Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra - Owners hangout

obyone · May 2001

they replaced all four. These will run you about $70 a piece.

deviate · May 2001

How did it go? What kit/method did you use, and how low? I just did my '01 Sierra Ex.Cab SLT, 2 and 4, with belltech spindles and shackles, no notch. They sold me the nitro drop shocks, and the back bottoms out once in a while, AND I want a softer ride. So I'll have to do a small notch, and go to some softer shocks. I'm anxious to hear how your shock deal turns out.

Later--

--Tony

ricsch · May 2001

I installed the 2/4 Hotchkis Perf. suspension last weekend. Kit consists of front coils, rear Lowered leaf springs. Rt. front upper ball joint and spindle separation got to be a little involved, didn't come apart as planned, otherwise nothing too serious. Truck goes in tomorrow for the alignment check. Driven it some, and have yet to bottom out even over railroad tracks at speed. Still have the orig. shocks and it feels kind of soft, was thinking towards going with Bell Nitro drop shocks, are yours Nitro Actives or the Nitro Drop? When I spoke with Bell Tech, the guy told me for a smooth ride, go with the Niro Drop. I have seen advertisements for Doetsch lowered shocks, can't find anyone who has used them though. I'll let you know what I go with and how they work out.

deviate · May 2001

Hey, since I'm definitely gonna be going with softer shocks, do you wanna buy by Nitro drops?? They cost me 40 each, since I've been running them for a few weeks, I don't know if I can return 'em or not. Are you interested??? Also--what suspension package did your truck come with? Maybe I could find a use for yours...? I couldn't order an SLT without the "firm-ride" shocks, so I knew they were gonna go anyway...I have those sitting in the belltech boxes if you wanna try 'em. If your truck came with the softer shocks, I'd be interested in trying them out. E me directly if you want--agh@inebraska.com. Maybe we can hammer something out.

The worst part of my install was getting the lower ball joint out of the lower control arm. The belltech manual even says right before that section: "CAUTION: The following steps require an above average amount of patience and determination. Do not attempt unless you are a qualified mechanic..." etc. I said yeah, right, then a couple hours later I was thinking, you know, they were absolutely right.

Cheers--

--Tony

ricsch · May 2001

my truck has the Z85 package which I believe is the firm ride pkg? The shocks on the truck are blue in color if that helps. I assume the Bell shocks you have are the standard Nitro Drop, not Nitro Active, correct? When I called Bell about a 4" rear drop, they said no notch was necessary, but could be done to give more axle travel. Also said the use of their drop shock would be of benefit to keep in bottoming out(sales pitch).
I'll kepp you in mind on your drop shocks though.

deviate · May 2001

Yeah, they are the standard Nitro drops, then when I call them to ask about the notch, the guy said that I should have been sold the Actives, they are stiffer. But I wanna go the other way; so I will have to notch. 'Specially if I go even softer than the Nitros. Yes, you have the same shocks that I took off. But if you have any interest in these Nitros, just let me know. Hey, did you keep the same wheels/tires? So far, I have, but I'm keeping my eyes open for some aftermarket ones that I like _and_ can afford. A little too much sidewall now that the truck is lowered, but looks waaay better, don't you think?

Cheers--

--Tony

ricsch · May 2001

I am still running the stock alum. wheels w/255/70-16s. I would like to go with some 17's in the future, but haven't come across a style that really grabs my attention as of yet-if I spend the cash, I want a set that I'll like for some time. Even 18's would be nice, except I'd like to have a decent ride yet, and to go to 18's I'd give up more sidewall on the tire. And, I do agree the look is much better than the stock height.

obyone · May 2001

22" rims are out of the question.

ricsch · May 2001

if the roads were perfectly smooth. 17's would be fine for me.

chevytruck_fan · May 2001

I haven't been here for a while so I thought I would see what was going on

lowering trucks, my lord, why would you do such a horrible thing to such a beutiful truck, key work truck (transportation module made to haul and work) you can't be a truck whenyou get high centered on speed bumps.

geeze not to give you are hard time but this is a major pet peeve of mine, trucks are for work, if you want to lower something get a honda with gold plated emblems

ricsch · June 2001

even lowered, a truck can haul and tow. I don't think we're talking about frame-scraping, body-dropped trucks on this site. A 2-4 drop still keeps the truck very usable, handles better, and personally looks better. Besides, what do guys that drive their trucks on the street benefit from lifting their trucks-higher center of gravity-poor handling?, fuel mileage most likely will suffer, and their hard to fit in a garage. Everyone likes something different.My $.02.

ricsch · June 2001

I called BellTech yesterday, guy I spoke with recommended the NitroActive, rather than the N.Drops, but then I called a few advertisers in the Truckin' mag, and these guys told me to go with the Drop shocks(maybe that's all they keep in stock), guy at Bell told me they have a 5yr warranty, the other guys said they only have 1yr. The previous time I called Bell, someone told me to use the Drops, who does a guy believe? With the stock shocks on yet, the ride is soft-feels like the rear of the truck is loaded. Had you run your truck at all with the stock shocks on with the drop? Anybody know what the difference in a standard gas shock vs. a monotube design, are they much better?

