Quick car buying question. Suggestions *edit, now with pics

[mrsleeve]

this is my dusty and trusty DD sitting at the end of a logging road in the middle of nowhere. I would not trade it for anything at all

[Vtec?lol]

MAn you guys make trucks sound GOOD! lol

*****EDITED 1st post for the G8 I may grab... But with all this allison talk

[James]

You can't really go wrong with any 3/4-1 ton on the market, the 6.0 has its flaws but really studs, egr delete, and coolant filter are easily done for the lower start up costs (at least in Canada not sure about the US?)

Duramax/ Allison combo is proven, the IFS is a bit weak if you want to run bigger rubber but is easily cured through the aftermarket, check the T-cases for pump rub as well. Again a easy fix for less than 200 in parts.

[Vtec?lol]

Now thats good info. Thats reallt making the chevys more appealing.

[mrsleeve]

if you do go for the Duramax/Allison. I would HIGHLY recommend you get the Allison developed full syn trans fluid. Its called transyd, and you can get it and the international medium duty truck stores, its comes in a fleetrite jugs. Mobil amsoil, and a couple of others make an equivalent the rateing you are looking for is TES-295. The shit is very expensive about 45-60 a gallon, and its way better than dex 6. You will need about 5 gallons and pay someone to do a fluid REPLACEMENT not a flush with an exchange machine. You used to be able to buy a 250k mile warranty from allison if you were able to prove you had 90% TES-295 in your trans.

Spin on trans filter every other engine oil change for me. 12 bucks from the big truck store beats the shit outta 45 from GM or Wix. When I swapped my truck over to TES-295 from dex 3 saw trans temp drop from 215-220 to 180-185, FIL is running dex-6 in his Duramax/Allison and hes still in the 190-195 range on average, about 10 degrees warmer when pulling heavy for both of us. Only time we see anything above 220 is when your sitting on the trans brake and rev limiter going down a pass loaded heavy for 8-10 miles, that makes a FUCK load of heat.

[Vtec?lol]

That's already been suggested. No deal lol

[OniKyan]

E30 325i 4 door, 5 speed.

[Vtec?lol]

indeed. I thank you for that input. I will definately check them out then.

[skateimitation]

Honestly we didn't do a single thing to the transmission maintenance wise. It was always on the list but we never got around to it.

We had to get the crank position sensor replaced twice but as far as I know that was a problem only with the vortec 8100. Also had the selector switch for the four wheel drive replaced at one point if i remember right.

Other than that we just did your basic maintenance and never had an issue. Hell I even wrecked the thing. Super reliable truck.

[Vtec?lol]

What maintenence did you do to the transmission?
what other issues did you face with the silverado?

[skateimitation]

I can't say how the Duramax engine is but I can say the allison tranny is well worth the investment. We put close to 200,000 hard miles on our 2002 Silverado and it never gave us a single problem. And a good 80-100,000 of those were hauling materials or towing a 6x12 dump trailer.

Also I prefer the look/feel of the Silverado to a Ford.

[Vtec?lol]

I've heard nothing but great things from folks with the alison tranny's. Wonder if that would fit into that price range.
as for the 6.0's from ford, I wouldn't look into one withoud the head stud conversion. Even if I did, I would do the swap myself immediately.

I'm going to compare the two today. never considered chevy as all my trucks were ford 7.3 international turbo diesel ftmfw!

[mrsleeve]

The G8 GT is at the top of a very short list of 4 door cars I WOULD OWN.


If your looking for a 3/4 ton diesel. in that price range you going to be looking a 6.0 form ford. The latter ones were not too bad, But I would be looking at a GMC/Chevy Duramax if your wanting a Diesel. Way better trans and better ride, and better power plant, but I then again I am biased I my personal truck is a GMC with a Duramax. If you can make the truck pay for it self thats where I would be leaning

[Vtec?lol]

26k and below. I was just thinking of 4motion passats

[skateimitation]

What's your budget?

Have you looked at any 4motion VW's?
Or possibly a four door mk5 R32?

Just throwing them out there.