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In need of more towing power

Marios Metalworks

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Hey guys I'm looking for your input on replacing my current truck with something bigger.

I plan on selling the Baja at the end of this season and will be looking to replace it with 25'-27' single engine, closed bow boat on a tandem axle trailer. I think I'll be closer to 7500lbs w/ gas and gear on the heavier side and want to plan for that.

I absolutely love the Taco but it's too small for a big boy boat. Pops ordered new from the factory with all the bells and whistles but rarely drove it. The exterior looks like a 2007 AZ truck but it barely rolled 97,000 miles. Its only been serviced at Toyota and completed the 90,000 mile maintenance service at the end of 2018. Wish I could keep it but I know it'll go to a good family and run forever.

Budget - $25,000 but looking to get something in the $20k range and spend around $5k upgrading

My dream truck is an 2006-2007.5 LBZ Duramax Silverado but I've spent almost a year searching local for one that fits my budget and haven't been happy with the ones I found. I'm a bowtie man through and through but I just can't help seeing how much Ford truck you can get for the money. Never had a diesel and I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty with lift pumps and steering assemblies however I'd shop out tranny work. I've built plenty of engines, chassis, etc. as long as I have a good manual and the Google. I have a daily btw

What would you buy?
 
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NicPaus

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Save up a few more dollars and get a LBZ like you want.
 

Marios Metalworks

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They seam to keep appreciating on par with mileage. It just hurts my sole to spend $30k + on a truck with 100k miles o_O
 

robby dmax

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Hey guys I'm looking for your input on replacing my current truck with something bigger.




I plan on selling the Baja at the end of this season and will be looking to replace it with 25'-27' single engine, closed bow boat on a tandem axle trailer. I think I'll be closer to 7500lbs w/ gas and gear on the heavier side and want to plan for that.

I absolutely love the Taco but it's too small for a big boy boat. Pops ordered new from the factory with all the bells and whistles but rarely drove it. The exterior looks like a 2007 AZ truck but it barely rolled 97,000 miles. Its only been serviced at Toyota and completed the 90,000 mile maintenance service earlier this year w/o any issues. Wish I could keep it but I know it'll go to a good family and run forever.

Budget - $25,000 but looking to get something in the $20k range and spend around $5k upgrading

My dream truck is an 2006-2007.5 LBZ Duramax Silverado but I've spent almost a year searching local for one that fits my budget and haven't been happy with the ones I found. I'm a bowtie man through and through but I just can't help seeing how much Ford truck you can get for the money. Never had a diesel and I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty with lift pumps and steering assemblies however I'd shop out tranny work. I've built plenty of engines, chassis, etc. as long as I have a good manual and the Google. I have a daily btw

What would you buy?

I just sent you a pm...I have the truck you are looking for
Call me
Rob
 

81Sprint

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I have an 07 LBZ, bought it for $25k one owner totally stock with 83k miles last year. Has been a great truck, have done my share of mods for reliability and towing purposes. I've had a few diesels, 7.3 powerstroke, 6.oh powerjoke, LLY Duramax, and this one is by far the best one.
 

n2otoofast4u

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STAY AWAY from the 6.0 and the 6.4 Ford diesel stuff. I'll get flamed for this from the "oh if you just fix them they are great" crowd, but having first hand experience, fuck that, just don't!

The 7.3 Diesel's are great, but stopped in 03, and are all starting to get really dated. I think your path of finding an 06-7.5 is a good path to stay on.
 

mjc

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there is one on a car lot on Acoma, white dually i believe an LBZ. i haven't had time to look at it yet
 

pronstar

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Why not a half-ton?

When I bought my Silverado last year, it was three years old with 29k miles, for $26.5k. And it’s a CPO so the warranty is better than new.

A few more miles and/or another year older would put it right at your budget, methinks.


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Marios Metalworks

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STAY AWAY from the 6.0 and the 6.4 Ford diesel stuff. I'll get flamed for this from the "oh if you just fix them they are great" crowd, but having first hand experience, fuck that, just don't!

The 7.3 Diesel's are great, but stopped in 03, and are all starting to get really dated. I think your path of finding an 06-7.5 is a good path to stay on.