redsilverado · June 2001

glad to hear that everything worked out for you on your truck so far. now you've got me thinking about doing my wife's truck again. when i spoke to super dave a while back, he mentioned that after lowering the truck that it needed to be driven more than before (i think he meant guided), and i'm curious as to how your truck steers now. is it the same?

mmrodcrafters · June 2001

I'm looking for input on the Manual Ride Control Options. I'm considering buying a 4wd, ext-cab, short box. Does the ride control make much of a difference? Or should I put on some softer aftermarket shocks?

ricsch · June 2001

Truck seems to steer the same, only issue I would like to address is the shocks, to get some specific for the drop in height-it's recommended, but I thought I'd try the stock units first, but they seem to not help in the ride, seems soft. If I could only find out more regarding shocks and their differences, some say to go wih a high pressure gas,but wouldn't this make the ride too stiff?

redsilverado · June 2001

in an email from super dave, he said he used the Nitro drop shocks in the rear only. said it made quite a difference. if you want i will be glad to email his reply to you.
on my ext.cab LB though, i installed the Edelbrocks and was more than pleased with the results. the handling improved alot with the beast and cornering doesn't have that "i wanna go the other way" feel. having two rado's also let's me make a comparison to the overall ride, and al i can say is they are worth the money. don't know if they will work on the lowered truck though.

erikheiker · June 2001

Just had my first family gathering with gf. Talk about a GM family! There were six trucks in the driveway. 4 Sierras, 2 Silverados, 0 Fords and 0 Dodges. Another Sierra couldn't make it. Looks like I'll fit in just fine! Gf's Mom's Sierra wrecked on the way home after a left turning mini van cut them off. After the bumper was pulled out, it drove away. The mini van got towed after it got righted. Poor mom had to get 12 stitches! Would have been avoided if seat belts had been worn. I saw the news reports on crash test safety, but I still feel safer in my truck.

mgdvhman · June 2001

....now it's like a natural motion to put it on..

probably a good idea...

- Tim

ricsch · June 2001

Anyone use a cover for their truck for outside parking? My truck sits outside, under trees, and am considering getting a cover seeing that I have no other place to park it, the birds seem to target it, and with the mess from maple trees, this seems to be the only solution. Any suggestions on what brand of cover, approx. cost? I realize it may be a hassle with putting on & taking it off, but beats the heck out of removing bird droppings, which can lead to etched stains in the finish. Also, just curious, does Zaino help protect against the ill effects of bird droppings? Haven't seen anything else work yet.

ryanbab · June 2001

washed my truck the other day go to my gfs to pick her up. I pull under a tree dont even put the truck in park and i have bird crap all over the hood.

*&(#^$*&(%^*

wish i had a gun

Ryan

mgdvhman · June 2001

for the truck....but have had a few for the car.

Don't buy a cheap one..I know that.

One I got from beverly hills motoring is made of that waffle looking material by Kimberly Clark....uhhh...it fails my mind right now what it's called?

It's water repellant...(to a certain degree) and protects from the sun/acid rain/birds/and other chemicals.

Was around $200?

I suggest parking away from the tree....as you are going to have a cover full of bird doodeee soon.....and it gets rolled up and stuck in the truck cab every time after taking it off?

ickkk

Good Luck

- Tim

mf11283 · June 2001

I'm thinking of buying a 2001 2500 HD 4X4 with a 6.0L and a 4.10 rear end. I was wondering if anyone would know about the gas mileage it would get and if anyone would know the Mileage that a light duty 2500 4X4 with the 6.0 and a 3.73 rear end would get. If anyone knows could you please I mail it to MF11283@aol.com
Thanks Michael

dinosierra · June 2001

While lowering isn't for me.(got 2001 2500HD). Check out my friend in Ky,"my shop truck" truck. 90 GMC Ext. cab lowered and choped.
www.alligatorjacks.com

ricsch · June 2001

good looking ride, the F100 isn't too bad either!

mledtje · June 2001

My 2000 2500 4x4 6.0L 3.73 truck carries a small camper fulltime, and averages 14.0 mpg. Without the camper I would expect 16 or more.

