Looking at a new truck......

[j_k_bisson]

I understand that asking this question can develop into 100% opinion based bais. I am looking for facts and stories.

I am looking at buys a new 2012 Chev Silverado. It has a 5.3l vortec aluminum block motor. I am a Ford guy switching to a chev. Let's not go there.....

I am asking if anyone has had any issue with these new aluminum block motors or the 6 speed tranmission. I am buying this truck to last 10+ years. My last tow vehicle was a 2002 Ford Explorer with a 4.6L Replaced a transmission on that one and tell a few stories about what does goes wrong with those trucks/SUV's.

Never have owned a Chev. Know nothing about these motors or trucks. I am buying this solely on cost issues as they are going cheap these days with the insentives they are offering.

So please let me know about these motors and tranies....

I tow a 1991 Bayliner Trophy, around 5000lbs. I travel/tow round trip 100+ miles each time I go fishing. Every weekend... Also would use this truck as a family vacation vehicle as the Focus is a bit small for a 6 person family to travel in. The truck will be tight as well but not as tight.....

Please let me know your comments and experiences about these motors and tranies... They have me worried. Put my mind at rest.

 

[gtochris]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

The 5.3L is a really stout engine, I wouldnt have any aluminum block concerns since GM has been making aluminum blocks since 1997 if I recall, the 6 speed is an awsome addition since the 4 speed is a real handicap to performance. You dont need to worry about spark plugs blowing out (had that happen to our Ford 4.6 and then realized it is very common).

I can definately understand the incentive's part, IMO, the Ram might be cheeper?

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

I understand that asking this question can develop into 100% opinion based bais. I am looking for facts and stories.

I am looking at buys a new 2012 Chev Silverado. It has a 5.3l vortec aluminum block motor. I am a Ford guy switching to a chev. Let's not go there.....

So the obvious question, why not look at an ecoboost f150? Very strong engine and trans, and tons of interior space in the crew cab. (probably the largest interior out there for 1/2 ton crew cabs at least.)

 

[jetterbug]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

I purchased an '09 Chevy crew 4x4 1500 5.3 auto to replace an '08 F250 6.4 diesel and I regret it. It switches into 4cyl mode if you're cruising 45-60 mph.

With that being said, supposedly those other 4 cylinders/rings tend to gum up which leads to increased oil consumption. Now, I'm very particular on my

oil changes and check it every fill-up. It was 2qts low after a 500mi. round trip.

The only way to dis-able this feature is to get a programmer, which I'm opposed to, or don't shift into 6th gear. It even does it in Tow/Haul mode.

Hope this helps, but if I were to do it again, I'd steer clear of GM. I'll probably get a rise out of a lot of guys for saying that,cuz you see a lot of them on the

road. I just hope they are having better luck than I!


Cheers!

 

[j_k_bisson]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

I have been reading online that this is quite a problem with these trucks and the 4-8cylinder drop. Also the grear shifting with the tranies.

Is this realy a big concern????

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

Can't add anything about the eco feature but, if you decide to stay on this truck, what about a 2010/2011? They are still low mileage and a ton cheaper.

 

[jkust]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

I've got two newer suv's and both have the 5.3 liter aluminum block with the DOD. Interestingly, I've never heard of the oil consumption issue being due to the DOD but actually due to some gasket issues which were covered under warranty. One of my 5.3's went from no oil consuption at all to huge comsumption in a matter of a week at about 45,000 miles. I check my oil often so caught it right away. What I will say is that I've driven many new trucks with the 5.3 and some with the 4.8 and the 4.8 is suprisingly weak compared to the 5.3 which is interestingly given on paper they are similar. That said both my suv's have the 4 speed and having driven many of the 6 speed versions it is a bit difficult to get used to the hunting that occurs. I like the 5.3 but not the biggest fan of the 6 speed.

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

I have a 2012 GMC with the 5.3 and 6 speed. I also have a 20' Lund Alaskan with a 50hp. Not as heavy as your rig but I have no issues at all. The 6 speed is nice to get that weight moving and the mileage is decent. As far as dropping the 4 cyls... well mine only drops if I'm slowing down. I can't maintain a steady 55-65 mph with it changing to 4 cyl mode.

 

[AlmostFamous]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

I've got two newer suv's and both have the 5.3 liter aluminum block with the DOD. Interestingly, I've never heard of the oil consumption issue being due to the DOD but actually due to some gasket issues which were covered under warranty. One of my 5.3's went from no oil consuption at all to huge comsumption in a matter of a week at about 45,000 miles. I check my oil often so caught it right away. What I will say is that I've driven many new trucks with the 5.3 and some with the 4.8 and the 4.8 is suprisingly weak compared to the 5.3 which is interestingly given on paper they are similar. That said both my suv's have the 4 speed and having driven many of the 6 speed versions it is a bit difficult to get used to the hunting that occurs. I like the 5.3 but not the biggest fan of the 6 speed.

