I am thinking about purchasing a 2500HD with a 8.1L. Have any of you ever really had any big problems or gripes about the engine or truck itself? Thanks in advance....

 

Great engine, a real torque monster.
Intake manifold gasket was biggest problem, GM has updated gasket set, check if the one you buy already had it replaced otherwise $250 - $600 job if needed later.

Solid platform and bullet-proof Allison tranny.

 

ZX1100f1, thanks for the info. How about gas mileage in town and hwy?

 

Depending on the exact configuration you can expect 11-13 average not towing.
15 Hwy is the very best I have seen, they get very similar economy to the 6.0L

 

Hi Cheesehead
I have a 2002 crew cab, with the 8.1 Allison tranny with 88K miles on it,and I do quite a bit of towing( about 10K per year), I have been towing various trailers over the past 45 years, and I have to say this is the best by far combo I have ever towed with. Right now I am towing a 2002 , 32 ft. 5th wheel. The weight is 16K loaded, and the truck is 7K . That makes me 1K verloaded, and I don't try to pass or showoff to other rigs on the road like I see so many doing. If I drive sensibly I average about 9-10 MPG. I love my truck and have had it into the dealer 1 time and that was at about 4K miles for a rattle in the back seat panel. Never been back. I do take good care of my vehicles, and do all my own maintenance. How you drive while towing makes a big difference in how your truck serves you, but I don't baby it either. I use it a lot in between towing, for hauling lumber and miscelanious things. I just can't say enough good about my truck.

 

if your buying this unit obviously you need it and gas milage is not really a consideration....it will not be good, your almost 500cui there........thats like 1 and a half 5.3 V8 LOL....more seriously tho as one guy said they are torgue monsters and durable as heck in the rreliability department I have not had one comback for anything over the years

 

Hi All just have a question, I have a Chevy Silverado LS 1500 5.3 liters, V8...My question is ...My tail light passenger side only works when i have my blinker,and break,back up and emergency flashers...I install a new lamp for the back and is not working...is this a fuse? if Please help, any will be appreciate ..


Thanks ..

Johnny

 

Your turn signal fluid is low..