Hey all,

I currently have a 2002 Chevy Tahoe and, I have to admit, I Love this truck. It's time to change though. I need a pickup that I can put my and my wifes motorcycles in the back of (about 1200 lbs) AND pull my boat (about 5000 lbs)... at the same time.

My question for the forum is this:
I'm looking at a 2002 1500 Quad Cab Sport model with 95,000 miles. IN ALL HONESTY, would this be a good truck for me to haul all of that stuff, or should I be in the look for a 3/4 ton? Also; again, in all honesty, how many miles could I expect to get out of this truck? Are there any known problems w\ that truck / year that I would want to know in advance?

It's not going to be a daily driver, but may get about 40 miles per week, when not on a road trip.

Thanks for all of your help and the outcome of your responses will gauge the outcome of tomorrow, when I go to look at this truck... which will also say whether or not you all hear from me again.

Thanks for all of your help!

Chris

 

The truck shouldn't have a problem with that load.
IF the truck has a Hemi it must be an 03 or newer. If it's a 02 model, then it could have a 5.9L engine. Good luck.

 

Well, with that you're correct. I thought that the 5.9 engine thing was a typo on the dealers part.
It IS a 5.9 litre.
I hate to get laughed at... But is that just as good an engine? Should I be looking for a Hemi? How's the 5.9's reliability?
Thanks again!

Chris

 

we have a 5.9L in our 2000 dakota QC, it kinda started to fail at 172K miles but we bought the truck back in dec 00, we bought it with only 11 miles on it, and we used it day in day out as a work truck. and we just put new heads and gaskets and installed a magnaflow exhuast w/ new tubing from the manifolds back and high flow cat, the truck runs like new, even better then before

i say its durable.

 

The 5.9L is a GREAT motor....truck we it won't have a problem hauling/towing what you want to do w/it. But you may want to consider a 2500.

 

I don't know what kind of bikes you have, but maybe consider a 8ft bed? Also, the LA engines (family with the 5.2 and 5.9) are known for reliability. All they ask for is routine maintenance. Also see if the 02 has the old or new series of tranny in it. The problems with the old trannies in my mind stems from lack of service. Adjusting the bands every 30K miles or so is critical to the longevity of the tranny along with the fluid/filter change.

Do you have any other specs on the truck?

 

Well... I did it. I bought the truck. GOD I hope this was a good idea. :-)
Actually, I have to say that I really like this truck and will prob grow to love it.
As for specs, all I knwo at the present time is that it's an 02 2WD Sport edition w\ 5.9L leather and a damn nice body.
There was only one previous owner and he put some cheesy resignator (which actually looks decent, but isn't very functional) and an aftermarket air intake. I actualy think I may replace the air intake w\ a K&N unit b\c this one is just pulling hot air from the engine compartment.
Any advice?
Also, I don't want anybody to get me down w\ the truth, but this truck doesn't seem as quick as my buddies quad w\ Hemi. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
I look forward to stuffing my bikes in the back and dragging them and my boat down to the keys! :-D

Chris

 

I just got a 2002 4x4 1500 ex cab today its a 5.9L so far i like it but have only put maybe 50 miles on it.

 

Cool. If you're into modding your engine, you went the right way. The Hemi doesn't really have anything too significant for the engine yet aside from the CompCams sticks.

 

The 5.9L has been around a long time and it has many mods for it. You will love your truck. Just tke care of it and it will take care of you.