Hey guys I'm new here, I have a few questions I need answers too... I'm 18 and drive a 07 avalanche to my benefit it's my dads business truck, so I'm obv not allowed to take it to school with me next year, now I've had an idea of getting a big 2500hd diesel, stacked the whole 9 haha, my dad has something against diesels and lifted trucks in general, and he tells me I won't be able to afford to put gas in the 2500 even with a job at school... So here's my questions

1. With a mildly lifted 6inch or so 1500/2500 what is your gas milage?

2. What gears/chips/ etc add gas milage?

3. He says diesels are "cold blooded" I live in upstate ny and going to collage in ny so he says it won't start, which ik is BS but your opinions?

4. Which is better for mild off roading? Not rock crawling but trail riding and some mudding and using a truck for a truck...

Thanks for the help guys!

 

bah, just got for a 1500 5.3L .. will get you loads better gas mileage, and be an overall better winter truck. If you aint towing anything regularly, or hauling huge loads regularly, I honestly wouldn't bother with a diesel. A diesel will run in the cold, but it will take longer to start.

As far as addons, just get a good exhaust and maybe a CAI, but if you'll be muddin', best make sure you don't have it in a spot where water will get in there.

 

Forgot to add that, I do tow alot just not huge loads, boats sleds etc, well how does gas milage do? Because obv I'm not goin to get a brand new truck then add whatever I want haha, I have found some pretty worked 2500 diesels on c list etc for the same price range as 1500's so I mean, try and talk me out of a diesel and into a 1500...

 

A half ton, V8, gasoline truck is just easier to drive around and will pull sleds, boats, toys and camping gear just fine! I went from a 3500 Chev to a 1500 Chev and when I'm not pulling anything, I can get 20 mpg.... double what the 3500 got!

 

It sounds like you're set on a diesel with the way your post reads to be honest. Both are good and will do the job. Diesel's are a bit higher on repair costs and fuel right now is about $.50 more per gallon so the choice really is yours.

 

Ok thanks, what milage are most you guys getting with the lifted 1500 or 2500?

 

I had an '07 diesel and sold it when my plans changed on towing a trailer. I then purchased a '09 1500 with the 5.3. The mileage is essentially the same but the cost of fuel is drastically different. At one time when I had my diesel, fuel was $1 a gallon higher than gasoline. Then you have to change fuel filters regularly and parts just cost more on the heavy duty trucks. The ride is stiffer with the 2500 also. I loved my 2500 but the 1500 is much more practical however when you're 18, practicality is not your strong suit. Bottom line, if you really need 2500, nothing else will do but if a 1500 will do what you want, I would go with it. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

Alright cool, I'm going to see what's for sale come spring, I'm going more towards a lifted 1500 but all of the ones I find are either really high milage or on the west coast... Any years to stay away from? Any performance parts to get more performance and milage? And how high is too high on a 1500?

 

For me, too high is over $5500. There are no magic performance+gas mileage out there, unfortunately, but headers, and a good flowing exhaust, and maybe a cold air intake would help the most I think.

Maybe even a custom tune.

 

I meant height wise lol or just stay safe with a 6in lift?