A cheap tow rig

[jasonreichle]

First off let me say this: 3rd gmt 400, second 6.5. I’ve been towing since before I had my license, never mind backing up trailers between tractors and equipment..

wanting to try and challenge myself to build a good 6.5 tow rig. Haha. Funny I know. It’s a backup truck, not a DD nor will it get pushed to the extremes!

buying another 6.5 1500 off my friend this weekend, cheap. 2 grand. Allready has a straight pipe and a manual wastegate. So two things I don’t have to do!
First things first is going to be absolute basics from oil change to fixing anything that needs attention right off the hop mechanical wise.

ideal things I’d like to do but would first enjoy some input! Obviously a boost gauge. Next possibly a wicked wheel 2?? 5th wheel hitch with a gooseneck adapter.
Once again. Input very appreciated on what else it needs or what’s ideal. Pics will be sure to come once the keys and title are in my hand

 

[RichLo]

Welcome! cant wait for pics. Never had a 6.5 myself but I know they're not the most popular here, lol.

 

[jasonreichle]

Welcome! cant wait for pics. Never had a 6.5 myself but I know they're not the most popular here, lol.

oh I’m aware haha you have to understand these engines to manage life with them. The fact I can build this truck and tow what I need is still going to be half the price of getting a used Dmax in terrible shape

 

[bugdewde]

This forum helped me a lot when I had a 6.5

https://www.dieselplace.com/forum/63-gm-diesel-engines/21-6-5l-diesel-engine/#/forums/21?page=1

 

[jasonreichle]

This forum helped me a lot when I had a 6.5

https://www.dieselplace.com/forum/63-gm-diesel-engines/21-6-5l-diesel-engine/#/forums/21?page=1

absolutely, helped out on my first 6.5 build so much

 

[L31MaxExpress]

A used 8.1 can make more power and torque than a 6.5 diesel and live much longer doing it. Probably gets similar fuel mileage towing as well. I can get a good running 8.1 for half the cost of a 6.0L and probably 1/4 the price of messing with a 6.5. 6.5L engines do not have a very good $/hp ratio.

 

[jasonreichle]

A used 8.1 can make more power and torque than a 6.5 diesel and live much longer doing it. Probably gets similar fuel mileage towing as well. I can get a good running 8.1 for half the cost of a 6.0L and probably 1/4 the price of messing with a 6.5. 6.5L engines do not have a very good $/hp ratio.

interesting. I have yet to come across a 8.1 here in the province that isn’t priced over 12,000 and I agree totally, but I like the 400 platform

 

[L31MaxExpress]

interesting. I have yet to come across a 8.1 here in the province that isn’t priced over 12,000 and I agree totally, but I like the 400 platform

GMT400 3500HD in 01 & 02 had the 8.1.

 

[jasonreichle]

GMT400 3500HD in 01 & 02 had the 8.1.

wow. That’s interesting. I have never seen, nor heard of this unicorn. These available in Canada?

 

[skylark]

Clean the cooling stack, do a flowmaster crossover pipe, diamondeye exhaust, boost, pyro and fuel pressure gauges, remote mount the pmd on a heat sink, duramax fan, high flow water pump, get real oil cooler lines, fluidamper balancer, Leroy diesel solid crank pulley, ditch the turbo for hx35 or hx40 and get the maximum towing distance for AAA. Pray every time that you start the truck, carry a charged cell phone and keep good walking shoes in the truck at all times. I'm sure that I'm forgetting stuff but that should be able to get you around a city block without too much worrying.