Well I've about had it with newer trucks. They just aren't meant to be taken off pavement anymore. The other day my truck was stuck on a dike because it would not go into 4wd and the stability control wouldn't let it spin. I had to get a tractor down to give it a tug. Who has ran a chev truck with a 4.3 what did you think of it? I've always ran ford trucks with 302's but its time for a change up and I know nothing about chevs honestly. I sold the 15 F150 and found a good deal on a 04 Chev 4.3 single cab long box 4wd... Any opinions?

The 4.3 is a good solid engine. Not the best on gas and a little light on power if towing, but they last forever. Leaks are normal, especially front cover and intake. I wouldn't be afraid to run one at all. My 2015 Sierra has a 4.3 and it suits me fine. I know a lot of guys with older s10s and they all have the 4.3.

Get the LM7 5.3. The LM7 engines are better than the newer ones. They dont have as high as hp but will last longer. They don't have the afm and won't have the lifter collapse issue or oil consumption issue. The LM7 is one of the better GM engines and probably better than the tried and true 350. The 4.8 is the same block basically but I'd just go with the 5.3.

I'm in the same boat. I bought a 2016 gmc canyon in July. Drinks gas, and the 4x4 won't engage. I had to get pulled out by the landowner while setting traps last week because the the transfer case wouldn't kick in. As soon as that gets fixed its going up for sale and I'm going back to an older truck

I've put a ton of miles with low maintenance costs on F150's with the 4.6 motors.

I bought a 2006 Chevy Silverado 2wd regular cab 4.3 5spd

Sold it nine years later with 182,000 miles on the clock , never a problem still had the original clutch

Next up was a 2011 Silverado with the 4.8 v8 . That truck has 180k + still going strong

Now I have a 2016 Silverado 5.3 116k . It has a manual shift 4wd lever , no electric 4wd button

You will probably have problems with that truck but I doubt you will ever have problems with that engine. That engine is basically a Chevy 350 minus two cylinders. A great engine. The truck itself is another story.

Great engine but IMO its not a great choice for a full size truck. I had a ‘93 1500 standard transmission. I always felt underpowered. As long as you’re not pulling anything or in a hurry its a fine engine.

I appreciate the opinions guys. So I've found the same truck with a 4.8L but it has a few more km on it. I will probably go with the 4.8 as it got a new MVI two days ago.

Given the choice between the same truck with a 4.3 vs a 4.8, I'd take the 4.8. Hope it works out for you.

4.3 in a short box ,standard cab, was are go to for years.
Light on towing , but ok for smaller stuff.
I wouldn't hesitate to own another.

Heck i am driving an03 1500 short bed now. Odometer broke 3yrs ago at186,000 and the ole girl still runs great and doesnt use any oil.

my GMC 1500 WT 4.8 is no power house but it gets 17 highway and hauls my stuff , a little on the small side it works for a road truck

it's a good thing I don't have a big boat or I would want a bigger truck.

it tows my 14 foot fine

I had a 2002 Chevy Astro with a 4.3 (bought brand new) . Ran it for 11 years (had over 380 kms (236 Miles) on it) sold it..never had any issues with it. Overall, very solid engine.

Just bought a brand new 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT Trail Boss with 5.3...nice truck but it is too much money...won't make money checking yote traps with this truck that is for sure...

If you have a good used truck keep fixing it... Old technology is much better. I bought a computer on 4 wheels...

That's what I'm getting away from Hunter1, when the computers fail at the wrong time it drove me nuts. I'm going to go buy the 4.8L and run it to about 350km and find another.

I hear you... I have put 430,000 Kms (267,000 Mi) on 2012 Chevy Traverse (bought brand new in 2011) and is still kicking (my son is still driving it).

However, I just had to buy something more reliable (I sure hope it is...)...