Can't decide between 1/2 or 3/4 Chevy??

2

Comments

  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    5.3 in a 2500?...it's only in a 2WD though...

    I'm not gonna convince you of anything...but yes the 3/4 does ride better..but a 2500 with a 5.3? That's like me buying a dodge?...and we all know how scary that would be!

    Seriously...buy what you want...the 6.0 is a gas hog!

    And don't worry...I'll be around...Glad to know I provide so much entertainment here!..it's good to be wanted!....Besides..anyone who compares me to The most awesome Male Pig ever created (Al Bundy)...is alright by me!

    .."Geez Officer..if I knew my wife was missing..Do you think I'd be sitting in this Bar having a beer??" - Al Bundy

    www.teleweb.net/mgdvhman/camehome.wav

    - Al (Tim)Bundy
  • jasonpeterclarjasonpeterclar Member Posts: 30
    I'd go 2500 all the way. Better brakes, better "motor", and better tranny's.
    Better yet, wait another year and get a 3500 when the bugs are worked out.

    MGDVHMAN As for the motor vs engine dispute...

    Why do Ford and GM have the word "motor" in their names? (Not to mention BMW) They certainly didn't build themselves into the industrial giants they are on their electric motor business. I don't see the word "engine" in any car companies name. Get it straight or better yet, get a dictionary, a motor is ANY SOURCE OF MECHANICAL POWER. You are a motor. A very small one, but a motor none the less. Call it an engine, call it a motor, call it a boat anchor if your driving a Ford Triton V-8, call it a powerplant, call it whatever you want...
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    Motors Run on Electric
    Engines Run on gas

    I know it is hugely misused...but oh well

    Forgive me for trying to educate you...what was I thinking.


    - Tim
  • nasvikingnasviking Member Posts: 43
    I Would like to haul a 2,500 boat and a "slide on" truck camper. I don't want the gas hog Chev. 2500, with the required 6L engine.
    Could I get the Chev. 1500, with the 5.3L engine, which I think will do the job, and beef up the suspension?
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    I have the Silverado LS1500 4x4 reg cab long bed with 5.3L, and 4.10 axle, 2035 lb payload. I have Air Lift pneumatic helper springs. I think the combined load of the slide-on camper and boat is a little too much. The camper rating for the truck bed is a little less than the payload rating. Combined with your likely tongue weight, well....you could probably do it, and air springs would let you level it out, but I think you would exceed published capacities by the time you consider water, payload, and the stuff you'll pack into the camper.
  • nasvikingnasviking Member Posts: 43
    Quadrunner500, thank you for your informative response. This site is awsome for researching truck purchases.
  • vince4vince4 Member Posts: 1,268
    I think the camper and boat are a little too much. I've had a camper on an old 1/2T truck and it wasn't pretty. I'm sure the 5.3L wouldn't have any trouble pulling, the weight is the problem. You could do it if you had one of the "light" series campers (~1600lbs) and added overload springs (or air) and a rear sway bar. But remember the brakes, tranny, cooling etc. are all lighter duty on a 1/2T. It would likely be overloaded but you could get away with it for occational or short trips.

    If you can live with 2wd, you can get a 2500 with the 5.3L engine. That would be the way to go.
  • mcgyver113mcgyver113 Member Posts: 1
    Ok,you guys. I was undecided on 3/4 vs 1/2 ton. Now I,m convinced. Problem is the lease on my 97 Silverado is up in March. I know a guy who has been waiting 6 months for his 3/4 ton. This is the month my dealer said to come in to reorder a 1/2 ton.Anyone have any conflicting info, or tips on what options may slow down an order? I want: 4x4,6.0,ext cab,short bed,trailer pkg,6 way seats,2 tone paint.Am I outa' luck for this year?

    Thanks, Mcgyver
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    Oh yeah...you are way outta luck. If you could order one right now and have it by new years.....I'd call you da man big time!

    Mine took 5 months and was delivered first week of August.

