I have a pretty good idea of what I'm after, just wanted some further guidance. I currently have a 96 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 318 4x4 ECSB with over 120k that has served me very well. Other than a fuel pump it has always been very dependable. I have a S10 that I have swapped a LS1 into and pull it on occasion to the track, and the 318 does a good job. Total trailer weight is shy of 6k. Truck has the 4 speed auto tranny with 3.55's in the back. Gas mileage around town is about 14-15 and on the highway around 18-20 mpg all empty. Towing it's around 12 or so. I have been looking at used trucks and have seen quite a few of the 4.8's, and the Dodge 4.7's as well as the 5.3's and the Hemi's. I know the 318 is old tech compared to the Hemi, 4.7, and the LS motors and such but would a 4.8 or a 4.7 have enough a$$ to pull a rig like that without huffing and puffing too hard? I am pretty familar with the LS motors being I have one in my S10, but not sure how they perform in the truck platforms. I'm probiably going to take a cross country trip this summer with the truck and trailer and would like it to pull good. Being I don't tow all the time a 3/4 ton truck with a diesel for the money involved is out of the question. I'm looking for something 2-3 years old and around $20,000 so the 1/2 tons is where it is. What kind of mileage do both the 4.8 and 5.3's get in the same configuration as my dodge? I'm split right now between the Dodge and GM products. Both have treated me well, just these newer motors I'm uncertain of how they perform in a real world situation.
PS the wifey has to drive it too LOL
Reply With Quote
