Chevy Silverado - Continued XVIII

dch0300 · February 2001

Like obyone, I use the left wrist at the 12 o'clock position on steering wheel about 30% of the time.
Other positions I also use are the right thumb and forefinger at the 4 o'clock position with arm resting on the folded down seat back of the 20 of the 40/20/40 seat (30% of the time).
Or the left hand with the palm facing downward at the 6 o'clock position, or left thumb and forefinger at the 6 o'clock position (40% of the time). This last one I find works great for freeway driving where minimal turning is involved and it seems to give the best, precise, straightest driving and minimizes the side-to-side jurking movement that is a result from oversteering.

1785 miles on my 2001 Silverado 1500 LS ext-cab Z-71 and still trouble free. I did have a problem with my loose change rattling in the ash tray. Solved that problem by lining the whole inside of the ash tray with adhesive backed felt. All is quiet again.

-David

smart99 · February 2001

Unfortunately, I find myself using this position on the steering wheel most of time. The other day a friend of mine in the passenger's seat told me that should the airbag activate it would blow my arm off. Man that would hurt, that would not be a good deal.

chevy4me · February 2001

What specific tires eg. 265-75 or 285-75 would change the effective ratio on a 4.10 to a 3.73 if I start with the stock z71 tires 245-75-16.Which would fit ? I think the 3.73 ratio fits how I would use the truck ,and i don't want to do a gear change later. The reason I'm asking is I've been driving with the 3.42 's on my 2wd which I chose over 3.73 to get better MPG and have regretted it since. I want to make a deal on an in stock z71 but all I see are 3.73 axles so if I go with taller tires on that will I have the same effective as what I have now 3.42. Or do I shop till I find the 4.10's or order tat way? any comments from actual experience appreciated.

mledtje · February 2001

One tire size that might work for you is:

255/85-16

That size is rated to work on a 6.5" rim and is 8% taller than a 245/75-16. It is the tallest tire I have found that is rated for these narrow rims. Since it is not too wide, you will have less problems with the tire hitting the body during use.

Firm Ride vs. Z71. The Z71 also includes skid plates and those spiffy z71 stickers. I found the Firm Ride suspension to be too soft, the Z71 to be OK when empty, and the Bilstein shocks to be much better. Save your money, order the skid plates, standard shocks and get Bilstein shocks for your truck.

Mike L

jaslon4 · February 2001

So does anyone know when the new V-6 engine is coming out. Its post to be a inline 6 rated at 270 hp.

ricsch · February 2001

the '02 Dodge Ram? Saw some info in Motor Trend, shows that Dodge still believes in a transfer case floor shift, will they ever get with it? I'll keep my Silverado, thank you.

mledtje · February 2001

The new I-6 (not a V-6) is supposed to debut on the 2002 Oldmobile Bravada in the middle of this year. I don't know what the death of Olds does to this introduction.

It will also be available on the Chevy Trailblazer version of the same vehicle.

Don't know when it will be in the pickups, probably in 2003.

Mike L

mledtje · February 2001

My Silverados have a transfer case floor shift. I did have the option of a pushbutton shift, but I prefer the floor shifter.

Of course, I also have a manual transmission. Manual controls have fewer things to fail, and are less likely to leave you stranded when things go wrong.

Mike L

rdavenport1 · February 2001

manual trans.less likely to leave you stranded when things go wrong? you sayin that when a clutch gives up that you can still keep the vehicle going?
Rick

mgdvhman · February 2001

I kinda agree with your statement.....in the 60's....

I'm not sure either is any more reliable today....just a matter of preference and what you are willing to spend.

- Tim

dch0300 · February 2001

Wow, we just had a great ride. A 6.4 earthquake just hit us here in Seattle.
Hope my Silverado is ok out there all by herself in the parking lot.
-David

markbuck · February 2001

Truck is here, I've seen it.

Pick it up tonight. Really glad I got a HD 3/4 ton as opposed to those girly LD 3/4 tons that Mike L and Tim M have..... ;o)

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Agree with Mike, manual tranny with manual transfer case, good!

BTW, my new 2500HD 4x4 CC LB with power door locks Stripper still came with crank winders!!!

PS. The vinyl rear seat folds up just like the upgraded seats....

DID I SAY, YAHOOO!!!!!

mledtje · February 2001

Congrats on finally getting your truck. You've been talking and waiting for over a year now, so it must feel really good.

Power door locks and crank winders. Sounds like my 99 stripper!

Now you just have to go out and put all that extra load capacity to use and put me and Tim to shame!

