Chevy Silverado - 350 V8 (5.7 Liter) 2/4WD

[RD]

Sorry about all of the tow questions that I have been posting but I am actively looking for a new tow vehicle for my Ranger 681C Fisherman. I have a 1989 - 1500 Chevy Silverado with a 350 V8 (5.7 Liter) 2/4WD that has 55,000 miles on it and is in excellant condition. So I am looking for any information pro and con. Towing capabilities - gas mileage - longevity of motor ect... Thanks again for all of your information.

[Phil T.]

I'm still running an '87 1/2T Suburban 4X4 with a 5.7L engine, 3.73 axles, tow package, limited slip differential. 181,500 almost trouble-free miles. It's rated to pull about 6000lbs. 2/3 of that would be more realistic for long-term durability.

[fishhead]

Although you have a bit of mileage on the vehicle already you may want to consider adding a transmission cooler, if your truck is not already equiped with one.(and you plan on keeping the truck for some time) Heat is the #1 enemy of your trans.It is not that difficult of a job, the cooler is not that expensive, and a mechanic could install it for a small fee if you are not inclined to do it yourself. If you look in front of your radiator and you have a mini raditor in front of it you may have one already.see if the lines run from it to the radiator,if so this is it. the only other possibility is that it is an oil cooler if the lines run elsewhere.

[Larry]

I'm running the "88 version of your rig w/ 67K on it. It's used almost exclusively for towing the boat. If you don't have a transmission cooler on it.....get one ! I added one, after I had the trans rebuilt !!

[eyewinder]

I'm not crowing here, 'cause I don't want to invite a jinx along on my next trip, but here goes:
--I drive a '95 Chevy 1/2-ton, 4x4, X-tend cab, w/5.7L engine, tow package
--Motor has 110,000 (lots of freeway miles -- probably close to half towing, half not)
--So far, with regular maintenance, no drive train or transmission problems
--Poor (?) mileage -- ~14 mpg not towing, 10-12 with boat (690 Ranger)

I probably should trade for new (this is my only vehicle). But, to be honest, I'm reluctant because I've seen some ratings where Chevy trucks do not fare very well. . .which makes me wonder whether I got one of the exceptional ones!

[Dodge1]

I bought a new 2000 Chevy Silverado extenda-cab with the 5.3 and have to say it's the best towing vehicle I have ever owned.

Got the factory tow package, always a good idea as it containes all the needed cooling packages.

Gas mileage is good, 17.7 mpg in town, 22.8 on the highway and towing my Skeeter get's me 15.3 (at a rather high rate of speed). Got a fiberglass lid installed, which may be contributing to the highway mileage.

As to the longevity of motor, will let you know in a couple of years.

[Brad/nd]

Dodge,

What options did you get with your 2000 chevy? I'm looking at buying one soon and getting different price quotes right now. Did you get the off-road pkg, and what axle ratio? The only complaint I've heard is the seats. I'm thinking about going with the bucket seat. I'd appreciate any info. you could give me.
Thanks & take care,

Brad

[Dodge1]

It's a Silverado 1500 LT, 4x2, extended cab with the short wheelbase. The options were; trailering package, limited slip and a 3.73 axle. The LT comes standard with power seats and almost every other toy you could ever want. I'm a big guy and I find the standard seats to be excellent.

The 4x4 is nice but I find I only need that feature about 5 days out of year. IMHO, the off road package give you a really stiff ride but a whole bunch of people like that. Not my cupa but two of my friends have it, on their new Chev. 4x4's, and kid me all the time about my 4x2, until we gas up on our fishing trips, lol.

Look at Kellys Blue Book for the dealer cost. I got mine for $1,000, under the dealers cost :). Don't pay one cent over the dealers invoice and check Edmunds for any dealer rebates and customer rebates. Both Kellys and Edmunds can be found @ yahoo under autos, then buyers guides.

Good fishing and truckin in your new rig.

[Jeff]

>The 4x4 is nice but I
>find I only need that
>feature about 5 days out
>of year

Man if I got stuck 5 times a year I'd get a 4x4.