Looking for an '09

[Hyspeedz]

Hi friends...I'm looking for a new dd. I have no reason to own a pickup...I just want one and I'm going to get one. I've owned a 5.3 in an '01 Tahoe so I know about that great motor. I'm looking at a 4.3 V6 for simply going back and forth to work (24mi round trip), the occasional trip to the lake with lawn and garden tools, etc a couple of hours away. No offroading, just some gravel roads or out into the pasture.

What's your opinion on this kind of truck vs. a 4.8? I would prefer an ext. cab but would settle for a regular cab, auto trans, and if the e-locker is available, I would want that as well. I've heard that the 4.3 is simply a 350 missing two cylinders so it should be extremely reliable.

This is a great board and is a big help as I work on the old truck. Best wishes.

[LEEVON]

generally the 4.3's are very stripped down but sometimes you can find one with power windows/locks and such. They're not much good for towing or anything heavy duty but for what you described it may be a good choice.

[Palf70Step]

For a DD I love my 2002 with a 4.3. Mine is a stripper on options though. I will tell you that on the newer ones, you will not see much difference in MPG between the 4.8 V8 and the 4.3 V6. On the highway you may even get better MPG with the 4.8 V8. The initial price is a big jump in sticker price though to get the 4.8 V8 (least sticker wise).

Mine is a automatic, but if you don't mind the shifting I think the 4.3 is much happier with the 5 speed and you'll see a smudge better MPG. My 92 was a 5 speed and if I didn't have trouble with my knees, this one would be a 5 speed also.

AS far as which one will be better, depends on how much you want to spend. For the money I think a minimally equipped 4.3 is a great DD for the $$

Mine is auto, Pwr String, Brakes AC, no cruise, arm window power, and no key fob (I like both doors having key locks and not having to carry the FOB).

[oomag12]

Open the driver's door, if you read "General Motors De Mexico", shut the door walk away and find another truck......The Fort Wayne plant and the Canadian plants put out pretty solid trucks, I own and have owned both. The damn Mexican truck was a bargain from GM at the time and it didn't take long find out why. I did test drive a 09 GMC WT 4.3 and it was very powerful. Had the HD rear diff. Big difference between the 06 classic and the new generation Sierra. Probably not going to give up much mpg between the 4.3 and the 4.8.

[msgross]

I've noticed that the 05/06's are about 1/2 price from the 08/09's though...

[slug]

I would give the 4.8 a try. I have one in my 07 and was really suprised on how much power it has.

[NONHOG]

Love my 4.3 wish I had an 8 ? Yep ! afford one ? Nope .
Got a great deal on the plain jane WT "work truck" Id tow with mine up to 5k
But not on a regular basis.

[mvfd70]

I had a 4.8 in a GMC 1/2 ton. Great motor. Pulled a 30 horse Massey Furgerson tractor with no problems at all. Tractor and trailer weighed in at around 5500 lbs.