2 Dirt Bikes and Gear? 3.4 Lacking Power?

Ill leave my .02.

As a college student living and riding in Colorado all my life, I can attest to the claims that the 3.4 is underpowered in certain situations. I grew up in the mountains and worked in Denver all throughout high school. I had to drive the hills every day about a 75 mile commute round trip and the 3.4 did great. It was great stock, with only 2 bikes and gear. I started seeing power loss when all the modifications started. If you get the 3.4, and your truly looking to cruise up the hills at speed, plan on leaving the truck stock. Mine ran like a champ stock, but these days, I struggle. I have about 800 pounds of aftermarket weight at all times between bumpers, sleeping platform, rims and tires, etc. I get up the hills just fine, but you can usually find me rollin with the semis on the hills. There is no doubt, you will still find me with two bikes in the bed on a regular basis. No doubt about it, it gets the job done. Real question is, with how much ease would you like to go up the hills? Both trucks will get the job done but it all comes down to your needs and wants. Nonetheless, my 3.4 has served me well, but I will be looking to buy a 2nd gen this coming summer as long as I can bring myself to sell it.

 

Well I certainly don't want to leave it stock in the long run. I'd like to build some bumpers, sliders, and a tailgate. Possibly a small lift too. I'm planning on keeping whatever I get for at least 7 years so there's a lot of time to tinker.

 

going to bigger tires will really bog you down like said above...

all of my input was with stock size tires FYI

 

I wouldn't go radically bigger. I think I would prefer a 1-1.5" lift in the long run but that's probably a few years down the road.

 

33s haven't caused me any problems hauling my dirtbike around, even with bed cap and a cab full of gear.

 

With all the information I've got so far I'm leaning towards the second gen, this is a big purchase and I've only got one shot to get it right. With that being said, opinions are still welcome and my mind is not fully made up. It's probably going to be a few months till the purchase anyways.

 

Get 1st gen because more sexxy.






Wut?.. I'm biased!

 

Thanks for sharing, its been the most comparable experience to what I plan on doing.

 

I think the first gens look great, especially the later models. I also happen to the the second gens look nice, but I for me function will be the primary factor to consider.

 

You might wanna test drive both just in case. And if you buy a 1st gen and wanna trade it for a 2nd gen, it's not the end of the world, if anything you could probably make some money by reselling it.

 

I will definitely be doing that before I take the plunge. Unfortunately with a test drive I can't simulate those conditions which is why I came here asking for help

 

I'd like a 2nd gen and I have a 5 sped V6 1st gen lol don't want to sell it though. If I could find a nice Double cab 2nd gen I'd be all over it though. I haul all kinds of heavy crap with my 1st gen. Motorcycles and camping gear and it's pretty "hilly" where I'm at. The manual is nice to have as well. I have 32 x 11.50 tires and my next set will be 31x10.50. They pull a popup camper around hilly terrain just fine. I think the one I pull is between 800-1000 lbs.

 

What are your experiences with power when you're loaded down and what's elevation do you live at?

 

Well - where I live is a little over 3000. I go into the hills and the higher elevations is a little above 7000. When I'm in the steeper area I notice it more and I think it's mainly because of the incline on the hills. It's not as populated here as say Colorado area so not everyone is driving around in a hurry It's no V8 by any means but it gets the job done and everything mechanically on my old pickup just seems to work very well. It only has about 190 HP and I'm not sure on torque. Might be a little over 200 if I remember right. That torque is what helps it. I have stock gears. I think re-gearing would be a good benefit.

 

a 2nd gen will definitely get the job done better...

but is the price increase worth it? that's the question.....

 

If you can find a good deal on a 2nd gen I'd jump on it. The 1st gens are getting increasingly harder to find (in good shape) that don't cost more than what they book for.

 

Short term it is gonna hurt financially to get a second gen but in the long run I think it's better to get what does the job better.

What would you say is decent mileage and price for a first gen and a second gen?

 

I will say locations vary on that, check out craigslist to get a good idea.
the 2nd gen will for sure do the job better, no question about that.
you can never have too much, but you can have not enough...

 

When you buy a used 1st gen set aside at least $1000 extra for repairs. They usually need some fixing if you get a good deal. The difference between the 1st and 2nd gen is quite substantial. Quite different pickups as well.

 

I've seen quite a few 05-06 with 130000-140000 miles for $14000-$15000 as listed. I'd try and get one of them for $12000. Thought on this? I'd probably end up buying one in California and the market seems very similar there.