Hello All. I found this forum searching for advice on a new chevy truck. It seems like a great resource. I'm very interested in a truck and am going to ...

Hello All. I found this forum searching for advice on a new chevy truck. It seems like a great resource. I'm very interested in a truck and am going to look at it tomorrow. It is a New 2011 Silverado 1500 WT Ext-Cab 4x4 4.8L auto. It seems like a good deal and has the exact options i am seeking (cruise control, tow package, CD, etc.). I've never owned a chevy.

My question is; what kind of miles can i expect to get out of a 4.8? Is this a 250,000+ motor? I plan on running synthetic oil and i maintain my vehicles religiously. What kind of miles do you guys have on your 4.8's?

Are the transmissions pretty stout?

My use of the truck will be about 80% hwy commuting (80 miles per day), 18% hauling of light loads (5000lbs or less), 2% hauling of heavy loads (possibly a gooseneck)

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

-Brad

Brad I have the 4.8 and I think it is a great engine my mechanic as told me over and over again these trucks are built to run 250+ miles. There isn't much different from the 5.3 and the 4.8 from what I understand. I just did a write up on how the 4.8 towed. Also if your gonna go synthetic I would look at Amsoil for sure.

For what my $.02 is worth, almost anything these days that are taken care of properly and regularly will last as long as you need it to. Of course there is always a lemmon or one out there just won't listen and will give ya trouble, but such is life with almost anything. My '07 has somewhere between 40-45,000 and haven't had any problems with it yet. (knowck on wood now since I said it!LOL) I had a 2000 Sierra before and that one gave me some transmission issues and the dealer said it was "normal", I guess it would be if you don't mind sitting at a stop sign for 10-15 extra seconds till the tranny kicked in moving you forward.

The 4.8 life span will be the same as a 5.3 that gets taken care of both can do 250k . The only difference from a mechanical stand point is the stroke of the crank. You guys with a 4.8 have 9mm less. Thats it a shorter crank stroke in the 4.8 .So it stand to reason we can all agree that size does matter sometime.

Thanks for the info everyone.

Well here's the story: As I was walking out to door to go to the dealership, I decided to check thier website one last time. Long story short... I ended up purchasing the exact same truck but one with a 5.3L and the six speed, for the same price.

This is the first "new" vehicle i've ever purchased an i'm very nervous/excited. The truck i traded in, was hands-down the best vehicle i've ever owned (tacoma), so this new truck has large shoes to fill. I hope it works out to be a smart purchase.

I should be picking up the new truck in the next day or two, and i'll post some pictures when i get it.

Thanks again,
Brad

NICE, you must have got the "all star addition"
so you got the locking rear differential also and the 3:73 gears.

Not sure if it is the all star addition. According to the window sticker, it has 3.42's with the heavy duty locking rear diff.

Options column reads something along the lines of:
7000 GVWR
5.3L Active Fuel Management
6 speed Auto
Heavy Trailering Package:
HD cooling
HD Locking Rear Diff w/3.42
HD springs

Etc. This is my first brand new vehicle and my first chevy. I'm super excited. Should be here tomorrow or Wed (they had to ship it from another dealer out of state).

I don't plan on doing any mods except adding a gooseneck hitch, some type of helper springs or bags, tinted windows, and maybe some driving/fog lights.

I can't wait to drive this thing!

good purchase you'll be happy with it.

im new to the fullsize newer chevy truck myself and from what i read the 4.8 is a 250k engine as long as you take care of it....mine has 170k and idles at 45 psi and drives about 50 psi the trans seems to be good and strong as well.