Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra's w 8100/Allison

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Comments

  • sonjaabsonjaab Member Posts: 1,057
    If any of you guys have gotten a new 2500
    Manufactured in Indiana the last couple of
    weeks in May. Pay attention
    Was pulling ou of micky d's with my nephews
    after their ballgame last night and.. the right
    front ball joint came apart. Towed to dealer
    and NO NUT or Cotter pin in upper ball joint
    also no nut or washer on sway bar end either.
    Before u go anywhere have a look see and make
    sure that yours are there...Darn good thing
    i was just puttin along slow with the kids.
    I am so PISSED....................GEo
  • minikinminikin Member Posts: 389
    No, you're not being unreasonable! And since it's a bolt on R&R, it's not hard either. As long as it's documented at delivery, and pretty much even if it isn't, it's not your problem. The dealer's on the hook to fix it; they call that a warranty.
    -- Don
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ..I always knew there was something rotten there....well besides Ryan!

    LOL

    ...just kidding.....Glad it wasn't serious...

    I had a ball joint seperate on my car years ago....lucky it was going into a parking lot and not on the road...as I lost complete control of the steering...

    - Tim
  • hdriderhdrider Member Posts: 49
    Question for you Allison owners... What are the maintenance costs of owning the Allison? How often do you do fluid/filter changes? How many quarts does it take? How much does the fluid cost/quart? Trying to gather data to make a decision on whether I want the Allison or 6 spd... Thanks!
    Dave
  • mlempiremlempire Member Posts: 34
    very unhappy with number of problems with this truck..... service engine light kept tripping at 800 miles/allison trans was shifting wierd..dealer re calibrated shift points only to have same problem again next day/ when returned to shop with light on again they contacted the ivory tower at GM (as they put it) found the test connector for the trans was miss marked in the service manual and they tested from the wrong port/ after testing again they found it had a bad vehicle control module /replaced it and re programed shift points.. then they found codes in system for a bad battery and faulty coil pack on 1 cylinder.. they replaced them as well.

    had it back in the shop several times for stall problem at 70 mph on the freeway.. it would die without warning.. it would crank but not start for 1/2 hour or so then would start and run for 5 to 100 miles before it would do it again...finally it did it a block from the dealer.. scan tool said no reported failure but engine had no spark or fuel pressure / dealer replaced power train control module and re scanned engine .. found failed cam and crank sensor.. it now runs but for how long ??? seems like a lot of trouble for 5000 miles.. dealer says I am the 1st one they have had with many problems.... are they all wet or what???? lemon law time???
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ...and I believe you are the first here to tell us this as well.....perhaps the dealer is tellng the truth..?

    Good Luck

    Thanks for info

    - Tim
  • n75v111n75v111 Member Posts: 243
    woolyback- you still around these days??
    sonjaab -- Aux.Lite Switch - Thanks for the clairification on purpose-If I'd read the manual dah!!. Any comments on the following??

    I have since pulled the switch and learned that it operates a relay (It's too light duty to handle the amperage required for roof mounted Emrg. lite bar etc. or an electric fuel transfer pump in my case).
    The supplemental instruction sheet and electrical schematic that came with the optional sw shows the Light Bar Relay as being in the 'Underhood Elec Center' but I traced mine down by the clicking noise to the drivers side piller behind the rear door (ExCab) near the seat belt take-up real. (The SI sheet also says that 'External wiring and sealing grommet' should have been in the glove box which was not).
    The plastic cover for the piller can't be pulled out far enough to get to the relay without unbolting the rear seat so thats where I'm headed this week end.
    Aux. Fuel Tank should be ready to mount this week end hoping

    Any comments/thoughts - Thanks

    75v
  • sonjaabsonjaab Member Posts: 1,057
    Where"s that sheet and wire again ???? Is buried in
    the pillar in the back drivers side right ?
    Dylexia setting in ...Old age LOL.........Geo
  • n75v111n75v111 Member Posts: 243
    runs up that piller best i can tell from the limited access. Local chev. dealer going to varify when he gets time to go thru the Service Manual CD (He/I would rather have the paper manuals!!).

    Consequently the piller seams to be where the RELAY is.

