I'm looking at 2 trucks
[ol][*]2005 1500 5.3L w/4.1 rear end[*]2004 2500 6.0L w/4.1 rear end[/ol]
Which ever truck I choose it would be my primary source of transportation (60 miles a day, 4 days a week). I would also be pulling a TT (6600lbs empty) once or twice a month. I know the 2500 will have no problem pulling this and the max trailer weight for the 1500 is roughly 8600lbs, so that shouldnt be a problem either. My main questions the MPG. With the same rear end how would the MPG compare? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

The 4:10's is what really screws u over. Its going to be really close

 

You sure that '05 comes with 4.10's?

 

I'm 99.9% sure it has the 4.10. Also if it makes a differrence most of my driving is on the highway.

 

Unless it's aftermarket, something seems really fishy about a 5.3 with 4:10's

 

yeah that doesnt sound right. I am pretty sure that they didnt come like that stock. Even the new trucks only come with 3.73's with both of those engines, 4.10's are not even optional.

But anyway. The steeper gear set will give you more lowend torque, but you will be running higher rpm's at the the same speed so your gas milage will suffer (esp on the highway). Honestly though, you will probably not notice much of a difference in towing from one to the other. Either truck with either set of gears should do just fine. You are not getting much of a gain for towing going to that 6.0L either. I dont blame you one bit if you want to go with the bigger truck (i would too) but in reality you probably dont need it for what your doing and you can get better mpg's with the 5.3L.

Good Luck. Let us know what you do.

 

I would honestly look for a different truck. I had a 2003 GMC Z71 1500 with 3:73's and a 350 V8. I've driven a 6liter and a 5.3, and I have to say, I absolutely hate the 6liter and the 5.3 is nice, but I would still buy a 350 simply for parts availibility

 

This was taken from GM website (for a sierra 1500)

5300 v8 3.42 7400lbs
4.10 8400lbs

I would love to find a 1500 a3.73, but the norm seems to be 3.42. I just happen to run across one with a 4.10.

 

you couldnt get a 350 in a 2003 model chevy truck. at least not in the US. anyways, the 6.0 will give about 12mpg city and the 5.3 with give maybe 14-15mpg city. the 6.0 will be better at pulling.

 

Its really beyond the point, but 2003 was a transition year and we had a late model which was offered with the 5.7 350. Assembled in Pontiac Michigan