Opinions/Input - GMC 1/2 ton 4X4 pickups

[Mike S]

I am consdering buying a 2009 Chev or GMC 1/2 ton PU with 4X4 and the newly announced 4.5L common rail V8 Diesel engine. Planning on dual cab, short bed. Would like the Allison 6 speed, but do not know if it will be an option. I will use it for long distance trips to hunting, fishing and field trial venues.

Ideally, I am hoping for acceptable fuel efficiency, good road manners and moderately good off- highway capability. I expect to pay around $40K. I will mod according to needs, but a front bumper, cap, slight lift, and good tires will be on the list.

I may tow a travel trailer or horse trailer from time to time.

Please provide some input on strengths & weaknesses of the GMC/Chev 1/2 ton truck - comfort, problems, capability, worthwhile mods for my intended use, etc.

Thanks

Mike

 

[dennisuello]

The only thing I can think of is the IFS, it's not on the strong side, especially for long off-road travel. Otherwise, if it was offered today, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

 

[BBsound]

why 1/2 ton?

look at all the info you can, a 3/4 ton truck will give you much more truck for not much more (if any) money.

Stronger driveline, better brakes, more cooling capacity, etc.

 

[Mike S]

why 1/2 ton?

look at all the info you can, a 3/4 ton truck will give you much more truck for not much more (if any) money.

Stronger driveline, better brakes, more cooling capacity, etc.

The first reason is that I don't need a 3/4 ton truck. I had a F250 diesel and liked it - but never needed the extra 'capacity'. I would like to have the Allison 6 speed automatic transmission, tho'.

Second reason - I want the new high mileage 4.5L diesel V8 - they are saying about 25 MPG and 550 lbs/ft of torque. I make some long trips. Compared to my current TLC 80 series, or my Ford Expedition - that's better than 10 more MPG - at 25,000 miles a year, I think I'll like the savings and durabilty of the 1/2 ton with this diesel engine.

 

[Scott Brady]

This could be a great combo for you Mike, though I would not expect too much for trail performance due to the size. That could be remedied with a set of good tires (one size taller, not wider) and maybe a small leveling kit. It would be advisable to install rock sliders too.

I also think the 1/2 ton will be a good idea, as you will get a better ride too, if you do not need the capacity.

Good looking trucks IMO, and the GM products have always yielded great mileage overall and good reliability. I used an S10 for a commuter while finishing my degree and it would often get high 20s for mileage and never had an issue with reliability.

 

[goodtimes]

Be careful with the front suspension/steering systems. GM is not known for making the front end any stronger than they need to. I have had a couple of GM vehicles, the front end was always the weak link. They seem to be relatively reliable as long as the tires size is kept very close to stock, and the suspension geometry is not messed with. The only complaints I hear about are people who have lifted/modified theirs....and that was when I ran into problems with my IFS GMs. Depending on the terrain you are trying to get it over, it could be a good truck, as long as GM has all the little bugs worked out.

 

[ntsqd]

On my friend Rod's DMax I ended up building him an all new centerlink and Ruben included a second idler arm and made new TRE based tie rods.
Though this was a truck on 37's that saw a LOT of Baja.

 

[ujoint]

I would be concerned about what rear axle they put in it. Hopefully not a 10 bolt.

 

[ntsqd]

I would be concerned about what rear axle they put in it. Hopefully not a 10 bolt.

We just finally broke Jav's S-Dime 10 bolt last weekend. Granted, it's spooled w/ no C-clips, but it took 2.5 years of desert racing (including 2 Baja 500's) to finally shear an axle tube. Never had an R&P failure.

Is AAM supplying GM?

 

[ujoint]

That's good. What kind of rig was it in? I've seen more 10 bolts grenade than anything. Even with 35's. Anything bigger, forget about it.......yes, AAM is supplying GM.

 

[ntsqd]

Javier Avila

 

[Ironduff]

Strictly very minor nit-picks... compared to my '01 Express van, the '06 Silverado my Tiger's based on has _very_ little in-cab storage. The small. shallow door pockets are a sad joke, as are the dash and ceiling pockets. Of course, the Tiger conversion deletes the center console, but I think the bench or 40-60 seating would, too. Like I said, minor stuff, but annoying.

Less minor, the steering wheel interferes with seeing the speedo when I'm in a comfortable seating position, and I'm built pretty normal. It's easier to use my old Garmin for a speedo.

The '06 power bucket seats have _no_ lumbar support... more important to us old guys, probably... ;-)

Any aftermarket stereo may require a spendy adapter module.

And of course, some or all of this may well be different on an '08, since it's a complete redesign.


Jim

 

[BPMOU]

Mike are you a GM only guy? I sold my 80 last month because gas was getting high and I really need a truck. GM, Dodge, and Ford will be coming our with half ton diesels within the next 1-2 years. I would check out the Ford F-150 diesel also. That's what I am waiting for.

 

[Mike S]

Mike are you a GM only guy? I sold my 80 last month because gas was getting high and I really need a truck. GM, Dodge, and Ford will be coming our with half ton diesels within the next 1-2 years. I would check out the Ford F-150 diesel also. That's what I am waiting for.

No. In fact, quite the oposite - I have owned - and currently own - Ford trucks. I spoke with a couple of dealers who indicated that Ford will 'probably' introduce an F-150 with a six cylinder diesel (I6, I think). If Ford has a competitive offering at te time of purchase (late next year) I would probably lean towards the Ford. The GM powertrain solution has been announced and will be available late next year. I have heard no such thing from Ford.

EDIT ----- I have done some more research, and apparently Ford will offer a more powerful version of the V8 turbodiesel currently offered in the Land Rover / Range Rover in the F150 and maybe in the Expedition - a 4.4L engine putting out about 520 lbs./ft. of torque. Sources say that they may beat GM to the market. Hope s.

M

 

[BPMOU]

Mike,

Thats why I asked, I think if the F-150 makes it to market before the GM product it will be a better vehicle. I really love my Toyota's but I still like the F150 best out of the half tons. I am still waiting too. Wife's car will be paid off in 08, so we won't have any payments. I really don't need more then a half ton, and would really like the additional safety features on the new vehicles for my wife and child.