decisions, decisions....

[jeep-N-montero]

So 2 years ago I sold our rare manual trans diesel Silverado because we needed 4 full doors as our family grew, had it been a 4 door instead of the extra cab I definitely would have never sold it, but thankfully it sold for more than we paid for it 3 years prior. We replaced it with a 2003 Yukon 2500 with the 6.0 that we bought from the original owner with good records and 126k miles, upgraded a few things and runs like new. It tows our big boat "okay" and has become my wife's kid hauler, never had to worry about their safety. But lately I have felt the desire for another truck with a camper, a newer 6.2 mated to the 6-speed auto sounds like it would fit the bill nicely and gets much better mpg than the Yukon, but I'm trying to justify spending the money on a want versus a need. I was also considering a low mileage 8.1 but oil consumption and very poor mpg might kill that idea. This would never see more than a rough dirt hunting road or wide trail, we have other rigs better suited for tight trails. Another idea is to swap in 4.10 axles to help it tow "easier" and just live with not having a camper.

 

[IdaSHO]

If you really like the truck you have, a gear swap is a great way to both help towing, and decrease fuel MPG

If you are itching for a change, the 6.2/6-speed combo is fantastic. Go for it.

 

[Explorerinil]

I know a guy with an 8.1 (Allison trans btw) he loves it, tows really good for a gasser and makes decent power. I know there is a tune out there for it that really helps the 8.1 plus makes allot more hp. I don’t think oil consumption is as bad as some make it out to be, I would read some ls forums and get a good answer.

I say go for a truck to pull your camper, if you can get a nice clean 8.1 go for it.

 

[vintageracer]

I have an 8.1 in my 4WD 3500 van. Interestingly enough the 8.1 in a van in 2001 got a 4 Speed 4L80E transmission versus the 5 Speed Allison you would get in the 2001 8.1 equipped PU truck. The 4l80E has a little deeper overdrive and a little deeper 1st gear than the Allison. The van gets 13-14 MPG on the road with 4.10 gears running 75 MPH.

Oil consumption is about a quart every 1500+ miles. I am running 10W40 versus the 10W30 which they say helps reduce oil consumption. The van now has 185,000 miles.

The 8.1 is a Hoss!

Plenty of power pulls just as good as the Cummins diesel engines in my Dodge PU's and much better power than my OBS Ford Powerstroke.

With Gas around Tennessee about a $1.00/gallon LESS than diesel and fuel mileage similar to a diesel equipped truck the 8.1 is not to bad at all on the fuel purchase pocketbook other than the 70 gallon fuel tank capacity in my van!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

If I were to go the 8.1 route I would likely look for a 2006 with the 6 speed Allison, they still bring top dollar though.