Difference in gas mileage between BBC and SBC?

[team39763]

I finally sold the Ford, but we didn't get as much as we wanted for it(I'm not much of a salesman).  I had really planned to go pick up a bigblock dually as soon as we sold the ford, but it was sold already.  Then the other dually I checked out was in pretty rough condition.  The only decent trucks I can find now are a 96 suburban(4x4)with a vortec 350 and a 92 z71(extended cab).  My wife will most likely want the Z71 because it looks good and it's cheaper.

[Stewart G Griffin]

The other idea i came up with is to consider those Isuzu cab-over box trucks;  You can pick them up used cheap,  they have diesels--i think an Isuzu 4cyl, and good hauling capacity---certainly enough for a 5000lbs trailer. 

The long overhang past the rear axle is not good for towing, but with the right brand of trailer and, if nessesary anti-sway bars, it probably won't be a problem.  You can leave to box on to carry your nitrous equipment and stock.  Or you could take the box off, put a fifth wheel hitch on and tow fifth wheel trailer.

But, you seem like a big-block fan.  Plus, your wife probably won't like the looks of the isuzu.  (who's running the business?)

[team39763]

I had looked at some cab-over trucks like that, but like you said, my wife won't like traveling in that.  We are both running the business, she handles the money and the paper work while I handle the gas and other physical work.  And like was said earlier, appearance is a factor too as far advertising my business.  We need something that looks kinda cool so it gets good attention too.  I personally do like box trucks...it's a huge canvas to advertise on, but that cabs are ugly.

[choptop]

Just a thought, but it is knida out there. There are several de-commisioned 1-ton U-hauls around this area for $2500-$3000. Ghe still run good, and with a paint job and some chrome wheel covers would make a decent rig. May check your area and see what you think. At least you can get a Chevy.

[team39763]

We ended up finding a 94 crew cab dually with a 454.  It has 78,000mi on it.  It looked decent in the pictures.  We're financing it through the bank and we had to put up my race truck as collateral.  I'm hoping my business does great, because I'd hate to lose my truck.  Thanks for all the advice guys.  Anybody got any tips for making it a better tow rig?

[VileZambonie]

What's it got for a drive train? Make sure you have a good auxiliary trans cooler.

[team39763]

I just picked it up and I love it.  It's really nice.  It's lowered and has an airbag system in the back.  I believe the trans is a 4L80E, I haven't checked the gears yet.  RPMs on the way home were 2300-2400 going 64-65mph.  It's a gas guzzler for sure.  I'm gonna change the oil, air filter, and fuel filter before I start driving it around.  We'll have a 40,000GVW trans cooler on the way within the next week.

[Captkaos]

Other than the cooler, a Crew Cab Dually should be set for towing.

[team39763]

Man! This thing guzzles bad.  It's almost empty and we filled the tank just lastnight.

[Captkaos]

you're probalby looking at 12mpg tops!

[VileZambonie]

Got a scan tool? If not get a DLC cable and download a free windows ALDL program and plug into your lap top. you've got a fuel injected unit that if we could see datastrem might be able to help you correct it to get optimized fuel economy.

[team39763]

I'm gonna see about getting one of those DLC cables soon.  My plans for the truck include some headers, performer intake, and some custom tuning.  I have to say, the truck looks pretty good.  I'd say it's got atleast a 4/6 drop...the rear axle has been flipped.  The paint is pretty good except for the dually fenders.
  Hey, is it true that all duallies have to have mud flaps?  I got a warning from a state trooper today because this truck didn't have any.  But the previous owner has owned this truck since new and lived here in Texas for a while now...and he never got cited for it.
  Anyway, I hope we can get the mileage up a bit.

[choptop]

As far as the mudflaps, yes they are required on duallies. At least we don't have to have them on our lifted trucks like some states. A rule of thumb from w dps friend of mine is the bottom od the flap needs to be even od lower with the lowest point on the rim or four inches from the ground, whichever is lowest. Make sure you run higher pressures in the tires. Lotsa people run lower air pressure in these trucks for a smoother ride, but it destroys the mileage. You don't buy a 1-ton dually for ride quality.If you don't like the ride, load it up, it will get better. Congrats on the ride.

[team39763]

Here's a picture of the truck.  Nobody in town has mudflaps for a dually, so I'm gonna have to order them.  So far all I've done to it is cut off the muffler/cat and install a flowmaster(10 series), then I had the windows tinted.  I know the 10 series is like not even having a muffler on, so I'm gonna order a spintech sportsman muffler soon.

[choptop]

Really nice truck