hard decision

im really having trouble deciding between a 1st gen extended cab with the 3.4 or a 2nd gen extended cab with the 4.0. whats the better engine, longevity wise and durability wise, which one is capable of racking up 250k+ miles with the proper maintenance? i drove a 2nd gen yesterday, lots of room and power, i know the 1st gens are smaller somewhat. what are the advantages and disadvantages of a 3.4 engine/body compared to a 2nd gen 4.0 engine/body?

 

It really comes down to what your going to use the truck for. A daily driver or a weekend rig? Do you want to wheel it? and i think I trust the 3.4 over the 4.0 for racking up high miles but that's just me.

 

itll be my daily driver, to go back and forth to college and tow a small boat every so often. ill probably go off road every once in a while

 

I've never driven a 1st gen , but I love the room in my 2nd gen and plenty of power for me.

 

Well if you don't care about the fancy interior Id go with a 1st Gen there is plenty of power and the 3.4 is proven to last when properly maintained. There is only a handful of 4.0's over 250,000 so time will tell.

 

It really depends on how much you want to spend and what you can find for the price. Either will do you well in the long run...IMO FWIW

BTW...depending on how small the boat is...you don't necessarily need the 6cyl. Good luck with your decision and finding the right truck.

 

Wouldn't it be worse if it were the other way around, considering 3.4s are older?

 

I have both!
a 97 4x4 ext cab 3.4 with over 200k on it,
and a 2006 4x4 dclb 4.0 w/ 123k on it.

The 06 is a nicer truck but gets horrible fuel mileage 14-16(empty) It runs real strong but I would rather have a 3/4 full size if its gonna drink fuel.

Now the little truck is plain jane, crank windows and manual trans it runs great and gets 18.5 mpg towing and up to 24 mpg It is my daily driver,

I will sell the 2nd gen before I sell my 1st gen.

 

1st Gen FTW!