The 7.3 is the only one I would touch but I agree, the chassis is a little dated for me. I mean let's be honest, my grandpa would raise from the dead and kick my ass if I ever bought a Ford. It was all Chevy on the ranch back home...
 

Marios Metalworks

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there is one on a car lot on Acoma, white dually i believe an LBZ. i haven't had time to look at it yet

The duallys are everywhere! I did get behind a few but it's just not practical for the trails I like to take camping.
 

Runs2rch

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Why not a half-ton?

When I bought my Silverado last year, it was three years old with 29k miles, for $26.5k. And it’s a CPO so the warranty is better than new.

A few more miles and/or another year older would put it right at your budget, methinks.


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Yup. Plenty capable, nicer interior, less maintenance. Changed our minds and keeping ours.
 

Marios Metalworks

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Why not a half-ton?

When I bought my Silverado last year, it was three years old with 29k miles, for $26.5k. And it’s a CPO so the warranty is better than new.

A few more miles and/or another year older would put it right at your budget, methinks.


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Honestly it was just as difficult to find the configuration needed to get the tow capacity I'm looking for so I stopped looking. I would need the 6.2L w/ the 3.73 rear end but also 4x4.
 
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Runs2rch

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Honestly it was just as difficult to find the configuration needed to get the tow capacity I'm looking for. I would need the 6.2L w/ the 3.73 rear end so I stopped looking.

Not true. 5.3 properly equipped is rated to 11600. I have a 6.2. Rated to 12500.

If you are pulling 8500 the 5.3 with 3.42 max tow package will do it fine. You will be surprised how well the 5.3 pulls. The brakes are also very good.
 

Andy B.

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I saw a Colorado (chevy) sounded like it had a diesel in it how do the compare towing with a 1500?
 

grumpy88

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Not true. 5.3 properly equipped is rated to 11600. I have a 6.2. Rated to 12500.

If you are pulling 8500 the 5.3 with 3.42 max tow package will do it fine. You will be surprised how well the 5.3 pulls. The brakes are also very good.
I disagree here completely. I had the 5.3 and I put in 4:10s and yes it towed my boat and toy hauler but to claim 11600 towing capacity is bull shit . I hate my 6.4 ford diesel but a 5.3 is not even in the same world .
 

81Sprint

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You my friend are one lucky duck!

Yep for sure, i have had many people offer to buy it from me, even following me into parking lots lol. I have a 5.3 Silverado as a daily and it doesn't compare in power. The duramax will put your head in the seat and keeps on pulling, with my 10k lb Fifth wheel behind it still averages 12-15 mpg. I have had mine safely tuned through a reputable tuner and it made a world of difference.
 

mash on it

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I disagree here completely. I had the 5.3 and I put in 4:10s and yes it towed my boat and toy hauler but to claim 11600 towing capacity is bull shit . I hate my 6.4 ford diesel but a 5.3 is not even in the same world .

Pulled the boat with a Chevy 2500/6.0, and my f350/7.3. Not even in the same zip code. Same hill, easy 10 mph faster in the ferd.

Dan'l
 

pronstar

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Of course a Duramax is gonna tow better.

But let’s be honest here, a 7500 lb load is well within the reach of any half-ton, you just need to rev a gasser. Unless it’s an EcoBoost, but you don’t want that...

I pull a 10k dump trailer with my 5.3.
Sure my CTD “towed better” but I’m not gonna junk a good, capable truck just because a diesel tows better.

But to each his own[emoji106]


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Marios Metalworks

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@pronstar - I think you're right and if this was my daily I might be more inclined to start that search up again. Towing to our local lakes and over to Havasu would be pretty easy being at 65% of the tow capacity you mentioned with the 5.3L. The interior and tech in the newer 1/2 tons is much nicer than something designed when the Concord was still flying...

I guess form follows function here. The truck won't be my daily so the interior/exterior aesthetics aren't a major concern. I've budgeted for upgrading to newer tech as well so hopefully I can bring the old chassis up to spec.

My concern on the 1/2 tons is more focused on the overall towing experience. I can only speculate on the differences of towing a 7500lb load are between a 1/2 ton gasser and a 3/4 ton Duramax/Allison equipped truck but I feel like...well...the propensity to shit your pants is drastically reduced.

