Chevy Silverado - Continued XVIII

quadrunner500

Don't worry. You'll like the 4.10.

minikin

Always, always, always get the 4:10 if you have a choice. Especially in high country. Like a lot of other things, it doesn't really increase O&M costs unless you stick your foot in it and when you do that you really want it.
-- Don

jaguar0027

Thanks for the heads up on the oil capacity. I was pulling my hair out trying to figure out the "correct" amount.

Ray T... thanks for the info on the Borla system. Im still not sure if I should wait till next year and go for it or put on the old Flowmasters. I know there is better stuff out there as per you and obyone... im just gettin itchy to install them... LOL

Have you noticed any increased gas mileage since installing your Borla system Ray?

Thanks in advance,

Jim

morin2

Hi all,
Long-time lurker, first-time poster. Just wanted to say Thanks to all who post useful info here. I'm sure there's others like me ("the silent majority"?) who learn from you active posters.
Bought my new (11 miles) 2001 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab today.
LS, 5.3, Z-71, autotrac,locking rear,trailer package, all the goodies, 3.73,Indigo Blue:
MSRP: 32,578
GMS: 27582
rebate 1500
bonus rebate 500 (through August)
email GM coupon 500
GM card earnings rebate 3360

total price before state sales tax & registration fees: 21,722 (almost feel guilty).
Come on SNOW !
Thanks again all!
Rick Morin

vince4

That is some good price you got Rick. Obviously it pays to purchase smartly.

jauto98

hey all, I was wonder if there are any rado/sierra owners with the regular cab short bed config, preferably with the 4.8 or 5.3 liter engines. How do you guys like the config. Do you wish you got an extended cab instead??? Just wondering. I'm hoping to get a rado/sierra sometime and deciding on which cab I should get. The truck would be mostly used as a commuter with some weekend projects chores. I would get an extended cab but the size of one is my main drawback. Also, not sure what axle ratio I would get, the 3.42 or the 3.73. What do you guys suggests for getting good mileage yet without sacrificing performance... thanks....

87lion

And a fine choice of colors, too. I hope you enjoy your truck as much as most of the others here do.

eric2001

Super deal on your truck. Best of luck.

As for the color, I would have expected Ryan to make that comment. hehe
-Eric

tomh12

I had a 94 GMC 1500 reg. cab short bed before I got my 2001 ext. cab short bed 2500. If you do not need the space for passengers or "stuff", I highly recommend the reg. cab short bed. They are FUN to drive, easy to park/garage, and look great! You will not regret getting the 5.3/3.73 combo., if you enjoy power. I love my extended cab for it's utility, but miss the handling of the "shorty". Go drive different configs. and see which you prefer.
Tom

obyone

now drive a '00 5.3 3.73 ext cab. Like the latter much more than the previous.

sonjaab

Good luck and great deal too..
Ryans gonna be pissed...HIS indigo BLUE !!!
he really wanted carmine...............

gator36

Just got rid of my little 265 firestones...Guy bought them for $300 and I turned around and
put Yokohama Geolander AT Plus II's on my 2001 Ext cab.
I love these tires. Just HAD to get into the dirt and play around.
Looks and feels better than the stock Firestones...

morin2

Thanks all for the kind words; I've been grinnin' like a possum with a fresh persimmon since yesterday - my face might just crack & fall off... My sweet little wife picked Indiglo Blue (dealer had 3 identically equipped in blue, green and pewter) - seems only fair since her Dad is the GM retiree who allowed us to use GMS purchase.

My first new truck since 1982. And a far sight from my first truck -'65 Ford with 3-on-tree 6cyl.!

For anybody out there shoppin' - the $500 "bonus" rebate ends Aug. 31.

