse than having 2 125A alternators? I like duplication, but I don't know what the difference is.

I know, lots of questions. Sorry if I sound so uninformed.

Dave

[robojeeper]

Go to http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/ they will have all the info on gmc and more,they have help me in the past. good luck. I have 04 2500HD ext cab,long bed,4x4,6.0 eng.and have no complaints and very good ride.I did add 2" lift took 2 hrs at home very easy cost was about $200 w/new shocks.