I'm all about reducing the margin of error with this one :D
 

pronstar

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My truck was super squirrelly with the P-metric tires that were on there.
It’s a CPO / used truck so who knows what the previous owner was thinking...I can’t imagine these were factory equipment.

LT tires made quite a difference when towing or under a load.

Took a pretty big MPG hit, too LOL
From 18 to 14 overall mpg


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NicPaus

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Pulled the boat with a Chevy 2500/6.0, and my f350/7.3. Not even in the same zip code. Same hill, easy 10 mph faster in the ferd.

Dan'l
What year 2500? My 16 is night and day compared to my 06 I recently sold. Rated to tow 14,500 .
 

mash on it

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What year 2500? My 16 is night and day compared to my 06 I recently sold. Rated to tow 14,500 .


'08 2500
'96 f350
I pulled up Davis Grade. 6.0 Chevy struggled to maintain 55. That P.O.S. ferd, I set the cruise at 67. Over 110° in Bullhead City. Even a 496 truck wouldn't compare, imho.

Dan'l
 

Motoxxxloak

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I just sent you a pm...I have the truck you are looking for
Call me
Rob

Post it! I have a 2017 F250. I like it 10x more than I did my 2007 LBZ. However, saw a LBZ on the freeway yesterday and made me miss the body style and the sound/power. Was browsing last night and found a few I liked. Considering getting rid of the Ford and going back.


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Runs2rch

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I disagree here completely. I had the 5.3 and I put in 4:10s and yes it towed my boat and toy hauler but to claim 11600 towing capacity is bull shit . I hate my 6.4 ford diesel but a 5.3 is not even in the same world .

I'm guessing you didn't have a 2014 up 5.3 right? Not saying it is comparable to a diesel, but towing 7500lbs you don't need a diesel.
 

TCAL25

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I said I'd never buy a Cummins...bought a used 2001 5.9 QC 4x4 last week for $5k, holy torque.

(I'm an LSX bigot, my cam/heads 2500HD 6.0 has done everything I've asked of it for almost 15 years, but the diesel is REALLY nice towing the daycruiser. I wanted an LBZ/LLY but couldnt justify the 25-30K+ for a used pickup like others have mentioned)
 

DRYHEAT

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I guess I just don’t understand why every time one of these threads comes up it turns into a gas versus diesel comparison when there really is no comparison.
 

NicPaus

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'08 2500
'96 f350
I pulled up Davis Grade. 6.0 Chevy struggled to maintain 55. That P.O.S. ferd, I set the cruise at 67. Over 110° in Bullhead City. Even a 496 truck wouldn't compare, imho.

Dan'l
The new ones are 6 speed rated to tow 14,500. I had a 2000 7.3 but it was in a 4700 dump truck. No comparison to a new 6.7 Ferd. Gas trucks have come a long way same with the diesels. I have 2 of each and no comparison between the two towing but my new gassers do a lot better than expected.
 

Marios Metalworks

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Post it! I have a 2017 F250. I like it 10x more than I did my 2007 LBZ. However, saw a LBZ on the freeway yesterday and made me miss the body style and the sound/power. Was browsing last night and found a few I liked. Considering getting rid of the Ford and going back.

Not so fast papa, @robby dmax and I have a deal in the works ;) I wonder if he'll have to change his name?
 

Marios Metalworks

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Gas trucks have come a long way same with the diesels. I have 2 of each and no comparison between the two towing but my new gassers do a lot better than expected.

In my opinion, the performance differences between older and newer diesels are partly result of improved fuel systems but mainly from incredible advances in the turbochargers themselves. VGT reliability is now through the roof thanks to digital management vs the old school analog stuff. Then add advances to twin scroll turbine housings, turbine wheels and what's been happening with compressor wheel design, you gather it's a good time to have a forced induction engine. It's important to note because these are all things you can add to the older motors :D

I know it's a factor but I can't comment too much on the differences in transmission tech as that's never been of interest to me. I do wonder what it was like to run quality control in an Allison manufacturing facility 16-years ago vs today.
 

Andy B.

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Go with the diesel someday you'll end up with a 42' Fountain or a 52' Outerlimits lol!
 

