FF250 gets donated, need 1/2 ton replacement

[_RaT_]

I am donating my F250 not so much because I'm a good hearted person but rather I think it would be a disaster for anyone who bought it to try and get the thing in shape,
1. steering wheel bearings out
2. glow plug module out
3. front end springs totally shot
4. Horn/cruise control a mess
5. glow plug wire harness shot
6. interior door panels to dash falling apart
7. etc.
To me its a parts vehicle. The engine runs superb and the transmission was rebuilt about 20,000 miles ago.

I was thinking of a Toyota Tacoma but after doing the Craigslist thing, the used car lot thing etc, they are just overpriced. On top of that the MPG really is not much better than a full size.

I saw a used 04 GMC extended cab yesterday, test drove it, it was fine, a little loose, noise from the front suspension.

I am not a brand loyalist and generally like the used Chevy, Ford and Dodge in that order in terms of looks. (these are those trucks in the used 2008ish and earlier ball park.)

Not knowing squat about the GM trucks, I see a 4.8L V8 on Craigslist. Can anyone out there give me some advice on a 1/2 ton, crew or extended cab 4WD, I do not tow much of anything, power is not important. MPG is more important. Reliability is high as well. The Tundra and Titan while nice are just expensive out here as well. Either of those would be fine as well.

My List;
1. Used
2. 1/2 ton
3. mpg
4. extended/crew cab
5. 4WD
6. standard or long bed (no super short bed)



I have read some of the other posts but folks here are typically towing stuff, my needs are a bit different.

Thanks a ton, make that a 1/2 ton, Rat

 

[bdeboer]

My List;
1. Used
2. 1/2 ton
3. mpg
4. extended/crew cab
5. 4WD
6. standard or long bed (no super short bed)



I have read some of the other posts but folks here are typically towing stuff, my needs are a bit different.

Thanks a ton, make that a 1/2 ton, Rat

I have a 2005 Chevy 1/2 Ton 4x4 Regular Cab Long bed with 5.3L and 3.42 gears work truck trim.

It has a utility cap on it now but without it, it averaged around 16 on the country roads and 20 on the freeway if I stayed below 70. The cap sticks up above the cab, and has a ladder rack on it, so the mileage is somewhat lower now. The tires on it now are all terrain load range C (heavier sidewall), this seemed to drop the mileage some also. I had a '99 extended cab short bed that was probably 15/17 in the mileage department. It was 5.3L/3.73 geared truck.

In 5+ years it has needed an emissions solenoid near the gas tank, a new rear bumper (rust warranty), and an intermediate steering shaft (common GM issue). I replaced the brakes around 60,000 and it is on its second set of tires.

The 2005 - 2007.5 have a 17" diameter wheel as the front rotor is larger than the 1999-2004. The '99 I had, the brakes always seemed soft. The 2005 and up also have an electric fan which is supposed to help mileage some.

In a GM you can't get 6 1/2' or 8' bed in a half ton with a crew cab. You can in the regular and extended cab's.

We also have an '08 diesel Chevy with newer body style that shares the cab with the 1/2 ton. The cloth seats in it are attracted to lint, other than it has been OK.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I really dont thing you gain much by going to the smaller V8 but you sure lose if you want to tow. For you if you do not tow much look for a GM 5.3 with 3.43 gears. It will get good mpg but your tow limit will be just south of 7,000#.

Chris

 

[RobertN]

Ah, if he really needs to tow, I guess I can go do it for him. We're only 1/2 hours from each other. Although, we never have had a Ca get together. Been yakking on this forum since '97 or '98, when it was a Kubota only forum. But drive 30 minutes to meet

I really dont thing you gain much by going to the smaller V8 but you sure lose if you want to tow. For you if you do not tow much look for a GM 5.3 with 3.43 gears. It will get good mpg but your tow limit will be just south of 7,000#.

Chris

 

[_RaT_]

I'm going to be somewhat limited by whats available out there. My question would be, if a 4.8L were to be in a truck I liked, whats the opinion of this engine. As far as rear end ratios, I also think I will be pretty limited to what comes up and at a price I like. How are GM's automatics?

Also knowing nothing about GM stuff, any years that were a particular issue? When were the model changes?

Thanks for both of your comments.

I really dont thing you gain much by going to the smaller V8 but you sure lose if you want to tow. For you if you do not tow much look for a GM 5.3 with 3.43 gears. It will get good mpg but your tow limit will be just south of 7,000#.

Chris

 

[_RaT_]

Thanks for the tow offer Robert, I have a couple of towers available to me if I need you know the 1 yard of concrete etc. I still have the Ford you offered to help yank out the old IFS and put in the solid axle as well as the leafs. You should see it now.

Ah, if he really needs to tow, I guess I can go do it for him. We're only 1/2 hours from each other. Although, we never have had a Ca get together. Been yakking on this forum since '97 or '98, when it was a Kubota only forum. But drive 30 minutes to meet

 

[Blackplague]

If you get a chevy or gmc get it with a 5.3 and 373 gears ONLY the 342s get the same mpg unloaded as 373.. Now when u pull you really tell the differance. The rear ends are a little weak and the 342 cause problems. ( as well put more strain on tranny )
They all ( 4x4 and 4.8 or 5.3 ) get 16-18 highway.. If someone claims they got better there full of it... Mpg on 4.8 and 5.3 make no differance at all.. You xant tell the differance between the two motors unless loaded or towing. There only 10 hp differance between the two.
The motors ( 4.8 5.3 6.0 ) motors are bullet
Proof. They do have a little isssue know as piston slap though when cold...
Trannys are a little soft ( 3rd clutch pack, sprag and front sun star) but way better than a ford tranny and good for 150,000 hard towing miles.. Cheap to rebuild to..

Ive had 13 of them.... Not a joke..
Years from 1999s to a 05. I will only own a chevy gasser..

Buy it you wont be sorry.

 

[Bikewanderer]

Where do you live? I've been looking for a parts truck like that...

I know you were going to donate to charity, but what if I can give you a cash donation to give them instead?

 

[_RaT_]

OK< good to know.

 

[HHR]

Check the hours on the trucks that you look at. With key in the off position, hold trip odometer reset button until engine hours are displayed. Divide total miles by total hours to find the average speed over the life of the vehicle. I would stay away from any vehicle with an average speed under 30 MPH. These vehicles usually have extra wear and tear from being idled excessively and/or driven in city traffic.