So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

jasoutside

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I know there are some gearhead truck guys that hang around here so I'd appreciate any opinions you have that may help me pick out a new (used) Suburban.

I currently drive a 1999 GMC Burb, 3/4 Ton with the 7.4, 454 in it. It's been a great truck for my purposes. I haul lots of people around as well as good sized loads. I have dumped some money into it over the past few years and it seems like my annual maintenance costs might be helping me justify a new rig. I think these 99's were known for weak brakes.

Anyway, my budget would be in the $10 - $12K range give or take, and I am in no rush to pick something up. I may even try to squeeze another year out of my current Burb. But If I see a sweet deal I may jump. It looks like my budget puts me in the 2001-2004 year range. Maybe newer if fuel prices continue on like they are.:rolleyes:

So, question, right...

What do you guys think about the 1/2 ton vs. the 3/4, 5.3 vs. 8.1?

The heaviest loads I pull will be my tractor/trailer or a load of logs, right around the 8,500 lb range. My boat is light;) and I'll never own a glasser:D

Will the 1/2 ton be a dog? Will it cut the mustard? I'm sure either will pull, but what about braking and handling the load? Any of you guys have first hand experience with both?

Also, should I have the Ford Excursion in the mix here?

Happy to hear your thoughts, thanks!
 

avenger79

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

when I bought my '02 F150 it had the highest tow load for a 1/2 ton that being 8200 lbs. I think a 1/2 ton Sub would be quite a bit under that.
I recently purchased a 2000 F350 to pull my camper with just to ease the burden on the 1/2 ton. world of difference in pulling ability.

guess what I'm saying is if you can swing the fuel for it I would stay with the 3/4 ton subbie.
 

dockwrecker

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

The 1/2 ton won't cut it with the 5.3 if you need to tow 8500#. My Avalanche with the 5.3 and 3:73's is pretty good at 6200, 8500 would really strain it's milk.
 

Jeep Man

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

Can't say first hand but I can reiterate my neighbor's experience. He had Chevy 454s and Ford 460s as tow vehicles for his race cars. When he switched to diesel, he said he would never go back to gas. He was amazed by the pull power.
 

jasoutside

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

guess what I'm saying is if you can swing the fuel for it I would stay with the 3/4 ton subbie.

Well, yah. There is bad on fuel and then there is a little worse. Either way, I am paying through the nose, eh!

The 1/2 ton won't cut it with the 5.3 if you need to tow 8500#. My Avalanche with the 5.3 and 3:73's is pretty good at 6200, 8500 would really strain it's milk.

Yah, the heavier weight would only be a couple/few times per year. The vast majority of the time it would be less than half that.

The 2500's are out there and I know I can find one. Of course, there are probably fifty 1/2 ton trucks to choose from for every one 3/4 ton. Good news is the prices on the Burbs don't seem to reflect the difference quite so much like pick up trucks do.

Can't say first hand but I can reiterate my neighbor's experience. He had Chevy 454s and Ford 460s as tow vehicles for his race cars. When he switched to diesel, he said he would never go back to gas. He was amazed by the pull power.

I'd love to run a diesel! But man, another $8K up front and a buck per gallon at the pump, yikes!
 

rbh

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

Can't say first hand but I can reiterate my neighbor's experience. He had Chevy 454s and Ford 460s as tow vehicles for his race cars. When he switched to diesel, he said he would never go back to gas. He was amazed by the pull power.

+1, when your hauling you can't beat the diesel.
As for the cost of fuel gas VS diesel, you are farther ahead with diesel as it more
(alot more) power/torque to the gallon than gas does.

If you go ford stick with the 7.3LT not the new one 6.4LT???, I hear there's to many issues.
 

jasoutside

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

Yah, I just don't see the diesel working into my budget.

This one here is on eBay at the moment, like it.

$(KGrHqZ,!i!E2Tb1c63+BNuCyDI4U!~~_4.JPG
 

wifisher

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

8500 is awful heavy for a half ton. If you only pull that a couple times a year, what about getting a half ton for your "normal" use and rent something larger when you need to move the large loads.

I would not want to pull that weight with a half ton, but would have a hard time pumping all that extra gas when I can get by with the smaller motor. Not to mention that a 3/4 ton will cost quite a bit more to purchase.

Check out your local truck rental places, they are often pretty reasonable.
 

rbh

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

OH, and if memory serves me right I am a thinking my old F-350 dually is only good for pulling 12500 pounds+-????
 

ezmobee

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

This one here is on eBay at the moment, like it.

Does that one still have the lights and sirens hooked up or do they remove that stuff when the FBI is done with it? :p
 

jasoutside

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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

Does that one still have the lights and sirens hooked up or do they remove that stuff when the FBI is done with it? :p

Crack me up dude...

It would be kinda fun to be dressed in a all black suit and dark glasses with a ear piece, launching the black hulled Islander. Maybe I could get a couple of the MI fellas to go fishing with me and dress the same and stand watch at the ramp. Think we might get a few looks?

Just for kicks:D
 

mommicked

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Dec 15, 2009
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Re: So I am thinking about a new (used) Burb...

If you on the highway in that burb,and in a hurry,Im sure people will get out of the way when they see it in the rearview!:eek::cool::D
 
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