Marios Metalworks

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@Andy B. hey man if I ever design some custom marine parts I would need a work vehicle for r&d hahaha :rolleyes:

Do either of those boats have that nifty side-entry hull door? :p
 

grumpy88

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I think this thread is a bit different...just a debate on what’s needed to tow 7500 lbs


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A halfton towing 7500 lbs I agree can do it all day . I also think it's at its max with heat and hills . I call b.s. at the 11500k towing capacity .
 

CLdrinker

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Get a Ram 1500 5.7 8speed with 3.92. It will pull 7500lbs like it ain’t shit.
 

EBT531

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Since you had a good experience with the tacoma, why not a tundra? Mine pulls my 29' with no issues (prob around 8K lbs). Running from Phx to CO through Flag I was able to pull 55mph on the big climbs without flooring it and averaged 12.5mpg over 1200 miles. Thats running 70mph on the flats and keeping it at 55mph on the climbs. Had no issues even at 13k elevation over the pass
 

DRYHEAT

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I think this thread is a bit different...just a debate on what’s needed to tow 7500 lbs


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Maybe so, but the diesel comparisons did come up. I am a fan of the LS engines, but where I see a lot of complaints as people put big tires on them and don’t change the gear and it makes them kind of sluggish, especially the older trucks with the four-speed trans.
I agree the gas truck would be more than capable.
 

CLdrinker

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Since you had a good experience with the tacoma, why not a tundra? Mine pulls my 29' with no issues (prob around 8K lbs). Running from Phx to CO through Flag I was able to pull 55mph on the big climbs without flooring it and averaged 12.5mpg over 1200 miles. Thats running 70mph on the flats and keeping it at 55mph on the climbs. Had no issues even at 13k elevation over the pass

Nothing wrong with a Tundra. If you can afford that premium price tag.
 

robby dmax

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Post it! I have a 2017 F250. I like it 10x more than I did my 2007 LBZ. However, saw a LBZ on the freeway yesterday and made me miss the body style and the sound/power. Was browsing last night and found a few I liked. Considering getting rid of the Ford and going back.


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Here is the truck that is for sale
P/M for details or call text 805 231 9117
Rob
 
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DrunkenSailor

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Of course a Duramax is gonna tow better.

But let’s be honest here, a 7500 lb load is well within the reach of any half-ton, you just need to rev a gasser. Unless it’s an EcoBoost, but you don’t want that...

I pull a 10k dump trailer with my 5.3.
Sure my CTD “towed better” but I’m not gonna junk a good, capable truck just because a diesel tows better.

But to each his own[emoji106]


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Curious on the ecoboost comment. Looking at thrm now for a daily. You know your stuff and i respect your opinions when it comes to cars. What are your thoughts on the eco boost?
 

pronstar

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Curious on the ecoboost comment. Looking at thrm now for a daily. You know your stuff and i respect your opinions when it comes to cars. What are your thoughts on the eco boost?

I’ll let other chime in on durability.

But turbo engines like the ecoboost spool their turbos up very quickly, so you’re making good power even at low RPM [emoji106]

Compare this to a NA engine, which generally needs RPM to make power.


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DrunkenSailor

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I’ll let other chime in on durability.

But turbo engines like the ecoboost spool their turbos up very quickly, so you’re making good power even at low RPM [emoji106]

Compare this to a NA engine, which generally needs RPM to make power.


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Ok cool thought you were going negative and I got worried lol.
 

EckFX

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(661) 556-7102
He lives in Tehachapi CA. For a serious buyer I’m sure he would meet to show the truck.
 
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BajaMike

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I wouldn’t suggest a 1/2 ton.....even though the newer ones have high tow ratings. Save your self some money and get a 5 or 6 year old Silverado 2500 HD crew cab short bed gas 6.0 or 6.2.....but it MUST have the 4.10 rear end.

The rear end is extremely important for towing and all around driving. I wouldn’t get one of the newer gas trucks with small engines and turbos and high (low number) rear end, they can’t last with all that power from a small engine.

Good luck....and have fun with the Baja while you have it.....I loved mine.
 
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outboard_256

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I would go a couple years older than LBZ and just save the extra money for injector work and a tune and you will have a better selection of low mile clean trucks. Maybe look for the 6-speed only. Injectors are only going to cost 2-3k and last you 100k+ miles, if you drive it that much it will just be another $2-3k 5-10 years from now, not the end of the world.
 
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