Hey guys,

I've got a twin turbo 04 GTO and am looking to buy a truck to pull it to the track. Knowing me, I will turn the truck into a nice 600-700 WHP street monster for fun eventually. So, since I'm not experience with Silverados, can anyone give me some guidance on what model I should shop around for? Ill be on a 8-10k budget so I've been looking at some 2000-2005 models, some single cab, some EXT cab.

What I'm really looking for here is "well if you go with a xyz the factory rear end will hold up to the power" and other like considerations. What will be the best platform for what I want to do?

Plans for now are simple single 76mm turbo, pump gas and meth likely. Id like to use as much of the factory equipment as possible to save cash (drivetrain, fuel components and lines, keep the 5.3 or 4.8 etc)

 

This is going against the grain significantly, but have you considered getting a 3/4ton truck. They will tow better to begin with and unless you are trying to get crazy when the trailer isn't there then it makes a lot of sense. The 2500hd trucks came with a 6.0 lq4 option. These trucks have a larger stronger rear, and the 80e from the factory. They fit your budget most times that I have seen and I have seen some crewcabs for under 10k even.

 

well, i would probably get a lq4 2500hd ECSB, axles are stong, trans is what you want, 6.0 has more bottom for towing, suspension is better for towing. ext cab in case you have passengers and its not a race car so the extra room is nice. IMO

 

Good point about the 80E in the 6.0 trucks. Im sure the 4L60 wouldn't live long and maybe I could get away with just a Transgo shift kit in the 80. I didn't realize the axles are stronger as well. Would the factory 1500 axles and third member handle 600 WHP?

 

The factory 10-bolt has been in several 600hp+ builds that I've seen. Main thing people do with them is add an aftermarket differential, main cap studs, and a girdle cover. Some upgrade the axles too, but Im not sure that's necessary.

 

06 crew cab short bed 1500HD, get all the bonus's of the 2500 series with the ride of a 1500.

6.0 and 4l80, bigger rear end.. Win!

 

I tow with a half ton, truck also ran 12.5@113 last yr

stock rear, stock trans, air bags in these pics....I swapped to 3/4 ton leafs this winter with a 14 bolt but the 10 bolt and stock leafs held up for thousand of miles towing

 

Man that sounds and looks like an optimum set up for what I want to do with it. Is the 1500HD any bigger in size or weight than the standard 1500? Or is the only difference between the two displacement, transmission, and rear end?

 

1500HD, 3/4 ton leafs, 14 bolt 9.5", should have larger brakes, in that yr it has the 80e and 6.0

Frame is slightly different, 1500HD and 2500LD are very similar

 

body size is same.
ride height is slightly lower.

Mine as you see it in the pic has 2" hanger drop in back to level it, didn't touch torsion bars.
Eventually I will 2" spindle drop in front.
Remove the 2" blocks from rear and adjust the shackles from 2 to a 1" drop.
Will give me, In my opinion the best look, being a 2/3" drop. with oem 20's and a good riding sidewall tire.
Will maintain factory ride and towing. while looking great.