Chevy Silverado - Continued VII

tonkadave

Well I bit the bullet and just put new tires on my 99 silverado. I put on the 285/75R16 on the stock rims. They fit and look great. no rubbing even on sharp turns, so far. I might be able to get the computer adjusted, even though when I asked my dealer about it they were completely puzzled. Try to post this address in your url to see a picture. If it doesnt work im going to need some help with it. http://members.aol.com/mistycat21/truck1

jkania

Now that the snow is gone in northern IL,I noticed that on 2 occations when appling the brakes, the pedal vibrated, just a little bit,just like when skidding on snow. It only lasted for a fraction of a second. Has anyone else experienced this? I wonder if it needs to be looked at? I have a 2000 LT 1500 2wd

mgdvhman

Kyle,

send as many as you like.
Happy to post them for you.

Tonkadave,

All it did was downloaded a scrambled text file for me?

Jkania,

Normal....usually happens when braking on bumps.

- Tim

tonkadave

sorry about the pics. try this one.
http://members.aol.com/tonkadave/index.html

ryanbab

Dave that is a really sharp truck. The bigger tires look great.

Ryan

revitupfast

We recently were on vacation in Florida and on the way down and back, I was surprised by the number of 99/00 Silverados and GM's I saw that had one of the running lights burned out. Has anyone noticed this or had any feedback on this being a problem. I must have seen at least 8 trucks on the road with this condition.
It is hard for the Driver to realize that a light is out since they only operate when the vehicle is in gear, & the main headlights are not activated.
I have a 2000 Silverado which is OK for now, I just wondered if anyone had also noticed this as being a common problem

gsxr1216

Hey where did you get those fancy blue walls??? just kidding! what tire make and model is that you bought?
Thanks
Cam

ryanbab

Around my neighborhood their are 2 99/00 trucks and have too noticed they both have 1 DRL burnt out. Maybe they arent making those lights to well

Ryan

m1685

I have the 16 x 6.5 polished aluminum. The 265s do seem to bow a little, but i try to keep the tire pressure down to fix it. I only have about 5,000 miles on them, so I dont know if they are wearing wrong yet. Well actually, the rear tires do seem to lose tread easily ( aka 6.0 and 4.10s). Otherwise, the BFGs look awesome and do pretty good off-road. Oh, by the way, i have seen some posts saying 285s will fit on the 1500 with no problems, but I believe the 2500s will have problems with the 285s, especially with 8 inch wide rims. Of course I have just been told this.

revitupfast

Thanks for the quick response Ryan. I'm Glad someone else has noticed this.
Also to whoever was posting about step bars, I have installed a set of the Westin "CPS" (Chrome Plated Stainless) on my truck (00 Silverado / Reg Cab 4x4) and they are very easy to install. They also seem to be strong enough to lift the truck with.

revitupfast

Should have included this with my last Post but...
I ordered my 2000 Silverado L.S. in solid Black and had the dealer do the tu-tone (Pewter) at the dealership.
First, I wanted the side moulding to be Black instead of Pewter, which would have been the case if it had been a factory tu-tone job. I also wanted the lower tailgate section tu-toned which I also think really enhances the appearance of the truck from the rear. Also the paint shop applied the pewter to the rear face of the box floor, which otherwise would have been black and can be seen from the rear, even with the tailgate in the up position. I personally think the truck looks a lot more finished being done this way.
The dealer did the tu-tone job for the same price as the factory option, and since it was done as "Original" equipment prior to actual delivery to me, it apparently is covered just as would the original factory tu-tone paint.
I have added the Westin CPS step bars, and Stainless Steel Wheel opening mouldings, and am very happy with the appearance.
You don't see any others exactly like it this way.

Bill

vince4

It sounds interesting, why don't you post a picture.

vince4

Funny that you and Ryan have seen so many out. I have never once seen a truck with a burned out DRL and I do look at all the new GM trucks on the road. Must be they last longer in California!

m1685

I have seen a couple with only one light working, but that is a couple out of a hundred. One thing about them is they are the same type of bulb as the turn signals, which seem to not last that long. I have had to replace the turn signal ones on my old truck at around 3?,000 miles. They wont last as long as the regular headlights, I believe, but that is from my own experience.

rwagoner

Lights don't burn out in California.

