How long till a manual tranny is completely unavalable in a 4x4 pickup? Auto's suck in a working/offroad truck.
Don't know that GM offers one in a 1/2 ton now. (not sure)
I was of your opinion 'bout the auto's as well, but no longer am. Between the tow/haul of the tranny, Hi-Lo of the transfer case, and the manual shift (tap-shift, on the shift lever) offered on the GM six-speed, I can creep, walk, jog, or sprint.
The Chev's (or GM) are butt-ugly. That said, the fleet of 1500's we're running (4x4) are the lowest cost to run, and maintain that we've ever had. The 5.3 motor has been bullet-proof, and the six-speed automatics are standing up (we had a few issues, tho' not many, with the five-speed auto's).
These trucks get worked, and miles, but have proven to be a great vehicle.
Total miles for all the technicians with 'em is now over a million miles, and other than tires, brakes, and one that had a fuseing problem - all they do is run.
My 2002 Z71 has been great. Very few problems. Many off road miles and the scratches barely show.
I wish I could clone the old girl. She's got me off my local stompin grounds every time. 185,000 miles on the old broad.
Leaning Tacoma way, but we'll see.
More input guys, I really appreciate it!
Salmo, if at all possible, I would really like to know just the first digit of the Vin number on your 2002, in other words, place of manufacture. Ken.
I will tell you, if I get one more hard sell press from the local Ford dealer's service dep't, scheduling me for service I didn't request, I'm going to buy a frickin Dodge and spin donuts in the Ford Parking Lot...
I miss my '79 Ford. Sure it drank gas like beer, rode like a wagon and caught on fire a couple of times but it was hard to hurt it. then I had a '93 Ford and again it drank gas and caught fire (notice a trend) but it was a damn good truck till the frame got so bent the doors wouldn't close and it took a crow bar to open the hood but it only left me walking a few times. Now I have an 07 Chevrolet and it just doesn't have the personality of my old trucks, so far no fire, does great on fuel (in my mind) and I have only had to walk one time. never could find out what happened it just shut off and wouldn't start for like 3 hours. walked to the road, got a ride came back and it started in the last 60k miles it hasn't done it again.
�The constitution of the United States asserts that all power is inherent in the people, that they may exercise it by themselves, that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed!� � Thomas Jefferson
I bought a new truck a couple of years ago. I wanted a Tundra. I drove it, the Ford and the Chevy. The Tundra just seemed too damm big. I liked the Ford and Chevy about the same though the Ford had a touch more rear leg room. Bought the Chevy as I got a better deal and am very pleased. My wife likes it too as it is basically the same as her Suburban. My '99 F-150 sits in Idaho and has a pile of miles with zero issues. It is the best truck I have owned.
Damn I hate the looks of all the new pick ups. Bulges, boxy looking, plastic everywhere.
I may have to buy a new one soon and am trying to cope with the new reality.
I drive A LOT. Mileage and reliability are going to be my top criteria in finding a new ride. I don't haul heavy trailers anymore, I'm going to retire soon and though I've liked full sized pickups most of my life, I am willing to downsize.
Silverado 1500?
F-150?
Or a rice burner?
Toyota Tacoma 4 door?
If you guys had to start over what would it be?
I agree about how modern trucks look. My Tundra is an '06, last year of the old body style, and it's a fairly straightforward look for a truck. But you want new. All the new stuff is trying too hard IMHO. And all the interior bling is very un-truck-like.
Having said all that, I'd suffer a Taco, myself. Toyota makes great vehicles. The styling is what it is. Get 4wd. V6.
Got a '07 GMC Z71 crew cab, 5.3, automatic with 3.73. Plenty of power for small trailers & boats. Bought new and zero problems. Get 20 mpg on the highway.
When shopping in '07 I looked at the Toyos. The Taco interior was much smaller with less payload/towing capability and the mpg was only about 3mpg better. My Rottwieler couldn't turn around in the back seat.
The Tundra at that time had less payload/towing and the epa est. mpg was worse than the GMC.
My GMC has been good to me.
"An open message for all Democrats; "Look you are nothing and your work is worthless. Anyone who chooses you is detestable." Isaiah 41:24 (HCSB)
Damn I hate the looks of all the new pick ups. Bulges, boxy looking, plastic everywhere.
I may have to buy a new one soon and am trying to cope with the new reality.
I drive A LOT. Mileage and reliability are going to be my top criteria in finding a new ride. I don't haul heavy trailers anymore, I'm going to retire soon and though I've liked full sized pickups most of my life, I am willing to downsize.
Silverado 1500?
F-150?
Or a rice burner?
Toyota Tacoma 4 door?
If you guys had to start over what would it be?
This ain't ugly to me:
And if I were to 'start over', I'd buy it's twin...
Ex- USN (SS) '66-'69 Pro-Constitution. LET'S GO BRANDON!!!