LIKE2BUILD wrote:
anw7405 wrote:
.....any 2000-2006 GM full size with the 5.3 or bigger and 373 ( or better)rear end will do the trick.....
Yes, they will do the trick but I can tell you from 1st hand experience....BRAKE LINES!!!!!
This era of GM truck was HORRENDOUS for brake lines corroding and bursting. Most often you'll hit the brake pedal, it goes to the floor, the DIC (Driver Information Center) displays 'Service Brakes', and you'll see a puddle of brake fluid on the ground under the driver's seat. This has happened to me and several other owners I know of this GM body style.
This is by no means a warning to not purchase that year of truck. I'm only saying if you do buy a GM truck of that era I would strongly encourage you to replace the brake lines with stainless steel set before you start towing with it. In my opinion it's not if, but when a GM brake line bursts. A kit costs about $125 and you can do it yourself if you have the tools. I don't know what the cost is for a shop to do the work.
Here's a video showing a SS kit install: Stainless Steel Kit Install
KJ
As was/is Ford....Dodge.....Toyota....all of em at least here in PA. I lost the trans cooler lines due to corrosion from road salt on a 2013 F150 last year. The brake lines may last another few years. Dodges around here rust away quick. I see many 5 year old ones with rear wheel well perimeter, rocker, or rear bumper rust, you don't see many 5 yr old Ford's or GM's with body rust. Jeep Grand Cherokee? Better do an underspray after every snowfall. I had a 2000 Silverado that made it 12 years on the lines and at that time I had to replace everything including the rear shock mounts, one small spot of body rust, rear of drivers side rocker after 14 years in 2014 before I sold it, underneath it was a disaster. Toyota frame corrosion issues with the Tacos you ask? Amplify that x2 or x3 in PA. I have seen the PA turnpike guys lay salt down so thick you can not see the paving. What are you going to do? Move south? (Sure wish I could). I also am of the opinion that some of the liquid chemicals they spray prior to snowfall is even more corrosive than the salt.
