Looking for some input

[Deaol]

I have been looking all over for a early 2000 (2000-2004ish) GMC 2500 and was wondering from people who have owned these, anything specific I should be looking carefully for? Issues wise? I have had a chance to drive a few sporting the 5.3 and 6.0 and was wondering what is the overall preference between the two powerplants? Thanks much in advance!

[yfs200p]

I was under the impression that all 3/4 ton trucks had the 6.0L, but I've been wrong before. I have an '03 2500 with the 6.0 and honestly its kind of a pig. If i drive it like grandma it gets 13mpg, thats partly because of the 4.10 gears though also (which many of them have). As far as issues, i havent had any real problems with the motor, except little wear and tear problems like Alternator, starter, battery. Otherwise its a pretty good truck, but if youre gonna be using it like a 3/4 ton, you might want to consider a duramax... that will be my next one. Big $$$ though

[michael bustamante]

x2 on the duramax, i have a 2500 2005 with 6.0 and its a good hauler but I tow a 5ht wheel and under strain, like up hill, its drops to second quick, I bet a diesel would haul way better, also these trucks have common problems with the 4wd selector switch and the encoder motor fails.
and yeah she a drinker but then, what truck isint nowadays

[JohnC]

You can get the 2500's with the 6.0, 8.1, or the Duramax. Your towing needs would decide on what engine I would go with. If you tow a lot then look for a duramax. If you just tow every now and then the gas motors are good ones. The early 6.0's had some issues with piston slap, and oil consumption. I have a 03 GMC 1500HD with the 6.0, and really enjoy it. Gas mileage sucks, but for the 1500HD, and 2500HD you're not buying it for it's gas mileage. My work has a 02 2500HD Duramax, and the 03 1500HD 6.0, and have very few problems. The 02 has 205K, and the 03 has 110K. Only issue we have had with the 02 was the injectors, but they were replaced under warranty.

[yfs200p]

Just for clarification i didnt mean to say that all 3/4 ton trucks have the 6.0... i just meant that you couldnt get the 5.3.

^And x2 about the 4x4 selector, thats been the most annoying and frustrating problem ive had. The damn thing only doesnt work when i'm in a pinch and really need it to work... GRR Its already been fixed once and still acts up

[Deaol]

Thanks for the replies guys.. and to clarify I have had a chance to drive both a 1500 and 2500.. and just got back from looking at a 2002 1500 with a 4.8.. as for hauling, It will see a bit (boat, car trailer etc) but not on a day to day basis.. more or less looking for a reliable daily drivr but still capable to haul the boat to the lake or pickup a parts truck (if the wife saw the last id be shot)