Wow, just went looking and the 2500 kept the old body style thru 2002, didn't remember that. Yes, the Vortec was a big improvement over the TBI engine but the optispark wasn't the best for reliability. Remember, this engine was only produced for 5 years and it was basically a test bed for Gm to introduce full computer controls for spark and injection. It still has a distributor and only 2 injectors that just feed fuel into a plastic intake, much as the TBI did, but with Mass flow metering of air/fuel and slightly better placement of the injectors for increased performance over the TBI. It can be a good engine, but for my money, I would move up 1-2 years and get into the LS, with direct injection and distributor-less control of the spark. The increase in torque with the LS motor for towing is significant.

Ryan, if you want a gas motor to pull enclosed trailer. I would go 8.1 with an Allison.

Before purchasing a truck, I’d recommend determining what kind of trailer you’ll be wanting/needing/buying. Trust me, all box trailers are NOT the same. Do some homework on trailer axles and what will handle your car, tools, and maybe some spare parts and lawn furniture (chairs and canopy or umbrella for down time at the races). Then figure out what the total weight of the rig will be, and THEN find a suitable truck. An old 5.7 pulling a heavy load up a mountain a few times will be worse than a Saturday night in a Tijuana jailhouse. If you’re gonna do it, do it right. And, please think about the brakes on the trailer and whatever truck you choose. Oh yea, don’t skimp on tie down equipment; good stuff is not cheap and cheap stuff is not good.

Happy Valentines to me!!

My truck search is over!!!

I am now the proud owner of a 2000 K2500 GMC SLT Extended cab short box.

I have to do some work between now and spring to get it ready to tow.

It has so many of the right options!!!
8,600 GVWR
4WD
AC
3.73
Posi
Hydra Boost 9900 lb brakes
Engine oil cooling
Trans cooling
Block heater
Cruise
6.0L LQ4
4L80E
Power T case
Skid plates
Aluminium Wheels
Extra Battery
Trailer wiring
Trailer hitch
Snow Plow Prep
And Two Tone Paint!!!

Thanks to the guys that helped me along the way!!! Van Gregory Hurst, Des Ryan, Bruno Beltrame, Andy Elliott, and of course the person that pushes me towards my passions every day of the year Amy Weaver

Congrats man. Pics.

2000 k2500 GMC SLT
 

K2500 photos

You asked so quick, I was already posting!!!

All the pieces of the puzzle are coming together!!!

A friend has an older 24’ enclosed trailer that he doesn’t use much, so we are going to hopefully strike a deal in April and I will be all ready to go!!!

Ryan W31

Congrats. You should consider replacing the brake lines preemptively. Does it have the Autotrac transfer case? I've owned my 2004 since new and been through most of it replacing/fixing stuff.

Wow. What a beauty. My 6.0 pulls very well. Fuel mileage sucks, but such is life; power OR economy. I have no regrets, and doubt you will either.

Heed his warning. The Chevy trucks are notorious for their brake lines rotting out. I have had to replace them on every Chevy truck we have owned except our 2015 HD2500 (so far). The worst part is they rot through and with little or no warning. You are going down the road and suddenly you lose the front or rear brakes. NOT a good thing especially pulling a trailer. GM says 1998 through 2003 but I have replaced them on my 1998 and my 2004 so I think they have those numbers are a little off. I just bought myself a newer truck as well to replace my 2004 HD2500 with 220,000 miles. It has been a fantastic truck but I kind of like rocker panels and the 04 no longer has any. I replaced it with a Silver truck I saw on sYc recently. Great truck and an even better seller. :)

Oh, and congratulations Ryan on your new acquisition.

Nice buy Ryan. I will second the brake line and fuel line change. I replaced the entire brake line set up on my 2004 Silverado 2500 with a oem set from inline tube. They rotted completely out in 5 years and i was told because i park it on the dirt/gravel pad next to my shop. I found a complete prebent stainless brake line kit from Oriellys Autoparts here in the states for $99.00(precovid) Stuff fit so well I contacted them on stainless prebent fuel lines and bought them as well fit perfectly.

Brake lines...
 

Rick is on the money regarding the brake lines...my 2004 Suburban has had most of them replaced. :tongue: The lines that run over the frame near the gas tank are always an issue. Make sure you check these over carefully.

wilma

Very nice truck Ryan....congrats bud!

Congrats Ryan!

They are good trucks. I have a 2001 Chevy 2500HD 4x4 ext cab short bed as my work truck and it is great. I didn’t know about brake and fuel line issues. I’ll have to take a look.

Jason

I’m looking at Tow mirrors today…. So many options

Ryan W31

Progress update

Hood latch replaced
Broken bug deflector removed
Stainless grille cover removed
GM Aluminum wheels reinstalled
New BFG Radial All Terrain K02’s
fifth wheel removed
New rear bumper installed
New class 5 hitch installed
Frame power washed and fluid filmed
GM extendable tow mirrors installed

New parts to install
Wiper blades
Steering column bearing
Upper steering shaft (Harmon) to get rid of low speed clunk.

