Chevy Silverado - III

stevo

Had my 2000 Z-71 for two weeks now. Really like it. Instead of listing all the good things, I'll list a few things I don't care for.

Don't like the auto-headlights

Rear view mirror compass/temp. display does not work correctly. Both buttons do the same thing. Cannot switch compass or temp. display on/off individually.

Slight air leak at the left rear window. Makes a little noise at highway speeds. Latches seem a little cheap.

Occasionally I get a shimmy/shake in the steering wheel above 65. Will take it to the dealer and hopefully they can fix these minor problems. Anyone have the steering wheel shimmy and get it fixed? What did they do?

Other than that I really like the truck. Have the 265 tires and noticed the ride is a little better than one with 245's that I test drove.

On the overhead console, in front of the map lights, there is a blocked off opening. What's this for? Looks like maybe for a future trip computer. Who knows.

Z-71 package show jounce bumpers and stabilizer bars. I have a front stabilizer bar but not one in back. Assumed it would have one.

Later,
Stevo

valare

Hello all: I'm new to trucks and am looking to buy a V6 short box silverado 5-speed transmission. Mostly for safety and height, and some occasional towing. Is there anything about GM V6's that I should know? Price is a factor here and I can get a really good deal right now. Any opinions would be welcome.

rwagoner

The blocked-off area in the overhead console is where the rear AC controls go if the console were in a Suburban.

Richard

somales1

My order has only been in a couple of weeks, and I'm going nuts. AAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! That didn't help. I just gotta have that truck!

Capt.

kanton

I was thinking about putting a K&N/Airaid filter charger system on my truck, or even a Volant system. Does anybody know if this really increases performance, but more importantly does it void the factory warranty and can or does it lead to other problems? Thanks

Also, I just put a Flowmaster cat-back dual system on my 2000; sounds great and adds even more punch to the potent 5.3. Fair warning, if anyone decides to do this go with a very mild sounding muffler. Originally I had a two chamber, the thing was so lound and produced so much interior resonace it was annoying. I also thought I would be getting a noise pollution ticket,. so I had it switched to a 70 series delta-flow (new style 3 chamber), it is now perfect. 70 series is the most mild, but with the cams in these Vortec motors it is still very throaty. I had a '90 350 with a 40 series delta-flow (the most aggressive delta-flow muffler), but this new 5.3 with the 70 series is louder than the old 350 with the 40 series.

rwagoner

I loved my Vega. I got mine for free as long as I paid the parking tickets it got while the girl who owned it (my sister's longtime friend) couldn't keep it running. It was a '74 GT; I got it in '79 ... it had rust holes on both lower corners of the front window; as I recall the rust had eaten away at the entire bottom of the rear hatch window. Put new spark plugs in and drove it away.

Between this one and my friend's (that actually DIDN'T use oil ... never figured out why) I learned to tune up cars, change clutches, change water pumps and timing belts, change head gaskets (using my friend's, I experimented and didn't use ANY gasket sealents). My GT was a crappy car but it was fun to drive ... when you're 16 you don't care. It was also the car I learned to drive in ... when I was 12 and the car was brand new. I got 12 miles per gallon and gas was $1.29 for unleaded (although it was still full serve when I first started driving). My mom got 18 city when she started driving it. Hmm. Loved that AM radio ... used to listen to "Kick [non-permissible content removed] Rock and Roll" on KEZY/Anaheim and top-40 on KHJ and KFI in Los Angeles. Kezy was the first to play The Plimsouls in So. Cal.

Back to the Silverado ... I noticed on my trip to Yosemite that the left hand mirror vibrates just slightly at speeds above 60; the right hand does not move at all. Is this common? I haven't been to the dealer to check it out yet. I also have to have something done to the trim piece that covers the driver's door lock. It loosens up in use.

Those are my "problems" at 4500 miles. Someday I'll take it in. I was GOING to take it in to get the oil changed, but this truck is far too easy to do it yourself. I am still considering synthetic, but don't know if the benefits outweigh the costs in such a mild climate. If I do go synthetic, I will change all three cars over (the Silverado, my '67 Camaro and my wife's Sebring convertible).

