Which is cheaper to maintain, the GMC 2500 Series or the GMC 2500 Series?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the GMC 2500 Series is cheaper to maintain — about $0 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 261ci I6 and the 305 cu in (5.0L) V6?

Across 21 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the GMC 2500 Series or GMC 2500 Series?

The GMC 2500 Series has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The GMC 2500 Series has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1965 GMC 2500 Series vs 1966 GMC 2500 Series — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1965

1966

Engine

261ci I6

305 cu in (5.0L) V6

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

manual

Fuel

gas

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$6,549

0.11 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$6,549

0.11 $/mi

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.3 hrs$1,020 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.5 hrs$610 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.5 hrs$530 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

1.0 hrs$330 / 5yr

12V battery

0.3 hrs$245 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr

Coolant flush

1.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.5 hrs$185 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.4 hrs$180 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

Alternator

1.5 hrs$131 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Starter motor

2.0 hrs$100 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

Thermostat

1.0 hrs$67 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.3 hrs$65 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

Fluid Capacities

GMC 2500 Series

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake0.50 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant15.00 qt · conventional inorganic

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SA/SB

power_steering2.00 qt · Type A

rear_diff4.00 qt · GL-5

transmission_manual3.50 qt · GL-4

washer1.00 qt · Windshield washer fluid

GMC 2500 Series

ac_refrigerant · R-12

brake1.00 qt · FMVSS 116 DOT 3

coolant15.00 qt · Ethylene glycol 50/50 conventional green

engine_oil5.00 qt · API SB/SC

power_steering2.00 qt · Type A Suffix A

rear_diff3.50 qt · API GL-5

transmission_manual3.50 qt · GL-4

washer0.50 qt · Windshield washer fluid

The Verdict

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Across cost of ownership and recall count, neither vehicle pulls decisively ahead. Pick on personal preference — drivetrain, transmission feel, brand loyalty, or the engine that puts a smile on your face.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.