It’s coming together nicely!!!

Ryan W

Pics or it didn't happen.

I am really jealous. I almost picked up a 2001 white 2500 extended cab a couple weeks ago. Looks to be a really versatile vehicle.

Pics or it didn’t happen eh?

Ryan W31

Progress

Mechanic said all the front lines have been replaced (and he liked the ones they used…. He doesn’t like anything so that was a surprise) and he will do all the rears.

He says the ones over the tank always are bad.

Ryan W31

----Looking at that one rear shock I'm betting new shocks are on your list, Ryan!....Bill S

It drives really nice but I do plan to do shocks.

I have 400 earmarked for shocks.

Any recommendations? There are too many brands to choose from!!!

I also don’t want yellow/flashy looking shocks :-)

Ryan W31

----Back in the 90's with all the Suburbans I turned into dualies (about 20) the GM shocks were considered by some to be junk. That may have changed for the better up in the era you bought, Ryan, but I'd change them out anyway. I used to use KYB's, but haven't needed shocks on anything lately except my wagon and without looking, I think they are KYB's. There are other good brands out there though!....Bill S

I agree with Bill's recommendation for KYB's as I've had a set on my Chevelle for almost 35 years now with zero issues - but most of the newer truck stuff utilizes Bilstein (which we've had good luck with too - still have a 35 year old set on our Turbo Regal our Dad put on back on 1987). See link below that is within your budget - assuming US dollars.

https://www.amazon.com/BILSTEIN-SHOC...A314AM84MLRHAV

----Bilsteins also a very good choice!....Bill S

Back in the early 2000's I had a special edition, off road, S15 that came factory with Bilstein's. I like KYB's and have them on my cars, but I believe the Bilstein will provide better dampening and slightly more sway control over the KYB's in towing situations.

The internet seems to suggest the Bilstein 4600’s for stock ride height GMC 2500’s used for towing.

Ryan W31

Ryan, I have the 4600's on my 04 2500HD

Do you feel they help for heavy towing?

Ryan W31

Ryan, i cant give you an answer. they have been on for 18 or 19 years dont remember what the stock ones were like.

I get it.

Thanks.

Ryan W31

So major plot twist with my truck preparations…… having spent my entire career in industrial Maintenace I have learned that there is a perfect time in a machines life cycle to do a preventive overhaul. I decided my transmission and transfer case were due. Mr Transmission in Brantford just happens to be owned/operated by my friend Des Ryan (Tracker1), so they are doing a once over of the drivetrain in my truck to make sure it is reliable for towing.

This was all planned and budgeted up front and I’m very happy that this work is being completed before “towing season”

Billet lock up torque converter,
Larger trans cooler
Case saver kit, chain, and rebuilt kit for the T case
Trans rebuild kit, plus towing shift kit, plus a couple other upgrades
U joints for the front drive shaft
Front and rear differential service

This is like a spa week for my truck!!!!

Transmission
 

Transmission Transfer Case

Awesome!!

Truck update:

Front and rear differential service today, no issues found, fluids were ok, no metal, moving ahead 🙂

Mr Transmission Des Ryan is answering my 1000 questions!!! 🙂 and providing more pictures than a new parent 🙂

Ryan W31

Diff
 

Pics

Truck update:

All back together for a weekend of test miles.

The rear end makes a small clunk when I shift to reverse so Des will take a look next week. (I assumed it was U joints but they are all good/new now)

I don’t expect a huge issue with the rear but am putting the time/money in up front to make a reliable heavy duty tow vehicle and the GT4, G80 9.5”? 14? bolt needs to be in very good condition.

Ryan W31

Rear end freshened up and set up.

New bearings, seals, and set up.

Getting close now!!

Ryan W31

Nice!!

Truck update:

To do a full drivetrain look over it seemed appropriate to have the engine looked over. Des had a tech savvy shop scan the engine codes, and check for issues.

Two knock sensors, intake gaskets, sensor harnesses, and two 02 sensors later she’s ready for the road.

These items are about the only repeat issues that show up during the thousands of internet searches I have done for 6.0L 2500 known issues so I wanted to address them ahead of towing season.

These items will also affect power, mileage, emissions, catalytic converter life, etc so that’s all positive.

I started looking at trailers…….

I like to understand all options before move ahead with any large purchase and although I see a lot of 24’ 9900 lb GVWR trailers at events there is a low cost alternative that seems to meet any needs I have or will have in the future.

20’ Long, 8.5’ Wide, 6.5’ High,
Two 3500 lb axles, 7000 GVWR
Payload 4000 lbs
V nose
Brand new these are the same price as a used larger more heavy duty trailer which seems enticing.

Lower cost, more manoeuvre, better gas mileage, brand new, 3 year warranty, made in Illinois, hmmm….

I have a spending cap but this has me thinking…..

Ryan W31