Richard

teaboy022

Hey Valare

I currently have a 89 Gmc Jimmy.
It has the 4.3 liter V6
I believe there have been some adjustments made to the newer 4.3 but it still is same basic engine.

Very reliable...

Mine is at 100k and running perfect

Trav

leathal02

kanton,

on your flowmaster, you put a 70 series muffler.

did you go dual exit or single side exit??
i am thinking of gettin a flow on my '99 Z-71 w/ the 5.3 and was wondering if the power and/or gas mileage was increased at all

any info would be great!!

leathal

leathal02

on the flows, what is the catolog # on the muffler?? if you happen to know

the muffler shop ive been to was tryin to make me put a muffle that was made for a vortec 350, so i am waitin for them to have more availalbe options on mufflers

thanks

zbad71

I "almost" bought the Flowmaster, but after hearing and witness the power increase with a Magnaflow muffler, I wouldn't recommend anything other.

For months, I knew I would get a Flowmaster, but a very reputable shop steered me to the Magnaflow. Flowmasters sell based on sound only and provide very little "performance".

I went with a 3" single in right after the y pipe to a Magnaflow (its a 2 chamber straight through muffler) to dual out 2 1/2" stainless steel pipes out the back with 3 1/2 inch" stainless slash tips.
Sounds awesome, especially under the gun and has a noticeable increase in low end torque as well as smoother acceleration and runs cooler.

I recommend it over Flowmaster, Gibson, and Dynomax, especially when cost is a concern also. The Magnaflow was about $35 cheaper in price than Flowmaster.

shampton

Zbad71 -

What version/yr. Silverado do you have (I'm assuming a Z71).

If you don't mind me asking - what did you pay for the MagnaFlow system you described in your post (# 816).?

Did you do the work yourself or have an aftermarket shop / muffler specialty shop install?

Thanks!!!

foxtrot722

Hey Zbad71
Tell some more about the duel exhaust set up. Were did you find the stainless custom 2 1/2 pipes to run out the back? Or were they custom bent by a local shop in your area? Also, do you have a part number for the muffler. And most important, how much can you hear it in the cab? I hate the interior resonance noise some systems have. Did you get any improvements in gas mileage or performance? My 99 Z71 also has the tire bounce problem others have talked about. Sure hope getting them balanced will solve that problem. Also, did anyone ever find out for sure if the door locks are programmable on the 1999s. I also got the recall about them forgetting to install the factory transmission oil cooler.

zbad71

I had a custom exhaust shop do mine. They have their own ss pipe, mandrel bender, and certified tech's to do it all. It cost me $289.00 out the door.

I was going to go a "true" dual. I have a 99 Silverado LS 4X4 Ext Cab with the 5.3l.
The cats come to a y pipe where it joins to a single muffler (stock). I was going to cut the y pipe and go with a muffler off of each cat with pipe out to the back. It was recommended by the shop not to on this truck as it would lose too much low end torque. After doing some research of others that did the true dual, I am glad that I didn't do it. They all have switched back to a split catback system as what I did to gain back the torque. opening up an exhaust too much (how much is too much depends on the vehicle) can greatly reduce your torque in the low rpm band. You push it up into the mid to upper range. On some vehicles that does not affect the truck too much, but on the new 5.3l, there is already less low end torque than its precedessor 5.7l 350.

So far I have noticed 1-2 mpg increase, a definate increase in torque (especially with the mandrel bent piping)and an awesome sound. There "is" some slight interior resonance at about 1500 rpm but is only noticeable at exactly that rpm. When I accelerate, it resonates at 1500, but it is extremely quite when not accelerating or cruising on the highway. It may be more sound than the average owner may want, but I love it. My wife and I are avid race fans and have been around a lot of that kind of sound. It has a good enough rumble to get attention, but is quite at idle and cruising. Basically it is only when I have the foot in the gas. I guess sound is subjective. Each persons taste are different. If I had to compare it to say a Flowmaster, I would say it is similar to a Flowmaster 40 (2 chamber).