Happy trails, Rick

morin2

Hey jauto,
I highly recommend test-driving the trucks you are considering before you lock in on any particular configuration. I just bought a 5.3 3.73 ExtCab yesterday after much testing and reading posts from the fine folks who post here. I have an 86 mile commute so I first considered the 4.3 V-6 (all iron), but I've got a fishing boat to tow, so I drove the v-8's. I had a 283 v-8 in a '63 BelAir many years ago & liked it, so I test-drove the 4.8 v-8 first in both regular cab & ext-cab versions, then drove the 5.3. If I hadn't driven the 5.3, I could have lived with the 4.8, but the 5.3 is a real honey, at least for performance. I only considered the 3.73, so I don't know how it compares to the 3.42 - its slighly more important if you are towing.
As for short-bed trucks, regular cab - drive one. I drove two last week that delivered a nervous, jittery ride. I'm guessing that you can improve the ride after-market, but I'd only consider this version if your garage space limits you to that length. The shortbed Ext. Cab has a longer wheelbase & rides more like a longbed reg. cab truck - its only 5" longer too. Same recommendation - drive several versions - personally, I liked the Z-71
ride, but we are all biased by our individual preferences and past vehicle experiences (I am moving up from my slightly suspension modified '90 Mitsubishi Montero).

ricsch

I would opt for the 5.3 personally, as for the cab config., get what you need, one thing an ext. cab will give is a smoother ride due to the wheelbase.

txyank1

Reg cab SWB's prior to getting an x-cab in '99 and am seriously considering going back to one. I just do not enjoy driving something that long (longer than a Suburban). I'm always scuffing the right rear tire trying to stay in my own lane turning corners.
While overall the ride may be a little better the a reg cab SWB, you have to put up with the damned "bounce" if you drive on a concrete highway. Or spend money to try and correct GM's screwup. The extra room is nice if you need it.

ryanbab

was gone fishing this weekend. Didnt have a chance to comment on ricks new truck. You got a great deal. Did you happen to get fender flares also? Nice color also ( go to http://www.picturetrail.com/ryanbab for pics to my truck)

I am strating to notice alot of blue trucks with black fender flares. At least mine is still different with everything i have added. The tires make the most difference. Seen a pewter truck yesterday P265 fstone and a grill guard. Didnt look right.

I got almost 16mpg this weekend. Put about 500 miles on my truck. I drove down a few rock roads and boy do i hate the tink tink tink noises of rocks hitting the truck. Didnt see any chips but i know they will be coming.

mgdvhman

a button that won't turn off the lights?

nahhh..not worth it to me...or the next guy!

LOL

- Tim

ryanbab

stopped for gas yesterday afternoon before making the trip back home. Filled up was writing down the milage etc. I looked at my gf and said did i start the truck. She didnt know i didnt know (couldnt remember). I couldnt hear the engine running (windows down only car in the station). Noticed the rpms were at 500. Guess the truck was running and i couldnt even hear it.

Also at 65mph what kinda rpms are you guys running? Im a little less than 2K right around 1800.

Ryan

tapper99

Hello and thanks to all the posters for the valuable information I've picked up on this site. Thought I'd add some experience to the headlight issue. I have a 99 rado and installed the headlight override switch from www.truckautoaccessories.com. Though some don't consider it useful, for those that would to have this feature, their product is top quality and fits nicely. The instructions are well written and installation is easy. Somewhat offsets the high price ($90) to get a good product. Has been nice to have the option to turn the lights off at times. Shouldn't be material to me any more as my 2002 2500HD is being built the week of 8/20 and that will have the "push 4 times" feature.

dch0300

I've got P265/75R16's and at 70 mph I'm at 1900 RPM.
-David

ryanbab

THANKS mine sounds about right then

gator36

285's on my 2001 with 3.73's and at 75mph
I am at or around 1800 - 1900
Factor in that I have yet to correct my spedo.

dch0300

I went to the Mariners vs. White Sox game last night. Anybody see it on ESPN? Had a great time. I did worry about my truck sitting out in one of those cramped $10 parking lots. It survived it allright, and even without a scratch (thank God).
Anyway, when you are putting gas into your truck, do you hold the nozzle handle lever yourself or do you use the latch on the nozzle handle that holds the lever at a specific fill rate and automatically shuts off when the tank is almost full?
I read a previous post of yours that said you got your Low Fuel warning after only about 375 miles or so. So the reason I'm asking is that even when I use the slowest fill rate setting on the nozzle handle lever, after it automatically shuts off I can still put over 2 gallons of gas in the tank. Then under normal driving I can go between 70 and 80 miles before the gas gauge moves off of Full.
-David

ryanbab

same here 285's 3.73 with hypertech set at 32.75"

What are you planning to do to correct for the larger tires?

My speedo seems to be right on. Around town they have these mobile radar detectors which show your speed. I speed up and its dead on havent gone above 60 though.

Why i am asking about the rpms is because at 35mph my torque converter is locking up till i hit 40. The shop foreman told me its because at that speed the rpms are to low. Its a pain in the butt because the truck kinda runs rough at 35-40mph. I have the latest updates so he said there is no fix. Started about 2K miles ago. Have had the 285s since 9k (im almost to 19)

ryanbab

Not a sox fan. CUBS fan here. I went to the cubs game last wed. Didnt take my truck (took my dads s-10) glad i didnt chicago traffic is nuts.

Gas fillups- I put it in and let it automatically fillup with gas. When it clicks off i add about 50 cents worth or enought o even out the amount.

When my low fuel light comes on i still have 3-4 gallons left. So 3x12 (worst case) id get 36 miles more. I usually dont let the light come on. Yesterday i had a little less that a quarter tank put in 20.5 gallons. So far ive traveled 110 miles and the gauge has barely moved.

4x4man

At 110 miles I'm dancing in-between half and three quarters of a tank (closer to half) depending on right foot intimidation!!!

Of course the 8.1 and 4.10 gears have something to do with that also.....

hehehehe

Bob

ryanbab

the 110 miles was 90% highway at 60-75 mph

10% city stop and go

And im heavy on the gas

Ryan

gator36

Gas gauge could also depend on the Calibration.
My gauge was similar to Ryan's before I had
several calibrations (PCM Programs) updated.
I guess it is an all or nothing matter.
I need one of them and the Tech2 Scanner will
download all available for your vin.
In any case there is one specifically for the
gas gauge. Something about "new calibration to reflect changes in fuel.tank stiffness."
Either way I still am getting about the same
mileage per tank. Hard to tell, only my 4th tank.
total.
60/40 Highway/City I am getting about 16 mpg.

4x4man

Unfortunately for me I haven't had the luxery of highway mileage lately, all my numbers are in town and averaging around 10.5 mi/gal. Oh well, have the power and safety that we will require once we buy our slide on camper or 5er next year so I'm not complaining....

Bob

jauto98

thanks guys for the suggestions. Probably going to test drive a rado reg cab tomorrow. Was about to do it today when i stopped by a chevy dealer, but all they had were extended cabs or a reg cab with the 4.3 L. For those who have the reg cab config, did you have to order yours??? If so, how long did it take to get your truck? Probably going to get a reg cab rado since I may give the truck to my dad when I have the urge to get another vehicle later down the road (don't think an extended cab would fit in the garage and he thinks its too long). Though, still don't know if i should get the all new gm suv triplets or wait for the new mid size trucks gm will bring out soon. Still have a while to think about it though...

morin2

Your truck pic won't come up tonight (server is probably underwater) but I saw the last pics you posted - nice truck!

No fender flares yet on mine - I'm thinking of getting the molded mudflaps to keep stones from flying at my boat - can you do both fender flares and mud flaps?

500 mile Break-in period is torture - I feel like I'm reining in the ponies. Getting passed by everybody is no fun, but at 86 miles/day, I'll be there soon enough. About 1500 rpm at 54-55 mph (loafing); I'm varying speeds like breaking in an outboard.