Richard

chevy4me

9133 miles ,596 gallons , 352.4 hours
15.3 miles per gallon average
average speed 25.9 miles an hour
99 1500 ext 2wd 5.3 auto. 3.42
low maintenance pewter

mgdvhman

of all fill ups too?

I looked the other day at hours....they were 360 or so...only 6 months though and 11K for miles.

25 MPH avg. on an hour meter including idle at lights would be about 40-45 average I'd guess?

Is there a standard for calculating this?....anyone??

- Tim

mgdvhman

325 Hours??

I don't remember.

Two tone looks good when it is seperated by molding...since there is no molding on the tailgate...I'm not sure that would look good for me?...Course the Flares have no molding either?...and they look good..
If I have to have the next LT two-toned...I think I will leave the gate alone...and probably have my painter friend do it instead.

Oh...I haven't looked for an interior filter yet...I will let yawl know If I found one.

I can still breathe inside the cab.....so it must be OK...

LOL

- Tim

dustyone

Revitupfast stated:
"Also to whoever was posting about step bars, I have installed a set of the Westin "CPS" (Chrome Plated Stainless) on my truck (00 Silverado / Reg Cab 4x4) and they are very easy to install. They also seem to be strong enough to lift the truck with."
I am also interested in the Westin CPS. Where did you find them and how much? I have found them for the '00 4 door, part number 26-1680 for $356.95 plus shipping. Most local dealer want approximately $369 for the plain 304 stainless. By adding the chrome plating, the discoloring of the stainless is eliminated. I am also considering adding the bright metal chrome trim strip to the wheel well flange as found on the '99 Tahoe/Yukon.

ryanbab

I almost died at the pump today guys. Pulled up started pumping and realized (half asleep still) gas was $1.53 a gallon for 87 octane the cheap stuff. The highest i have seen it here lately has been in the low $1.40's. This is crazy.

Just curious about how long can u go on a tank of gas? Days/ total mls. before filling up. Im just wondering.

Ryan

mledtje

We haven't seen $1.53 in northern California since last winter. The pumps start at $1.70 and go up. It is expected to peak at $1.80-2.00 here.

Don't complain about the prices you pay. It could be a lot worse, and you will still pay it. In Canada and Europe you pay $2.50-5.00. And everyone still buys gas.

My truck averages 15.5-16.0 with the camper on and 21-22 without the camper. But I can drive my 45 mpg motorcycle or my 28 mpg car to work and around here if I want. My commute is 5.5 miles one way. My truck will take me up to 4 weeks (350 miles) between fillups, or fillup twice (4-500 miles each tank) in one day if I'm traveling.

Mike L
99 Silverado 4x4 4.8L 5spd

ryanbab

I was just shocked that it jumped 12 cents in like a day. I know its higher in alot of areas trust me chicago is probably over $2.00 now they all come over to indiana for gas. This past summer i was paying 98 cents a gallon. Those were the days.

Ryan

werking

i'm kinda surprised, considering the $400-plus step bars i've seen elsewhere, i'm digging the westin cps bars i just ordered also. i'm paying $356.60 through a local parts dealer. pep boys/napa were asking between $390-$410. then they wanted $40 for installation. please! from what i understand, anyone with a wrench who understands the concept "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" can complete this task. anyways, if you call or email westin, they'll email you a list of their parts dealers in your area. $356 appears to be pretty close to the actual price. i'll be installing mine next week. as soon as i get the pics in the mail, i'll have them posted. gotta love the life-time warranty too...

kyle

dannyg

At least you've got a 28mpg car that you can switch to for your commute if things get really bad. I know a lot of (single) guys who ONLY own V8 pickups/SUVs. They're going to be really slammed by $2+ gasoline. Their own fault, of course. Even a large U.S. car like, say, an Impala gets MUCH better mpg than a large pickup truck, particularily on the hwy. None of these guys go off-road. If mpg's a concern, don't buy the big truck!