Everyone that I pass gives me a thumbs up and I don't know how many people have gestured me to roll my window down at a light and ask me what exhaust system I have.

Magnaflow has their own web site if you want to take a look. I am sure they have catback systems already preassembled, but if you go to a good shop, I think having a good shop do the work is better than a kit. Its all welded and warrantied locally. If you have a problem with one of the catback systems, you have to mail it back to them which also means taking it back off your vehicle.

I love it and can't stop talking about it, but I am rambling so I will shut up for now.

I will be happy to answer any specific questions that I can if I havn't answered them in this lengthy post! ha ha!

www.magnaflow.com

jaijay

I have a 99 Silverado and when I run mine when it is cold the transmission has a slight whine to it too. I have read in the manual that mentions how the computer monitors a cold start condition and reprograms the transmission so that when shifting it will help the engine warmup faster. I think this is the whine sound that we are all hearing. When the engine has warmed up the whine goes away. I love this truck. I think this was a clever idea to help get the engine up to running tempetures.

kirt

I had this engine in the chevy astro van with the 5 speed, i sold it and like a dummy, i put this same engine in a 1/2 ton truck. The truck is to heavy for this engine. The truck was a silverado 1/2 ton, extened cab with all the bells and whistles. I to got this truck because of the price. I towed a sea-doo for about four years, but when i went to pulling a boat, it did not have good power. also stay with the auto instead of the 5 speed when towing, you will be much happier. bottom line, if you want a truck, buy a v-8 truck. If you want a toy, buy a toyota

saleensr351

hello everyone i have just recently bought a 94 chevy cheyenne with the v-6 in it....it wasnt my choice i got stuck with the truck anyways i want to knwo what kind of performance parts there are to go on this truck and what kind of exhuast system can i put on it to make it sound loud and throaty like a v-8 also does anyone know the stock hp and torque on the 4.3l its a full size truck
thanx

mpazos

You should also notice with an auto trans it will not lock up the torque converter until the trans has reached a designated temp. At least that is the way my 92 3/4 w/4L80E works.

ryanbab

Hey next time use MENARDS OK i work there and in the midwest we are bigger than home depot. Just thought id add that and im the one who loads all those bags of cement that goes into those trucks and probably 6 outta 10 that come in are V-8. Just thought id add the menards thing

kernick

Unless you never do anything moderate or heavy with a V-6 Silverado, you'll be barely ok. The V-6 being in the smaller S-10's and Blazers should tell you that that's what it's best for.
Although I don't have that 4.3, I have a Camaro with a slightly less powerful 3.8L. It is adequate in a 3,000 aerodynamic car with 5 speed. Putting in a slightly more powerful engine in a 1,000 pound heavier, brick-shaped (compared to a Camaro) vehicle, isn't great. Now start putting stuff in it, or add 4wd, and I wouldn't want it.
Also you'll find very few people who want a Silverado that is only adequate for commuting, and real light stuff.

rwagoner

Comments about the V6 not being worth it if you tow anything or carry heavy loads are fairly accurate, although the S-10 and shortbed regular cab Silverado are not that different in weight and the V-6 would certainly be ok for that. Don't forget, the full-size truck V8s not too long ago had LESS horsepower than that 4.3 V6.

But DON'T compare it to the V6 in the Camaro. It's not even just slightly less powerful ... it's far less powerful especially when considering torque. And the Camaro is no lightweight either.

My main concern with the V6 in a Silverado is the harsh penalty paid at resale time and the fact that mileage isn't even that much better. But at 200 horsepower, it's no dog.

Richard

mad9

Dealer called today and said he could order 5 four door 2 wheel drive silverado's. Looks like the 4 doors are finally here. First 4 doors will arrive here in about 60 days. Dealer didn't know when the 4x4 will get four doors or when the GMC guys will get four. Just thought you would want to know.

