So I'm finally getting tired of my Yukon and wanting to trade it for a 96-98 K2500 gasser. I'm going to start looking for an extended cab/short bed truck in the $7k-$10k range, and I've got a couple questions: What kinda mileage am I to expect with the 350? 454? How many miles is too many for the 4L80E? Are manual transfer cases common in these trucks? I hate pushbutton 4wd. What gears came in these things (don't say 3.42, pleeease don't say 3.42)?
Most got either 3.73's or 4.10's, with the 4.10's seeming to be a bit more common up by me. The 4L80E is a tough trans, but when it comes right down to it its still a slushbox, i would say if its been worked hard then 150K would be about where you would need to keep your eye on it and not be shocked if/when it fails, if its had an easy life then obviously longer. If you take care of them and dont abuse them they last, heck i have over 235K miles on the orriginal 700R4 in my K5. Not sure on the t-case, but it seemed that most 3/4 ton trucks i looked at had the lever on the floor where it belongs, including my '95. As for mileage, i really would have no idea.
k2500 My wife's 95 2500 has a manual t-case, 4:10, 350tbi,4l80,12-13mpg. Personally if you plan to tow more than 4000lbs I'd recomend the 454. The mileage will be about the same give or take 1-2mpg.Good luck. Eldogg Queen City Speed
I would look for a 454 with 4:10s I had a 95 2500 8-lug with a 350 and it got 9mpg empty in mixed driving. Put a 5000lb boat on it and it got 7mpg and would do 35mph up the Grapevine grade in So-Cal. It wouldnt get out of its own way empty and 6y/o girls on razor scooters would out drag me towing the boat. Conclusion...do yourself a favor and and get the 454. I have a friend with the exact same truck that I had but with the 454 and he gets 11mpg. The 96 and newer vortec motors have even more power and will probably get slightly better gas milage (power to weight ratio I guess)
