Chevy Silverado (C/K) & GMC Sierra (1988 - 1998)

bkgwolf · February 2001

Nice to know at least one other c/k above 60k is doing nicely. Mine is at 39 and doing fine. I would also like to know the change out interval of tranny fluid and rear and front end oil.

pame61 · February 2001

looking for information or advice in reference to 98 1500 5.0 4wd ex cab sob. the vehicle I may purchased has 28000 miles 4spd auto 3.73 ratio. the vehicle will be used to pull small enclosed work trailer (1500-2000lbs). any problems with this vehicle pulling loads? any mechanical or 4wd concerns. tax pail

akjbmw · February 2001

Update on Trans repair.
After talking to the trans repair shop that actually did the latest work, I have cleaned up the story I was given when the trans failed in the first place.
After the original trans failed, First Extended had a used trans installed.
When that trans failed, I was told by the service writer that the trans was “rebuilt locally”.
Now with the overdrive pressure switch failure and repair at a local shop and the opportunity to talk to them, I find that the trans that they found in the truck was not a rebuilt, must have been another used unit. However, they have replaced the switch, rebuilt the valve body and replaced the torque converter.
I believe that if I had been left without any one else to pay for repairs, I would have taken it to a local shop that I know from owning a Taurus and Sables. It would have been repaired correctly in the first place. Oh well…
Just came back from a weekend excursion to watch the UCLA Gymnastics Team win again. Snow with controls over Donner Friday night and again coming back last night. Love those buttons on the dash to engage 4x4…;-)

akjbmw · February 2001

bkgwolf

The differences have been reviewed before, but the only thing I know for sure is that it had Bilsteins in it when I bought it.
I have successfully not cared whether it was there or not. The chain control folks may look at it. ‘Course, they are looking from the front and aren’t likely to see much of the rear quarter. Maybe it’ll help at selling time…

Are you in Northern Nevada? I am in the Reno-Sparks area.

akjbmw · February 2001

Even a "paste special" choosing unformatted text ends up with the wierd stuff. Substitute the wierd test in my posts with quotes or apostrophes.

stalknace · February 2001

I got a 1995 Chevy Z-71 ext. cab w/a 350cid. I have a 3" lift w/ 33in all-terrain tires. It has K&N and Flowmaster. I am getting anywhere from 10-11mpg. During the summer, I pull a lawn trailer but mileage is no different than when I dont pull it. Any suggestions on what to do thats cheap?? I am also trying to sell it right now if anyone is interested, I live in atlanta.

iusecad · February 2001

what was the mileage like before the lift & big tires?

stalknace · February 2001

I dont know. I bought the truck w/ the lift and tires already on it.

iusecad · February 2001

someone else can answer this better, but, maybe the big wheels are causing your low mpg...

bkgwolf · March 2001

akjbmw,
Yea, true, I care more about mechanically sound than stickers on the side, cause that is where the true story of the vehicle is. Sounds like you have just had some bad luck with used tranny's in yours. Hopefully yours is fixed this time for good. Mine is still fine, a little cold blooded in the morning, but goes from a to b. I am an hour east, in Fallon out at the base.

rudedog1 · March 2001

I have a 98 K1500 Z71 with a 5.7 litre engine and 28000 miles on it and have a problem with gear oil flowing out from the front differential vent tube. After numerous trips for repair to a dealer, I can't seem to get this problem fixed. This truck is in MINT condition and never been abused. It also seems to only do this in 2WD. Has anybody experienced this problem? Also when shifting from 4HI to4Lo (as per owners manual) there seems to be a loud 'clunk noise' Is this normal for an electronic transfer case?? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Other than that this truck is awesome. It's pretty scary when you read all the bad stuff with the newer Silverado's, makes me sure glad I went with the tried and true.

pkv · March 2001

I am thinking about purchasing a 1998 Chevrolet K2500 Extended Cab Truck. It has the 7.4 Liter or 454 engine in it. It is not diesel, just gas. It has a flowmaster exhaust on it as well.