MAD

tahoe991

I have a few question for u all and some imput of my own. First, with the Silverado dash lights and such going "crazy" this is not the only model that does this. my friend has a '99 2 door blazer ZR-2 and theirs has been fixed once, still did it, its goin back this wends to try and be fixed yet again. and i was wondering if it was at all possible to get a 2000 Silverado 4x4 with the 6.0
Z71, stepside? i really hope it is that is my dream truck. and anyone have more info with the transmission probelms ?

batman09

can someone who has a 99 silverado V6 let me know if $1000 rebate is worth me buying the V6 or is it a dog and not worth it, I'm considering the 4.8 V8 but then I lose the rebate plus add $600 to the price Can someone give me some advise before I buy

ryanbab

SOrry not possible Tahoe u can get all that but u will have to settle for the 5.3 L V-8 but hey its only 15 hp less than the 6.0. YOu can only get the 6.0 In the 2500 not the 1500 and the 2500 only come in 4x4 (not Z71 Package) and it doesnt come in stepside. Guess u will have to settle with the 5.3 wouldnt we all want the 6.o in the half tons oh god that would be a dream truck

foxtrot722

Hey zbad71;

Thanks for all the information, ok everyone else, about the door locks on the 99s, are they dealer programmable or not?????

mtrammell

Hey, all you people waiting for the elusive 4th door, have you considered a crew cab with real doors?

rlangford2

www.truckautoaccessories.com/rd

kernick

My point about the V-6 in the Silverado, compared to the 3.8L V-6 in the Camaro is this:
My Camaro will do 0-60mph in about 7.5 sec. What affects this time is mainly torque and weight. This engine in this car is adequate to accelerate and pass. Tell me what the acceleration of a V-6 Silverado is (about 10-11 sec?). Now consider putting another 1,000 pounds in the bed, or tow something, and go up a hill - do you still think it's adequate?

mgdvhman

a V-6 does not belong in a truck...unless s-10 size ot Toiletta size.

Regardless of how much power todays have vs yesteryears....

lexmark

From my point of view, the extended cab is easier to load stuff into than a crew cab. With front and rear doors open, and the front seat ahead all the way, the opening is very generous.

I also read that the rear seat in the extended cab is quite easy to remove from the truck altogether. Anyone tried it?

If you only want to haul people, the crew cab is better, but I hope you have a very unique garage if you plan parking it inside. By the way, the Ford Crew Cab, that is on the way next year, is a little shorter than the Chevy and would fit in a garage. When is Chevy's shorter version coming out? Alas, late on the 4 doors and now late on the 1/2 ton crew cab.

beaverteaser1

It says in a truck magazine that the 2000 comes with 4-way programmable door locks to "solve an annoying problem on 99's", so I guess you can't program 99's. There is instructions in my 2000 owners manual on how to do it, but it sounds like it won't do a 99 a bit of good.
I am putting a cat back exhaust on my 2000, any other opinions on what to do, although the post a ways back seemed to love the one he got, would be great.

werking

1. It seems to me that if you're hauling people - get the crew cab. I intend to haul stuff that isn't too awful big, and needs to stay dry or secure; and eventually small people...hence I'll go for the extended cab (easier access). As far as getting the crew cab and then wanting a shorter version so it will fit in your garage, that stands to reason to detract from the legroom the folks riding in back will have...so why not just go with the fourth door extended cab? - or build a bigger garage? Ultimately, I'm thinking go with personal preference.
2. If someone knows how to pull the back seat out of the extended cab altogether, I'd be interested in that post also.
3. I read a post awhile back regarding the medium oak interior being ugly - specifically the dashboard material having an orange tint. I currently have a graphite interior and would like a change. I like the medium oak, but really don't want an orange dashboard. Any info would be most appreciated.

Thanks to all for your input. I'm doing my best to patiently wait for the fourth door extended cab to go into production...and then to be reletively debt free. Hopefully, these two things won't take too long and soon I'll be bragging to ya'll about my new '00 LS with bunches o' bells and whistles.