    Good luck

    - Tim
  • danjandanjan Member Posts: 15
    OK you guys, here's the straight poop on 3/4 vs 1/2. I had a 91 Chev 1/2 ton with the 350, 4 WD,and auto trans. 110 Thousand miles later, Transmission was shot, Engine ran fine, Springs were shot after the second replacement, replaced the Alt. and Water Pump and while I was in there I replaced the Timing Belt also. after 60,000 miles I had the Front End re-aligned every 6,000 miles because of the heavy 5,000 lb. Trailer I was yanking around the countryside. In other words, this Truck was too light for the load I was hauling. I got $9700.00 when I traded it for my 1999 HD LS 2500 4WHL. Drive with Auto-Trac, Tow-haul, 6 Way Power Seats, Locking Differential, Vortec 6000, Electric Rear Window Defogger, ISRV W/ Compass, Forged Polished Aluminum Wheels, OSRV Power Heated Mirrors, and a 3.73 Rear End. This by far is the finest vehicle I've ever owned. I have 12,000 miles on it and it has never missed a beat. I tow a 7,000 pound Trailer with all of the power that I will ever need. Without the trailer, the other day, while going 70 MPH on the interstate a Dodge Big Boy passed me and flipped me you know what. I tromped on the pedal and instantly went from 70 to 93 and passed him with a smile on my face. He called me on the CB and asked me what I had under the hood? I told him, "A modified 350!" the bottom line is, if you want to tow, you at least need a 3/4 Ton and depending on weight, you may need to go to a 1 Ton. Never under-estimate the power of these new Vortec Engines. They are awesome! I know my Chevy will be a survivor!
  • m1685m1685 Member Posts: 71
    I just picked up my new 2000 3/4 ton ext. cab 4x4 5-speed two weeks ago. It is just plain stout, no ifs, ands, or buts. I have 4:10s in it, and I can't keep the wheels from spinning. I haven't pulled anything so far, but I can't wait. This truck even rides better than my old 95 k1500. I also love the 5-speed. It is my first 5-speed, but I love to be able to control what gear I'm in. Also, I had to travel 5 hours into the next state to buy, but it was worth it. Nobody has any 5-speeds anywhere, especially now. Also, my old 1/2 ton was able to handle all my hauling, mainly landscaping trailers, but a 3/4 ton would have been better. I know I won't hardly feel the trailer with this TRUCK, hopefully.
  • vince4vince4 Member Posts: 1,268
    Don't worry about ordering. I'll have mine in about 9 weeks from the day I walked onto the dealer's lot. Go order your 3/4 ton now. You will receive it in time and love it.
  • moudry1moudry1 Member Posts: 61
    I sure hope you do get that truck in 9 weeks. No dealers i talked with were very optimistic on a delivery date. And these weren't dealers with stock they were trying to sell either. Of course there isn't much of a stock of 3/4s anywhere. I got lucky and found the truck i was after at a local dealer(180 mi. away).From what i have heard and learned no one can promise a delivery date on one of these trucks.By the twelfth week that promise would turn into a lie!
  • vince4vince4 Member Posts: 1,268
    I ordered my truck Aug. 7, a Saturday. I got the VIN number last week which means it is built and on a truck now. I should have it hopefully by Oct. 15 or so. That works out to 10 weeks from when I ordered it and 9 weeks since GM accepted the order (counted wrong before). I've seen other posts with similar timing however some orders seem to take forever. Who knows why.

    I'm in northern California and the dealers here don't seem to have a problem with supply. There are plenty of trucks on the lot. My dealer has a reg cab 3/4 they can't unload, been on the lot since June.
  • moudry1moudry1 Member Posts: 61
    I am glad to hear the availability problem isn't the same for you where you live. But it makes me wonder why just a few hundred miles away they seem non-existant.Are they
    really, or do the dealers have a good thing going? My search exhausted me, I would find a truck i wanted but the dealer would demand msrp or more for what they called a hot item.When i did finally strike a deal 1 month later on a truck that met my specs i paid 900$ over invoice, but was satisfied as i had had enough and it was by far the best price any other dealer in Washington would accept. I know you will enjoy that truck when it does arrive. Even though i only have 800 mi. so far i think this truck is truly awesome!Good luck with yours.
  • vince4vince4 Member Posts: 1,268
    Who knows what GM is up to. The only thing I can guess is that California is a huge car market so they allocated a good portion of production to this area. $900 over isn't bad in a tight market. The first dealer I went to wouldn't go below $1000 over, they didn't want to "waste" an allocation on me. I ended up paying $500 over somewhere else. Easy, one phone call and 10 minutes later the deal was done. Not worth running around for another $100 or $200. I've been waiting since before the 99 was introduced and it didn't bother me much, but after actually ordering the thing the waiting becomes more difficult. Anyway it's almost here.
  • klonowskiklonowski Member Posts: 5
    Does anyone know what exactly the diff. is between
    1/2, 3/4, and 3/4 HD trucks. I am looking for
    specifics such as axles, brakes, tranny,suspension
    etc...
    In particular with respect to the 2000
    silverado line of trucks. I have seen this question asked before but the responses just say that everything is bigger or beefier. I was wondering if anyone could provide some more detailed info.

