Power/MPG difference question on lifted 1500 vs 2500...
 

Hey guys im truck shopping right now for a GM 4x4 in the 03-06 body style and it will have a lift probably 3" on 33's maybe up to 6" on 35's but no bigger. Anyways will a 5.3 silverado be a dog and get terrible gas mileage with the lift and bigger tires? Would i be better off with the 2500 because i have more power, better gearing and a much superior transmission? I dont need a 2500 for towing, i just need a truck bed. What do you guys think the mpg and drivability difference would be between a 6.0l on 33's vs a 5.3 on 33's assuming gearing was stock.

imo id go HD all the way..wont have to worry abour rear end or trans going out, more power stock, about the same MPG...but you have the confidence..not to mention front end parts will wear out less quickly with the added weight of the tires and wheels

Yeah im thinking that piece of mind is worth a lot and just having a truck i can enjoy more cause it can get out of its own way.

most the 1500s come with 3.42s or 3.73s that mixed with 35s is gonna suck some kinda bad
majority your 2500s come with 4.10s and sometimes 3.73s.. 4.10s with 35s will be ok.. but still be better if they were lower around 4.56-4.88

Best of both worlds get a 1500 with the votrec max in it. A 6.0 in a half ton is better then a 6.0 in a way heavier three quater ton IMO, espacially if all you need is the bed.

But still only a 4L60E:(

i thought the 6.0 halftons came with a 70e?

Same thing haha..
4l60e = 4 planetarys
4l65e= 5 planetarys
4l70e = 5 planetarys with hardened input or output shaft?

I have seen a 1500hd with 4l80. I would go 1500hd or 2500hd and really buy a diesel.

1500HD and 2500LD is the same truck. A good chunk of either have 3.73's..... which sucks bad with the 80E's lack of gear reduction in first. 33" tires on a 3.73 1500HD is a turd, period. 4.10's is better but regearing is the best regardless of your choice.

That said I would never buy a Max personally. You get the 9.5" hybrid rear diff with drums ( in the bodystyle you are talking about) an LQ9 ( which once tuned it's hardly noticeable power wise LQ4 to LQ9) and the NVG246 t case.

Everything else on the HD is better, bigger brakes, 4 wheel discs, 9.25" IFS, bigger frame and namely a 4L80E. The Max would be faster stock to stock..... but then a 1500HD is a crew cab with a 6'6" bed versus the dinky 5.5' one on the half tons. The LD 2500 which was offered through 2004 was available as an extended cab or regular cab depending on model year. All 1500HD's are crew cab standard bed and either 2 or 4wd.

Your mileage isn't going to be great regardless so I would much rather have the heavier duty truck. But that is just me.