Opinions/Input - GMC 1/2 ton 4X4 pickups
- Thread starter Mike S
- Start date
deserteagle56
Adventurer
First of all, I believe your expectations of finding a new diesel pickup, even a half-ton, on the market for $40,000 or less are unrealistic. The diesel will be an $8,000 option in itself.
Secondly, give a lot of thought to what the posters on this site are saying about independent suspension on an off-highway vehicle - and I'm not picking on just GM here. There are just plain too many moving parts - all wear points - and that makes them high-maintenance. In the last three years I can think of at least 3 different occasions I have come across GM 4x4s out in the desert with a broken front suspension. In one case the complete A-arm assembly had torn away from its mounts; out of control, the pickup went out through the desert and across a deep wash-out. It was towing a horse trailer which rolled when it hit the washout. The horses didn't make it. Another point - I work at one of the many mines in northern Nevada. All the mines use Ford solid front axle pickups pretty much exclusively. Why? Durability. The last mine I worked at, the General Manager had a Yukon to use to escort visitors around the minesite. The guys at the gas shop told me they changed out the front suspension components on that thing yearly.
So, you know how you'll be using this vehicle much better than any of us. If it will used mainly on pavement or well-maintained dirt roads then the independent suspension will be just fine and will provide better handling than a solid front axle. If there are a lot of rough dirt roads in your future you may want to reconsider - or be prepared to do a lot of preventative maintenance. For my two cents - I would get a solid-axle 3/4 ton and put a soft-ride suspension on it to get better articulation and a softer ride.
Personally, I can't wait till Jeep starts putting a diesel in the Wrangler!
Secondly, give a lot of thought to what the posters on this site are saying about independent suspension on an off-highway vehicle - and I'm not picking on just GM here. There are just plain too many moving parts - all wear points - and that makes them high-maintenance. In the last three years I can think of at least 3 different occasions I have come across GM 4x4s out in the desert with a broken front suspension. In one case the complete A-arm assembly had torn away from its mounts; out of control, the pickup went out through the desert and across a deep wash-out. It was towing a horse trailer which rolled when it hit the washout. The horses didn't make it. Another point - I work at one of the many mines in northern Nevada. All the mines use Ford solid front axle pickups pretty much exclusively. Why? Durability. The last mine I worked at, the General Manager had a Yukon to use to escort visitors around the minesite. The guys at the gas shop told me they changed out the front suspension components on that thing yearly.
So, you know how you'll be using this vehicle much better than any of us. If it will used mainly on pavement or well-maintained dirt roads then the independent suspension will be just fine and will provide better handling than a solid front axle. If there are a lot of rough dirt roads in your future you may want to reconsider - or be prepared to do a lot of preventative maintenance. For my two cents - I would get a solid-axle 3/4 ton and put a soft-ride suspension on it to get better articulation and a softer ride.
Personally, I can't wait till Jeep starts putting a diesel in the Wrangler!
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
I'd wait till I saw the responce from others to the small diesel. There are far better truck makers out there, and it'd be silly to get hooped with a POS just because it was the first truck you found in your desired configuration. That's my .05
Aside from the Small Diesel, I see NOTHING endearing about GM trucks. Run away, it's Chevy, and it WILL crap out on you. Have a look at the overwhelming amount of TSB issued on the last 5 years by GM, they litteraly CANNOT figure out how to make quality products. If they weren't such an important buisness for the US economy (as in jobs, not quality products) they would have been alowed to die the slow death they deserve.
Aside from the Small Diesel, I see NOTHING endearing about GM trucks. Run away, it's Chevy, and it WILL crap out on you. Have a look at the overwhelming amount of TSB issued on the last 5 years by GM, they litteraly CANNOT figure out how to make quality products. If they weren't such an important buisness for the US economy (as in jobs, not quality products) they would have been alowed to die the slow death they deserve.
4Rescue
Expedition Leader
You and I are always gonna see differently on these things mate. I don't mean it as an attack, it's what I see and it's what I've expereinced.
I personaly would wait to see what both Toyota and Cummins (dodge) are gonna bring to the table (hopefully...please...PLEASE???). I just wish Dodge made a small P/U that I'd want to own.
I personaly would wait to see what both Toyota and Cummins (dodge) are gonna bring to the table (hopefully...please...PLEASE???). I just wish Dodge made a small P/U that I'd want to own.
08Silverado
Adventurer
Hind sight is 20/20 but I'm sure everyone knows by now that GM greatly improved their front suspension in 08 by adding coil overs to the front suspension. Say goodbye and good riddance to the torsion bars! My 08 Silverado 1500 4wd rides so much nicer than previous models!
deserteagle56
Adventurer
Unfortunately, both Chevy and Ford have cancelled plans to put a small diesel in their half tons. At a time when they need new, innovative, fuel-efficient products to market, the bean counters put the stops to them. Dodge I understand is still undecided as to whether to build theirs.
Metcalf
Expedition Leader
why buy new?
for the savings in buying used you could build something very amazing.
what about swapping a 4bt in your 80? that would meet most of your goals??
even though you don't 'need' the capacity, a carefully tuned Cummins/ dodge combo can net 20-25 mpg for half the money or less. I have always wanted to try a 4bt solid axle 1500 94-2002 dodge 4wd truck. the cab is built to hold the tall cummins.
just a few ideas
for the savings in buying used you could build something very amazing.
what about swapping a 4bt in your 80? that would meet most of your goals??
even though you don't 'need' the capacity, a carefully tuned Cummins/ dodge combo can net 20-25 mpg for half the money or less. I have always wanted to try a 4bt solid axle 1500 94-2002 dodge 4wd truck. the cab is built to hold the tall cummins.
just a few ideas
YUP!! besides the fact that they ave both been put on hold, the newer diesels don't get near the extra mileage they should due to dpf filters and urea injection, etc. my 05 cummins gets about 24 on the highway with a tailwind.. the new ones (08') get about 16 mpg at the same speed. I know because i've done a side by side comparison. my wifes 1/2 ton suburban gets 23 mpg at 60 mph 20mpg at 70.. thats on a long trip using nearly a whole tank there and back and nearly all freeway driving.. i think a 1/2 ton gas truck with a little lighter pedal will get you decent mileage. as far as IFS goes, well you take your chances. i've seen it hold up incredibly well (shockingly) and i've seen it break after being well worn.. just like any well worn component.
maximumrob
Adventurer
We have a new model Chevy Suburban in the family. I have no problems with it, but for the life of me, can't figure out why Chevy can't center a steering wheel in front of the driver and haven't been able to since pre-'88.
08Silverado
Adventurer
I have an 08 Silverado, haven't noticed the offcenter steering wheel, I'll have to check next time I get in!
08Silverado
Adventurer
By the way maximumrob, I'm in Mckinney....small world!
Scott Brady
Founder
Interestingly, I had a client for Overland Training with a 2009 1/2 ton today. We will be doing some more serious tracks tomorrow. He is not afraid (at all) to use it.
The front tire carrier is interesting, and easily removable from the Aluminess bumper.
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The front tire carrier is interesting, and easily removable from the Aluminess bumper.
08Silverado
Adventurer
Very interesting as this is the same platform I am using. Please let me know how the rig does and what suspension he is running if it's not too much trouble.
Zatara
Adventurer
Interestingly, I had a client for Overland Training with a 2009 1/2 ton today. We will be doing some more serious tracks tomorrow. He is not afraid (at all) to use it.
The front tire carrier is interesting, and easily removable from the Aluminess bumper.
Please add as many pics of this as possible !!!!!!
It's great to see a truck like that in action.
Maybe a build and equipment thread ??