Hi Guys, I'm new here and I am in the market for a new truck.
I have a couple of questions, if someone could please answer them. I am looking for an extended or crew cab with a 6.5ft minimum and 4x4

As I understand, the trucks come with 4.8L or 5.3L engine (I don't want the 6.0L).

- I only know that there are 4.10 and 3.73 axle ratios available, are there any other ones?

- I will be using my truck for construction, and to tow a boat (3,500lbs with no brakes). I am concerned about the fuel economy, what numbers should I expect?

- Has anyone fitted a 4.8L or a 5.3L with a 5 or 6spd auto tranny, and a 3.5x - 3.7x gear ratio? I think this would be an awesome combination for power and fuel economy. Are there any aftermarket companies that offer these options?

- I don't mind working on the truck and building it the way I want so my main concern is a good body with no rust, power windows and door locks, the rest (brakes, axles, ball joints etc) I can swap and change. How much are crate engines? are they worth putting in?

I'm new to this forum and I am constantly reading everything I can. Any advice?

Thanks in advance
Andy

 

what kinda construction you doing what do you pull doing that

 

New Homes Construction. I'm not going to pull heavy trailers, the load will be 5,000lbs if that, I will haul 2x4, 2x10, plywood, cement, and maybe occassionally a skid of brick/stone. My payload should not exceed 1,800lbs

 

If you're just hauling 1800 lbs, you should be OK with a standard 1500.

2500HDs in those years came with 6.0L as the smallest engine option, with 410 gears.
Unless you'll be leaving the road, or hauling through mud, 4X4 isn't really needed, and it has a large effect on initial purchase cost and gas mileage.

Definitely go with the crew cab, you will LOVE the back seat. Plus, you can roll the back windows all the way down. Tons of storage behind and under the rear seat. Be aware, it's possible to get a crew-cab with the 8-foot bed, they're just harder to find.

You can get as low as 342 gears, I use them myself, but I don't regularly haul very heavy loads. Many people really like the 373s. They're a relatively common gear in 1500 packages, and they're a great compromise for power and gas economy.You then have 410s and 456s, and they're going to give you lots more low-end power with lots less MPG.

If your foot is as concerned about gas mileage as you are,and you drive conservatively,
I think you can see 16-18MPG-with 342 gears, a 4.8/5.3 engine, and a 4L60E tranny.
Figure a way around having the tailgate UP all the time,it'll cost ya @3MPG.