Okay guys,

I just picked up a 1999 Black Silverado 1500 Reg Cab Short Bed 2wd. It's a beautiful truck, especially for Ohio, it has ZERO rust, very well maintained. The only problem being, it's a V6.

I plan to use this truck to haul my Built 02 SS Camaro, and possibly even my 2004 2wd Turbo Silverado (If possible). I live in North West Ohio l. It's flat as could be. Indidnt plan on towing either of the vehicles more than 3 or 4 hours one way max! With most trips being with in and hour range.

This is where I start venturing into the unknown for me, and why I came here for help. I know nothing about towing with these trucks. I know for sure I'm swapping to a V8. At least a 5.3 as the LR4 only puts down 20 more lb ft of torque factory.

Here's my questions, Would it be advantageous to go ahead and swap straight to an lq9 for towing? Or would you swap to a 5.3 and add some bolt ons to pick up some power?

Will a 4l60e with a 40k cooler handle towing these loads or should I just go straight to an 80e?

Would the factory suspension need work? Brakes?

I'm really wanting to make a cool you hauler out of the truck if possible and pretty excited to start on a build thats geared towards a different direction other than going fast!

Thanks for any input

 

best bet would be to swap directly to a 6.0 and 4L80E. Your front springs will need to be changed due to the increased weight

 

How much would be safe to tow with a frame mounted hitch?

 

Usually a class 4 or 5 bumper pull is good for 6,000-8,000lbs. That would be the max I would go. You would definitely want helper bags in the back or some sort of weight distribution hitch, especially towing the truck. I towed a 1980 Toyota pickup on a 16' utility trailer 30 or so times over the course of several years with stock suspension and my rear leaves are pretty shot (estimate ~4,500lbs trailer+truck).

As for motor swap, if you can find a 6.0 I would go that route. The 4.8 and 5.3, while being v8s, are not as suitable for towing needs even as much as your 4.3 v6 (although the towing I mentioned above was with my stock 5.3 prior to my 6.0 swap).

Good luck!

 

I'd probably put a big *** trans cooler on it, upgrade and E fan the radiator, bags in the rear and tow.

the 4.3 is a good motor, just dont expect to be making uphill passes with it, but it will maintain the speed limit no prob

 

Depending on where you live i can hook you up on a set of air bags for the rear! Only a year or so old but i had them on to tow my tool box couple of times! Lines, pump, gauge and bags! Firestone brand. Work damn good just dont need them anymore

 

Thanks for the input guys.

it looks like the tow build will include

lq9 + 4l80e

Trans Cooler + gauge

Efan set up

Rear bags

I will be buying an 18' dual axle car trailer this week rated for 7,000 lbs. The dealer by me has some stock they need to move and have them for $1,850.

I know it weighs 18XX LBS. When I weighed the SS it was 3,410 without me in it. I'll be pulling roughly 5,300 lbs on the regular.

I have a question on the bags. I looked at the design. It looks like with how they mount, it will isolate most of the pressure put on the springs to one area. Being off center. Wouldn't this add a lot of stress to one part of the leaf spring?

 

Honestly, with a V6, and the short wheelbase, you bought the wrong truck altogether. A longer wheelbase, and more power well make for a much better tow rig.

 

I agree. I actually wasn't in the Market to buy another truck at all. I was on my way home from visiting family a couple hours from my house when I spotted this truck for sale in a small town. In Ohio, RCSB's are very few and far between. A rust free one is a unicorn. Although it was a V6, this was a black, 1 owner, rust free RCSB for half the price of what a rotted one would go for.

I originally was going to flip it for a profit. But after seeing it sit in my driveway for a few days it really grew on me. I think it would look bad *** towing my SS. I also am actually pretty stoked to have another project vehicle, as both my truck and car are finished.

 

I don't think you will have any problems towing with the 6.0/80E combo however gears are always a factor.