Mike L

mledtje · February 2001

Tim,

I don't think one is more reliable than the other, just that failures in the automatics or electronics are more fatal than failures in the manual stuff.

Rick,

A clutch or a manual trans can give a lot of warning before it fails; an automatic usually gives little or no warning. When an automatic fails, call a tow truck. A clutch slips when it gets old or oily, but you can still drive it. You can lose a gear in a manual trans and still have 2-3 others to use, enough to get home.

I've had an automatic fail to get me home because it was low on fluid; it just wouldn't go! I've also driven over 1000 miles home with a slipping clutch, just don't give it too much throttle and it was OK. I've had friends drive a year without 3rd gear on a 4 spd. I haven't even heard of automatics running an extended period of time with less than full funtionallity.

Mike L

rdavenport1 · February 2001

Duhh, for me. LOL i guess i never looked at it that way, cause in part i'm spoiled. what you say makes a lot of sense. a guy i know had a clutch go out but he never told me whether or not it began to slip, which like you said, would give some warning. only auto trans. i had go out would still work in reverse.

markbuck, hope you enjoy the new truck.
Rick

erikf2 · February 2001

Wasn't that a fun one? I think we've come up with a new cause for the infamous "vibration" problem!

gmarkham · March 2001

Would like to buy new model in October but am looking for best dealer price including all incentives. Anybody out there have any inside info on the typical proms (excluding financing) that could be out there, I can postpone my purchase until Nov, Dec, or Jan if this would give me a leg up on saving some money. I wouldn't want to buy new rado in Oct and find out if I had waited tell Nov I could have saved some serious cash. This is my first post and am looking for a little help here

mgdvhman · March 2001

..you should be able to order a 2002 in June or so

- Tim

gmarkham · March 2001

Any word out there about whats up for next year yet. Thanks for reply MEDVHMAN but wont I pay a premium if I order a 2002 in June rather than waiting for years end. I am not fussy about special add on equip from manufacture, which could prompt some people to order early. I'm looking for best price possible strategies. Chevy lit and the dealers I talk to say this doesn't make any difference but I don't trust them and want to find out first hand from someone who has contemplated when to buy.

mgdvhman · March 2001

are you looking for a 1500 or 2500HD?

Chevy offered zero incentives on the new Ado's for the first 2 years or so...with only recently a small incentive or two.....Hd's I would imagine not seeing anything for another year and a half or more.

- Tim

dch0300 · March 2001

gmarkham,
If you order a 2002 Silverado from a dealer that wants your business (like I did for my 2001) they should be selling it to you for no more than $500 over invoice. If you wait for years end, there may be some promitions (cash back, financing), but make sure you read the fine print (must take delivery from dealers stock, etc.).
I ordered my truck because I was very picky (color, options) and wanted to get exactly what I wanted on the truck and not get some features on it that I didn't want. I also didn't want to have some truck that has been sitting a lot for 6 months, being driven by who knows what kind of drivers. Besides, when you order a new truck, as it is being built all of the most recent upgrades that have come out for that truck are being installed. If you buy one off of a lot, it may need to be taked back to the dealer several times to get all of the most recent upgrades installed.

erikf2,
Ya, that 6.8 earthquake was a real shaker!! I was about 70 miles from the center of it and I still was getting tossed around a lot. They say that was not the "expected" big one. It was on a totally different fault line.
-David

bco · March 2001

you won't necessarily pay a premium. i got one of the first 4-door ext cab models of silverado made (jan of '00) and only paid $365 over invoice. it all depends on how willing your dealer is to...well, deal.

worst thing they can do is make an offer that's more than you want to pay...and you say no.

bco

hunter98 · March 2001

I ordered in and bought the second 99 GMC in town, got it for 500 over invoice, list was 32 something. On my 2000 got the first 4 dr in town. 400 over invoice and got an excellent trade on my 99 3dr. Took the dealer 4 months to move it and they ended up breaking even on the whole deal. It can be done. Espicially for an ordered truck.

Hunter

falknor · March 2001

Ordered a LT 2500HD in Nov and dealer never could get it thru to GM. Found one on internet Sunday night and got it Wed for invoice ($29939.00) Loaded at Huffines in Lewisville Tx. Great people to deal with. They make you feel like you are special to them. If you need a Chevy truck call Paul Morse at 972-221-8686. I love my truck with 8.1/allison 4.10. Runs great and rides the same. Happy trails to you. Dave.

chevy4me · March 2001

The dealers around here (So.Cal.) are overstocked on 1500 ext cabs advertising 5k to 6k off msrp ,I also saw an ad for $3500 off some 2500hd's

svoma123 · March 2001

Personally I think you should just buy the vehicle. Life is too short to stress out about a pickup. If you want a rado' then go buy one.

