Everyday/towing

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HeavyAsAChevy

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So I currently have a ‘96 GMC Sierra 1500 V6 5spd. It’s a daily and a work truck but it lacks every single bit of power necessary to pull landscaping trailers. I WANT a 2500 or 3500. My question is, what motor/trans would best suit my needs? I’m leaning toward a 5.7 Vortec with NV4500, but idk.
 

stutaeng

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Are staying manual? I'm pretty sure your only option was the NV4500 on the 2500/3500 series trucks. And on automatics the 4L80e.


On the 96-00 2500s the axle ratios were 3.73s standard and optional was 4.10s. on the 3500s the 4.10s were standard and 4.56s were optional.
 

stutaeng

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Actually on the 2500, my owner's manual does list a 3.42. I'd recommend 4.10s for towing though.
 

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HeavyAsAChevy

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So my preference is to stay manual. Trailer weight on the norm is 1000 to 7000. As to the budget, anywhere up to $7.5k. I’m not going to get one for a bit, but I need to know what to look for.
 

HeavyAsAChevy

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I’ve also been told and read that the suspension on these trucks need beefing up for heavier loads, what would be the route for that? My brother had a obs Ford and it would squat like crazy, then he put in air bags and it changed everything. Would that be suggested for these trucks?
 

DonYukon

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I’ve also been told and read that the suspension on these trucks need beefing up for heavier loads, what would be the route for that? My brother had a obs Ford and it would squat like crazy, then he put in air bags and it changed everything. Would that be suggested for these trucks?

thats quite the weight fluctuation. For 7k you might find a good NBS 6.0 2500 work truck model . I’ve heard good things about that gen . If your heart is set on the OBS GMs than I’d look at a vortec 454 if 7k is the usual load . A 5.7 will tow it but everyday i would swap in a better trans and up the gears to at least 4.10s
 

1997

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with gas prices ..... duramax.... or this is gunna hurt cummins,haha.
not a DROF fan, didn't want to be sensored.
 
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