Drove 8.1/ Allison for the first time

moo snutz · March 7, 2005

Test drove an 04 CC LB 4x4 with the 8.1/Allison. Nice rig but it felt HEAVY. I wasn't expecting such a big difference over my 6.0 / NV4500. However, to be fair the truck had a heavy winch bumper w/ 12k winch. It also had factory shocks and factory tires that looked a bit under-inflated. Stopping distance was a big surprise too! Definitely more sluggish in the brakes dept.

With good shocks and tires and NO winch bumper, how does this combo drive compared to the 6.0? Is the extra weight noticeable?

I have a fairly heavy slide-in truck camper & I'm looking for the best combo possible (don't want to max out my GVWR). FWIW - I'm looking at a CC SB.

XTOAK · March 7, 2005

It's funny to hear you say that becuase I traded in an '04 CC SB 6.0 SRW for my '04 CC LB 8.1/Ally DRW, and didn't even notice a difference. If anything, the 8.1 made the 6.0 feel like it was sick and on it's last leg. The 8.1 will flat scoot and I've never had any problems getting stopped. I wouldn't even consider going back to the 6.0 as the benefits of the 8.1/Ally far outweigh the 6.0.

You might run over to a dealership and drive a new one without the winch and goodies....I think you'll be amazed.

Daubs · March 7, 2005

I agree with XTOAK. Get to a dealer and drive a new one. I test drove a 6.0 and 8.1 back to back. The 6.0 was first and felt fine compared to my Ext cab Z-71 with 5.3.

Then I got in the CC 8.1/Allison and was amazed at difference. Made the 6.0 feel very sluggish.

Didn't notice much of a weight difference. Did notice the D-max felt heavier than the 8.1 though

dewfpo · March 8, 2005

I drove a 6.0 and a 8.1 back to back and definitely noticed the heavier front end feel. It surprised me, I wasn't expecting to feel any difference at all. It can't be more than 2-300 lbs. between the 6.0/4L80 and the 8.1/Ally, not much when your talking about a truck weighing in at almost 7K. I also drove a 6.6 and the difference between the front end feel of the 6.6 and the 8.1 was least noticeable.

DEWFPO

Haulin' 8.1 · March 9, 2005

One should always check tire pressure when test driving. You can't rely on the dealer to do everything right.

Vernon

BBSilverado · March 9, 2005

I drive both daily, my truck is the with the 8.1/Allison and my company truck is the GMC 6.0/4l80E Both are regular cabs and both feel about the same for front end feel and braking but the 8.1 has a much better power feel to it.

HillHound · March 9, 2005

Test drove an 04 CC LB 4x4 with the 8.1/Allison. Nice rig but it felt HEAVY. I wasn't expecting such a big difference over my 6.0 / NV4500. However, to be fair the truck had a heavy winch bumper w/ 12k winch. It also had factory shocks and factory tires that looked a bit under-inflated. Stopping distance was a big surprise too! Definitely more sluggish in the brakes dept.

Pure and simple-that feel is the effect of the the winch bumper and winch on the stock shocks. Hang 300lbs to 400lbs off the front of any stock pickup and see how it feels.

Remember-a heavy bumper and winch is weight in front of the axle-not over it. As a result it's weight effect on the front end is magnified due to leverage. Plus the truck is IFS which means it will suffer worse with shocks/springs/t-bars that are too light for the load That's why all the manufacturers offer plow prep packages for installing snowplows.