Dan

markbuck

4.8L 5speed 4x4 long bed 4.10

go about 520 miles regardless of driving conditions. 'bout 16mpg approx 32 gallons.

davidb72

Ryan, that's a good idea. I wonder why the EPA hasn't started certifying auto mileage based on how many days you can go between fillups. Good thinking...

davidb72

You make an interesting point, I find that if I fill up on Tuesdays I can usually make it until the next Wednesday or Thursday... Also, there was one time when I went away and my truck sat for two weeks, I didn't have to fill it up at all in that time, but that's unusual, that's the best I have done so far...

rayt2

on this two tone deal......
Post #523 from Mtrammell was the one who had his tailgate done for $110.

Post #541 from White6 was the one who did his own tailgate with spray paint.

$110 is not a bad price at all considering the prep etc. if any one whats it done that bad pay the body shop the reasonable fee.
To do it w/the Krylon, Rustoleum etc., well? that is personal choice, not for me, but then again I just like the plain old Indigo Blue Metallic without flares LOL.

Not that you need any one defending you but when your right your right!

my two cents

PS: Cap & rear slider being installed today. I found the GM mudflaps are not up to my standards, to rigid & dirt catchers, so I am using the Plasticolor 10"x14" for front & 12"x18" for the rear they are rubber based fiberglass reinforced & give the flex needed for a mud flap. They are black with the word "Chevy" in white above a large Blue Bowtie. Can use the original holes in fenders & use body panel plastic push screw into the front fender well for mounting. The rear you add a brace & use truck rear lower fender brace bolt hole for fastening brace to. No drilling required. Once my accessorizing is complete I'll post a picture if I can figure out how.

Ray T.

mdw1000

I have Back country nerf bars. Bolt on, no drilling. I don't exactly remember, but I think they cost me around 200 bucks or so.

rayt2

Is there a web site for them ?

Ray T.

joelis

to gas prices continuing to rise is that it should force some of the fence sitters away from buying the Trucks and SUVs and bring the supply/demand deal a little more in line for the regulars.

Someone said they got 500+ miles on a tank? Downhill with the wind behind your back or what? Must have a long box. I'm happy to get 350 on a tank. And I fill it up every 4th or 5th day. Ah, who cares, its only money. Ya get what ya pay for. Its the entertainment value.

gawilliams

First, thanks for all the posts -- I bought a plain jane Silverado 4wd long bed last week, so far no problems with the "shakes" or any of the other gremlins listed here, but at least I know what to look out for!

But, I too have noticed at least 3 or 4 trucks with the drivers' side DRL burned out... maybe a bad batch of bulbs on that side of the assembly line?

ryanbab

All the ones i seen burnt out are on the drivers side too. Coming to work this afternoon i seen 2 more trucks with em burnt out.

Ryan

mledtje

I've got 24,500 miles on my truck and probably 98% is with the DRL's on. No failures yet.

I definitely notice Silverado's coming. Nothing else has a light in the position of our DRL's. Never seen one burned out. I've seen hundreds of New Silverado's, but no dead bulbs. I have seen a couple of taillights out, but not DRL's. Probably tonight on the way home.

Mike L

ryanbab

I see may silverados and yes they are distinct with the lights. I am just saying how many i have seen so far. Its probably around 3-5% off all the trucks i have seen have em burnt out. Just wanted to clarify in case it sounded like i meant all the trucks i see.

Ryan

tonkadave

the bluewalls are gone today after a wash. The tires are Kelley/telstar which are made by Goodyear. $99 installed each and they ride nice and dont make noise. They make a more aggressive tread but since I spend 99.5% of my time on the road, I opted for the all terrain. I have BFG Ta's on my explorer and they have a less aggressive tread than these do and they make more noise, and cost 50% more. Go figure. I always thought you get what you pay for. There are only a few companies that actually make tires. Most others are made by either Good Year, Michelen, Bridgestone/firestone, Pirelli.

