[jensend]

Looks like we'll be trying to find a used late model (2006- on) truck in order to be able to take my '02 Z28 off the road and make it a dedicated track car. The truck would need to be able to tow the car and an open trailer safely at highway speeds. Would prefer a club or crew cab for the extra space an longer wheelbase. Right now I'm thinking gas as opposed to diesel since the truck will get limited use other than for track events and few camping trips annually. It will also be available to my two grown sons as needed. Want the space of an 8' bed so I can carry plywood, etc., when needed. Durarbility and reliability are major requirement. Capable of doing most maintenance and repairs on my own on a gas powered vehicle, but I'd like to have something that was practical to use and maintain. Looking for recommendations on what to buy/avoid, average real world mpg figures, etc.. Thanks in advance for your input.

[CrashTestDummy]

And if you're looking at a gasser, look for the 6.0 or 8.1. The newer GMs have 5.3's. While the HP is supposed to be up, the torque just isn't there. A friend who tows a 90 BSP Vette on an open trailer, recently traded his '03-'04 1500HD in for a new one. He says he really notices the lack of power.

[pknowles]

And if you're looking at a gasser, look for the 6.0 or 8.1. The newer GMs have 5.3's. While the HP is supposed to be up, the torque just isn't there. A friend who tows a 90 BSP Vette on an open trailer, recently traded his '03-'04 1500HD in for a new one. He says he really notices the lack of power.

A 1500HD is significantly different than a 1500 of the same body style. The 1500HD is basically a 2500HDish running gear, suspension, and brakes under a kinda half ton frame. I looked on Rockauto.com and the part numbers for brake calipers, rotors, and pads are the same between a 2500HD and 1500HD (at least for 2001). The 1500HD torsion bars are a little softer in the front, there is one less leaf in the back, and the rear axle is different compared to the 2500HD. The 1500HD also gets the 9.5" axle while the 2500HD gets the 10.5" for the 6.0L, mainly for the increased weight capacity. My 97 2500 has a 9.5" under it and has been great, so I would have no worries about it in a 1500HD. I have read that the 1500HD frame is thinker than a normal half ton, but I have not verified that.

GM has a trailer Max package for the new 1500's which gives you a 6.2L, 9.5" rear axle, etc. Not sure which brakes are under it, but you can only get a short bed (5" 9") with a crew cab unlike the old 1500HD which is a crew cab with a 6.5' bed.