    Sheet?
    The supplemental instruction sheet and electrical schematic that came with the optional sw.

    Anyone with the Snow Plow Options confirm the RELAY location??

    75v
  • mrurlmrurl Member Posts: 116
    Have your dealer check the crankshaft position sensor. Had similar symptoms as yours on my wife's 4.3 Blazer. Dealer found a TSB from June 00. If the sensor is bad it messes up the ignition timing. Dealer will probably replace under warranty as the job can be done in 20 minutes.

    I'll try to post the TSB number tonight on my site: www.gearheadsanonymous.com in the forums.

    Peter
  • mychevy2mychevy2 Member Posts: 5
    I have a new 2500HD with the 8.1L and Allison Trans and I am concerned about the oil consumpsion that the engine is using. At 3k miles the check engine oil level indicator came on the message center. The oil level was down 1 quart. I had the dealer check for leaks and change the oil to make sure the level was full. Now at 6k miles I had the dealer check the level and change the oil again. This time the oil level was down 2 quarts. They say this is a normal consumption rate. Spec is 1 quart in 1k miles per Chevy. Is anyone else using oil at this rate? I have own several Chevy trucks and none of the used oil. At this rate of consumption I won't ever have to change the oil, but just keep adding it.
  • loyalgmcguyloyalgmcguy Member Posts: 64
    Just had the opportunity at my local landfill to weigh my 2001 GMC 2500HD, Crew Cab, SLE, Buckets, Short Box, 8.1, Allison, with a hard fiberglass tonneau cover, bed rug, 1/2 tank of gas, and tool box with 200-300lbs. of valuable stuff I've never used or needed. With my chubby frame in the cab, total weight was 7110#. I now understand why gas mileage is tough. I have 3,400 miles on it. First oil change was at 1,800 miles and it was down slightly over one quart. After 1,600 more miles it is down about 1/2 quart. Hope it stops using it all together. Gas mileage remains 10 mpg in the city, 12.5 to 13 mpg highway. Planning a major trip to the Grand Canyon next week with my 26H Prowler. Any advice on what not to miss?
  • 1i2cu1i2cu Member Posts: 32
    See the IMAX theatre. Go to Sedona and take PINK's Jeep tour, time permitting.
    Have a good time and enjoy yourselves.
    Happy trails to you.
  • ram_rod_63ram_rod_63 Member Posts: 1
    I have a GMC 2500HD ext cab long box 2wheel drive 8.1 with Allison Trans. I am also concern with the oil consumtion. After 1000 miles I had to add 1qt of oil, at 2000 miles I added 1 qt, after 4000 I had to add a qt.
    I also have a clatter when the engine is cold. I think the noiz is coming from the trans.
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    What a quaint, beautiful little place. (If it's still unspoiled like I remember!)

    If you saw undercarriage sparks flying from a canyon carving crotch rocket whistling around the curves of Oak Creek Canyon...it was me!
  • dave40dave40 Member Posts: 582
    I have some reading to do.... Orange Trucks with 8 Liters guess its time to start looking around. Quad how do you like the 6-speed ?Can you get leather in the regular cab yet ?Tim what you drinking these days ? WOW Ryan is back......
  • mdirvinmdirvin Member Posts: 8
    I have about 2500 miles on my 8.1/Allison/ext cab/4.10 and it has ran without any problems since I drove out of the dealers. The oil was changed at 1000 mi I can not remember what the oil level was, but now it is about 1/2 quart low. The last 1500 miles includes about 500 towing mi/14000# load. The manual says to change the transmission fluid and filters at 25,000 mi under sever service or 50,000 otherwise. Use DEXRON III automatic transmission fluid, however I could not find the capacity listed for the transmissions in the user manual. The millage while towing is about 8 to 8.25, in town it usually comes out to around 10.5. I don't have a need to do any highway driving.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    with highay perhaps I can tweak out 12MPG when i get mine?


