[santelikk]

Hi all,

New to the forum. I currently have a 2002 GMC Sierra 3 Ext.Cab 1500 2x4. I pull a 3 horse GN (4500# trailer weight) with this truck currently. I feel comfortable with the truck I have but wonder how it will hold together in the long term.

I have found a 2000 2500 Silverado 6.0 4x4 Ext Cab. with nearly the same mileage for a price I could probably "switch" trucks and maintain the same payment.

What would you reccommend doing and what are some of the pro/cons of the 6.0?

Thanks Kevin

 

[IHdonnie]

Going from 1500 to 2500hd would definetly be a plus in my book. I have an 03 gmc 6.0 auto. The only thing I dont like about it is the gas mileage. Plenty of horsepower, not an overwhelming amount of torque but I seem to drag some heavy stuff around with it. So I would say all in all it would be a wise move. Just my .02

 

[towdog333]

I had a 2002 HD Chevy 6.0 L auto 4:10 rear standard cab. I loved the truck, strong , fast engine, the only thing I didn't like was the mpg. Anywhere from 9mpg to maybe 11.

 

[Rhall]

he said the truck was a 2000, so it was not an hd so it might of had 373 gears, which you should still feel and improvement, but IMO you won't like the results. The 6.0 gets like 12mpg empty and worse loaded, thats what my old truck got....JMO

-Rob-

 

[doglip]

Csk

I think you'll be happy with the 6.0L pulling the loaded horse trailer, and the 2500 will for sure handle the weight better than the 1500. I pull the same with mine and have 0 complaints. I would recommend that it have 4.10's and the 4x4 can definately come in handy get'in in and out of pastures and feilds. I'd just make sure it's not got the ol' piston slap that some have in their 00'-03' model 6.0L's. Be the first one to start it in the morning with everything turned off...if its knocks, I'd keep looking. good luck

 

[Duramaxdoc]

Have had 2001 4x4 6.0L burb (Wifes bus) since new, 4.10 rear end. About 85,000 mi. NOT ONE PROBLEM WITH MOTOR!!! First time wasted` $$$$ on extended warranty. Upgraded to 24ft toyhauler, too much for Burb... thats how I got my Dmax!!

 

[Rttoys]

I had a '99 K2500, 6.0, 4:10, extended cab short bed, 100k miles when sold, absolutly no mechanical problems that I can remember (water pump gaskets was the only problem). Best milage unloaded was 18mpg (flat land, cruise set at 70, very little stuff), around town was 12 to 15 normal being around 13. Towing my 12k* travel trailer, normal was 6-8mpg worst of 4mpg in the hills.

Mods. were K&N cold air intake, Hypertech programmer, and Flex-a-lite electic fans. I would of done the exhaust but I didn't want the extra noise in the cab.

 

[santelikk]

Thanks for the replies. I went last night to look at the truck but it was sold wednesday. Guess, I'll keep looking

 

[Bill Martin]

Before my 03 Duramax, I had a 2000, 6.0 gasser, 5 speed manual, 4X4, with 3.73 gears. Solo: 15.5 mpg to 16.5. Towing a 31' Alumalite travel trailer: 10 to 12. Entirely adequate power - loved this truck. But, in GM's infinite wisdom, they discontinued the 3.73 gears! Bill Martin

 

[ockgator]

I prefer my 8.1, more power, close to same if not better MPG, ally tranny.
Mine pulls GN trailer 3.73 gears with 35" tires

 

[AlligatorPerformance]

Just say no to the 6.0

I had the 6.0L vortech in a 2002 2500HD, 4.10 gears and was the worst and most costly decision I've made. I would only get 9-10 mpg in town and 13 on the highway. If you put a trailer of any size behind it I saw a low of 4.5 and a high of 6 mpg towing a 28' Artic Fox fifth wheel.

The one good thing that came out of it was the purchase of my 03' Duramax. What a difference a turbo makes:ro)

Start savin' and good luck

 

[FORD-FAN7.3]

Before The Dmax's Came Out....all My Company Trucks Were 6.0's. I Think There A Fine Truck...piston Slap Like A Civ On Startup, But Other Than That A Great Truck Fine For Pulling. You'll Be Happy With It

 

[powerstar23]

I Have One.i Like It And Its Payed Off So I'm Gonna Keep It And Gonna Get A Lbz Duramax Next Week. The Only Thing Is The Mpg Whicj Is About 12.

 

[chevy_cowboy]

350 miles on my new 6.0 and I love it

Plenty of power, runs smooth as glass (and so quiet you can barely hear it) and getting a average of 14mpg (mixed city and hwy)... pretty damn good for a 6000lb truck.

 

[cowdoc]

Had a '99 6.0 with 3.73 gears 2500 ex cab 4x4. Loved the truck no problems. Just didn't like the mpg. 15-16 hwy 12-13 city. 7.5 pulling a 25 ft 5'er.

 

[Heartbeat Hauler]

IF you go with a 6.0 make sure it has the 4.10 rear gears, especially if you are gonna tow with it. Also, the early 6.0 motors had an issue with piston slap, GM said it would not shorten the life of the motor, but the slap was there. My wife's 04 Suburban 2500 w/6.0L and 3.73 gears IS very sluggish, consequently around-town driving is poor, but once it's up to speed on the highway it is ok. We don't tow with it, but I would guess it would only get worse. If you tow a lot, and it sounds like you do, it might be worth to you to save for a used DMAX 2500. My opinion of course.
JP

 

[pmikey]

I have both the 6.0 in a 2500 work van and the 6.6 Duramax in a 2500 HD pickup. The 6.0 runs strong AFTER you get it moving. It has no torque at all. The 6.0 gets 6-7 towing my toy hauler (7,500 lbs) and 11-12 empty. With all my carpenter's tools it weighs 8,600lbs. (with no trailer). The 6.6 gets 11-12 with the trailer and about 16-17 average without it. The low end torque on the 6.6 is awsome. The 6.0 is an indestructable motor and the trans is holding great with 106,000 miles on it. The Duramax's durability...only time will tell...not enough miles yet. Only 43K but not one single problem.

 

[chevy_cowboy]

I have both the 6.0 in a 2500 work van and the 6.6 Duramax in a 2500 HD pickup. The 6.0 runs strong AFTER you get it moving. It has no torque at all. The 6.0 gets 6-7 towing my toy hauler (7,500 lbs) and 11-12 empty. With all my carpenter's tools it weighs 8,600lbs. (with no trailer). The 6.6 gets 11-12 with the trailer and about 16-17 average without it. The low end torque on the 6.6 is awsome. The 6.0 is an indestructable motor and the trans is holding great with 106,000 miles on it. The Duramax's durability...only time will tell...not enough miles yet. Only 43K but not one single problem.

The NV4500 with granny low solves that problem 100%, mine will snap your neck from a stop.

The auto tranny robs alot of power from this motor... especially down low. The stick puts it to the pavement quite nicely

It also makes the truck quite a bit more efficient. I'm getting a better city average mpg than most of the folks on this forum get on the highway (13.5mpg, 75% around town driving, first tank)



I wouldnt recommend a auto tranny in anything, but this truck more than most seems to really shine with the 5 speed. I was shocked when I drove a auto 6.0, it felt like a different truck.

 

[DOUGHBOYDD2500HD]

sooo

What kind of tranny is in the 2004 2500HD 6.0 trucks if its a automatic??? Thanks

 

[Rttoys]

4l80e