First find the invoice prices for the truck and all possible options. That way you can easily compare "true" price. Second find a nice chair and sit down with a six pack and a phone book. Call ten dealers and ask for the Fleet mgr or Sales Manager. Do not talk to a salesman, because that makes tension if you should end up buying from that dealership. Once you get the Fleet mgr on line say " I am going to buy a rado' within the next day. I was quoted a price of say 100 below invoice, can you do better?"
You will be suprised at how effective this is and stress free. I bought my 01' rado' at 500 below invoice in dec 00'.

So this is the way "I" do-it. Take my advice at face value like everything else some stranger might tell you!!! j/k

scott

svoma123 · March 2001

I also was still getting call backs at the time I was signing for the truck. I stopped taking bids, because I sick of talking and using up my precious time on a investment that in the end always is your worst investment!!!!....spend your time on better things like ....well you know

rdavenport1 · March 2001

well said. however, all areas are not the same and you'd be suprised at how much some dealers still get above invoice because all the other dealers in a certain area seem to be in on taking advantage of the consumer. i've been buying from the same dealer for the last 16 yrs. and upon the my 3rd purchase i finally got a no haggle deal and have been since. have known others to still pay way above invoice from same dealer.
Rick

svoma123 · March 2001

That is true some areas of the country you will see different prices. The one thing that remains the same is that you will be getting a good price. I also forgot to say never quote a fake price over/under invoice. Most times a fleet mgr knows the other mgrs very well, so use names when qouting a price from another dealer. I got my first price by going through my SAM's Club membership. They guarentee $100 over invoice. Well I had a afternoon to kill before I went and bought the rado'. I called around and dealt only with fleet mgr(no commission) to get a better price. I think the key is to be honest about who is at what price.

Dont expect to get the lowest price ever, just a good price.

ONE more thing.... Do not look back it will only depress you. Happy ...short...shopping.

rdavenport1 · March 2001

again well said. not looking back is the other factor that some of my friends have learned as well. me personally, i sometimes could care less about getting the cheapest price, as i've found that sometimes if you let the salesman make a buck or two, that you usually get what you want on the next deal.
Rick

markbuck · March 2001

Filled the 2500HD CC LB 6.0L 5speed up this am. 14.2 mpg for first 1/2 tank. I've been babyin' it for engine breakin, but was quite suprized. This was mostly intown driving.... Was only a 1/2 tank so it will be interesting to see what the next tank gives as this first one is probably +/- 1-2 mpg due to inaccuracies of filling. Trying to get as many miles on as possible, as I plan on towing the travel trailer along with 3 dirtbikes to TX in two weeks on the interstate.

Gonna do an oil change right before I leave for TX. Bought Mobil Semi-synthetic 5w-30. Figure by the time I get back, will have around 2500 miles on it and will switch to full synthetic M1 at that time. Climbed under the truck yesterday, interesting that the front suspension is basically resting on the oversized front bump stops when unloaded. When the new shop manual arrives, I'll reset the torsion bar preload to the proper "Z-height".

Very pleased thus far!!!

mledtje · March 2001

Both my 1500 and 2500 4x4s ride on the bumpstops. The ride height is not low, it appears to be a designed in 'feature'.

Perhaps the bumpstops are figured as part of the springs?

For me, it is not worth worrying about.

Mike L

denn777 · March 2001

denn777 · March 2001

Haven't been here for awhile - what happened to Ryan? Hit the wrong button on the last post - sorry.

whitevette01 · March 2001

Been following the past posts and got the panel off
and filters out. I called 2 dealerships and cost were
30.80 with tax and 33.60 without tax. For now will
go with cheaper dealer but has anyone found an
after market source.

obyone · March 2001

He gave up on edmunds. Too many deleted posts. Email me for the link to his site. Can't post that here either as my post will be deleted. doh!

Dean

mgdvhman · March 2001

...he looks here every day several times....but refuses to post....

E-mail me or Dean for link to a site he set up

- Tim

bco · March 2001

when you say a/c filter, i'm assuming you mean the cabin air filter. the prices you found sound pretty high. i paid 15.95 for it at my dealership's parts department. haven't found any aftermarket sources yet. though dean had a website for gm/ac delco parts, i couldn't find the cabin air filter(s) on it. i did find the engine air filter for my wife's jimmy on the site, but it was cheaper to buy it at the dealership than to buy it cheaper on the website and pay more for S/H.

cabin air filter part number is:
AC Delco #: CF104
GM #: 52485513

bco

rdavenport1 · March 2001

what are you talking about?
Rick

acheeks · March 2001

Hello everyone,

I have never owned a truck before, so everything I know about the subject comes from magazines and consumer feedback websites.