^^ Hit the nail on the head. I love the 5.3, great motor. I've driven several 6 spd trucks/suv's. They take some getting used to. They, shift, hunt, clunk, etc. So much so, that I decided to keep my old 4 speed rig, instead of upgrading. Just my .02

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

So the obvious question, why not look at an ecoboost f150? Very strong engine and trans, and tons of interior space in the crew cab. (probably the largest interior out there for 1/2 ton crew cabs at least.)

Probably because they are demanding rediculios prices for what they are. That Ecoboost in real world mileage doesn't get much better fuel mlieage.

 

[timdan94]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

I have a 2011 silverado extended cab 4x4 with the 5.3 6 speed 3.42. I have no issues with it at all towing a 17 ft 3000lb boat. But for the load you are towing I would get the 6.2 with max trailering package and 3.73 gears. It gives you a higher payload rating and a higher towing capacity and larger disk breaks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

Here's the deal. I've driven GM vehicles including lots of trucks (big and small) since 1956. The ONLY vehicles that have ever left me sitting at the side of the road were NON-GM vehicles. I currently have a 2001 GMC Yukon 5.3 with 120,000 miles on it. It has towed it's entire life. It doesn't use a drop of oil and the only repair was the winter before last when at 25 below zero the shaft in the power steering pump sheared as I turned hard against the lock. That and two lift gate gas springs is the sum of the repairs. 6, 7, and 8 speed transmissions are going to be very busy which is annoying as heck in my view. This vehicle and all of those ahead of it were excellent tow vehicles. No experience with cylinder deactivation. I cannot believe however, that this feature is strictly speed activated. No reason it cannot be activated like transmission shifting based on engine load (engine vacuum), road speed and RPm.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

I have been reading online that this is quite a problem with these trucks and the 4-8cylinder drop. Also the grear shifting with the tranies.

Is this realy a big concern????

I think that is only a problem with the aluminum engine, not the cast iron.I had a 07 5.3 and was a very nice truck, but pulling loads ( 26ft SeaRay) even on the interstate hills it just wasn't enough. Tranny was always hunting more then i thought it should even in tow mode.

 

[jkust]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

I think it is safe to say the 5.3 whether cast or alum is venerable. Not the most hp and tq out there but really not a ton of issues and they are cheap just a couple years old. As for the DOD (4cyl) mode, it was included for political reasons re the cafe standards. It is only intended to increase mileage by I believe 5% over the equivalent without it. I've had the identical truck with and with out the DoD and 5% is probably the right number. It really only activates under a pretty narrow set of parameters. The newer truck with DOD have a little light that tells you when it is activated since it is indiscernable or at least it is on the ones I own and have driven. I was only turned on to the 5.3 and actually owned them because I wanted a lot of suv but one that depreciated a lot in just a few years. That is GM and why I like them. Dodge didn't depreciate quite as bad and they had some serious interior styling issue I couldn't get past, I disliked all of the ford SUV's since they took a funny design direction in the late 2000's, and foreign may be the best thing ever, but i'll never pay the massive premium on them used to find out.

 

[jkust]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

double post

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

Any new 1/2 ton will work just fine for you. I'm partial to the Dodges, but Ford, Chev, Toyota will pull 5K in comfort too.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

Probably because they are demanding rediculios prices for what they are. That Ecoboost in real world mileage doesn't get much better fuel mlieage.

Just priced out what are essentially identical models of ford and chevy. I used the lowest model that could get either a v8 or ecoboost, 4x4, and a crew cab w/short box. No other options beyond base. They were within $300 of each other as far as MSRP pricing. (chevy was actually $300 more)

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

Just priced out what are essentially identical models of ford and chevy. I used the lowest model that could get either a v8 or ecoboost, 4x4, and a crew cab w/short box. No other options beyond base. They were within $300 of each other as far as MSRP pricing. (chevy was actually $300 more)

MSRP doesn't really mean much though - question is what are you actually going to pay for the truck. When I bought my 09 ram the msrps were all pretty similiar for the same equipment (Ford/Chev/Dodge - toyota pricing was a bit crazy) but I could get 10K off sticker on the Ram.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

Just priced out what are essentially identical models of ford and chevy. I used the lowest model that could get either a v8 or ecoboost, 4x4, and a crew cab w/short box. No other options beyond base. They were within $300 of each other as far as MSRP pricing. (chevy was actually $300 more)

Pretty intresting..

 

[gtochris]

Re: Looking at a new truck......

Why not put the 6 speed into M5 Mode? That way you are using the first 5 gears, eliminating the DOD feature and besides- I'm sure with a 6 speed towing the truck would spend very little time in 6th gear anyways?