white6

if I offended anyone by passing on some info. I really don't understand why some people get offended when someone else likes something different than they do. To each his own. If you're not interested in a certain topic, why do you feel the need to make a negative comment? I like the two-tone paint, and I didn't feel like I needed to pay someone to do what I would consider "finishing the job." I also wash the truck by hand and change my oil myself. I enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done and I know that it will be done correctly. I also understand that some folks either don't have the time or skills to do it themselves. I can't align a front end or mount new tires, so I have to pay someone else do it for me. BTW, I didn't use Krylon or Rustoleum, I used Acrylic Laquer (dries fast) just like a paint shop would. I'll try to post a photo next week if I can get around to shooting one.

murizar

Rising prices will not keep the fence sitters out. The SILVERADO gives as good mileage as some of the cars my coworkers drive.

1500 4.8L standard cab 5 spd long bed 3.42. With an empty bed city/hwy average is 20+mpg for a total of 600 miles per tank before the fill the tank light comes up. Best hwy trip 23mpg with AC and without putting the tailgate down for a total of 690 miles with five gallons left in the tank.

ryanbab

For the info but im getting a short bed. As of now i fill my 20 gallon gas tank up (S-10) once a wk. Usually every 6-8 days. I think ill be able to go a little bit longer hopefully 8-10 days with a new one. The 26 gallon tank will help.
Ok off the topic for a minute. has anyone took their gas tank out to fix anything? Last yr me and my dad did all day project there its a pain in the butt. The gas gauge wouldnt work so we got i forget what part we got put it in raised the tank still didnt work. Went got a new instrument cluster and it worked. Im just giving some advice if you have to work on the gas tank be ready for a long project.

Ryan

mgdvhman

4 weeks!...more like 4-5 days for me...12.5 MPG in a 26 gallon tank goes quick...but hey....spend it while ya got it!

Rayt,
You talking to me?
A site for my Boards is here:
http://www.putco.com/

They are the Pipeline Stainless

I like them...not cheap...but worth it.

Those prices are high..local was cheaper...
$600 for fronts - $300 for rears

swobig

Would like to get that. That beats a lot of cars. Only have 300 miles on mine - looks like first tank will yield about 15 MPG. Put soft tonneau cover on - looks good. Hopefully mileage will improve once the engine is "broke-in."

rbrick

I put on a Lund Interceptor (part#18063. same as '99). It looks great. The best I have seen so far. Five nylon fasteners push in to existing holes and then the deflector is secured by five screws. 10 minutes at most. I paid $60 at Super Trak. It costs a little more, but I believe it is worth it.
Anybody put a cat-back exhaust on theirs yet? I am going to get the Gibson sometime next week. I need to find someone who carries Tennessee Tips exhaust tips (someone in the area). Looks like about $340. Not sure about the Flowmaster system.

z71bill

I like to do it myself also. Then I know it has been done right. Have lost one engine to a quick oil change shop, because they put wrong oil filter on. They paid for rebuild but car was never the same. I also enjoy getting my hands dirty once in a while - I do not think I would every paint my truck - every spray paint job I have ever done left runs.

bob332

I will be placing an order for either a new 2000 Silverado 1500 LS or a new 2000 GMC Sierra SLE within the next 10 days. It will be a 2WD, Ext. Cab, SB with optional P255/70R16 AS WOL tires and the optional (ZX3) smooth ride control suspension. The make of truck that I purchase will come down to which dealer gives me the best price. The truck will have most options, except for leather seats, which I do not want. The truck will be used almost entirely for highway driving with only occasional light to medium hauling. However, entering into my decision is to have a truck that will adequately pull a fifth wheel travel trailer if my wife and I decide to travel that way. My question is, which of the following engine and rear axle ratio combinations will give the best gas mileage, yet be adequate for trailering? 4.8 and 3.42, 4.8 and 3.73, 5.3 and 3.42, or 5.3 and 3.73. I do not want the 6.0 and 4.10 ratio. Each combination is available on both trucks and would be adequate for us regarding the GCWR of between 11,000 and 12,000 pounds. I believe the 5.3 and 3.73 would be the best combination for a large percentage of trailering miles, but I am trying to also get better gas mileage for the 95% or more miles with no hauling or trailering. I guess I am trying to get the best compromise. I am leaning toward a 5.3 with a 3.42 ratio. I will appreciate hearing the views and experiences from those of you who are experienced in using a truck in a similar manner for the best engine and axle ratio combinations. Thanks for you help. Bob