Kyle

dshunter

So what's the big deal about the GMC vs. a Silverado? Price goin in and price going out?? Anybody had any real experiences either way? Thanks.

shampton

Placed my '00 Silverado LS 1/2 ton order on 8/16, got the word today it is being built this week!!!

Should take delivery by October 8th (7 weeks total).

Can't wait!

wang2

Everone that is waiting with such anticipation for the fourth door arrival should give it some real world thought. I've got a 99 Z71 Ext. Cab, and have found the THIRD door pretty dificult to use in your average parking lot. For loading things in the rear, I usually wind up using the drivers door and just hitting the quick release on the seat and sliding it forward...

Third and fourth doors work well in the driveway, though!

powerisfun

I try to park as far from other cars as possible
when in a parking lot. I hate looking for a spot,
so I always head directly for the farthest area where no one else is. It's better for both driver (exercise) and truck (no door dings, scrapes, etc.) plus as you mention, it makes the use of the third door easier (I have a '98 Z71 with 3 doors).
-Tim

mckain

Does anyone know how this system really works? How can it shift into 4x4 quick enough to help when you loose traction on a highway at speed? I just bought a 99 5.3/auto 4x4 auto-track and I am leary of when to use it in 4x4 mode. Older trucks did not like running on dry pavement with 4x4 on.

Questions are: what happens when it goes into 4x4
mode. Do both the hubs and transmission engage or
are the hubs always engaged and the transfer case just engages? Is there a clutch in the transfer case that allows some slip or does it just engage a gear?

Any info would help me use it better.

Thx,
Jim

shampton

WOW! I am so sorry to hear of all the difficulties that you have experienced. I would agree that the explanations / discussions you have mentioned are unacceptable. As you have had a file open for some time, I would suggest that you take this information in hand to the administrators of your dealership - and use this as collateral for some "Extra Consideration" on your deal with them.

Let's hope you are driving your new '00 soon!

I hope my experience continues to be a smooth one.

Take care!

ww225

I HAVE PURCHASED THE BIGGEST PROBLEM I'VE EVER ENCOUNTERED. I HAVE A MAJOR REAR-END VIBRATION THAT SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORST EVERYDAY. I'VE CALLED THE 800 NUMBER 10 TIMES TO REQUEST A BUY-BACK AND I GET NOTHING BUT THE RUN-AROUND. i'M TIRED OF THE BULLS__T! I WANT SOME ACTION. IF ANY ONE CAN HELP, PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT WW225@GLORYROAD.NET i'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NEED TO GET RID OF THE PROBLEM. THANKS

zbad71

Do a search on the internet for the site on lemon law. I forget what it is called but I had to go that route (or at least I started the process before trading) with a POS 98 Ford I had.

If you go straight to GM and ask for a buy back, you ARE going to just have doors shut in your face. There is a well documented process you must follow religously to get it done. I know for a fact that if you follow the process and play by the rules, it puts a fast step into someone trying to help because they see that you have your ducks all in a row and you have researched what is necessary. The first step is you MUST HAVE at least the minimum DOCUMENTED visits to the dealer to have rectified. If you have that and still can't get it resolved, go through the process from the site I mentioned, which includes the BBB, etc.

There are Attorney's that deal specifically in this stuff too. Look in the phone book or get a recommendation for one. Usually if they know you have a good case, they will do all that run around and start the process for you, because you just became a major paycheck for them.

Good luck.

vince4

There was someone awhile back that actually went through the process and was waiting for a check. Look through the old posts.

vince4

Can't say exactly how it works, my understanding is that the hubs are always locked and the transfer case handles the power shift when a difference in drive shaft speeds is detected. In any case it is meant to use in the Auto setting on dry pavement so I wouldn't worry about it. You need to ask Dave.

vince4

Actually I may have seen that in topic #654, Vibration Central.

werking

Anyone get the medium oak interior? Read a post awhile back that the dash board had an "orange" tint to it. I currently have graphite interior and am looking for a change. Any info would help, thanks.

