Looking for some help, I am very close to the purchase of a GM 4x4 but I am worried about the tranny. I drove a '96 4x4 and it was gutless and it even had the 350 in it. My buddy said it was becasue of the tranny being an "HD" and it robbed power. When I purchase my truck the heaviest thing I will haul is a trailer with three quads, so I don't need anything "HD". I am looking for direction on what to look for when searching for a truck, what signs give away the type of tranny; i.e. 8 lug?, Pumkin size? Or if I stick to the Z71 style am I safe? I am looking at '96-'98.

Thanks in advance for you help.

 

anything HD, or 2500 and up will have the HD tranny and its not the tranny robbin power, unless its slipping, LOL, prolly rear gear ratio, or the engine is just tired....

8-lug is 3/4 ton or HD half ton, they will have the HD tranny and if I could I wuold recommend this, the are bullet proof.

Z71 will be on half tons, and although the decals look cool it is an off road suspension, it may work for you better with you lifestyle, hauling quads and for dirt road travel, however it is a bit stiffer ride on highway....if your looking 96-98, Im guessing its cause of style, however tryand go 2000ish and get teh 5.3, better milage the nthe old 350s, and torqy as well, ALSO, make sure your rear gear ratio is 3.73 at least....4.10 would be nice when you pulling but if you dont pull that much its overkilll.....

 

Awesome, thanks for the info. It will be put to good use.

 

I have 1/2 tons all my life and I have a Z71 , 2000 model 5.3. I pull a 4200 ld 2horse trailer plus 2000lds of horses. We ride some where about every weekend .I have also pulled 6-7000 ld tractors but only for 5-10 miles plus trailer wt.It is no diesel when you put that wt behind it but I am considering my next one a 3/4 because I might go to a 4 horse trailer. I love the Duramax but test drove the 6.0 and hated it. I bought this truck new and now have 90000 miles on it. The reason I hate to go the 3/4 is the price of the diesel and when I use it , I use it. But that other 95% of the timea VW would get me there just the same. I think that the wt your talking about the 1/2 will do it but really it`s what satisfies you. This just my experience but maybe it will help you.