Hey guys. My dad and I need some information on why we should buy a F-150 XLT over a GMC Sierra SLE (both extended cabs, Ford 4.6, GMC 4.8). I personally like the Ford, but we have to go on more then brand loyalty. What I'm interested in is reliability, re-sale value, towing ability, gear ratios, and style. I don't know if many of you guys know much about the GMC, but I thought it was worth asking ! Thanks, KV.

 

I don't know anything about them really, but i can say the Fords ride a lot nicer than the GM. I think the GM might have a bigger back seat though.

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2001 SuperCrew ORP 5.4L Gen I
MODS-Ramsey Brush Guard and Pro Plus 9000 winch, MAAP steps, Airaid, True Duals w/ 50 series muffs, Line-x, and huskyliners.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...a=11420452&f=0

[This message has been edited by OneBadCrewX4 (edited 04-10-2001).]

 

My buddy has a Chevy 4.8 reg cab stepside. While his truck beats me hands down in acceleration mine would tow his around for a week and it gets better gas mileage (his 4.8 vs. my 5.4 go figure) His truck developed a nasty rattle in the drivers side front end while mine developed a slight wind whistle at 110 km/h. I have to be honest if you wanna truck that will take off like a rocket buy the GM but if you want to tow anything or even go up a steep hill go with the Ford. Oh and his mirrors shake like a dog shi*ting razor blades mine are rock solid. As for style the Ford HANDS DOWN!

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2001.5 SuperCrew XLT 4X4
Silver Clearcoat Metallic
Deep Wedgewood Blue (accent)
5.4L V8
Chrome Tubular Step Bars (Ford)
Captains Chairs
Power Moonroof
3.55 LS
6750 GVWR
Class III Towing Pkg

Mods:
Harley Davidson Exhaust
'01 Lightning Head/Tail Lamps
Pioneer DEH-9200r
Boston Acoustic Components & 5X7s
Box Liner (Ford)
Splashguards (Ford)
Bug Defector Doubles as Rock and Sand/Salt Deflector in these snowy Canadian winters

To Come:
17" Rims/Tires
K&N Air Filter

 

I suggest you drive them both to see which one you both like best. After you drive them both, ask yourselves which one do you feel meeets your needs better?

I didn't drive them both. I knew what I wanted - and it had to have a blue oval on the grill. I replaced a Ranger with my current truck. The Ranger was my college transportation - I beat it pretty darn good, yet nothing ever broke, or showed any signs of wear.

I finally drove a Chevy Silverado late last year, when my F150 was in the body shop (thanks to an old lady who ran a red light). It was a decent truck, but the quality was missing. So was the power. I thought it was a V6. It sounded like one, and was sluggish like one. I popped the hood on it when I got it home - turns out it was a 4.8. Aside from the gutless engine, terrible steering wheel, geriatric styling, and it's awful bargain basement, plastic fest interior, it was a nice truck.

I was very happy to get my truck back...

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1999 F150 Lariat Supercab
5.4 - Auto - 3.55LS
Black/Harvest Gold/Prarie Tan interior.
Flowmaster 50 Series w/18" Stainless Tips

 

Consumer Reports tends to downgrade the GM trucks because of poor reliability and from what I've seen, this is one point that CR is right on.

The 4.6L engine, in my eyes, is the most trouble-free American made engine built in recent years. There are many members on this board with 100,000+ miles on theirs with at least one who's over 200,000 miles!

The 4.6L seems small for a truck this size, but if you set it up right, it's a great engine with very good performance. By setting it up right, I'm talking about 3.55 rear end ratio and stock wheel diameters. If you go to a 3.08 rear end or plan on installing taller tires, you will notice the degradation in performance.

In my opinion, the Ford is a better all around truck, but that should not be the only thing you base your choice on.

For instance, in some areas of the country, you can't sell a Ford if you gave it away. You'd probably be better off with a GM because of resale value.

Check your local dealers. If you got a lousy Ford and a great GM dealer, that should factor into your decision too. With either brand, you will find that a good dealer will be valuable when you have problems with the truck.

 

Thanks guys, He's goin' for the Ford! Expect to see him here soon...