Need some advice

[bidibronco]

I know people aren't going to like to hear this but I have a huge question. I have an option to trade my 94 Bronc' for a (gulp) 99 Sierra 3500 crew cab dually. It gets way better fuel economy and it's 4 door. I'm not sure if I want to do it because I don't know if I'll do to good without my Bronc'. So far, my Bronc' has been a pretty good money pit. I gave $10,500 for it and have replaced the engine once and then rebuilt the engine, my front end needs to be completely redone from bushings to bearings, I've replaced the rear end, the tranny is acting all crazy, it's difficult to get my son in and out of it and it gets something like 8-9 MPG. The good; the motor is fresh with just over 1000 miles on it now, it has a bad ass paint job, exhaust is as loud as it can be (no cat's no mufflers) it's my baby and it's never let me down when I had to have 'er. Now, the 99 Sierra, the bad; it's not Bronc' nor a Ford, it's a 454 not the diesel, bumpers need to be replaced. Now the good (did I just say that?) It will easily tow the race car, 4 doors to make getting X (my boy) in and out easy, dually, 454 (I know it's in the bad too but it's still a BB) brand new tires and rims, payments are less and like any bow tie it's verry comfy. Also, the wife told me if I did go this route we would look for a 78-79 Bronc' and she would let me do a complete frame off on it and put whatever drivetrain (you know it'll be a 460) and do all that stuff. I know this is an off the wall discussion and I belive there will be people a bit upset about it but I need some input without harsh critisism. I believe this is the hardest desision I've ever had to make due to the fact I'm not a GM fan by no means but they do ride good and I'll be able to finally get my 78 or 79 Bronc' I've been wanting to get since I've had my 94. Also, if I do decide to make the trade, am I still going to be welcome here to give my $.02 or is that just to much to ask? Thanks for ANY advice in this matter...

 

[Justshootme84]

You're always welcome here, bro! The 454 is kinda like the 460, it'll get the same mileage just driving or towing a big load. 10-12 mpg at best, but you might get 1-2 more with a programmer. I have the Superchips on my 98 Z-71 350 and get 13-14. If you need the room or a tow rig, get the dually. With 100K miles, should go for about $5k in good shape.

 

[bidibronco]

I surely appriciate your input and I'm glad to know that someone else here has a Chev. I've never been a fan of them until my dad had a 98 gmc and it was so comfy to drive. The NADA blubook on it is around 15200 I believe and I'm getting it for much lower. I can't say how much lower but I'm getting it from a friend who's also highering me to work at his shop aside from doing my Navy work. He's also hooking me up with a 68 (i think that's the year) Falcon that I'm going to attempt to turn into strait track car. Well, I don't think that anyone else even remotly like the question I asked. Well, thanks and anyone else have any input feel free to let me know.

 

[Roadkill]

Hey Bidi, no hard feelings bud. You gotta do whats best for you and your family. Sometimes the right choice is not the one that you really wanted. Bottom line is, you choose your vehicles for YOU. What anyone else thinks about it is an opinion, nothing more. Of course your still welcome, you won't be selling you mind along with the Bronco will you? /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" /> Sounds like you already have some good plans, hope it all works out good for you.

 

[MDDYATV]

Like Roadkill said Family First, if it works better for the wife and kids then **** ya. I know what its like to try to get kids out of a two door I have three kids. a four door is much better. and ya I look forward to chating with a fellow navy person ( I dont like the word shipmate)

 

[Roadkill]

ya I look forward to chating with a fellow navy person ( I dont like the word shipmate)

Guys, you don't know how hard it is for me to resist the tempation right now. >

 

[MDDYATV]

Ya I figured you would jump on that one roadkill. lol

 

[Roadkill]

Actually it was not so hard to resist. :-& #036; Over the past 8 months, I have worked closely with several "Navy people". (I'm no where near the ocean right now) Those guys are obviously out of there element, but their work is invaluable to us "ground pounders". I will say no more in an open forum, but I have new found respect for you guys. >- I would type "GO NAVY!" now but I just can't bring myself to go that far. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[MDDYATV]

Thats OK. I have been one of those people helping out you ground pounders. You all do so much with so little. Thanks.

 

[bidibronco]

Just thought I would drop by and let everyone know that I've decided to keep my Bronc'.

 

[Roadkill]

That's good to here. I noticed in your original post, you mentioned fuel economy and access as reasons for the trade. Ever thought of getting a more economical second vehicle? The cavalier parked behind my Bronco in the signature pic gets about 32-33 mpg. I don't really like driving it, but we use it for shopping and errands around town where the Bronc gets its worst milage. Plus it has four doors for easy access and models after 2002 have extra tie down points to better secure the safety seat for that little one. I know how us Bronco drives dislike little cars so it's just an idea /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[bidibronco]

I thought about that too but throwing in an additional car payment, insurance and gas for it just doesn't add up for me. I understand the concept but around here, no one has cars like that for any type of price.

 

[Roadkill]

I hear you about the payment thing. Unless you really drive a whole lot of miles, any fuel savings will get eaten up by a $200-$300 a month car payment and the required full coverage insurance can also be pretty expensive. I own both of my vehicles out right and don't plan on making car payments for a very long time. On the subject of insurance, you have probably already heard of USAA but if you have not, you should check them out. They have very good rates and only insure servicemembers and their families (or former servicemembers). Could save you some $$$.