If you had a very limited budget and needed and older dually plow truck for plowing snow which would you choose for strength, durability and reliability? I think I need to stay with gas as it will stay at a remote cabin with no power, could sit for a week or two at a time without use and I need it to start in very cold temps.

 

Chevy silverado

 

I agree with the above post... but why in the world do you want a dually?? You are severely limiting your maneuverability, cornering, and that's a damn long truck too.

But anyways, the 454 gas is pretty much bulletproof

 

Maybe a dually is a bad idea, we get alot of snow in the northern U.P. I wanted to put a 9' boss v on it and want to make sure the front end will handle the weight, and that the truck has enough *** to push it. I have a 3/4 ton now with an 8'2" boss and when cornering the body panels come dangerously close to the banks, when plowing close to buildings or retaining walls the mirrors almost touch them. I figured the extra width would help keep me safe.

 

For the older silverados; the 88-98 models, they offered two different 3/4 tons. The light duty 2500 had a GVWR of 7200lbs and shared the same frame and many underbody components with the 1500 and 1500HD pickups. The 2500HD (which is what my 98 is) shares almost all components with the 1-ton and if I'm honest, I don't really know what the difference is other than an extra leaf spring or two in the rear end. The frame, brakes, axle, front end, suspension, etc etc are the same and it has a GVWR of 8600lbs while the 1 ton I believe is 8900 or 9200lbs. The benefits of the 2500HD over the 2500 are astounding.

As far as the dually goes, I would stick to a single rear wheel 3500 or 2500HD with the 7.4. the 5.7 will work just fine as mine has plenty of power for everything I've needed when geared right

If you're interested in a truck though, my 98 is for sale and it wouldn't take much to swap my 8' for a 9'2

 

What are specifics on your truck other than engine and 2500hd? Below is a picture of what I have now. My whole motivation for a possible change is to have a less expensive reliable truck to leave at our cabin for plowing and find a small truck for my daily use around town. The truck I have now is killing me on gas for daily use.

 

Here's a link to my craigslist ad:

GMC Sierra 2500HD Boss Plow