Mike L

sf0383 · June 2001

2001 2500HD Crew Cab, 4x4, 6.0, automatic with 4.10. MPGS are averaging in the 12's and 13's so far. 6000 miles. It has improved slightly from the very beginning. Hope it gets better.

chevytruck_fan · June 2001

I just don't like lowered trucks, in my mind trucks are suppose to stand tall and aggresive, not like a honda civic lol I have a hard enough time not feeling like I'm driving a womens truck in my 2wd 81'

I can't believe you 6.0L guys are getting 14, thats like what I get, with a Inline six.

blair223 · June 2001

My 2000 2500 4x4 EC SB 6.0 4.10 started at 13.0 mpg and after 10k miles I am getting 14.0 mpg empty. From other posts I have read, you will probably get 1 more mpg with 3.73's, two more would be pretty hopeful.

dinosierra · June 2001

Thanks, Gator did a 55 f-100 for me Ah years ago. Still waiting to finish it. No time,hope to get back on it this fall.

echriste · June 2001

As a new owner of a Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Silverado LT I am disappointed with the utility and quality of the sun visors. With the sun visors positioned to the side the visors provide no window shade for about 8 inches, rendering them useless for their intended purpose at this position. The visors provide no additional shade protection via extensions like many other vehicles I am aware of. Am I the only one to be bothered by this inadequacy?

87lion · June 2001

You are not the only one to note the inadequacy of the visors. A while back someone tried visors from a Dneali or Yukon, I think, but the holes didn't line up correctly. I don't think anyone has come up with a good solution yet.

hdrider · June 2001

What batteries do you have in your Dmax? What is their cranking amp and cold cranking amp ratings?
Thanks!
Dave

ricsch · June 2001

if I recall, you have the roadmaster active suspension kit on your truck? What are your thoughts on it? I'm thinking of going with a Firestone air bags in the rear of my truck, but was thinking of keeping it maintenance free, and the roadmaster kit would accomplish that, but not sure it will work on the truck now that I installed the drop kit with lowered leafs and the leafs are basically staight, not curved like the stock ones. What is the approx. cost of the roadmaster Kit? Thanks.

eric2001 · June 2001

Are you on right now? What is going on in your neck of Indiana??? Anything at all?

ryanbab · June 2001

yea im here

Im not in the execution area part of the state. Thats in southern indiana. I am in the chicago area.

Maybe i should have taken a trip to support the whole thing. I hate all these protestors

Ryan

eric2001 · June 2001

And maybe run them over? Would mean you would have to wash it again.
lol
-Eric

eric2001 · June 2001

All over now. Tim's dead.

ryanbab · June 2001

wash it again?

Its filthy from this weekend havent had a chance to wash it.

Did you hear they closed the city down there?

What do you think of all the people against killing him (like it matters now)

Ryan

mgdvhman · June 2001

..I am very much alive!

LOL

- Tim

obyone · June 2001

If I remember correctly, I paid about $200 plus delivery. They are maintenance free and I'm not sure on your lowered application. I think an email to them would help better than I could. They have reps across the country and will direct your enquiry to one of them. I also have the velvet ride shackels so I had to modify the roadmaster to fit on the new shackels. Once you figure out the puzzle, install took 40 minutes total. They really help the load carrying and driving stability.

goo333 · June 2001

2500HD 2001 4x4 6.0 4.10 re cab. First 4 tanks all city driving 28 mph-1. 12.73 mpg 2. 13.24 mpg 3. 13.68 mpg 4. 14.02 mpg.
Loaded cab over camper on and drove 270 miles-free way,country roads and dirt roads average speed 41 mph 10.99 mpg.

ricsch · June 2001

Called on the Roadmaster Active Suspension, appears for my application it wouldn't really help-the lowered leaf springs that I have on the truck are almost straight from the axle to the rear shackle, need to have an arc in the spring to have it work. I guess I'll stick to plan A and go with the air bags.

devous13 · June 2001

i recently purchased a 99 Z71. in the past couple of weeks i have noticed a bad clunking and rattle sound coming from what seems like my suspension in the back end of my truck. what might this be??? and how might i fix this problem???

obyone · June 2001

when does the clunking occur?

bnosyt · June 2001

Does anyone know what changes are going to be made on the 2002 GMC/Chevy 1/2 ton pickups from the 2001 models? Thanks.

ryanbab · June 2001

probably nothing major

few colors being changed

probably most drastic you will see

maybe better tires offered (no more fstones)

wkand · June 2001

Are any of you Chevy owners out there still waiting for or have you already received your $1000.00 certificate from GM for having owned one of the side-saddle exploding model pickups? My Father sent away for his, but has not received anything as of yet. Just wondering if anyone has any information on when GM will be issuing those things.

tucsonjwt · June 2001

received the certificates yet. Judging from GM's dragging of their corporate feet on this issue for years, I am not expecting to see the certificates in my mailbox any time soon.

minikin · June 2001

I put Vent Visors on my front side windows. Mostly to cut down on rain coming in when I leave the driver's side window cracked. But they also cut down on wind turblence and, with the dark tint, the sun load; especially useful now that Colorado's seriously warming up. Added benefit for me, might be just what you want.
-- Don

obyone · June 2001

about my Membership Rewards certificate and haven't received it as well.

does that help anyone?

lmao

Chevy Silverado/GMC Sierra - Owners hangout

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