tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

I am considering a chevy 1998 2500 4x4 long bed equiped with a 7.4 fi and tow package. if all is good with vehicle, would this vehicle be adaquate to tow 12k tri axle boat?
This had the trans replaced at 140k now vehicle has 160k.
What are your thoughts ?

Thank you in advance

Re: tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

I would not think twice if you do buy it get the hypertec computer for it it will give you better fuel milage per gallon. and firm up the shift point !!!
SVL 9 extreme liquid assets

Re: tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

Don't get a handheld just buy a PCM from like wait4meperformance he has a special going on right now for 150$, http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31231
or you can reach jessie the owner of wait4meperformance on LS1tech.com

Re: tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

It'll do it.
Probably not a real high dollar truck, so just take it for what it is...

Brakes are the worst part...

I don't want to hear you complaining when you pull up to the fuel pump!!!

I had a '94 K2500 with the TBI 7.4 And a '00 K3500 with the MPI7.4... Good, reliable trucks, but very thirsty.
Put a lower thermostat in the truck... It keeps the fan from coming on so much...

Bot of mine got the banks powerpack...

Re: tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

thanks guys- Great info

I kinda figuire it will suck fuel, no drama as this will not be my daily driver.
Mainly a light duty house work truck that will double as a major tow vehicle hauling my dry weight boat of 9100# + beer=12000# over the sierra nevada mountains of 10K feet.

Inspected it yesterday, very straight, original, just a little high miles and wants just a bit much. Taking to local dlr to do leak down test and a basic safety check and will make the offer.
Again THANKS
GoCiggie31

Re: tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

Is it rated for that kind of weight?

Re: tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

12,000 will be a hell of a load for it.
Check rear axle ger ratio... My 94 had 3.73s...not good for more than 8,000. 4.10s are a must have on that truck.

Re: tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

Even with 4.10, I still don't think it is legal or wise. Whether or not it will pull it is a different story.

Re: tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

I think it was rated for 10k bumper pull, 12k 5th wheel.

Brakes are everything, and the older Chevys had terrible brakes. Even my '00 was horrible.

I heard of some master cylinder upgrade for them.... anything would be a help.

Having a good trailer with good brakes will make or break this old truck.

Re: tow ability on 3/4 chevy
 

Tim,
Got a new alum triaxle trailer with disc brakes so that should be covered. But the brake upgrade you indicated (great idea :cool: ), where is a good place for me to start researching...oem or aftermarket?

Actually, come to think about it, should I be looking for a 1 ton? The vessel is a 31 foot Cig dry at 9100 but all say much heavier than that :eek:

Thanks Guys