Looking for feedback

[wasteaway]

Hey Guys,

I'm in the market for a new (to me) truck since my '99 Toyota failed the frame inspection and 'Yota is stepping up bigtime and paying WAY more than its worth. My truck needs (wants) have changed since the last purchase and I have narrowed my list of trucks to entertain owning down to a select few. Wanting a full sized truck meant there was but one choice. Chevy. OK. Two. And GMC. What I want is;

4x4
regular cab (few and far between these days)
5.3 engine
1/2 ton
373 gears
8' bed
bench seat
2000-2002 in Chevy
2000-2006 GMC (because of body style)

What I found is a MINT 2002 Chevy z71, fancy trim (didn't get the exact model) in pewter, push button 4x4 and hi/lo, cloth interior, auto, 4.8L. I'm sure the list goes on but I didn't pay much attention to extras as I'm more concerned w/condition and function plus I was strapped for time. The truck was obviously taken care of as the bed has NO scratches inside (tonneu cover or cap) and you can eat off any part of it. As for maintanence, I agree that is debatable. Its at a GM dealer, not back yard auto sales. Truck has 91,000. If it were a 5.3, I'd probably own it now.

Question; Whats the deal on the 4.8? Is it a good engine? Strong or a dog? Quirks? Anything to look out for? Come to think, I don't know the gear ratio. Also, salesman said they all have a lifter noise when first started. (it did NOT do it) I think this is piston slap by what I've read here. Any thoughts would be appreciated. This place is a wealth of info and I'd be stupid not to inform myself before a purchase. Thanks in advance.

Oh, the next Chevy will be my 4th (truck). I had a '67, '83 and theres a '71 in the barn now. Just not up on the new stuff.