Am I crazy? Or just stupid?

WrenchMonkey · 03-21-2013, 06:56 PM

I want/need a new tow rig. The dogs won't fit in the Ford at all, and they're really getting too big for the XJ. Plus, I'd like a big SUV to camp in.

So I've been shopping big-block Suburbans. The 96-99 7.4 Vortec, and the 01-02 8.1. Both are cheap, but harder to find than you might think.

Found this one in Columbus: http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3693990511.html

Price is right, and a rebuilt 7.4. But the rest of it's got right at 200k miles.

Am I crazy (or dumb!) to think about towing with a 200k rig?

Robert

itbrokeagain · 03-21-2013, 07:00 PM

My truck has 315,000. Tranny was rebuilt at 250,000

comanchedude · 03-21-2013, 08:07 PM

It's all about maintanince , if worn parts are replaced its fine. I would find out what "engine overhaul means" if it was a total rebuild with every thing machined to spec then good, if it was just a tear down and reassemble then ..not so good.
But it looks nice. If the tranny has never been replaced expect that to go soon.thats a grand.. But no your not crazy. And Burbans are solid tow rigs from what I read.

93 Krawler · 03-21-2013, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WrenchMonkey

I want/need a new tow rig. The dogs won't fit in the Ford at all, and they're really getting too big for the XJ. Plus, I'd like a big SUV to camp in.

So I've been shopping big-block Suburbans. The 96-99 7.4 Vortec, and the 01-02 8.1. Both are cheap, but harder to find than you might think.

Found this one in Columbus: http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3693990511.html

Price is right, and a rebuilt 7.4. But the rest of it's got right at 200k miles.

Am I crazy (or dumb!) to think about towing with a 200k rig?

Robert

Personally, for a little more, I would get 2002 or newer and get the LS based 6.0 or 8.1. They have more power and torque than the old style engines, and they should last longer. The 2002 8.1 has 340/455 and the 6.0 has 320/365.

twiztedzuki · 03-21-2013, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93 Krawler

Personally, for a little more, I would get 2002 or newer and get the LS based 6.0 or 8.1. They have more power and torque than the old style engines, and they should last longer. The 2002 8.1 has 340/455 and the 6.0 has 320/365.

if i was tow with gas, which i wouldnt, id would atleast go ls series also

WrenchMonkey · 03-21-2013, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93 Krawler

Personally, for a little more, I would get 2002 or newer and get the LS based 6.0 or 8.1. They have more power and torque than the old style engines, and they should last longer. The 2002 8.1 has 340/455 and the 6.0 has 320/365.

There's an 02 in LaGrange with 140k:
http://www.championcbg.com/VehicleDe...-KY/1939513133

I'd LOVE the extra power of the 496, but it's all loaded up, dvd and all, and asking $9200. I'm having a hard time justifying almost twice as much cash, for a camping and dog rig...

The six liters are easier to find, and would probably be plenty. I just got it in my head that I wanted a bigblock...

I dunno, decisions decisions...

Thanks guys!

Drivermod · 03-21-2013, 09:03 PM

I tow with a 2000 Chevy Express van with the 7.4 liter. Pulls pretty good and gets 10 mpg with a loaded open trailer (14 on the highway without the trailer). My Expedition only got 9 mpg towing. I was surprised how well it tows. I don't think you necessarily need the LS engine.

underpowered · 03-21-2013, 10:29 PM

the 8.1 is not LS based, it is still based on the good ol' BBC.

what about a powerstroke excursion? keep the diesel and get the SUV all in one?

i ended up with a powerstroke after looking for basically what you are. i wanted a 7.4 or 8.1 GM truck and had a very difficult time finding one that was not ragged out or over priced. but i did find more Suburbans than i did trucks when i was looking.

but to the actual question, if it was well maintained, i would have no issues with a 200k tow rig. my silverado i just got rid of had 220k on it, and every bit of the drive train was original on it. i would not hesitate on a well cared for high mileage rig.

blazerbrad · 03-21-2013, 10:46 PM

How much weight do you tow, and how often? My 1-ton K5 on the car hauler weighs close to 9k and I use a 6.0L 2500HD. There are times when more power would be nice but it gets the job done and I've always been able to at least maintain the speed limit on the freeway if you really want to (i.e. let it downshift). Granted, haven't been in any big mountains but been down to Slade many times and out I-70 in Eastern Ohio many times (not unusual to have 18-wheelers doing 40 mph in spots).

