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Originally Posted by oil pan 4
If you want an older 3/4 ton truck rated for 10,000 lb you are going to have to get something with huge gas murdering big block V8.
The 6.5L turbodiesels were only rated for 8500 at their highest.
All trucks had gas sucking 4.10 rear ends.
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The tow ratings for the 6.5 are deceptive. I know, as I own one, and there have been MANY discussions over tow ratings over on the diesel forum I frequent. Driven properly, you can reliably tow 14k with the 6.5.
Think on this:
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Yes, those figures sound about right - laughably low for a 1-ton, but of course those figures are also based upon the staying within the declared GCWR which of course is not a legally enforceable figure.
So, as long as you are within axle ratings (which ARE) legally enforceable and within the ratings of your license, aren't a menace on the road (in other words don't try to pull 30,000# and not even be able to maintain 30mph, much less be able to stop it) then your probably fine so long as you use your head.
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There is a misconception that the 6.2/6.5 GM motors are bad motors. They're not. They ARE misunderstood, and often poorly maintained. These turbo diesels were never designed for heavy towing. They were designed for good fuel economy. With a 6.5 and 3.73 gearing, you can expect 22+ mpg highway in a Suburban right off the lot. If you have the more tow-friendly 4.11 rear end, you're not going to get that high a rating (I manage about 15 mpg highway running empty, not towing, but I've got a 1 ton 4 door dually). You'll never tow as much with a 6.5 as you will with a Duramax or a Cummins. But you'll probably get a lot better mileage in the long run.