    Dave40, woooaaahh where you been sport?


    drop a line at mine or Ryan's place.


    http://www.teleweb.net/mgdvhman/Trucks66/tocproto.htm


    http://pub48.ezboard.com/bgmtruckchat


    beer? well since my local favorite went under due to poor management.....


    http://www.phd.msu.edu/bice/beer/cybertour4_atwater/tour1.html


    I drink some local Porters and good old Guinness!


    http://www.quaybrew.com/


    http://www.bellsbeer.com/


    http://www.guinness.ie/


    The Quay street is very good but only once a year. but I get my share trust me. Bell's is very good as well ,but it just ain't my German Krausen Dunkel!


    another local place (with good Porter) bought the Atwater place:


    http://www.getstoney.com/


    but I hear they are only going to make their beer. awwww shucks!!


    OK enough about beer. any more talk and I'm gonna have to put down this coffee and go out in the garage and have one!!


    LOL


    Enjoy


     - Tim

  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    I think the Allison holds 20 quarts of fluid. By my figurin', that be about 5 GALLONS sport! Good luck on this one now! Recommend some speedi-dry in case you spill some on the floor, and a big drain pan!
  • dave40dave40 Member Posts: 582
    I guess I will go with the Ado. like the hood on the silverado, hats for me, the sierra looks the same. Thanks for the pic's quad same color as your last truck... truck... with that on my 2003 HDnot sureIDbout the Duramax though but it is tempting.... Tim your site is great ! I will send you some new pic's next week. I got some new Pirelli Scorpion Zero's 285/65/16's same height as the stock 245/75/16's but a lot wider...U.S. Truck Force site crashed a few months back but will be back shortlyBEER ... Porter is the ticket
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ...we will be looking for ya boss!

    - Tim

    Long live Truck Force
  • sonjaabsonjaab Member Posts: 1,057
    Picked up my truck today. They put the wheel
    back on.....Asked the guys to look up the location
    of the wire for the roof light..You think i asked
    for their wallet. Oh we don't know ????
    Plow dealer don't have a clue. Guess i'll have
    to take out the headliner..Or just use my plug
    in light to the cig lighter. Anyways plow season
    is a ways off so i'll enjoy the summer.
    And hope the other wheel don't come off (NO NUT
    ON UPPER BALL JOINT )....................gEO
  • orgsxjorgsxj Member Posts: 3
    Where is it written down GM says spec is 1 qt/1k miles. This is higher than my mazda rotory motor. This oil consumption is way to high for me. Like someone said the dirty oil light will never come on if we have to add this much oil all the time. I thought this truck would just eat alot of gas not oil!!!!
    ps. You guys get great gas mileage compared to me.
  • mgdvhmanmgdvhman Member Posts: 4,157
    ....it doesn't actually "sense" the oil conditions...

    it calculates the condition based on miles and type of driving...rpms...etc...

    - Tim
  • uncommonmanuncommonman Member Posts: 65
    Back when these nearly identical motors were 396, 427 or 454 cu in, they were known for their incredible torque, durability, and oil burning, even when new. With the exception of now producing even more power, apparently things haven't changed much. I know it's annoying for me when a new vehicle burns oil. The expense is minimal, but the frustration caused by the perception of poor quality is soooooo annoying. GM needs to get it in their heads that the perception of quality is as important as actual quality. But as long as we keep buying their product "as is", they'll keep making 'em. They're not in the business of making trucks, they're in the business of making money. My $.02.
  • mychevy2mychevy2 Member Posts: 5
    The Chevy dealer gave me a document called Engine Oil Consumption Guidelines #01-06-01-001. The bulletin applies to model years 2000 and 2001. In it it states the acceptable level of 1qt/2kmiles while driving at legal speeds and unloaded for trucks
  • elderdog1elderdog1 Member Posts: 10
    i now have a little over 6000 miles on my8.1 allison ,changed oil to mobil 1 at 2500 miles , at 6000 miles it is down only about 1/4 of a quart i don't drive to fast mostly at speed limit but have on a couple of times ran it up to a 100, no prob of any kind so far,gas milage avg 11/12 50/50 interstate and city,no rattles , no rough shifts
  • orgsxjorgsxj Member Posts: 3
    Well I thought GM finally made a product I might really like. Now I am stuck with a oil burning pig!!! I sold a Dodge with bad brakes for an oil burner. I thought GM finally built a real truck with the Allison, However I did not realize how much of a real truck I bought. GM needs the next accessory for their trucks - a special place to hold a couple quarts of oil. This way, when we are out hauling loads across the wide open desert, we will always have a supply of oil with us. Now I will have to add the cost of oil into the equation when figuring out how much more the durimax is. MY DODGE NEVER BURNT OIL, IT JUST NEVER STOPPED!!!
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    My 8.1L durimax has the Allison 6 spd manual. It has all the problems you say. The smoking got so bad, it plugged up the cat. I put in new spark plugs, new distributor cap, added some octane booster but it didn't help. It's got engine sping real bad too. I took it in to Chevy...they say they can't fix and it's not under warranty! I wish I had my Dodge Ram back now! LOL!
  • sf0383sf0383 Member Posts: 204
    Which is it that is burning the oil? I've got the 6.0 litre and based on mileage reports I have been seeing was starting to wonder if I should have gotten the big gasser. Maybe not.
  • eric2001eric2001 Member Posts: 482
    WTF???? Was that your idea of sarcasm?
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    Guess I'll keep my day job, and leave comedy to the professionals!
  • sonjaabsonjaab Member Posts: 1,057
    I am confused too!!!
  • n75v111n75v111 Member Posts: 243
    I had two Dealers with about the same response.
    Like 'What's a Snow Plow package?' OR 'What's the Aux. Light switch got to do with the Snow Plow?'

    FOR ANYONE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED-FOLLOWING FYI--
    Tore (we actually removed) the back seat (Ext. Cab)last week end.
    Removed Plastic Molding on the REAR Piller-Driver's Side.
    Aux. Switch RELAY IS behind the Seat Belt Take-Up Real (You can here it click when the Sw is pushed on and off).

    Roof Light wiring runs up the piller from the relay along side the Rear Window Defogger wiring.
    Heavy Brown wire (Hot with the sw) and Heavy Black ground wire.

    I cut the hot wire up high and brought it down under the floor/doorway removable plastic strip then ran the feed thru the 4x10 plastic 'Cab Vents'(that are behind the seat on both sides) from brown wire feed back to my inline electric fuel pump.

    Also ran CB radio antenna feed thru vents while had the seat removed.

    75v
  • 4x4man4x4man Member Posts: 222
    Well, finally did it....got rid of my 97 Silverado and purchased a 2001 Chevy Silverado 2500HD LT with 8.1 and Allison 5spd auto. with 4.10 gears.

    Two complaints, Onstar was a pain to try to setup at dealer and I have to go back as they couldn't download the info to my truck as there were too many clouds blocking the signal...sheez...hope I never have to use it in an emergency... :-)
    The other is these metal brackets that are in the passenger seat and rear seat that I guess are for new style car seats or something to attach to. You cannot feel them when you sit in the seat, it just doesn't look very nice when you have nice leather seats with metal brackets sticking out...Oh well don't know how else to explain it, but if you have been in one of these you know what I am talking about.
    Man is this thing nice I have a sunburn on my gums from smiling so much. Just have to get 500 miles on her so I can take my boat out!! Pics coming soon, I don't have a digital camera, so things have to be done the "old fashion way".

    Bob
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    sunburn on my gums haha that was a good one
  • eric2001eric2001 Member Posts: 482
    I feel just like a kid on Christmas eve. Railway dropped off my CC 8.1/Alli SLT this morning. It should be at the dealer tomorrow (only 20 miles from drop-off). Wish I knew where it was tonight.

    I know what you mean about the rear seats, they should have covered the framing up somehow. Has anyone done anything to cover them up?

    Boy, I just can't wait!!!
    -Eric
  • 4x4man4x4man Member Posts: 222
    I know what you mean, almost got in trouble with the wife for gaucking at the truck so much the first day I brought it home...ooopps!!
    I'm up to 80 miles on my beautiful new rig, what a pleasure to drive, power is unbeleavable and I am starting to get used to the Allison whine.

    Still having a problem getting Onstar setup, man what a joke, they still can't find my truck to download info to, sure hope it doesn't have to go to the dealer to get fixed I don't want to turn over the reins just quite yet!! :-)

    Bob
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    80 miles?

