New Truck- What am I in for?

[Matador]

My main truck is a 1987 Chevrolet 1/2 ton that I've outgrown. I'm looking for something more.

I found a city surplus truck. I know the man responsible for maintanence, so I'm not too worried there. Anyways, it's a 2006 Chevrolet 2500HD, with the 6.0 V8, an Automatic transmission, 4x4 (Floor shifter), and about 125k miles. It's an extended cab/short box truck.

On first impression, I'm in love. But, my newest truck was a 1995. I don't know much on these newer trucks.

I'm just looking for some general advice- I've read that the 6.0 is a beast of an engine. I'm fine with the gas mileage- this truck would be a towing machine, not my daily driver.

I know that the 4.11 gear ratio is what I want. How can I tell if this truck has it. I'll see if I can get someone to unlock the doors, but I don't know what I'm looking for on the tag. Does Chevy still use RPO codes in the glovebox?

Are there any major problems with these trucks that I need to be aware of?

I'll be using it in my business. I'd like to be able to tow 5000#, and throw another 1500# in the bed if need-be. I've read that there's a payload sticker in the glovebox- is that true for this truck?

I'll be driving long distances on the highways/Interstates. Is this enough truck for the job? I'd like to buy the right truck the first time. I can't afford a diesel, and this is the only truck that's up for auction now... other than a Ford Ranger.

Any advice on these would be great! I feel like a fish out of water!

Thanks for the help!

[Tropical Snowstorm]

Should be a 4L80E and at least a 3.73 gear. The RPO codes are in the glove box and the rear axle codes are typically GU_. The 6.0 will suck fuel down with the quickness but with minor maintenance they are pretty indestructible, seen many over 200k miles. The 4L80e is also a strong trans, the gears are pretty well split for towing and since you mentioned driving mostly older stuff the ratios will feel pretty natural.

With the manual transfer case the drive train is solid. Only things to check are the front diff and oil pressure, the 6.0s had occasional oil pump issues but it should have shown up by now.

It's plenty of truck for hauling and towing if you haven't been ruined by a diesel. You'll know it's loaded down unlike a late model diesel but it won't miss a beat and keep up at a normal pace just fine.

[Matador]

My heavy duty towing experience is with a 1992 F250 with the 5.8, Auto, and 4.11. So, slow isn't an issue.

I go across two states once a month for inventory. I'm using my 1987 R10 still (305, 700R4, 2.76 rear end), but I'll be going farther out in a few months. I don't want to rely on that truck for a 1000 mile trip.

Other than the oil pump issue, the 6.0 is a nice engine, right?

If I understand correctly, the RPO codes are listed on a label like they are for my 1987, right?

Now, is there a payload sticker in there or not? I know the city won't let me drive the truck to a scale until I own it (If I do). Should I be able to tow 5000# and haul another 1500# in the bed? We're at high altitude, but I won't be crossing any mountains.

Thanks for the tips!

[Tropical Snowstorm]

Originally Posted by Matador

If I understand correctly, the RPO codes are listed on a label like they are for my 1987, right?

Now, is there a payload sticker in there or not? I know the city won't let me drive the truck to a scale until I own it (If I do). Should I be able to tow 5000# and haul another 1500# in the bed? We're at high altitude, but I won't be crossing any mountains.

Thanks for the tips!

Glad to help, I was a dealer tech when they were new so I saw a lot come through when they were new...

Yes, there's a white sticker in the glove box door with the RPO codes which will give you the code for the ratio. G80 is the limited slip so the other "G" code is the one to search.

The GVWR is in the door I believe. The 2500s should weigh in less than 5500 lbs or so as a guess hut I'm not really sure of curb weights to be honest though. The tow ratings are well over 7500 lbs on the 3/4 tons in those years, not totally sure on the payload but noting you're talking about sounds too extreme.

[old yelr]

GT4 is 3:73 and GT5 is 4:10. If it has G80 after the other code it's a limited slip rearend.

[seattle gmc]

Hi Matador,

I have a slightly newer 07 1500hd classic, with 6.0 and 4L80E. looking through the owners manual, it can tow up 9,600lbs. My truck is a 2wd which has a slightly higher tow ratting than the 4wd version, which had a ratting of 9,200lbs. With your truck being a 2500hd, I would imagine you would be able to tow even more, so 5000lbs shouldnt be a problem.

Just be prepared to be visiting the gas pump..... ALOT! I was really shocked at first, getting only 10mpg city.

[Vintage Windmills]

I've owned four 2001 to 2005 2500hd's. Nice trucks, just not the fanciest interiors. GVWR and GCWR on driver door jamb. 2500hd with a 6.0 and 4.10's are rated for 13,000lbs towing (less with bed payload) and around 3000 bed payload!! You will have more than enough truck to haul your loads! I take it you have not looked at the dump truck frame or massive brakes and rear end on the truck yet There are a couple potential minor issues that some 6.0's/5.3's develop like a broken exh. manifold bolt, slight rear main leaks, noisy lifters at startup. That said, it'll still go for 300k if maintained well. Some 2500hd's had "pump rub" issues in the tcases, but I think that was mainly the diesels. As far as I know, all 6.0 2500hds had 4.10's. To get 3.73 you had to go diesel or 8.1 Unless the fleet vehicle had a different configuration but I'd be surprised. Being a city truck, its probably a base model.

A custom tune can improve the mileage on these and make more power to boot.

[95 S_Trucker]

The floor shift model shouldn't have the pump rub problems. That was primarily on the 4 button electric shift models (RPO NP8)

[Matador]

My bid is in. I'll have some more question if I get it.

It's a 4:10 rear axle. It seems to be an odd configuration- it has manual windows and locks, but dual zone climate control???

I was able to start it, put it in gear, and put it in 4x4. Everything seems to be nice.

What's a good idle oil pressure for a 6.0? My old 305 always seemed low to me, but I've been told that it's normal. This truck seems to have about 40PSI at idle? Is that a problem, or is that good?

[Vintage Windmills]

40 sounds normal, thats as high or higher than mine with 94k on the clock, course oil viscosity and oil temperature can change that some. FYI you can also check engine hours by holding the odometer reset button for a few seconds while the truck is off. I think dual zone was standard on all trucks but not positive.

[69gmcc10]

most of these trucks have independent driver and passenger temp controls, but fan speed and direction are still manually controlled. The LT model had auto dual climate control that managed everything automatically.

Sounds like a solid buy, with regular maintenance you will be happy with the truck for many years.

like said before you should be able to haul over 9500 lbs between a trailer and the bed.

Good luck with the bid!