Kyle

aaron_a

Kyle-
I have the medium oak interior with leather seats. Orange? Humm no, it's light brown, I think the interior is great looking, especially when you add a little wood grain to to... like a dash and stearing wheel, it's looks beautiful. I wish I had a scanner so I could post pictures for you..
I am very happy with Oak
Aaron

ovalley

Just my two cents worth. I had GM voluntarily buy
back my my 99 reg cab 2wd, 4.8 L, 3.42 rear with
locking diff because of vibrations. I really liked
the GM trucks. Ended up getting a 2000 GMC ext cab
5.3L with 3.42 and no locking diff just last
night.

I have driven over ten ext cabs in the past couple
of weeks with various combinations of drive lines,
mostly 2000's, a few 1999's, 3.42 vs 3.73, both
with and without locking diffs, at various dealers.
I liked the feature of the locking diff, but
every one I drove had the vibration at speeds over
60 MPH (both 3.42 and 3.73). The ones without it
did not (both 3.42 and 3.73). One 1999 had very
noticable launch shutter and play in the rack and
pinion. Once I decided to give up the locking
diff, I had no problems. The trucks with locking
diff had the Firm Ride susp most of the time and
the ones without locking diff had Smooth Ride susp.
I'm not sure what the common factors are, I just
avoided the locking diff rear and I found no
vibration problems.

When I drove these trucks I did not just take the
salesman's preferred route. I got it out on a
smooth stretch of road at highway speed and drove
it for a while. Good luck to those who want the
locking diff rear end. Be sure you test drive any
truck you decide to buy before the deal is done.
The dealers are generally very hesitant to fix a
truck before you buy it.

alvinski

I have ordered a 2000 extended cab 4x4 5.3 with the autotrac, trailer package, and the firm ride suspension. The more I read the more disappointed
I am becoming with this truck and I don't even own it yet. Could someone give me good news if you have a truck like this please.

chevy00

Does anyone know if the locking differential is automatically included in the firm ride suspension option with a V8?(but not a 4x4) Hopefully it's an option,'cause it sure sounds like a problem.

Also, has anyone been able to get the LS decor package with CLOTH bench seats for an extended cab truck? Some 'auto' web sites show this not to be an option.

mfreeman

Well, my truck should be on the line being built sometime this week, but my dad's came in last week , so...

Kyle:
The oak dash, etc., in my dad's truck looks really good. My truck will also have the oak, so if that makes you feel better.

Alvinski:
I borrowed my dad's truck last Friday and drove it to the Meyerson (Dallas Symphony). As far as ego is concerned I had several people eyeing the truck, and I preceded to park next to some other new GM trucks that were there. As for the 4x4(for city anyway), after the Symphony, it was an awesome feeling to watch all the cars wait to leave the parking lot, and all I did was drive over the parking bump thing, and off a small ledge/curb and drive away. (Not that impressive to real 4X4 people, but you have to remember I've driven Trans Ams all my life so, it was really fun for me) As we drove around I didn't notice a single problem, no vibration at any speed, no rattles, nothing. Michelle, who had told me before that she didn't like trucks, had nothing but compliments, although requested I put a step on mine if I want to ever see her in a short dress again. (I agreed to give her a nerf bar with a step built into it) During our drive I went through a dip in an intersection that would have destroyed my old car, or her car, but was bearly noticeable in the truck. The truck turned a U turn that was tighter then any truck I have ever driven... I could go on and on, but the point is that this is the best truck I have ever seen, and I had nothing but fun in it.

Mike Freeman

planejane

tell us more about the truck you drove.. 1/2 ton, 3/4?, ext cab???

Alvinski:
Alot of us who are enjoying their trucks don't talk about it as much as the ones who has problems and are looking for answers. I have had only 2 problems..

1 - windshield weatherstrip whistling noise.
2 - plastic piece came off behind the rear ext. cab seat. (I just snapped it back into place, but will still need to take the truck in when I have time).

Other than that, its been the "cruise of a lifetime". Its awesome, and I don't like saying so much to jinx myself!

cindy