I am thinking about replacing my Ford Ranger with a full size Chevy/GMC short bed extra cab 4x4 with the 5.3 or 4.8 Vortec. I really like my Ranger because of gas mileage and dependability but I want a bigger truck for dirtbike ridding and stuff but I don't want to sacrifice gas mileage too much.

My questions are to those of you that own one of these trucks.

Hows the gas milage with a 5.3 and auto?
would it be a better idea to find one with a 4.8
how does the 4.8 run compared to the 5.3? (I have drove a 5.3 one allready)
How does the 4.8 tow say 2000# up mountain passes?
is the 4.8 much better on gas than the 5.3?

This will be a daily driver don't plan on towing anything real heavy just my toys, so the most important thing will be mileage dependability and comfort.

I have a 2000 sierra (rclb)1500 with the 4.8 and my friend has a 2000 silverado 1500 (rcsb)with the 5.3. His will pull a fuzz harder than mine, but mine gets between 18 and 21 mpg( usually 20) where his gets 16-18. We have the same mods and the same driving habbits and carpool so both trucks see the same type of conditions as the other.

I wouldn't want a ext. cab 4x4 with the 4.8L, especially in Colorado. 4.8 is a good motor, but that truck is pretty heavy.

Yeah that might be alittle underpowered in this altitude for that heavy truck

Spend the extra $ and get a 5.3l. You will never end up saying "I wish I had the smaller motor" :D

If you're going to tow, get at least the 3.73 gear.

Watch the 99-2000 models. There are a few problems that are very common; Faulty fuel sending units, ABS module sensors & ext cab doors that don't shut right in cold weather.


I have 130K on my 2000 5.3l GMC and love it :cool: