Chevy Silverado - Continued XVIII

blackmax200

I find it interesting that the Avalanche ( on a Tahoe platform aka C/K platform) with the Z71 option has Bilstiens, although it doesn't mention it in the package specs for the option on the Av. Seems as though I looked under a Z71 Av and it had what looked like yellow with blue boots Bilstiens on it... I know the dealer and he isn't bright enough to change them himself...

Now the Av Z71 option comes with 17" wheels, big tires, locker rear diff., skid plates, yadda yadda yadda... for around $750. The 'rado Z71 comes with "red off-road gas pressurized" shocks, no wheels, no big boots, no locker, yadda yadda yadda... for around $350. I think Ryan or Oby figured it out that it was cheaper to buy the piece parts separately, inc the decals and install them yourself. And I thought only in the military did the initials USAF stand for something...hehe

matthew

Let us know how you like the Bilstiens, Oby... I may just go away and lick my wounds...
Wait a minute...Ryan didn't you just put some on big Blue?

ryanbab

over 4K miles on the bilsteins.

after about 3K break in the seem to be even better than when i 1st put em on. I must say it was well worth the $216. This along with the bfg's were the 2 best things i have done to my truck

Oh yea the avalanches do come with bilsteins. The S-10 ZR2's also come with bilsteins

Ryan

ryanbab

Does anyone know the model (600 or 700) for the leer lid that has the lip to accamodate for the whale tail tailgate cover?

Also if you bought one how much did it run? I may buy one due to summer travel plans

obyone

Car stereos are like computers. Every year there's something newer and better. I could give you the model numbers but I'm sure the manufacturers don't offer them anymore. My setup includes:

Kenwood eXcelon head unit (I would get the KDC-X859)

Alpine 4 channel amp
MB Quarts PSC216 6.5" components (front)
Infinity Kappa 462.3 4x6 (rear)
JL Audio 12W3-D2 Subwoofer with stealthbox
Phoenix Gold 2 channel amp
Monster cable installation kit for Power/ground/remote
Monster cable RCA connector kit
Dynamat Extreme soundproofing 3 layers on floor/2 layers on walls and doors

I tried to remember how much I paid for all this stuff but I think I have a memory block cause I couldn't remember all the prices. I do remember the MB Quarts retailed for something like $699 at the time.....

obyone

You still have yours? Sheesh.....thought you replaced it with stainless. Did you replace the tailgate latch with a locking one?

ryanbab

why do i need a locking tailgate?

mikeb31

It's in case you put something in the bed they can't open the tailgate and steal your stuff LOL.
Seriously though they like to steal the tailgate. I bought a power lock for mine, haven't had time to put it on, maybe tomorrow.

seelig

be very aware.........of OBYONE that is......he's a very generous individual. to this i add that when i inquired to adding a disc changer to my Rado's factory stereo, oby sent me a 12 disc changer that he had not been using anymore. (never charged me a dime either) not only that, but it was full of cd's as well. well as with anything else, it led to harder stuff, and he gladly helped me unload around $4K into what i now call the Hawaiian stereo........

LOL

good luck on this one now!

obyone

Too funny!!

seelig

ryanbab

i dont have a tailgate lock (which i thought he asked). If i do get a lid i will get a tailgate lock for sure

mikeb31

I'm my own worst enemy. Started looking at upgrading the POS speakers in the truck, then figured might as well get a sub. Then started researching everything on the web, don't want to get garbage, keep going back to higher end equip. Looking at a single Brahama 10" sup, JBL 1200 amp, Infinity kappa rear speakers, haven't yet decided on the front speakers or amp. Making myself crazy, start looking at something that doesn't cost so much then figure for a few more bucks I can get something better----better on everything adds up fast, maybe I need a mental health professional instead?

black_silver

> I think Ryan or Oby figured it out that it was cheaper to
> buy the piece parts separately, inc the decals and install
> them yourself.

I'll give 'em a couple Loonies ($CDN) to leave the trashy-assed decals
OFF my truck!

whatsachevy

'01 Chevy 2500HD 4X4 EC 6.0/4.10. I put 285/75/16 Cooper STT's on American Racing 16x8 rims. I had to crank the torsion bars up 4 turns (3/4") and trim the front air dam and the front fender well covers. I still have a little rub on the driver's side rear fender well cover when turning hard left (not enough to worry about). I estimate the speedo to be off by about 9-10% (although I got a speeding ticket coming from the tire store for 75 in a 55). I swore the speedo only showed 62, but I know the tires could not make that much difference. Mileage has dropped from 13 to 11, but at least half of that should be the speedo. So far I really like these tires. They grip very well in the mud and snow and are surprisingly quiet on the highway. I wish someone made a 3" suspension lift for the 2500HD, but so far a 6" lift is all I have found (and that's too high for the garage).

danog

Loonies? I thought it was toonies, guess I was wrong. It is amazing how much money people spend when they see the stickers. Even the Avalanches have them as if they needed anything else. It is a good thing there isn't a sticker for each option available. LOL.

Dano

gm02

I've been following the Edmunds board closely since I ordered for my 2002 Silverado back in Nov. Truck arrived Jan and have loved every minute of driving it.

Noticed posts on Edmunds about the GM ext warranty for the engine knock. I also have a 99 Pontiac Montana which I brought to the dealers for the engine knock issue. Dealer said it was normal but from GM I ended up getting a component letter(ext warranty) covering the engine for 5 years 60K miles.

What I'm confused on is that the ext 5 year warranty is only good for an additional 2 years, 3 year factory warranty and then 2 from the ext warranty is all that really get's covered?

I wouldn't expect any issues within the first 5 years, my concern is when the van or truck would be around the 6-10 year old stage. Why wouldn't the ext warranty really be an extension of the current one? Shouldn't it really be called a 2 year ext warranty?!

Is there anyway of getting coverage for a TRUE additional 5 years & 60K miles

mpalombo

You could buy an extended warranty. There are many available. I'm not sure if they go out that long though.

-Mark

black_silver

All else being equal, what is the underlying difference between a 2500 vs a 2500HD?

Seems some models (fer example a 2WD Extended Cab LT) are not available in the 2500, but are available as a 2500HD?

What's up wid dat?

rayt2

It is what it is because GM really has no faith in it's own product. I asked the same question when given the engine component ext. warranty but unlike you I got the 5/100k concurrent with 3/36. So in other words they gave me additional 2 years or 64k miles whichever comes first. But then again the engine "knock" is "normal" and nothing to worry about........I got a bridge in Brooklyn for sale also LOL.

I see you only got the 5/60k, you must not have made enough noise to Customer Service for the 5/100k.

Ray T.

gm02

right, enough noise to get the 5/60K but not loud enough for the 5/100.
But I do believe they based it on the van is 99 with only 19K on it and I would never reach 100K in the next 2 years, even 60K is out there. I think they base it on your miles average per year.

Really wish the 5/60 was 5 years 60K miles from the time of issue. That seems to a real EXT Warranty.
I know I can purchase one but why spend all that money on time and miles that have already passed us by?

seelig

finally got the T-shirt from Tim.
thanks pal, it fits great and i wore it all day yesterday.
now if we could just have the bash....

good luck on this one now!

mtrammell

Have you driven a 2500HD Duramax/Allison combo? I have both a 1500 LS XC 5.3 Auto and a 2500HD CC Duramax/Allison combo. For normal commuter driving, the tranny in the HD shifts sooo smooth that it is almost un-noticeable. In fact, it shifts better than the one in my 1500. After towing a heavy load, the computer takes a while to reset back to the commuter mode and shifts hard for a while.

The torque is unbelievable. There is also a power chip available for about $900 US that replaces the current OEM chip and will boost the HP to 370 and the torque up to a whopping 640lbs. Most of my driving is Hiway and I get about 20mpg. Would probably get better, but always have my foot in it. Pulling 4 tons from Austin Texas up to northern Arkansas, I get about 16mpg at normal hiway speeds. If you want the ultimate in a towing machine without the hassle of manual shift, go with the Duramax/Allison combo. It's worth the extra $.

blackmax200

well I got the cluster with the "Trans Temp" gauge in it. The needle doesn't move much above 110 degrees. Just want to know from those that have this same gauge in their trucks (2500 or 1500 with changed cluster), if this is consistant with what you all see? Seems low but then the service manual says the scan tool reads 37.7 degrees (C) = 100 degrees (F) and that seems to be a start point in calibration. SM doesn't give a normal range. Just spent more money putting something in a blank space that GM should have filled in the first place!!!
matthew

crash269

I've got just over 10k on my new '02 with the 5.3. I was thinking about using a synthetic or synthetic blend oil. I've never used anything other than your standard 10-30, 10-40, etc. Just wondering what the rest of you use, have heard of people doing, or recommend.

mgdvhman

- Tim

rayt2

if you scroll down a little more on this board. I never thought much about synthetic, just makes the oil company exec's richer. But the Corvettes come standard w/MobilOne from factory.

Petroleum or Synthetic oil for my pickup truck?

Ray T.

ryanbab

anyone have any good or negative comments about

http://www.seatsavers.com

Thinking about buying a set. They arent expensive and will work fine for me. I need em cause after i leave work i am kinda dirty/sweaty

Thanks

ryanbab

Ok got in touch with the local rhino dealer

They said the leer 600 and leer 700 will work with the whale tail (its staying).

$695 for the 600
$795 for the 700

I am thinking about the 600 cause i have seen this one up close and on another blue truck like mine and it looks good.

Just wondering will my bedrail caps (wade) be able to stay on?

ryanbab

no what?

erikheiker

It was my impression that the trans temp gauge was only available on 2500 and 3500 series trucks. Are 1500s also wired and ready to display trans temp when the instrument cluster is swapped out? What is the normal temp range to be expected? Thanks.

Erik

mpalombo

Do those prices include painting the cover to match your truck?