    Thanks

    Thanks
  • moudry1moudry1 Member Posts: 61
    If you get down on you're knees and look under these trucks you wiil see the differance. Seriously , drive them both and you won't care what the differance is you will just want the 3/4. I have one and will never go back to 1/2.The way it drives either empty or towing is superior. You're welcome.
  • 2500lt2500lt Member Posts: 18
    that is different.

    heavier Tranny with different gears..bigger brakes..exhaust..axles..springs..

    I got one too. First 3/4....I will never buy another 1/2 as long as i live. It just rides plain better!
  • RoclesRocles Member Posts: 982
    I own half-tons, 3/4ton, and one tonners. Maybe I'm alone in this sentiment but I prefer the Half-tons. Years ago this wouldn't even be discussed. The HD lines of all brands were too stiff for my liking. Recently they have improved the rideability of the heavies.
    I just like my personal half-ton and the company bid truck. It handles the road better and it doesn't have that tank-like feel to it. I certanly understand why guys like the heavies though, I just prefer Halfs.
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    even though everybody seems to think the 3/4 ton trucks are better. Take care...
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    3/4's are not tanks. They be soooooo nice.

    But again....as long as I get one..who cares what you guys buy..

    hehheee

    - Tim
  • moudry1moudry1 Member Posts: 61
    I am thankful most people STILL prefer the halves. It leaves the few 3/4's made available to those of us who prefer the solid feel of these trucks. Oh, that 6.0 aint bad either.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    I drove halfs for several years. They were good also. I'm sure if I had yesteryears 3/4's....I would have stayed with a half. They are both still great...but after this one...I'll never go back...

    For me...it's just better. Perhaps many 1/2 owners have never even tried the 3/4?

    Doesn't look goofy when loaded down..and just has so much more solid to it.

    Again....no offense to 1/2's. We all have different tastes....that's why there are options!

    - Tim
  • moudry1moudry1 Member Posts: 61
    Sure did not mean for my last post to sound nasty , but when I read it again it did have a bite to it.Being an ex 1/2 ton owner, I loved the truck, but now like the new 3/4 that much better.As I tow a trailer with a heavy hitch weight often, the 3/4 is a much better choice and I do prefer the feel of this truck even empty.As stated by Tim we all can choose what suits our tastes and needs.Choosing any model of any brand is the right choice if It's what you like. Gee, I kinda feel warm and fuzzy inside.
  • swobigswobig Member Posts: 634
    Let's get back to being nasty. Go to the women's conference if you want to feel warm and fuzzy. Just kidding...
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    way I wanna feel warm and fuzzy inside is after too many drinks.....kinda like now!

    - Tim
  • moudry1moudry1 Member Posts: 61
    I used to get that kind of fuzzy feeling much much to often.Though i envy those that can still indulge, I HAD to stop. What topic was this again? Oh yeah,anyone thinking about a new Chevy owe it to themselves to at least drive the new 2500;it is impressive.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    Half owners will defend themselves....even though they have never even tried the 3/4.

    - Tim
  • leathal02leathal02 Member Posts: 114
    had it to do all over again i would get a 3/4ton
    but right now a 1/2 is all i need, especially with all the women, for some reason, having the Z-71 sticker on my truck, they flock around me, so im not complaining!!!!!!
  • RoclesRocles Member Posts: 982
    Women "flock" towards you because of a Z71 sticker? What kind of women??? LOL!!
  • leathal02leathal02 Member Posts: 114
    go to Texas A&M universtiy in college station tx, driving a new Chevy Z-71, everyone, and i mean everyone takes a peak at the truck

    i ride with my buddy that has a ford 4X4 '99 model and not as many peaks, but they still have some

    but the Z's get the real looks

    the next up is probably the super duties

    lol
  • RoclesRocles Member Posts: 982
    Well if you say so........
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    Maybe i should trade in my 2500 for a 1/2 z??

    - Tim
  • leathal02leathal02 Member Posts: 114
    i'll buy yours and you buy mine, how bout that??

    but, do you think i ought to take off the Z sticker and put it on the 3/4 ton?

    lol
  • gwmooregwmoore Member Posts: 230
    Maybe I'm sexist, but I don't know too many college girls that would have any clue about the existence of Z71, let alone know what it means.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    I don't try to flock girls my way no more..