    GET OUT THERE AND DRIVE
  • 4x4man4x4man Member Posts: 222
    Well we're going up to Gunnison this weekend, that's about a 400 mile round trip, so if anyone in Colorado is going up to Gunnison this weekend, the jerk doing around 55mph holding you up is ME!!!
    BWAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!!
    After that the boat goes out!!!
    woohooooo!!!!

    Anybody find a bug deflector for the 2500HD yet?? Called summit and the guy told me there wasn't a Lund Intercepter for this truck yet. They did have a GTS in stock, but couldn't remember if that was the one to stay away from.

    Bob
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    stay away from gts

    wait for the lund
  • quadrunner500quadrunner500 Member Posts: 2,721
    Forget the bug deflector. Get the 3M invisible bra. Few pics at http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=219255&uid=125157


    I got my Duramax from John Roberts Motor Works in Gunnison. Say high to Mike Marquez and Mike Childs for me if you drop by. Mike Childs bought by trade, a Z71 4x4 reg cab.

  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    did you receive any snail mail yet? (Z71?)

    Ryan
  • 4x4man4x4man Member Posts: 222
    That looks nice!!
    The dealer had talked to me about it, but wanted $285 to install it, I thought that was a bit steep and told 'em no way...along with the undercoating and clear coat protector. How much was yours and where did you go to have it installed??

    On another note, does the clear bra protect the front of the fendor just behind the headlights and side marker lights?? I was telling my wife yesterday as I was looking at that area, that it would take a beating being exposed....does the clear bra cover that area also?? Are you getting any chipping from that area yet??

    Thanks,
    Bob
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    get yourself one of these

    image

    Protects the whole front end
  • 4x4man4x4man Member Posts: 222
    I can't see the pic...it is a box with a red X in it. Am I missing some type of viewer or something???

    Bob
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    picturetrail doesnt always work


    its showing up on mine. Its not you dont worry.


    The pic is a grill guard


    pics at http://www.picturetrail.com/ryanbab

  • 4x4man4x4man Member Posts: 222
    Man your album is really growing!! I think the wife will kill me if I spend too much on "accessorizing"!!

    Still trying to decide on chrome or black nerf bars for the truck. The color is pewter like quads, there is enough chrome and grey all over the bottom of the truck to highlight either one...

    Ryan you went with the Rhino liner right?? Is yours fading?? I have a neighbor that has a Rhino liner sprayed in his Durdge and it is turning a bit grey..his does stay outside all the time, but am curious if yours is fading. Thinking about going the spray in route as we may get a 5er later on and it would allow me to still be able to have the bed protected with the hitch mounted. My dad had a plastic bedliner and he let 'em cut out the sections of the liner to fit the mounting bars in. Not quite something I would want to do on a truck this nice.....

    Bob
  • ryanbabryanbab Member Posts: 7,240
    my truck sits outside 24/7 (have had it since may 00)

    I wouldnt say its fading. Its dirty for sure but if i wash it down itll still look like new. Also they have this stuff called rhino shine spray it on and it makes it look wet and slick (kinda like some tire stuff) I used it once and it looked nice. But i use the bed so i dont care if it looks clean.

    alot of accessories? Nah thats the best part its so much fun adding stuff here and there. I even got my mom catching the accessory bug. I got her windows tinted a few months ago and she loves them

    Women dont understand though. My gf or mom dont understand. Oh well.

    Ryan
  • 4x4man4x4man Member Posts: 222
    Kewl...I figured maybe it could have also been car wash soap that didn't get rinsed out and dried in there or something, but just wanted to make sure if there were any issues. Thanks for the info.

    You hit the nail right on the head but will add one word...MOST women don't understand the accessory bug. My wife, like your gf doesn't understand. To her that beautiful peice of engineering under the hood is just an engine....oooohhhhhh don't get me started with that kind of response!!!!!
    Oh well that's what they call a challenge!!! I did see one gal at the autoparts store the other day with a decked out Silverado so it must be possible?? Or maybe it was his and she was...Naw he'd be driving it, not her.... :-)
    BWAAHAHAHAHAHAAA

    Bob
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