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05-18-2004, 09:10 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Sovereign
Texas Airstream Harbor
, Zavalla, in the Deep East Texas Piney Woods on Lake Sam Rayburn
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,435
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Opinions, please....GMC XUV
I'm about to purchase (I think) a new GMC XUV...I was wondering if anyone has first hand knowledge, comments, or strong opinions of the following options:
Vortec 5.3 liter V8 -- 290 hp/325 lb-ft torque
Highest Ratio rear end available - 3.73 Max tow capacity 6500 lbs.
or,
Vortec 4.2 liter Inline 6 -- 275 hp/275 lb-ft torque
Highest Ratio rear end available - 4.10 Max tow capacity 5800 lbs.
AB requires the 4-speed automatic with either engine.
The next three options I could really use some help on.
Load Leveling Rear Suspension Package (G67) $375
Locking Rear Differential (G80) $270
Traction Assist System (NW7) $170
Worth the bucks?
Nice to have, but not necessary?
Don't purchase vehilcle without it?
Don't bother, PITA/reliability problems?
Thanks for any input.
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
WBCCI # 1113
AirForums #1737
Trailer '78 31' Sovereign
Living Large at an Airstream Park on the Largest Lake Totally Contained in Texas
Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.
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05-18-2004, 09:15 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,486
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My new truck has the locking differential and I am impressed. I guess the other items would depend upon what your uses are.
From a practical standpoint, I doubt you will see any difference in fuel consumption between the two engines.
Mark
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05-18-2004, 06:58 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Sovereign
Texas Airstream Harbor
, Zavalla, in the Deep East Texas Piney Woods on Lake Sam Rayburn
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,435
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Mark:
Thanks for the comments - other than a pickup a few years ago that didn't work out, this is the first vehicle that I will purchase new since '78 -- and it will probably be my last!
I need all the help I can get to make sure I don't end up with something I will regret in a few months.
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
WBCCI # 1113
AirForums #1737
Trailer '78 31' Sovereign
Living Large at an Airstream Park on the Largest Lake Totally Contained in Texas
Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.
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05-18-2004, 08:36 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1986 25' Sovereign
Southern Middle
, Tennessee
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,319
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locker and 5.3
I can only comment on the G80 locker and the 5.3. Don't buy the vehicle without either one! The locker will get you out of more messes than you ever thought about, including wet grass or mud on a slight slope. The 5.3 has been around awhile and is a good engine now that a few problems have been cleared up.
__________________
Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
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05-18-2004, 08:54 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1962 22' Safari
2016 30' Classic
Southeast
, Michigan
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,987
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Dennis,
I've not driven the XUV, but I have driven Chevy Trailer Blazer EXT's with both the Inline 6 and the V8. The EXT is about the same size and weight as the XUV. The Inline 6 is more than enough in the short wheelbase Trailblazer (non-EXT) and while it generally does have enough "ommph" to move a vehicle the size of the XUV, the V8 suited my tastes better. The in the EXT, I found the extra torque of the V8 kept it from downshifting as much as the 6 did. I also found that the two engines had similar fuel economy, so I wouldn't use that as a deciding factor. So . . . the 6 is a capable engine if you don't want to pay for the V8, but in my opinion the V8 is worth the price.
As far as Locking Diff, I always want to have one . . . with my occassional lead foot it helps keep things in check when I get a little too agressive with the gas pedal. My only experience with Traction Assist was on a Corvette, and on that vehicle it was a welcome feature. I guess both are mainly there to help keep you in control when horsepower exceeds traction. Your driving style and the conditions you drive in (snow, wet grass, etc.) should probably determine your need for them.
I haven't experienced the Load Leveling Suspension, but have heard that it offers the best ride.
Good Luck with your choice,
Joe
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