132k so far with the majority of the miles daily driving on the freeway. The engine did lose the oil pump and was run for a short period with no oil pressure 30k ago but no apparent issues so far. The only other thing ever replaced was the water pump at the same time the oil pump was replaced. Guess I did change the plugs at 100k per the service manual.

humpy · 03-21-2013, 10:49 PM

I have an 01 2500 Chevrolet with 6.0.. Bout it 4 1/2 years ago with 196k on it and it now has 262k I have put one set of brakes and just replaced steering parts last month.. It's been a damn good truck I would pull my camper to Florida today and not be scared... Pulls our 28' 5th wheel all the time and hauls the rig just fine.. 8-9 mile a gallon.. I had the old style motors and I will say I love the 6.0 ls.. Diesel is obivuously best but if goin gas pony up and somethin with 6.0

67fastback · 03-22-2013, 03:10 AM

my 04 6.0l 2500 gas has 131k now and still running stong but I have pulled 30 foot trailer with 2 sami on it.. and also have 18 steel deck with 2 sami on it..pull both nice been to Harlin a bunch of times with no issues.. I have had the water pump go out under warrenty and changed out front wheel bearings.. other wise a good truck...

bad is the trans is only 4 speed and kicks into over drive at 4500 on some hills...

would be great if it had allison!!!

itbrokeagain · 03-25-2013, 02:42 PM

One day I will have a school bus tow rig. flat bed outback and a camper up front

itbrokeagain · 03-30-2013, 01:47 PM

I think you should turbo it or 1 of those big ass superchargers that comes through the hood

93 Krawler · 03-30-2013, 04:03 PM

Looks nice. That ought to pull just about anything.

mckeddie · 03-30-2013, 06:27 PM

$8000 and you can have my excursion, nice fresh top end on motor, clean interior, 125,000 miles...

itbrokeagain · 03-31-2013, 01:10 PM

How does it drive?

WrenchMonkey · 03-31-2013, 03:30 PM

Drives like a Buick. Tows like a CHAMP. I have zero doubt that it would keep up with my powerstroke. 75 up hills without a downshift.

It's 1500# lighter than my Furd, so the trailer pushes just a little more, but not bad at all...

And it is thirsty. I need to run a full tank for solid numbers, but it looks like about 6-8mpg...

Of course, that was towing. At 75. Uphill...

fordman00 · 03-31-2013, 05:43 PM

Dang and I was unhappy with 14-16 towing.

Sent from my DROID RAZR

WrenchMonkey · 03-31-2013, 06:31 PM

I was hoping for ten, but I knew that was optimistic. I'll take eight...

My diesel only turned 13, and can cost me up to a buck a gallon extra. So this isn't that bad...

fastford · 03-31-2013, 07:24 PM

So it all equals out, plus your dogs have room and no more sleeping in a tent

WrenchMonkey · 03-31-2013, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastford

So it all equals out, plus your dogs have room and no more sleeping in a tent

...and no more $110 oil changes...

fastford · 03-31-2013, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WrenchMonkey

...and no more $110 oil changes...

Damn, just did one in a 6.0 powerstroke for 60.00 with a motorcraft filter.

fordman00 · 03-31-2013, 07:50 PM

I change mine every 5000. Which is like once a year maybe twice. Lol. My next one I'm gonna send off to have tested and maybe go a little longer.

Sent from my DROID RAZR

fordman00 · 03-31-2013, 09:51 PM

Yeah. It adds up with a ford 16 qts in a 7.3 both my dodges are 12 QTS. Not bad about 70 with filter.

