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Re: [Shop-talk] Better construction vehicles?

To: David Hillman <hillman@planet-torque.com>, shop-talk@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] Better construction vehicles?
From: old dirtbeard <dirtbeard@pacbell.net>
Date: Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:00:30 -0700 (PDT)
old dirtbeard writes...

>> A GMC Savana heavy (or Chevy) 1/2 ton cargo van with a 4.3L V6 is tough to 
>>beat. It has 2,250 lb. payload, can pull a most any trailer, drives like a 
>>car...

>   For varying definitions of 'car' that is.  I've driven these, and they 
>don't 
>remind me of any of the cars I've owned.  But I think the way to go is a van 
>like this, or a truck ( with a cap if necessary ), or something in between 
>like 
>a Suburban.

- snip -

Hi,

Partly here I was trying to say that if you get a recent ('03 or newer) 1/2T GM 
van, they come with rack & pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, a 
very smooth shifting four-speed auto, etc. They steer, handle and brake very 
well. If you get the 4.3L engine, they also are pretty sparing on gas, but with 
very good low-end torque (250 ft/lb at 2,200 RPM).

If you go with the 3/4T or ton models, they have recirculating ball steering, a 
much heavier-shifting transmission, lower gearing, steer and ride much more 
like 
a truck and are rather thirsty for fuel. Unless you really need the extra 
capacity, you end up paying for the extra capacity in handling, ride and fuel 
economy. GM has a 1/2T with a 2,250 lb payload, but it does not beat you up 
when 
it is empty...it is a great compromise for a daily driver as well.

best,

doug
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