4.8 or 5.3?

Discussion in 'The Choo-Choo shop' started by RAMKAT2, Mar 19, 2007.

  1. RAMKAT2

    RAMKAT2 Randy

    I have been looking at replacing my tired old pickup with something newer, specifically a 2001-2005 Sierra/Silverado 1500 series extended cab model, with 2WD, ABS, factory tow package, and locking rear axle. I want to be able to pull a loaded double axle open car trailer. The rest of the time this truck will be used as my daily driver, or to haul a smaller 6x10 single axle trailer.
    What kind of advice can you guy give me about these two engines, as well as the trucks themselves? Is there any problem areas I should watch out for? Are there specific years with recall problems? I am going to try to get one with less than 60,000 miles, preferably one owner. I have spent alot of time on the net looking for them, and have found quite a few that I am interested in. I just hate to spend the money until I know more about them.
    Any help would surely be appreciated. Thanks, Randy
     
  2. freak6264

    freak6264 Myotonic when confronted

    5.3...ask the seller if he's had the intermediate shaft changed- Its the steering coupler and damn is it annoying- big time gm problem- other than that- its a chevy truck- can't do much better for a pickup..:)blast: here comes the ford and dodge guys after me now....)
     
  3. 70staged

    70staged Well-Known Member

    i would go with the 5.3 myself also. but if i were u i would be looking at a 2500 instead of a 1500. it is better for towing trailers and what you are going to use it for and make a good daily driver.
     
  4. Hector

    Hector '79 Buick Limited

    I vote for the 5.3 also and second the intermediate shaft status,not a big deal but it gets agravating.There's a column shaft lubing procedure that will make it go away for about 15k miles,I've done it twice in mine and next time I'll install the new shaft.There's also an issue with the tranny yoke "clunk",this one is agravating also but my headers and duals keep me from hearing it anymore.The 5.3 is a good engine but it's no torque monster,since the towing needs that you mention are very similar to mine,I will say that's the engine to get IMHO.Mine is an '02 model and I'm very plased with it,got it in Oct '01.
     
  5. Eric Schmelzer

    Eric Schmelzer Well-Known Member

    I have a freind that works for a trailer manufacturer in TN. He needed to deliver a 30' enclosed to a customer. At the time he had an '03 Silverado 1500 with the 4.8 and it had trouble keeping 60 mph on the flats. When he got in the hills it was pretty much over with. Keep in mind the trailer was empty but was outfitted with cabinets in the front. After that he traded for a 2500 with a duramax.
     
  6. Ken Adams

    Ken Adams Well-Known Member

    Go with the 5.3. I have a 2003 GMC with the 5.3 and am really impressed with the performance provided by this engine.
     
  7. Keith Seymore

    Keith Seymore Well-Known Member

    I can't think of any reason to go with the 4.8.

    K
     
  8. kshrek

    kshrek just visiting this planet

    4.8 would be ok if you weren't doing any hauling, but the 5.3 is the better choice for what you want to do.
     
  9. Whitey

    Whitey Active Member

    Gas mileage is about the same between the two also
     
  10. RAMKAT2

    RAMKAT2 Randy

    Thanks for all the replies. After 2 tries last week, one for a 2003 Sierra 1500 that got sold out from under me, and one for a 2002 Silverado 1500 which the owner decided to keep, I finally purchased an indigo blue 2002 Silverado 1500 LS extended cab, 2WD, 5.3 V8, with tow package and a 3.73 locking rear axle. Interior has power everything, exterior has chrome bumpers, mirrors, and factory alloy wheels. It is a GM certified vehicle, with 40,000 miles, still under warranty, and I got the 2.9% financing as well, saving over $1000 in interest over the credit union loan I was going to use.
    Even better, the owner of the company I work for has offered to fly me there (the dealer is 150 miles away) in his private plane so I can pick it up on tuesday afternoon (3-27-07). WOO HOOO! Life is good! Randy
     
  11. GSXMEN

    GSXMEN Got Jesus?

    The only real difference between the two physically is the stroke. Put a 5.3l crank into a 4.8l and you've got a 5.3l(with matching pistons of course).

    I'd say 5.3l all the way.
     
  12. gstoy1

    gstoy1 Well-Known Member

    Gald you went with the 5.3. I have a 03 suburban with the 5.3 and towing package. I've had no problems towing my 22' boat up and down hills.

    Just to add on things to look out for...keep the fuel tank above 1/4. GM fuel pumps seem to burn themselves up if you run on E. Other than that, and the steering shaft, pretty solid trucks.

    Steve
     
  13. Junkman

    Junkman Well-Known Member

    I have an '03 Silverado Z71 that's pushing 200,000 miles. I tow cars quite a bit with it and have had very little problems with it.It's equipped with the 5300 Vortec. The only items I have replaced are; plugs/wires @102,000 ;front brake pads @ 152,000(use the GM pads);rear brake pads @ 161,000; fuel filter every 10,000; oil change w/Mobil1 every 5,000 to 6,500. I went 11,000miles one time. Trans fluid every 15,000-just started using synthetic. I've changed the transfercase oil a couple of times,getting ready to do it again. Still has the original a/c,waterpump,alternator,u-joints,etc. Very durable trucks!! My gas mileage has been increasingly getting lower,I replaced the forward O2 sensors and it's getting much better mileage. Consider these a tune-up item. About $75.00 each (there are 4,2upstream-2 downstream) All 4 use the same part #.
     
  14. RAMKAT2

    RAMKAT2 Randy

    I am glad I went with the 5.3 V8 and the 3.73 gears. I towed a car home from Ankeny Iowa on Easter sunday, and had been told not to use the overdrive while towing by a friend with a 01 GMC Sierra. I tried running without the overdrive on a few of the larger hills leaving Des Moines on I-35, but decided to try it in overdrive on the level areas rather than run the engine at over 3000 rpm. I shouldn't have worried. The 5.3 pulled the car all the way home without a problem in overdrive, running 70 to 75 mph at a little over 2000 rpm without skipping a beat. I could hardly tell the car was there, except when I had to slow down.
    Thanks again for all the advice. I will keep it in mind when I need to service the truck. Later, Randy
     
  15. nekkidhillbilly

    nekkidhillbilly jeffreyrigged youtube channel owner

    had a 4.8 and 5.3 could not tell difference

    both had about same power towed about the same

    4.8 was better on gas
     
  16. BuickBuddy

    BuickBuddy Registered V8 Offender GK

    5.3 only has 15 more hp and 25 ftlbs of torque..

    Not a real big difference. :bglasses:
     
  17. tom65special

    tom65special Well-Known Member

    I have an 01 2wd with 4.8. I hauled a rear clip out of Phoenix on a heavy uhaul trailer and had no issues all the way back to chicago. I recently hauled a 76 Torino from north of Des Moines Iowa to chicago wthout any issues. I have had no probs with the 4.8. I wonder if all the people that say 5.3 ever used a 4.8. I got the truck used when I didn't make much money so it was what I could afford. I have hauled a small travel trailer and a couple boats regularly with my little 4.8 and it was fantastic. I could afford a new truck now, but this truck has been great for me. I don't think I could justify the expense for a 3/4 ton
     

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