Sent from my DROID RAZR

itbrokeagain · 03-31-2013, 10:21 PM

I thought the 8 quarts in my Toyota was bad....

03-21-2013, 06:56 PM	#1
WrenchMonkey Mechanical Animal - CORE Member - - Moderator - Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Beechmont Posts: 1,883	Am I crazy? Or just stupid? I want/need a new tow rig. The dogs won't fit in the Ford at all, and they're really getting too big for the XJ. Plus, I'd like a big SUV to camp in. So I've been shopping big-block Suburbans. The 96-99 7.4 Vortec, and the 01-02 8.1. Both are cheap, but harder to find than you might think. Found this one in Columbus: http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/3693990511.html Price is right, and a rebuilt 7.4. But the rest of it's got right at 200k miles. Am I crazy (or dumb!) to think about towing with a 200k rig? Robert __________________ DIRTY DEEDS, DONE DIRT CHEAP Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stranger

03-21-2013, 07:00 PM	#2
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	My truck has 315,000. Tranny was rebuilt at 250,000 __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.

03-21-2013, 08:07 PM	#3
comanchedude COMANCHE NUT Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Ross Twp Posts: 166	It's all about maintanince , if worn parts are replaced its fine. I would find out what "engine overhaul means" if it was a total rebuild with every thing machined to spec then good, if it was just a tear down and reassemble then ..not so good. But it looks nice. If the tranny has never been replaced expect that to go soon.thats a grand.. But no your not crazy. And Burbans are solid tow rigs from what I read. __________________ just don’t get stupid and stick a Chevy engine in your Jeep. Man I hate that

03-21-2013, 09:03 PM	#7
Drivermod Join Date: May 2009 Location: Union, KY Posts: 225	I tow with a 2000 Chevy Express van with the 7.4 liter. Pulls pretty good and gets 10 mpg with a loaded open trailer (14 on the highway without the trailer). My Expedition only got 9 mpg towing. I was surprised how well it tows. I don't think you necessarily need the LS engine. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Ian 06 Toyota 4Runner

03-21-2013, 10:29 PM	#8
underpowered They call me......Scuba Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Burlington, KY Posts: 292	the 8.1 is not LS based, it is still based on the good ol' BBC. what about a powerstroke excursion? keep the diesel and get the SUV all in one? i ended up with a powerstroke after looking for basically what you are. i wanted a 7.4 or 8.1 GM truck and had a very difficult time finding one that was not ragged out or over priced. but i did find more Suburbans than i did trucks when i was looking. but to the actual question, if it was well maintained, i would have no issues with a 200k tow rig. my silverado i just got rid of had 220k on it, and every bit of the drive train was original on it. i would not hesitate on a well cared for high mileage rig. __________________ beat up rusted out k5

03-21-2013, 10:46 PM	#9
blazerbrad - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 831 Images: 6	How much weight do you tow, and how often? My 1-ton K5 on the car hauler weighs close to 9k and I use a 6.0L 2500HD. There are times when more power would be nice but it gets the job done and I've always been able to at least maintain the speed limit on the freeway if you really want to (i.e. let it downshift). Granted, haven't been in any big mountains but been down to Slade many times and out I-70 in Eastern Ohio many times (not unusual to have 18-wheelers doing 40 mph in spots). 132k so far with the majority of the miles daily driving on the freeway. The engine did lose the oil pump and was run for a short period with no oil pressure 30k ago but no apparent issues so far. The only other thing ever replaced was the water pump at the same time the oil pump was replaced. Guess I did change the plugs at 100k per the service manual.

03-21-2013, 10:49 PM	#10
humpy Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 573	I have an 01 2500 Chevrolet with 6.0.. Bout it 4 1/2 years ago with 196k on it and it now has 262k I have put one set of brakes and just replaced steering parts last month.. It's been a damn good truck I would pull my camper to Florida today and not be scared... Pulls our 28' 5th wheel all the time and hauls the rig just fine.. 8-9 mile a gallon.. I had the old style motors and I will say I love the 6.0 ls.. Diesel is obivuously best but if goin gas pony up and somethin with 6.0 __________________ S10 with a few air shocks..