revitupfast

Sorry I couldn't respond faster, but had to work til 9:00 tonight.
To "Vince4"
I will gladly post a picture of my truck as soon as I can get someone to show me how to do it. I have all the computer stuff to do it but must admit I'm far from a "GURU". I'm expecting to have a friend of mine here on Sunday and he is a "GURU" and I will get him to show me how then.
I'm sure you will like it, thanks for the interest.

To "Dustyone"
I'm from "The Great White North" (Canada), and you don't want to know what those Westin CPS Bars are worth up here. Although when you consider the exchange on the money, it isn't all that bad. I have a "Marine" business and was able to get them at "Wholesale" price through a distributor, but they still ran me about $425 Canadian. The "Retail" price up here is between $600 -$700,
and this is for the Regular cab length. Not sure what the ext. cabs are worth but you can bet at least another 10-20%.
Re: Gas Prices - Up here, gas is currently selling for about 75 cents a litre. In English this is about $3.40 a gallon Canadian. Converting this to U.S. Dollars it is about $2.35/gal. Our Canadian gallon is slightly larger than the U.S. but all things considered, we are paying about $2.00 for the same amount that would be in th U.S. gallon. This is a 30% premium. Pretty scary stuff eh. Us Canadians say eh (Pronounced "A" just like Hay without the "H".
Thanks for the posts guys, enjoy your cheap gas.

Bill (Revitupfast)

2000ryan

Think gas is expensive? Think of it like this, many people buy bottled water, and if you add that up, its about 20 bucks a gallon!

quadrunner500

That's incredibly good mileage, and the optimal combination for getting it, 4.8L, 5 spd, 2wd, 34 gal tank.

I've gone 615 in my 5.3L 4x4. Can usually go to about 515-540 before the low fuel message comes on.

dropper

Funny, noticed one out the other day, and I live in California.

Funny thing about the gas prices here in ol' SoCal, they have been rising, but behind the national average, for once. Just a little while back, our gas prices were in the range they are today ($1.47), but no one could say why. Some of the state legislators were talking price fixing.

Oh, I replaced my headlights with Clear Blues (not really blue), nice difference. Anyone know if they make them for the fog lamps, (maybe even the DRL's).

Keith

quadrunner500

I got a voice mail from a GM customer service representative.

They said: ....you returned a customer satisfaction survey form with a comment stating "..still not up to Toyota quality."
We are very interested in what you meant by that.

Then they left a 15 digit "case number" for me to refer to.

I'm a little embarrassed by this. I receive these surveys in the mail, routinely as a "how are we doing," after each service visit. I've always given top marks to the dealer, but I did make the above comment about GM.

After some consideration, I'm asking myself why? I've read about quite a few problems, yet few have touched me personally. Overall, I'm satisfied, and haven't actually seen a Toyota I would be happier with. I've tried. The version I continue to prefer, what I drive by the way, is a regular cab long bed. I see quite a few regular cab Tundras on the lot at John Elway Toyota, but forgive me....they look like dance slippers, too feminine. I couldn't be happy in it, no matter how reliable, potentially.

What can I complain about? I had a steering pull that was just tires. I had an engine ping fixed with a software update. No vibrations, shudders, etc. And GM has managed best in class fuel economy. Something to consider in these times of OPEC dependency.

I think I owe them the truth. Jamie Lee Curtis says it for me...It's the best!

rcoos

My brother never puts that low octane gas in his truck. His 5.3 V8 doesn't seem to like running on it! He usually fills up with either 89 or 92.

I have noticed the engine runs smoother on 89 or 92. No pinning! Has anyone else noticed this with the 5.3?
rcoos

p.s. when I will be getting my truck, I'm not going to put in 87 octane gas.