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
http://photoahead.com/more/oraf/oraf-721b_std.jpg

[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.

[Kermit]

I thought Chevy beefed up their IFS and frame on the latest models.

I got to ride in a 2500 Crew Cab, short box on Sunday...wow sure was nice. I wouldn't mind having one. Cruised nicer than my Tacoma.

[deserteagle56]

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!

[4Rescue]

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.

[Bella PSD]

In the spirit of the holidays….I will try to forget what the last post said!! Its hard, but I trying!:(

Louie

[4Rescue]

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.

[08Silverado]

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]

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]

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

[jp0863]

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.

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]

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]

I have an 08 Silverado, haven't noticed the offcenter steering wheel, I'll have to check next time I get in!

[08Silverado]

By the way maximumrob, I'm in Mckinney....small world!

[Scott Brady]

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.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Overland_Training_.jpg

The front tire carrier is interesting, and easily removable from the Aluminess bumper.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Overland_Training_(1).jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Overland_Training_(2).jpg

[08Silverado]

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]

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.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Overland_Training_.jpg

The front tire carrier is interesting, and easily removable from the Aluminess bumper.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Overland_Training_(1).jpg

http://www.expeditionswest.com/Training/overland_training/Overland_Training_(2).jpg

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 ??

[Scott Brady]

we are heading out again today. I will post more images in a few days.

[OTR]

Can't wait to see some pics and to get your opinion. I'm very happy with my 07 Tundra as far as 1/2 ton's go. It's more a 3/4 ton than a 1/2 ton, Toyota really over builds their trucks. I recommend test driving one with the 5.7 and 6spd auto. 65,000 miles and it still drives like new.

[Zatara]

Any updates ??

[OTR]

Any updates ??

:lurk::beer:

[Zatara]

we are heading out again today. I will post more images in a few days.

Anything new to report ??

[Zatara]

UPDATE !!!!!
PICS !!!


please.....:sombrero:

[08Silverado]

Hmm. I would've loved to see more on this truck as well as other ideas on new body style 4 door GM Trucks. There is virtually nobody using this platform! Anybody out there got any pictures for inspiration?

[herm]

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/ajherman/2011-03-12_17-20-26_384.jpg

Here is mine. I love it. It has been to Bryce, Zion, Yellowstone, Kanab UT, a few highway trips to Michigan. and all over the place around here. We esp. like looking for the ghost towns of the coal mines. We have also run across vents for the underground coal fires. Going to upgrade the stock tires when these are wore out. This will increase my capability quite a bit, but we have only ever gotten stuck once, in about 2 feet of wet snow. nearly 19000 miles in a year and 3 months, and i drive my work truck quite a bit of the time at home.

[08Silverado]

Nice rig! Funny your from Rock Springs, my wife was born there.

[offroadcamperguy]

Hmm. I would've loved to see more on this truck as well as other ideas on new body style 4 door GM Trucks. There is virtually nobody using this platform! Anybody out there got any pictures for inspiration?




www.phoenixcampers.com

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k636/coyoterv4u/006-2.jpg

[08Silverado]

Nice Camper!