03-22-2013, 03:10 AM	#11
67fastback Splattt- you want some Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Mason,Oh Posts: 692	my 04 6.0l 2500 gas has 131k now and still running stong but I have pulled 30 foot trailer with 2 sami on it.. and also have 18 steel deck with 2 sami on it..pull both nice been to Harlin a bunch of times with no issues.. I have had the water pump go out under warrenty and changed out front wheel bearings.. other wise a good truck... bad is the trans is only 4 speed and kicks into over drive at 4500 on some hills... would be great if it had allison!!! __________________ Thanks, 67fastback ------------- 84 Honda cr60r - for sale 87 Honda 200sx - for sale 67 Mustang fastback - under restoration MCA #63430 04 Silverado 2500 crew cab 87 sami - "SPLAT" 87 sami tin top - "Blue Fire" 88 sami - "Squirt" My New Video Channel -http://www.youtube.com/PhillbillyProduction My Video Channel - http://www.youtube.com/justworkn

03-25-2013, 02:42 PM	#12
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	One day I will have a school bus tow rig. flat bed outback and a camper up front __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.

03-30-2013, 01:47 PM	#13
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	I think you should turbo it or 1 of those big ass superchargers that comes through the hood __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.

03-30-2013, 04:03 PM	#14
93 Krawler >>>PMC<<< - CORE Member - - Administrator - Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Ross, OH Posts: 2,069 Images: 1268	Looks nice. That ought to pull just about anything.

03-30-2013, 06:27 PM	#15
mckeddie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: van wert oh Posts: 583	$8000 and you can have my excursion, nice fresh top end on motor, clean interior, 125,000 miles... __________________ zuk buggy.....it'll be a jeep eventually.

03-31-2013, 01:10 PM	#16
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	How does it drive? __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.

03-31-2013, 03:30 PM	#17
WrenchMonkey Mechanical Animal - CORE Member - - Moderator - Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Beechmont Posts: 1,883	Drives like a Buick. Tows like a CHAMP. I have zero doubt that it would keep up with my powerstroke. 75 up hills without a downshift. It's 1500# lighter than my Furd, so the trailer pushes just a little more, but not bad at all... And it is thirsty. I need to run a full tank for solid numbers, but it looks like about 6-8mpg... Of course, that was towing. At 75. Uphill... __________________ DIRTY DEEDS, DONE DIRT CHEAP Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stranger

03-31-2013, 05:43 PM	#18
fordman00 Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 433	Dang and I was unhappy with 14-16 towing. Sent from my DROID RAZR

03-31-2013, 06:31 PM	#19
WrenchMonkey Mechanical Animal - CORE Member - - Moderator - Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Beechmont Posts: 1,883	I was hoping for ten, but I knew that was optimistic. I'll take eight... My diesel only turned 13, and can cost me up to a buck a gallon extra. So this isn't that bad... __________________ DIRTY DEEDS, DONE DIRT CHEAP Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stranger

03-31-2013, 07:24 PM	#20
fastford Banned Join Date: May 2007 Location: Hamilton OH Posts: 163 Images: 13	So it all equals out, plus your dogs have room and no more sleeping in a tent

03-31-2013, 07:50 PM	#23
fordman00 Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 433	I change mine every 5000. Which is like once a year maybe twice. Lol. My next one I'm gonna send off to have tested and maybe go a little longer. Sent from my DROID RAZR

03-31-2013, 09:51 PM	#24
fordman00 Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 433	Yeah. It adds up with a ford 16 qts in a 7.3 both my dodges are 12 QTS. Not bad about 70 with filter. Sent from my DROID RAZR

03-31-2013, 10:21 PM	#25
itbrokeagain Just Empty Every Pocket - CORE Member - Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Amelia Posts: 1,435	I thought the 8 quarts in my Toyota was bad.... __________________ 91 fj 80 on 37 Nitto Muds with a 10k winch. Cage and sliders coming soon.