Have a chance to get a great deal on one. Are they any good as tow rigs? Or should I hold out for a diesel? I will be hauling my Jeep on a 16 ft trailer. Thanks
It should be ok as long as it has the 5.3 v-8. I have the same truck but a 99 and with the towing package (5.3 V-8 and 3.73 gears) is rated to tow a max of 7,500 pounds. 8,000 if it had 4.10's. The ratings for the 4.8 are exactly 1000 pounds less with the same gears.
Ive towed with a few 5.3s and I think that they do great. Not as good as the 6.0 but I think that it is the best 1/2 ton V8 out there. The weak link will be the 4L60E Automatic tranny. Just be sure to always use tow/haul mode and keep it out of OD unless you are doing 75+ on FLAT ground. What are you thinking that the Jeep/trailer will weigh?? You may consider a Weight distributing hitch for the trailer after you tow it a couple of times. Keep us posted and welcome aboard!!
Thanks I'm not sure about total Lbs. I have a 16 ft Hardi Built trailer which towed like it wasn't there with a friends f-250 gas burner. My 2000 Jeep Wrangler has 35 in tires,winch,6inch lift and I carry a bunch of tools and spare parts. I just want to make sure I'm getting a truck that will do the job, without a bunch of problems. Eric
I would think that it would do fine as long as you do add too much more weight. The only advantage to getting a diesel would be that you would probably get more out of your investment because it would probably last longer. But hey, if you can get a good deal on the Z71 then I'd go for itwaytogo
my father woul ddisagree on his 98 chevy 1/2 ton 350 truck. 225k, towed, abused, beaten, but maintained. original trans, rearend and engine, still going strong! super truck!! way less $$ in repairs in that truck than any of my diesels.
I think GM makes great gas engines, I do prefer diesel any day, but if its a good deal Id say go for it.waytogo
Ok now lets make sure it's a good deal. Please let me know what you think. Well maintained 2001 Z-71, 4x4 about 2 inches of lift Almost new A/T's 125,000 miles All the bells and whisles 5.3 liter $8,800.00
I actually think it's slightly high, but I'm not sure. My father-in-law picked up a similar GMC but with half the mileage and some bed railing damage for $3,500.
That is a really good deal. I just payed 9200 for my 99 with 125,000 on the clock back in January. When I bought it it booked over 12 an the trade in was over 10. Edit: These are some numbers that I just got off nada.com Regular cab Trade $10,250 Retail $12,825 Extended Cab Trade $12,150 Retail $14,925 Just one more item to throw in. My moms boyfriend just bought a 00 Z71 ecsb with the LT package (we are talking every possible option including heated leather seats) for 14,500 about a month ago off the dealer lot with 97,000 on it. One thing to remember though 4x4 trucks also sell a little bit higher up here due to our winter weather. The zip code that I used was for my area. It would be wise to get the value for your area off the nada web site.
