What it is:
I am about to dive into a 2005 Silverado ECSB 4.8, with 208k miles. It is a LS with leather, dual climate control, keyless entry, and power sliding seat.
The price is a bit under what similar trucks with similar miles are selling for.
My questions:
1. Should I be scared of this thing? Seen plenty of 4.8/5.3's go the long haul of 275k+ miles. The good news is I know for a fact that it is mostly highway miles as I frequent the business that owns it and the driver who drove it as a sales rep since day one. The main concerning issue is the 2-3 shift slip.
2. So what's your opinion? Should I buy it?
What I expect from it:
It will have to be a reliable DD that I will take 700 mile trips in from time to time.
Future:
A freshened up engine and trans are in the plans within the next year, may make the switch to a 5.3 considering I have had one sitting on the engine stand for over 2 years.
Maybe before putting in a new motor boost it til it blows.

 

If you're planning to rebuild the trans right after you buy it, then go for it. If you're seriously planning to make 700 mile trips on a ticking time bomb 60E that is already failing, then run away.

 

Well Surburbazine the owner called me this morning and said the transmission was doing some really weird stuff. We couldn't come to an agreement on the price now that it needs a new trans. Looks like I will not be owning another GM for the next year or so unless something comes up today. I have to order parts and get my Dakota back into shape mechanically. Trans rebuild, miscellaneous engine, and suspension parts. Maybe next year I will just put a LSx in the Dakota lol .