Looking for advice on full-sized rigs

[Desert Runner]

Yeah I ended up getting the Sierra. It has a two inch lift for snow clearance like you mentioned, and I’m definitely leaning towards sleeping in the bed of the truck as well.

I wish Chevy had the support that
FORD/RAM did. At least they have that in Australia. There you can get all types of body armor...slider chouces..and other vehicle specific gear.
Full size rigs are the step children....I believe that is ever so slowly changing. When you look at GM, SKID PLATES ARE VERY MINIMAL. 3 areas are the void behind the bumper where a stick can go right into a Duramax inter- cooler. The 2nd is the lack of a Allison transmission SKID plate. And the 3rd is no fuel tank plate.

At least Toyota offers them ala-carte on models below the pro. You have to get the Power Wagon, but I believe it's possible to source some of them thru their parts department.

I love my Duramax Silverado... just wish it had more aftermarket love.

PS. found a source in Canada where all these protection parts are available ...but they do not import into the USA. They seem service orientated for the oil fields.

 

[Joshua_Lionstrong]

I wish Chevy had the support that
FORD/RAM did. At least they have that in Australia. There you can get all types of body armor...slider chouces..and other vehicle specific gear.
Full size rigs are the step children....I believe that is ever so slowly changing. When you look at GM, SKID PLATES ARE VERY MINIMAL. 3 areas are the void behind the bumper where a stick can go right into a Duramax inter- cooler. The 2nd is the lack of a Allison transmission SKID plate. And the 3rd is no fuel tank plate.

At least Toyota offers them ala-carte on models below the pro. You have to get the Power Wagon, but I believe it's possible to source some of them thru their parts department.

I love my Duramax Silverado... just wish it had more aftermarket love.

PS. found a source in Canada where all these protection parts are available ...but they do not import into the USA. They seem service orientated for the oil fields.

Thanks for the tip, are there any other vulnerable areas that you can think of? I have access to a CNC so my buddy and I were just gonna cut out some skid plates.

I agree, I wish there was a bit more support as far as aftermarket protection. I live in the prairies and a full size pickup is a necessity for many parts of life here, so I have to keep that in mind that my rig is not dedicated for full time off-road. I actually switched to this Sierra from a landcruiser because I was tired of paying out the nose for Toyota parts, when GM parts are a third of the price. I am fully aware of Toyota reliability, but honestly there’s not a lot to these early GM trucks to go wrong either, and they’re easier and cheaper to work on.

My dad went the dodge route, and they are very well supported, but he’s already had to put in a transmission [emoji12]

 

[Desert Runner]

Thanks for the tip, are there any other vulnerable areas that you can think of? I have access to a CNC so my buddy and I were just gonna cut out some skid plates.

I agree, I wish there was a bit more support as far as aftermarket protection. I live in the prairies and a full size pickup is a necessity for many parts of life here, so I have to keep that in mind that my rig is not dedicated for full time off-road. I actually switched to this Sierra from a landcruiser because I was tired of paying out the nose for Toyota parts, when GM parts are a third of the price. I am fully aware of Toyota reliability, but honestly there’s not a lot to these early GM trucks to go wrong either, and they’re easier and cheaper to work on.

My dad went the dodge route, and they are very well supported, but he’s already had to put in a transmission [emoji12]

I thought Chrysler had fixed tbe transmission problems of the past? I had also read that depending on trim and weight class of truck, that you could/Have a 2nd transmission choice that was much stouter (stronger). I want to ,say the ASIAN...but don't quote me on that.

The RAM HAS gained in both reliability and styling. The past rust issues have decreased, but when living in the NE, it is a fact of life for any of the big 3. I hear the interiors are better than GM or FORD now.[emoji2]
The 2 things that would make them even more popular is offering a electric sway bar....and the front locker.......aka the Power wagon. Yah a........"a la carte" as a option.

There is one other $$$$ option...and that is the Dynastar??? Front hub system. Basically a throw back to Manuel hubs. There biggest advantage is the ability to completely isolate the front axle from moving parts thru the transfer case forward. No more excessive wear. It also gives better mileage, while minimizing any full locker issues.

My dad had a 1967 D-200 camper special with a Manuel 4 speed and 4.10 gears. Learned to drive with it. He later put a 340 in it and a 6 speed. Never was able to use gear 1, but 2 was as low or lower than the 4 speed. After he passed...my mom sold it for $800. I knew that engine was valusble...but not how valuable.,,that engine ran perfect..no issues. I heard later it was worth $2000 or more by itself. The truck body and chassis was almost cherry. Also. If it had been a power wagon...I would have kept it. Alas...it was only a 2 wheel drive. My dad always kicked himself after he ordered it new.