-Mark

ryanbab

Are for a painted cover

mgdvhman

with no load driving..in winter the guage doesn't even move ....as it starts at 100....spring summer it might get to 125 or 150...stays pretty cool when dry (no load).

- Tim

txyank1

I paid around $850 installed for my Snugtop. I ordered it colored to match and unlike some this did not have the underside covered with anything. (like a felt lining). It was a bolt-on. For about $60 more I could have gotten a clamp-on version.

ryanbab

the one i am getting is color matched. As for the "headliner" or felt as you call it i dont know if it is included i dont really need it. I am getting the lid mainly because of a few summer trips (one to north carolina this july). Id rather not clutter up the cab with bags and stuff. Passengers need to be comfortable.

I dont know yet if the $695 is the installed price. I did get an email saying the bedrail caps will work. They will have to add a strip of foam to get it to seal at the bulkhead (bed by the rear window).

Itll probably be 1-2 months before i get it

gm02

looked into retractable covers?

www.rolltopcover.com .....Our engineers took the same polymer technology used in fighter jet windshields and designed a bed cover that withstands the most rugged use.

Check out the "Customer Photos" section.

blackmax200

Thanks Tim for the info, guess it will stay in... $190 to fill the empty space in the 1500 cluster that GM should have done so in the first place... Now another $50 to have the odo recalibrated to reflect the correct milage...

I was looking at the circuit board for the original cluster and the push-on clips for the gauge were not soldered onto it (cost savings?)... so I tried to de-solder the clips from the new cluster circuit board, and with my luck (all bad) it didn't work, s#!*. so I de-soldered the clips I put on to the original board and re-soldered them back onto the circuit board for the new cluster, it still worked, (whew!)

Erik, the "Trans Temp" logic is built into the "PowerTrain Control Module" as I can see that data on my scan tool. The gauge will work on a 1500 truck if you have the cluster that has it in it. Denali, Escalade also have 120 mph speedo in addition to the trans temp gauge. Think Oby went for the Escalade unit, not my taste, looks like it belongs in a 1948 Cadillac. hehe... I got the cluster for 2500 series truck as I really don't need (or want with my 16 year daughter driving) anything more than 100 mph speedo.

Tim is right on with the readings.... cold out gauge barely gets above 110; outside temp gets up around 60 and gauge reads around 130.

matthew

ryanbab

1500 chevy tows ford powerstroke

http://imagep.webphotos.iwon.com//1000028997/1000028997_321200230840AM0.2968561.jpg

mgdvhman

looked at it yesterday...40 degrees outside....going 60 MPH....dead nuts 125....summer 145-150 is the max it goes dry for me.

- Tim

rayt2

16 year old?, I know your pain, mine is 17 and close to getting her license. Wants to know when she can practice in the truck. My speedo in 2500 only goes to 100, as you mentioned, but my daughter overheard a conversation I was having on phone with a buddy about "the engine rev limiter kicks in at 98 mph which I have verified", that got her attention, then I got the lecture on speeding. LOL

Ray T.

quadrunner500

It's on a Ford dealer truck lot too. Ford dealers know best! (chuckles)

mgdvhman

...and teenagers....yikes!

I know what I did as one.....and I know mine would do the same...or worse......hence another reason I chose to not have them.....oh well

N-joy

- Tim

ryanbab

Quad did you see the posting over at gmtc? Guys truck wouldnt run and he drove it to the dealership (dont know how far but it was a distance). Ford salesmen were pretty ticked off

On the age note. My brother just turned 16. UH OH better hide my keys

mgdvhman

....then how did he drive it to the dealer?

haha

- Tim

ryanbab

ok tim

for the slow

the guys ford truck wouldnt run. So the guy with the chevy towed him in on a trailer to the dealership

mpalombo

"for the slow"

LOL

-Mark

seelig

please say what you mean to say the first time so as we can all better understand you..........since most people obviously don't read back more than 3 or so posts, then we might not have seen your pic.........
good luck now!

saddaddy

with the dual mode shocks. Just wondering how much they helped. Seems like one extra setting would not be that much help.

blackmax200

actually, Ray, the daughter learned better on the 'rado than she did in mom's caprice SW! Something about sitting up higher and seeing better. She did give me a couple of moments though, like pulling out into traffic or backing up without looking both ways! GULP!! I was calm, but, using my harbormaster voice, very stern! I think the only reason I put up with it is, girls like trucks!

BUT now that she has her license, she is insured on the SW until I can get the ElCamino back on the road... then if she bangs it up she has to explain it to her friends... and she can be responsible for putting the gas in it... no more using mom's gas and saying, "but I put $3.00 in the the tank last time I used it!"
Ah! kids gota love 'em

matthew

tonyy

I read a interesting article on a magnaflow exhaust system installed on a 6.0L HD. Dyno runs showed gains of 16HP & more than 30# of torque. This has got my interest. Anybody familiar with magnaflow or other comparable equipment as far as cost, quality, etc?