BTW, "Sox fan" means Red Sox not that other team. Hoping for a Red Sox - Cubs W.S.!
Rick

morin2

I've got Wilderness AT raised white letters P265/75R16 with 176 miles on them tonight; would be happy to part with them for $300 ! Does your guy need more ? (I'll ship!) Found a good price on Geolanders locally...
Rick

saddlespur

to whoever knows, is it possible to change from 4.10 to 3.73 gears without much trouble or expence. have 6.0 with 4.10 rear 2500hd crew cab. would like improved mileage. any info appreciated. thanks

gator36

Put the ad in the Recycler, received many calls the second day and sold them...
Sorry, he was looking for a set as he was going on a 2,000 trip that night...

seelig

it's just that you brought it up, and i was trying to be helpful.....perhaps my skills will best be used in other areas.....LOL

ryanbab

Yes fender flares and mudflaps will work.

I have the factory flares with husky mudflaps



They are doing some work at my picturetrail site sorry bout that

Ryan

morin2

Thanks for pic - looks real good. I've got the same wheels but Firestones. I've had 3 sets of those BFG All-Terrain TA's & they are great tires.
Rick

mgdvhman

.Now how about them winning lottery numbers?

- Tim

seelig

just look under the wall cap.....

ryanbab

2-13-17-29-36-43

rayt2

Sorry I didn't get back to ya sooner but we were off camping in upstate N.Y. for the weekend at Lake Sacandaga, even had a tornado come within 10 miles of us at campsite, that's close enough for me!

Jag,.......Haven't noticed any increase/decrease in mileage w/the Borla's but I put them on before the truck even had a 1000 miles so who knows?? I'm getting at best 17.8 mpg unlaiden 5.3L, 3:73 rear. Towing 19' travel trailer & provisions(4000lbs) 11.5 mpg best tow/haul 3rd gear w/cruise.

Mpalumbo,....... Installation was very easy took me 1 hour, the Borla's are custom fit and there were only 4 pcs. to install, exhaust pipe from flange to muffler, muffler & twin tailpipes. The old system comes off in one piece from the flange, you just have to jack up the truck enough to relax springs so as to alow you to get OEM system out from around the axle.
Your kid will sleep fine as this system is not obnoxious with noise but has a throating tone, it will be like a lullaby to him, hehe.

Ray T.

mrurl

It is possible to change the rear end gear ratio, but it takes a trained mechanic. The gear lash settings have very tight tolerances, and if they are out of spec the rear end will chew itself up pretty quickly.

Best bet is to find a wrecked (from the front) truck and swap the whole rear axle assembly.

Peter

mpalombo

gregm8

hi all-
i recently bought a silverado ext cab short bed 2001 v-6. i wanted to put and exhaust system on it(probably flowmasters) but i have heard a few people saying that flowmasters on a v-6 sounds terrible. i would like to know if anyone in this forum knows anything about this or could give me any input- thank you very much.

Greg

jaguar0027

Thanks for the info on the Borla system. I am rethinking my decision and may go with the Borla system... it will just have to wait awhile I guess.

Gator - I too will part with my 265 Fstones as well. I have about 3000 miles on mine. Anyone interested I have a full set of 5.

Thanks,

Jim

broph

i have been reading about these systems & am wondering what does this do? give better gas mileage, more horsepower etc.

also my chrome grill seems to be fading at the curves. they are in line (below) the ends of the bug shield. does anyone have this problem??? this makes the truck look like crap especially when it is clean. should this be covered under the warrenty???

Thanks,
Tom

blackmax200

makes it loud enough so you can tell the engine is running! ha ha maybe that is what Ryan needs! hehe

morin2...sox fan? drop me an e-mail at blackmax200@worldnet.att.net maybe I can help you out with mudflaps

matthew

mgdvhman

..so THAT'S where they were!!??

LOL

- Tim

ryanbab

jacked up my torsion bars last night. Was 36.5" from ground to bottom of fender flare. Gave 3 cranks got it to 37.5"

Went to my gf's came home about a 15 mile trip there and back remeasured and it dropped about 1/4" so ill probably crank it some more. Truck doesnt sit as low in the front anymore. Also for some odd reason it feels alot smoother (everyone says the ride will get harsher). Maybe because this is how the truck should actually be?