If you want to downsize, get a Ranger.

 

Yeah, they SUCK!...........

 

well I was talking about TRUCKS!! LOL kidding... dudge didn't come to mind.

 

I have always thought the 99-02 Silverado was the most boring pickup ever created.

 

They were the major competitor when I was shopping for mine. The exterior was about a tie between it and a Ford, and the interior was much nicer than the blob on top of another blob dash setup that a comparable Ford has. Only downside is they are $2-3k more than a comparable Ford, and they don't tow as well.

 

I don't recall exactly what the problem was with the 5.3 heads, but I do know that head removal was/is a common fix for whatever the problem was. Head gaskets perhaps?

 

I have heard they had intake manifold gasket issues.

 

The Vortec 4.3 definitely had that problem. It was related to Dexcool eating away at the gasket. I'd imagine the 5.3 would fall into that category as well, but there was something else with the heads that I can't put my finger on at the moment.

 

They may be slightly better, but the difference is marginal at 16 combined:

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm

 

I do know that my simple 4x2 with stock suspension and tires sits a lot higher than a 4x2 Chevy, and actually sits about level with a 4x4 Chevy. If you want a pickup truck that feels like a car, get a Chevy. Don't expect it to work as hard as a Ford though.

 

My Ranger looked straight across at my dad's 1992 GMC before I lifted it, if my F-150 is half as eager to work as that GMC has been for the last 14 years he has owned it I will be thrilled. The thing doesn't know when to quit.

There is more to a truck than ride height, he has had that thing in some pretty sticky situations and it has yet to bottom out. Actually the first time he got stuck was in about 8" snow with not so great tires this year in the barn lot, because the 16 year old switch (not the thermo actuator) that activates the front axle died.