thinking about a new daily driver 99+ 4x4 ex cab - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Jason915 · 06-15-2005, 12:33 PM

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.

cochran63 · 06-16-2005, 10:48 PM

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.

99-2door · 06-17-2005, 02:39 AM

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.

Jason915 · 06-20-2005, 04:16 PM

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

Joe67 · 06-23-2005, 10:09 AM

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

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

06-15-2005, 12:33 PM	#1
Jason915 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 693	thinking about a new daily driver 99+ 4x4 ex cab 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. __________________ 1971 GMC K1500 SWB Fleetside, 4" skyjacker softride and, 14 Bolt FF, HD Dana 44 4.10's 1970 K5 TBI conversion lifted etc SOLD 1968 C20 camper truck SOLD “To ban guns because criminals use them is to tell the innocent and law-abiding that their rights and liberties depend not on their own conduct, but on the conduct of the guilty and the lawless.” Jeff Snyder

06-16-2005, 10:48 PM	#2
cochran63 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 1,057	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. __________________ Youth soon passes away, but immaturity can last a life time.

06-17-2005, 02:39 AM	#3
99-2door Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Broken Bow, OK Posts: 1,385	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. __________________ 95 K3500 SRW 5.7L Vortec 4L80e 4.10 G80 2001 GMC C3 6.0 AWD, Volant, 3/5 drop TBSS intake, HP tuners, pullies, 05 efans, 05 front brakes, etc. 2003 Tahoe Z71 Silverado front clip

06-20-2005, 04:16 PM	#4
Jason915 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 693	Yeah that might be alittle underpowered in this altitude for that heavy truck __________________ 1971 GMC K1500 SWB Fleetside, 4" skyjacker softride and, 14 Bolt FF, HD Dana 44 4.10's 1970 K5 TBI conversion lifted etc SOLD 1968 C20 camper truck SOLD “To ban guns because criminals use them is to tell the innocent and law-abiding that their rights and liberties depend not on their own conduct, but on the conduct of the guilty and the lawless.” Jeff Snyder

06-23-2005, 10:09 AM	#5
Joe67 67 is sold Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Troy, Michigan Posts: 6,738	Spend the extra $ and get a 5.3l. You will never end up saying "I wish I had the smaller motor" 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 __________________ Joe - Formerly 67c10step ------------------------------- 1967 Chevy Stepside - ECE 4/6, fuelcell, 5lug - SOLD gr8lakes - My ebay auctions Click here to order forum apparel :: Click here to become a subscribing member



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