Older GM Pickup Buying Question

[ed1948]

#1) 96 (GMT 400)1/2T, 350, 2wd, barely any rust, 160K miles
#2) 99 (GMT800), 1/2T, 4.8, 2wd, barely any rust, 140K miles
Both have similar asking prices and maint records. Is there a huge improvement in the newer series or an increase in reliability?

I'm a cheap DIY'er. Would the 'newer technology' 4.8 be a better choice to last 100 K miles than the GMT 400.
Is the 4.8 that much better in gas consumption? I know the GMT 800 have many electrical issues that can be fixed by DIY - right or wrong?
Is 4wd really needed if you never go offroad but do drive in 3 months of city and Hwy snow? I will be hauling up to probably 6000 lbs(Monte Carlo)

 

[Qdub24]

I love my '98 Silverado 2WD (5.7L) way more than my '03 Avalanche Z71 4WD (5.3L). The '03 has been way more problematic than the '98.

 

[CaliWagon83]

I would actually recommend the GMT800 (‘99 model). I have an ‘04 Avalanche Z71 I bought used with 163k miles on it. It did require some work when I bought it, but nothing I’d consider unusual for a vehicle of that age and mileage.

The GMT400s are mechanically simpler, but have their own issues. The PFI models have a weird “central port injection” system that can have issues.

In terms of 350 vs. 4.8, it depends on how you plan to use the truck. The 350 is more of a torquey workhorse. The 4.8 is more of a revver. If it’s just light towing and hauling, either should be fine. If you’re doing really heavy towing, you might want to consider a diesel HD truck, even though they’re a LOT more expensive.

The Gen-III iron-block “LS” motors are pretty rock-solid. The first thing I’d look at on the 4.8 is the knock sensors. The way they’re positioned and located on those engines, they tend to accumulate water in the cavity and rust out the sensors. Not a huge deal to change them. My buddy and I did it in about 2 hours with basic hand tools. Hope this helps.

And just on a subjective note, I think the GMT800s feel more modern. The GMT400s just feel “older.” Again, a lot of it just comes down to personal preference.

 

[olds307 and 403]

They both have the crappy 4L60-70E trans. The 4.8 will be better on gas but less low end torque, depends on the gearing as well. I know the 96 Vortec spider injection can have issues. If you plan on doing any icy winter driving, get a 4wd. Those Avalanche's looked like *ss with that plastic trim. My Inlaw's had a 04 Avalanche, the head light kept falling out and the blower relay kicked out when I borrowed it. My Sister In Law asked why we didn't buy it at their farm auction, I wasn't impressed and they are ugly.