Sitting Bull
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Hey guys, Would like to get some info on Gm owners. I am looking at buying a GM 2500HD or 3500HD extended cab 4x4 long box, gas motor,. 3-4 years old. Can you share some experience pros and cons of owning a GM What gear ratio I should get. I have never owned a GM, only Dodges. I need to switch brands as My wife is finding the Dodge to stiff and rough riding due to back injuries and surgery. I have been told the GM has the most comfortable ride between the 3 auto makers.
Any help ,info and suggestions/ recommendations would be appreciated in any form or fashion.
Thanks.
2006 GMC Sierra 2500, Duramax Ext. cab,4x4, LB, Automatic, 3:73's, 265/75R16, Stock
1997 Adventurer Slumber Queen 10.0 FWS, with Stable-Lift
And one beautiful wife.
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belairbrian
Alabama
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Joined: 04/18/2005
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Can't help much with which gear ratio, but can attest to the ride. I've owned Ford F150's and 250's and my FIL has Dodge 2500s I ride in on occassion. My 3500 has a much more car like ride than ant of them.
My 3500 has only been to the dealer for repair twice in it's 9 year life so far.
Once for a leaking front differential seal and once for injectors. Both under warranty.
TV 2003 Chevy 3500 Crew Cab Dually w Duramax/Allison
2005 Keystone Cougar 314 EFS
Reese 16K Slider Hitch, Prodigy BC, Delorme GPS
USAF Retired
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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The biggest problem you will have finding a GM product is the size of the motor. Their 8.1L went away several years ago, so the only gas motor they have is the 6.0L. While a good motor it is still a small block and not really good for towing heavy. Ford on the other hand still offers the V10 in the Super Duty line. I guess if you could find a 8.1L 3500 in a Chevy or GM it would be good. But no matter what fuel economy will suck a big one. At fuel prices in CanadA I would think you would want to go diesel. How come you want gas only? If I may ask.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All 
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Sitting Bull
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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I have a 5.9 24 valve cummins now and love it. The reason for gas is 1) diesel is anywhere from 5-10+cents a liter more than gas. 2) We have had occasional shortages and outages of diesel which can be frustrating. 3) the extra cost of newer diesel trucks are at a premium price. 4) the cost of maintenance is high and if something big does go wrong like $$$injectors fuel pumps etc... we are talking big bucks. I just have a hard time justifying the newer diesels now.
Please correct me if I am wrong or missing something.
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Kalabin
Alaska
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Joined: 07/07/2010
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donn0128 wrote:Ford on the other hand still offers the V10 in the Super Duty line.
This is not entirely true, the V10 is no longer offered in a F250 / F350 platform it is now the small block 6.2 engine. The V10 is saved for their bigger F450 or F550+
I have a 2008 2500HD, yes the ride is a lot smoother than my previous 2008 F250. The 6.0 with a 3.73 is rated right around 10,000lbs towing and 13,100 with the 4.10 gearing. Coming from the Diesel world I went with gas as I now haul rather than tow a travel trailer. The 6.0 isn't the most powerful but from a reliability stand point it was the deal maker for me.
Make sure if you go for a GM look at a 2007.5+ with the 6-speed transmission and the "upgraded" 6.0 engine with 360ish hp and 380ish ft/lb torque. I have heard previous owners of the 4-speed with the 4.10 gearing compare it to the 6-speed with the 3.73.
My brother in law tows a 8,000lb travel trailer and he does slow to 45-50ish in some of the mountains up here in Alaska, but other than that it does just fine.
2008 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 6.0, 3.73, Firestone Air Bags, CCSB LTZ
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Sitting Bull
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Thanks for that AKJason.
I am off to look at some now. I will make sure to look for the newer ones as you mentioned. I as well realize coming from the diesel that I will lose some power on hills. But for the few times that I take the camper out a year I would think it would be OK.
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Gaetan
Jonquiere, Qc. Canada
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I have a 2004 silverado 4X4 extended cab long box 2500hd duramax allison
and I am very satisfied it is my 3rd one.
I was told that the 3500hd single rear wheels has a smooter ride because of the longer springs.
good lock
Gaetan
Gaetan St-Hilaire
2004 silverado 4/4 2500HD long box Duramax/Allison
2003 everest 323k
2003 northernlite ten 2000 rd
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Photog101
Garden City, Michigan
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I have a 2002 K-3500 Chevy, 4X4, 8.1, Allison, 4.1:1 gearing, 110,000 miles. Rides like a lumber wagon, unless you air down all the tires below the recommended pressures, which detracts greatly on the gas mileage. Normal gas mileage with full air in the tires is 6.5-7 MPG city. 9.25-9.75 MPG on the highway.
Goes through brakes every 25000 miles and rotors every 50000 miles. Many rattles on the interior. Needs to have all the brake lines replaced, along with the gas lines. The bottom of the driver's door starting to rust through. The transfer case has been rebuilt twice, first time was a defective bushing at 55,000 miles and at 108,000 the pump rubbed through the rear case.
Would I buy another one? NO. GM will not give any help on the long term issues like the hole in the case or the rusted lines. Also this truck was supposedly rustproofed and there is no help on the poor door metal. GM has never been able to replicate the rattles and would not attempt to fix them.
OH, and the driver's door window regulator needs to be replaced for the second time.
Guess I got a lemon that has soured me on GM.
Also, since we are in the T/C forum, I can not get my RL 1200 far enough forward for the T/C CoG. The T/C CoG is about 6" behind the rear axle.
I just can not afford another truck at this time, but the next one will probably be a Dodge Diesel.
Combat Vietnam Veteran Support our troops for serving our great country.
1997 Veri Lite RL1200 on a '02, K3500, CC, DRW, 8.1L, Allison, 4.1 gears, Bridgestone 225/70R19.5 tires.
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Gaetan
Jonquiere, Qc. Canada
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get an LT or LTX and not an SL the additional equipment is worth the difference
Gaetan
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ejfranz
Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
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Joined: 03/12/2010
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Look for a GM diesel without all the pollution control. 2006 (LBZ) was the first year with the 6 speed Allison and 2007.5 the last year without the pollution control. I have had no engine issues and with the tuner make at the rear wheels what the 2011 claim. Fuel economy ranges from 10 - 14 L/100 km averaging 12.3 on the highway empty ( family - 4 and toys; bicycles, motorcycles etc) and between 17.4 - 18.6 L/100km with the camper. A friend of mine in Saskatoon had the 6L chevy and did not get anywhere near what I got on the highway. If most of your driving is in the city then go with the gas.
06 Chevy Silverado 3500 Crewcab SRW 4WD - Allison 6 speed & Duramax LBZ.
Upgrades: BD diesel exhaust manifold, Edge Evolution, Timbrens & KYB Monomax.
Camper: 2005 Adventurer 90FWS - Electric jacks, LEDs, 6V batteries, roof rack, ladder & awning.
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