Quadrasteer is the only way to go pulling large trailers. I'n an engr. @ GM in Pontiac and have gotten to drive the truck. Awesome! Surprised you had troulbe w/ the 8.1???

GM took care of me with extra warranties ect. So I will go back for another. Funny thing I work for Ford and would never pay for one of our F-250's

Just let you know...
 

The 1500 HD is actually has the 2500 suspension. The 2500 HD has the 3500 LD suspension, hence, HD!

I have a 1500 HD and it's been a good truck. It's a 2001 so it's got the noisy engine at start up. Supposedly they changed the pistons in the newer models to teflon coated or something like that and possibly longer piston skirts (can't remember the details) which is supposed to cure the noisy engine problem. Mine almost sounds like a diesel but without the torque!

The ride quality was a little rough compared to my old 1994 1500 Ext-Cab but I'm not sure that was a good comparison. After I got used to it, it was no big deal. Now it really rides like crap but that was because I lifted it and added bigger tires.

The gas mileage is not great but part of that is self-induced. When stock I was averaging 10-12 mpg with 3.73 rear end. Now with 33" tires and 4.10 rear-end, I'm averaging about 8-9 mpg. About 80 miles per tank is used to pull my boat (5400 lbs) so that is included in my average. It pulls the boat just fine, I can keep up with most cars from a dead stop and that's pulling the boat. I've got 42,000 miles now and the tranny fluid still looks brand new. I've had no problems with the truck other than one bad catalytic converter which was replaced under warranty.

Just recently I've been thinking about selling this truck to get a Duramax but this time with 4x4. Who knows, I'm never happy very long!

2500 HD

I have a 2001 1500HD. Ride is stiff, unless you're towing or hauling, but you'd expect that from the 2500 suspenison.

I have the 6.0 with 3.73. Noisy on start up, but goes away quickly. If towing more than 5K, I'd go for the 4.11
Only problem has been the noisy steering rod (from wheel to rack). GM knows the problem and has a fix, but it doesn't seem too last long.

Overall, very happy with it.

Everybody, thanks very much for the input. This is great information.
Jack L, I don't know exactly what price I had in mind, 25K-28K (I guess), but I'm sure the 2500HD 8.1 is more truck than I need. GREAT looking truck though.

Keep the info coming, and thanks again.

Ben

You would be silly not to get the Duramax diesel. They sound like a gasser, pull huge weight and the mileage is awesome. Plus, you can get a fueling box and make silly power. I had a Duramax but traded up tp a Dodge w/ cummins dually. I will never own another gas truck, the mileage with a trailer behind is just horrid. I get 16-17mpg with my 38 Top Gun behind. That running 75-85 on the highway. I switched from chevy to dodge when they came out with the new nose style, I think it looks like crap. My Dodge is a beast!!

Ben
I'm selling my truck for $30,500 with the custom cap. D hlaw I have to disagree new style looks great. Your Dodge is a great looking truck but the rear doors look small. Are they standard size or little smaller ? Good luck with the truck.
Jack L

They are a little bit smaller than regular, but this is not a crew cab. I am going to lift it 2 inches and put 19.5 Alcoas with commercial tires.