My wife and I plan to buy a truck within the next 6 months. It will be our primary vehicle and it must have enough power to tow a good-sized travel trailer or 5th wheel.

We have decided that the Chevy/GMC Crew cab dually is our first choice. Primarily because of the "grade-braking" feature found in the Allison automatic transmission which is supposed to make it easier to tow large trailers up and down grades and hills.

Otherwise, the Ford 350 would have been our choice even though the Ford is rated to tow a maximum of about 1,000 pounds less than the Chevy.
But I have read that the Ford crew cab provides more interior space than the Chevy.

Does anyone know if the grade-braking Allison transmission is available in vehicles other than the Chevy/GM trucks?

Also, while it may be a silly question to ask in a Chevy forum, are there any other reasons why we definitely should NOT purchase the Ford? Thanks for any information.

mgdvhman · March 2001

is supposed to get the Allison soon as well

- Tim

whitevette01 · March 2001

Thats the price quoting for the box with the 2 filters.
dealerships not in same area, one large market and other
small town about 40 miles apart. Guess they can get
with price since no aftermarkets yet.

tucsonjwt · March 2001

dealer parts websites: $25 or $26, but I don't think I can post a website here or give "free advertising." I paid like $33 with tax at the local dealer. And for those who missed the previous discussion, you do need both filters to do the change out - and they will be very dirty. Should be a pretty good income stream for GM - a real marketing coup.

obyone · March 2001

from an a/c shop or Home Depot. Some of them can be cut to size. Don't know if they will restrict airflow as would have to check the specs on the filter. BUT, a HEPA would definitely be better than the one that's from GM. Plus you can get them antimicrobial treatment and charcoal filtration.....any input?

87lion · March 2001

You should be able to post links to websites you have found buying parts. I know wrenchead and others have been recommended in the past. I believe the rule is to keep commercial posters out of the community. They also delete links to sites not suitable for all ages ie. not G-rated. Like sites run by Tim or Ryan that have good info but also some rough language.
Host:correct me if I'm wrong.

falknor · March 2001

If you had read bco post 1638 you would not had to look up the GM part # as he listed it.I feel like he has good knowledge of what he post on this site. Hope you enjoy your Toyota 1/6 ton truck. Dave

vince4 · March 2001

Are you seriously going to buy a CC dually for your primary vehicle? I can tell you've never owned a truck before. That is a nice hauler but a rotten around town vehicle. You'll be lucky to see 10mpg and with the long wheel base it's a pain to park. If you really need that much truck then do it, but otherwise you should consider an ext cab short box 3/4 ton. It will haul the trailer/5th wheel just fine. You can buy a used small car with the savings.

I have the grade braking feature on my 2000 2500: I put the tranny in 3 or 2. It's a nice feature GM is adding, I'm not putting it down, but it's no different than using the shift lever. Certainly not enough reason to choose a 8.1L or Duramax (to get the Allison) if you don't need it otherwise.

I suggest you rent a full size truck for a week, dually if you can find one, and see how your wife likes driving it to the store before putting down $$$ on the new one.

falknor · March 2001

I don't know about the need for a dually but a 2500HD LB with 8.1/Allison 4.10 will pull a good size 5th wheel anywhere you want to go and have power to spare. As for me I wouldn't have a SB to pull a 5th wheel but that is just me. Others like a SB and that is find. Find the truck that you like best and buy it and don't look back. Have a great time with your truck and 5th wheel. Happy trails to you. Dave

rdavenport1 · March 2001

is a Hepa. read the specs. obyone, you can read can't you?
Rick

itsbish · March 2001

I have a 2000 SLT Z71 5.3 4.10 truck with 32K and when I changed the front axle gear oil it had a lot of metal in it. When I took the truck to the shop to have the throttle body replaced due to sticking the service manager said I would have to have them service the transfer case first. I said it should be warranty but then let them do it. They changed the fluid and after driving the truck for the recommend 200 miles the problem was still there. When the truck was returned to the dealer a different mechanic said it was binding more then it should. They would not refund the $165 they charged to change to two quarts of fluid though. Has anyone else had a problem with 4X4. The truck has not been driven much in 4WD.

Chevy Silverado - Continued XVIII

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