    I have this one that flocked...and decided to stay!

    As My mentor Al Bundy said when Jefferson asked him if he "did" her...
    "I don't "do" any more...My doing days are over...I'm Done!"

    LOL

    - Tim
  • leathal02leathal02 Member Posts: 114
    must be young then

    hahaha
  • RoclesRocles Member Posts: 982
    I don't know. What kind of girl likes a guy because of his truck? The Mary-Jo's of the world? What happened? When I was younger--the vehicles of male-choice to attract women was either a sports-car or a Motorcycle.
    Young women generally love bad boys and danger---so where's the danger in a truck? (No crude comments-please)
  • powerisfunpowerisfun Member Posts: 358
    Just to add my opinion on trucks and the fairer sex. My wife says she loves the fact that I drive a truck (and she's a knockout... it was love at first sight when I met her). She's a well-educated city-raised gal, so it's not like she's a hick from the sticks or something.
    Maybe there is something to the women liking truck-drivin' men. My wife thinks there is. I'm not sure the Z71 actually makes a difference (although mine IS a '98 Z71. Coincidence??...you decide.) as long as it's a nice looking truck.
    Later.
    -powerisfun
  • kernickkernick Member Posts: 4,072
    has a new Z-71. He says every morning when he goes out to his truck he has to remove the women's underwear from his antenna and mirrors.
    So take that you 3/4'er guys, with those scrawny tires!
    Just kidding - I was considering a 3/4, but really decided a 1/2 was adequate for my needs. If once a year I need a load of bricks or gravel, I'll spend $25 to get it delivered. The last couple of weekends I've moderately loaded (1000 - 1500 lb? of firewood -up to the rails) my Z-71 and had no problem.
  • leathal02leathal02 Member Posts: 114
    it must be a texas thing, lol

    BTW damn near every girl/women, around here, knows exactly what a Z-71 is and most of them like them, but of course they like the big [non-permissible content removed] super duties, but who wouldnt right now?

    but for now, the Z is all i need
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    About 2200 lbs. is the max to be "politically correct" for the weight limit of the 1/2 ton.

    I've had 2800 in my old ones before though..

    3/4's are about 3200-3500 depending on what you get..

    Z71 is so popular...people call it a Z71 instead of a Silverado!

    Not sure a truck makes you hot though.....I see some pretty scary people driving them..

    - Tim
  • halj1halj1 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 1/2 ton 94 GMC, 350 w/3.42 diff. now with 110000 miles, probably 20000 of those miles towing a 6000 5th wheel trailer. Truck does okay power wise as long as you keep tow speed up (above 60 mph) and don't hit stiff headwinds. Have had no engine, trans, or suspension problems, however have replaced pinion bearings in diff. twice. Truck was rated for 6500 lb 5th wheel. The new 1/2 tons with 5300 are rated higher. Granted they have more power, but I suspect the weak link is still the differential. I plan to get the 3/4 ton when I replace the truck.
  • reeferreefer Member Posts: 37
    I just purchased a new 2000 Chevy K-2500 4x4(old Classic style) with snow plow prep and heavy duty towing, 350 motor(American Heritage dictionary defines motor as any source of power as in a motor car) and 4.10 gears. This is my first 3/4 ton. I have had Ford and Chevy 1/2 tons and in fact traded a 99 Sierra 1/2 ton 4x4 in on this truck. The Sierra was the most defect ridden vehicle I had purchased in 25 years. I had the transmission go out while passing a semi, had to have it replaced, had to have rear springs replaced, and numerous other noises and defects too extensive to go into. This 3/4 ton feels so much more solid that I don't think I will ever go back to a GM 1/2 ton again.
    reefer
  • RoclesRocles Member Posts: 982
    Is that what a motor is? ;)
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    Runs on electric.....

    An Engine runs on gas.....

    (I love stirring up poop!)

    - Tim
  • z71z71 Member Posts: 67
    What about a diesel?
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    on chewed up bolts...

    Why do you think it's so damn loud??

    hehehehhehee

    - Tim
  • gwmooregwmoore Member Posts: 230
    Don't forget about the brakes. The 1/2-tons don't have nearly as good of brakes. You may have not had problems in this arena, but we went through several sets of brakes on our old half-ton using it for towing and with campers.
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