Am I crazy? Or just stupid?

[93 Krawler]

Originally Posted by WrenchMonkey

I want/need a new tow rig. The dogs won't fit in the Ford at all, and they're really getting too big for the XJ. Plus, I'd like a big SUV to camp in.

So I've been shopping big-block Suburbans. The 96-99 7.4 Vortec, and the 01-02 8.1. Both are cheap, but harder to find than you might think.

Found this one in Columbus: http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3693990511.html

Price is right, and a rebuilt 7.4. But the rest of it's got right at 200k miles.


Am I crazy (or dumb!) to think about towing with a 200k rig?

Robert

Personally, for a little more, I would get 2002 or newer and get the LS based 6.0 or 8.1. They have more power and torque than the old style engines, and they should last longer. The 2002 8.1 has 340/455 and the 6.0 has 320/365.

[twiztedzuki]

Originally Posted by 93 Krawler

Personally, for a little more, I would get 2002 or newer and get the LS based 6.0 or 8.1. They have more power and torque than the old style engines, and they should last longer. The 2002 8.1 has 340/455 and the 6.0 has 320/365.

if i was tow with gas, which i wouldnt, id would atleast go ls series also

[WrenchMonkey]

Originally Posted by 93 Krawler

Personally, for a little more, I would get 2002 or newer and get the LS based 6.0 or 8.1. They have more power and torque than the old style engines, and they should last longer. The 2002 8.1 has 340/455 and the 6.0 has 320/365.

There's an 02 in LaGrange with 140k:
http://www.championcbg.com/VehicleDe...-KY/1939513133

I'd LOVE the extra power of the 496, but it's all loaded up, dvd and all, and asking $9200. I'm having a hard time justifying almost twice as much cash, for a camping and dog rig...

The six liters are easier to find, and would probably be plenty. I just got it in my head that I wanted a bigblock...

I dunno, decisions decisions...

Thanks guys!

[Drivermod]

I tow with a 2000 Chevy Express van with the 7.4 liter. Pulls pretty good and gets 10 mpg with a loaded open trailer (14 on the highway without the trailer). My Expedition only got 9 mpg towing. I was surprised how well it tows. I don't think you necessarily need the LS engine.

[underpowered]

the 8.1 is not LS based, it is still based on the good ol' BBC.

what about a powerstroke excursion? keep the diesel and get the SUV all in one?

i ended up with a powerstroke after looking for basically what you are. i wanted a 7.4 or 8.1 GM truck and had a very difficult time finding one that was not ragged out or over priced. but i did find more Suburbans than i did trucks when i was looking.

but to the actual question, if it was well maintained, i would have no issues with a 200k tow rig. my silverado i just got rid of had 220k on it, and every bit of the drive train was original on it. i would not hesitate on a well cared for high mileage rig.

[blazerbrad]

How much weight do you tow, and how often? My 1-ton K5 on the car hauler weighs close to 9k and I use a 6.0L 2500HD. There are times when more power would be nice but it gets the job done and I've always been able to at least maintain the speed limit on the freeway if you really want to (i.e. let it downshift). Granted, haven't been in any big mountains but been down to Slade many times and out I-70 in Eastern Ohio many times (not unusual to have 18-wheelers doing 40 mph in spots).

132k so far with the majority of the miles daily driving on the freeway. The engine did lose the oil pump and was run for a short period with no oil pressure 30k ago but no apparent issues so far. The only other thing ever replaced was the water pump at the same time the oil pump was replaced. Guess I did change the plugs at 100k per the service manual.

[humpy]

I have an 01 2500 Chevrolet with 6.0.. Bout it 4 1/2 years ago with 196k on it and it now has 262k I have put one set of brakes and just replaced steering parts last month.. It's been a damn good truck I would pull my camper to Florida today and not be scared... Pulls our 28' 5th wheel all the time and hauls the rig just fine.. 8-9 mile a gallon.. I had the old style motors and I will say I love the 6.0 ls.. Diesel is obivuously best but if goin gas pony up and somethin with 6.0

[67fastback]

my 04 6.0l 2500 gas has 131k now and still running stong but I have pulled 30 foot trailer with 2 sami on it.. and also have 18 steel deck with 2 sami on it..pull both nice been to Harlin a bunch of times with no issues.. I have had the water pump go out under warrenty and changed out front wheel bearings.. other wise a good truck...
bad is the trans is only 4 speed and kicks into over drive at 4500 on some hills...


would be great if it had allison!!!

[94Dodge Truggy]

You CRAZY! Turn the truck bed into dog quarters.

[WrenchMonkey]

Originally Posted by underpowered

what about a powerstroke excursion? keep the diesel and get the SUV all in one?

I looked for about a minute and a half. Decent ones are pushing 18-20 grand. There's no WAY I'm spending that on a tow rig / puppy transport, especially if a gas Burban will do it for 5-8...

Originally Posted by blazerbrad

How much weight do you tow, and how often?

3500# XJ on a 1500# trailer. Once a month or so to BigRock. I am looking at Harlan next month, but that's unusual for me. At any rate, not nearly enough miles to worry too much about the mileage...

Originally Posted by 94Dodge Truggy

You CRAZY! Turn the truck bed into dog quarters.

Crossed my mind too. But they're pretty neurotic, they get all agitated if they're boxed in without us. 320# of velcro-dogs. Plus, we gotta be able to roll the windows down!


You guys do have me reconsidering a GMT800. I'm already scheduled to look at this '99 tomorrow, but if I don't love it, I'll look again at 01-ups.

Thanks again!
Robert

<Edit> The 01+ will also give me four-wheel-discs, vs rear drums on the 99, right?