Thoughts on Silverado 2500 with 6.0?

[Westside88]

I'm looking at a 2000 Silverado 2500 extended cab 4x4 with a 6.0.(or something close to that age) I currently have an 89 F250 with a 7.5 5speed. I like the Ford, but am looking around for something a little newer with less miles. I don't need a Diesel and really am not wanting to pay for one. All I really tow is a boat that is around 3,500 pounds all loaded up with camping gear. The 6.0 seems like it should be a good all around engine. I believe the transmission would be the 4L80E? I've heard good things about the LS style engines. I don't know much about these transmissions. Anyone have one similar truck they care to comment on? strengths, weaknesses, things to watch for? Thanks

[Lucky1]

I run Chevrolet trucks with the 6 liter engines for my business. I have had good luck with them. I had a 2003 van that had 270,000 miles on it when I replaced it. I trust the engine.

[Westside88]

Thanks for the reply, that’s great info

[highside74]

I have a 2003 2500HD 6L. The engine is strong. The gas mileage is horrible. 12mpg at best. Don't expect more because you will probably getless. 25 gallon tank means lots of stops for gas. I never understood why they have a giant truck with horrible gas mileage and give it a 25 gal tank. Speedo clusters in those years have a tendency to go bad but other than that not much else does.

[Westside88]

Thank you, I’m pretty used to 12 with my 460. I appreciate the info

[Greenhorn]

I bought an 01 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6L extended cab new and it currently has 240k on it.  I have not had to replace anything major on it ever.  Mileage is 12-13 empty and 8-10 fully loaded.  I just replaced it with a Chevy 3500HD 6L and kept it for hunting and camping until I get a few scratches on the new one.  It is the best rig we have ever owned.  It has hauled a lot of weight around.

[dscubame]

I have a Denali with the 6.0 and love it.  Engine is a beast.

[HntnFsh]

 The 6.0 is a great motor. it was built for towing. Very dependable, very strong runner that will last a long time. If that truck has the leather interior it will be one of the most comfortable trucks to drive that you can find. It will work great for what you want. You could get a 1500 with the 5.3. Another great engine and if your only towing 3500 lbs. it will do fine and gain you a couple mpg.

[dfresh96]

I bought a 1999 2500 silverado long bed w/ 6.0L 6 years ago used & have very little to complain about as far as towing or hauling...I tow a landscape trailer daily & typically have debris in bed too...Im not saying they dont have issues but typically they're great running rigs...Good luck

[baker5150]

I ran a 2001 6.0l with a utility bed for 274,000 miles, bought it new in 02.  I had to replace the water pump twice and it had a sticky lifter that would come and go.
I traded it in once I started having electrical issues. 

[Westside88]

Great info everyone, thanks for the feedback! Good to hear real world experiences

[jackson7]

owned a 2003 2500  6.0. loved the truck. did not like the gas mileage. Good luck.

[coachcw]

the early 6.0 hacve been good , the 5..3 have had some head issues . the key to those is oil change maintance

[Westside88]

I appreciate evryone's input. As it turns out, this one's not going to work out. It has an oil pressure problem that they initially thought was a sending unit. After looking at them though, I think one like it would be a good option

[Duckhunter14]

PM sent.