I am in the process of looking for a Silverado 1500 4x4 ext. cab, to replace my '01 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I know the gas mileage on the 4.8L and the 5.3L are very similar, and HP wise, theres only 10-15 HP difference between the 2 motors. My current tow rig is my '01 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 4.0L inline six cylinder and it does alright towing my toys but my wife has an '02 Avalanche w/ the 5.3L and i love the torque of the 5.3L. She gets as good of gas mileage as my JGC does. Anyone haul a 2 place snowmobile trailer or Bass boat equivalent to mine with either the 4.8L or the 5.3L? Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanx in advance, Jim

 

The 5.3 is much better for towing. it has much more torque than the 4.8. Don't get me wrong, the 4.8 is a very reliable engine, and makes decent power, but I don't even know why GM still makes it. It gets the same fuel mileage and everything... I'd say go with the 5.3.

 

I agree with MrLM7. Go with the 5.3L bro, you will be happy you did. You know the worn out statemtent, "there's no replacement for displacement?" Well, it holds a lot of truth in this matter. The 4.8L is a fantastic engine, but if I had the choice I would go with the 5.3. Lastly, my wife and I are big Jeep fans and we own a 2004 Wrangler Sport with the 4.0 I6. Trust me bro, you will not believe the power difference and towing capacity difference with the 5.3 in comparison to the 4.0. I wish you the best of luck and happy truck shopping!

 

5.3 dude.
I couldn't afford the 5.3 and with the gas prices going the way they are I'm ok with it. but with my puny V6 It seems that I am just chasing the power I could have gotten with the 5.3.

 

I haul my 18.5' center console boat all the time. I have the 5.3 and it tows really well. I wish I had the 4.10 rear end though for the heavier trailers.

 

I wish I had 4.10's too Smoke!! BigTexasChevy has 4.10's in his 07 Z-71 and it is amazing how well it performs.

 

Yeah I had a brain fart when I ordered my truck. I was told the towing would not be that much better, but the fuel milage would be terrible. What I didn't remember to think about was I was going to put larger tires on anyways so it would have evened out. I tried to get the dealership to give me a good deal on getting them changed a month after I bought the truck, but no go. I will remember next time, although I kept my last truck 12 years so that will be a while.

 

Man that really sucks! You know, I can't believe the dealer said that there wouldn't be much difference in towing! What an idiot! I would love to throw some 4.10's back there in mine, but it costa pretty nice penny.

 

Yeah it is expensive. I think the best price I have found is around $1000 per differential. But everything is more expensive here. I see the salesman every now and then and give him **** about it. I knew better, but brain fart.

 

Hey another stupid questions but when you say $1000 per differential to get 4:10 gears im guessing you have to do then front and back? not just the back. Thanks