Am in a similar situation...would love to go the newer/better 8.1L and 4L85E, but
for me, bigger bang for my buck is to rebuild my 7.4L. The 4L80E doesn't need it,
but what the heck...when I do the 7.4L...going to rebuild the 4L80E (think the
parts for the 4L85E works in mine...but will check that out closer later)
Noodle how much to rebuild vs buying a newer TV
What diff ratio in your Sub?
That newer XL has more miles than my 5 year older 1996. Make sure to have
the drive train checked out by a 'good' mechanic
The 8.1L's oil consumption has been attributed to both SS rings taking longer
to seat (40K miles or so) and misting that is then drawn in via the intake
manifold
To me, my GMT400 seems bigger inside than both GMT800's and GMT900's. I'm 6 foot
and about 180 lbs
You do get better brakes on the GMT800 (four wheel disc...though that era had
flaking of the rear disc...fixed with new suppliers)
Do change out the receiver with a traditional design. About $150-$200 plus about
1 hours labor
