Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

Hello all, right now i am looking into a new truck, well not new but a used one.

Currently im looking into 1998-2003 Dodge Dakotas, Chevy 1500's, S10s, F150's, and trucks of the sort.
I decided to post this in the Chevy Section because it seems that there are many more users in here, sorry if this was the wrong spot.

If i get a Dakota, 1500 or F150, i would put a lift on it, and if i got a S10 i would make it lowered.

My questions are:
What truck would you suggest for under 15000?
What modifications should i do, if any at all, or would you suggest?
Any upgrades?
What sound systems do you all prefer?


Thanks!

RE: Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

Silverado or Sierra for many reasons... Performance, reliability, fuel mileage, comfort... Just look at my signature for mods... Pretty good start for not a lot of $$$.

RE: Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

MrLM7 is right go with a Silverado or Sierra. For $15000 you can get a really nice one. And go with the 5.3 not the 4.8 liter you wont be disapointed. Thanks

RE: Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

whats the difference between the 5.3 and the 4.8, just size?
and do you all have anything against Ford? or is it just cause i posted in the chevy section?

RE: Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

There is a power difference between the engines and performance is drastically better with the 5.3. I think the 4.8 if for people that want v-8 power, but need a less expensive alternative. Since you seem to like fords, it would be compareable to the old 305 compared to the 351. Also most guys here are hardcore chevy guys. They are willing to listen to good arguments, but expect to be hazed. I personally like the for diesel engines, and the way the heavy duty's look, but there are alot of weaknesses in the new fords. The engines don't seem to last long and the tranny's are junk. I used to be a ford guy and had a ranger that I beat the **** out of and it lasted, but since my first chevy I am hooked. My 1st lasted 280+ miles and was still running strong even after towing 12K trailers all the time (on a half ton) and 4-wheeling it to death. Hard for ford to compete with that.

RE: Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

The only thing i have against fordis if you want to be found on the road dead daily:D. Mine first 1990 chevy 1500 had 220,000 miles on it. The secound was a 2000 with 100,000 when i traded for my 2005 and it had 37,500 on it and have had nothing wrong with any of them. My friend drives a 1995 1500 with 283,000 miles on it and he has to rebuild the rear end and transmission thats it. And that was with in the last 13,000 miles. His wife drove a 2000 chevy 1500 and when they sold to get a tahoe it had 150,000 miles with only an ac comp. go bad. Like Smoke said most of us are chevy guys and i cant speak for all but i would like to say most all guys on here can give you the same storys i did about how long most chevys last. Thanks.

RE: Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

Yeah my Chevy97 C1500 has 205000 and runs like a dream

RE: Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

I just got out of an 81 GMC 2500 and it was still pulling like an ox even after being smacked around and overworked. I don't know if Smoke has heard of this... but I heard that Ford diesels have a problem with the turbo's burning out. I know three guys with Ford diesels and between them there have been 4 turbo replacements.
Cosmetically - Silvys just look more appealing on the interior and are more comftorable than Ford, in my opinion.
The last farm I worked on had a Ford F-350 and a Silvy 2500 that were the same year with comparable miles and the Chevy could pull more than the Ford. It had less problems even with more use than the Ford. Thats what really sold me on Chevy.

RE: Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

I had not heard of the turbo issue. I would buy a chevy anyway, especially with the new diesel engine that is available and the allison tranny, I just can't afford it.

RE: Hi, Im new and have a few questions
 

Same here brother. I wanted a diesel so bad, I just don't have the money to back it up.