KC_kid

iTrader: (5)

Preparing myself to upgrade to a gmt900 crew 4wd soon, wanted to ask current owners what to look out for. I'm going used, looking btwn 2008-10 because of price, prefer the GMC styling over Silverado, probly SLE trim, bench seat. It will depend on what I find thats affordable but I'm willing to hold out for something I really like.

Do I wait for a 6 speed? Looks like I'll end up with a 5.3, there's so many around, concerns with that (dod problems)? Do I need steering wheel volume control & the information center? I'm thinking not if the price is right. Trying to stay around 40k miles & $25k. Anything else to watch out for, rear gears (thought they are all 3.42 now), special options to get/not get if I can avoid?

Thanks for any help. Been looking around KC for a while, so many trucks come & go, amazing really the market for GM full sizes, new or used.

KC_kid

iTrader: (5)

Forgot to ask, do I completely stay away from 4.8s or are they ok? Hope to get a maggie one day but that could be a year or two, if ever. Its a pipe dream but somehow I make those a reality, eventually.

Wide Open

What do you plan to do with the truck?
The 6spd is awesome but that limits your choice of truck. The 4.8 is a good engine and not a ton different than the 5.3 stock for stock.
3.42 gears for better mileage 3.73's for more power.

KC_kid

iTrader: (5)

Primary use is to drive me back & forth to work everyday, which rite now is only 7 miles round trip. We'll take it on a 600 mile hwy drive about 4-6 times a year, I'll fill it full of wood a couple times a year, and otherwise just cruise around KC. I like stop light to stop light, 0-80 type performance. I've never run on a track and maybe never will. I'm only upgrading because the family is growing and I hope to drive the new one for 10+ years.

I'm not afraid of a 4.8 since I hope to go FI one day. And I wouldn't have to deal with AFM. I doubt I'll find a truck with 3.73s in it so I'm not worried about that.

Did they still use the 60E in 08-10 trucks?

62nalide

iTrader: (1)

I vote 4.8L

Wide Open

Sounds like a 4.8 or 5.3 to me with some future performance mods. If I'm not mistaken they are still using the 60 in some models so you'll have to check the spec sheet for each truck you look at.

KC_kid

iTrader: (5)

This leads me to think they also use another 4speed in some models, is it the 65 or 70?

Also, a few of the 4.8s I've seen pictures of have the 4wd selector on the floor. Is the transfer case different inthe 4.8s, anybody know?

Wide Open

Not sure about the 60/65/70 part.
There are a couple of transfer cases based on options/models. A manual floor shift and an electronic (dial) shift.

MyLS1Hauls

iTrader: (2)

You could get the 6spd in the '09+. IMO, get the 5.3 w/ 6L80e. The 4.8L w/ 4L60e is a turd compared to the 5.3 w/ 6speed. 6spd trucks are 3.42 or 3.08. Get the 3.42.

The lower model trucks have a floor shifter. If you get the Autotrac transfer case, it will be the dial on the dash.

1994Vmax

iTrader: (4)

4L60E- 2007-2009 5.3( exceptions), 2007-present 4.8's
4L70E- 2007-2008 Vortec Max L76 6.0 L trucks
6L80E- 2007-present 6.2's( only Denali/Caddy in 2007-2008 but available in LTZ/SLT crews in 2009 and then in LT/LTZ and SLE/SLT extended and crew cabs 2010 on), 2009 5.3 crew cabs, 2010-present 5.3's, and the semi rare 2009 Vortec Max L76 6.0L truck.