Can anyone on here tell me from experience what type of mileage the truck might get? City vs. highway?? Towing in City vs. Towing in Highway.
I would really appreciate it. Please send your response to vanoverp@saic.com if you will, as well as resonding on here so I can get a quick answer.

Thanks so much!

paul

chevytruck_fan · March 2001

I was just on my way to ask this question.

I was thinking about buying a diesel down the road but I rented a uhaul with a 454 in it, and it could burn out~~ so now I'm thinking what kind of milege do these get? lol

akjbmw · March 2001

bkgwolf:
I was stationed at NASF from 75 to 77. Pre TopGun. That was my first experience living in Nevada. Yes, there was some culture shock and climate adjustment. Went there after five years in Southern CA and a year in Okinawa. Didn't want to leave it later, though.

Trucks... Three trips to LA since the last repair and all seems OK. Had to watch the Bruin Girls do their Gymnastic stuff. Awesome.

rudedog1:
Mine does too. I may need to go slower than advertised at engagement time.

sonjaab · March 2001

I have a 97 that does the same thing (clunk).
But no problems in 3 years of snow plowing and towing.
..I live in Alexandria Bay N Y in
the great frozen north too eh !!!!
Otherwise this truck has NEVER been to the
dealer for anything except its first FREE
oil change..Have 01 2500 4x4 x-cab coming
Hope it is as problem free....
Geo....

cspaulding · March 2001

I have a 2000 K2500 Crew Cab 454 w/ 373 gears. I get around 14 mpg. on average...doesn't matter if the truck is pulling a load or fully loaded in the box. If you're looking at a 454 w/ 410s you're probably around 10 mpg.

Chris

pkv · March 2001

Thanks! I was hoping it would be something like that. My Gosh it is huge! It just barely fits into my garage!

Thanks again,
pk

spenpet · March 2001

I am currently looking to get into a '97 -cab 5.7 I/ about 88k ml. I have been a car guy most of my life. What are some things I need to look for when checking this pick-up out? It has leather bucket seats, tape player, good paint, the bed shows that it was definitely not a work truck. They are asking a little under $14,000. I checked it out on edmunds review, and they don't offer any ratings, what have you found as far as reliability, etc. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

iusecad · March 2001

http://carpoint.msn.com/Vip/UsedSingleYear/Chevrolet/C-K%201500/1997.asp#Reliability

I don't think the problems are as serious as this link would have you believe...

but I have a '95...

4x4man · March 2001

I have a 97 Silverado EC 5.7l, auto, 4x4, Z71 and it has done pretty good. The truck has never left me stranded yet, and some of the problems I have had, I caught early. When I bought the truck (used from a dealer) I got an extended warranty, piece of mind for me. So far, it has needed a new power steering pump, fuel pump (pressure was low so it took longer to start), EGR valve and is in the shop right now for an oil leak. The oil leak turned out to be both the intake and the oil pan gaskets. All this stuff was covered under warranty so I have let them do it, and it only costs me my $100 deductable. The only thing I did myself was the power steering pump as it was $40 for the pump. The only other things I have done to my truck, besides routine maintanance, was a front brake job and a "tune-up"; New wires, plugs, cap and rotor.
I have been very happy with the truck and as you can see above haven't had any major problems, it has about 67k on it now and get about 12-14 in town and average about 17 or so on highway.
Hope this helps...

Bob

deano5 · April 2001

I own a 94 Silverado, 5.7L x-cab 2wd. The truck has been difficult to start when the engine is cold for quite some time. Today I determined that the fuel pump oil pressure switch is faulty, but I am not sure if this is what's causing the problem. When the truck does start it seems to have got too much gas, as it puff's a little bit of black smoke. Can anyone tell me how the oil pressure switch works within the starting circuit?

ldugan · May 2001

spenpet, i have had this truck for a few months, bought it with 75,000 miles. running real good. avg. 15 to 16 city/highway combined. i have 373 gears, what kind of gears do you have? are you planning on doing much towing? under $14,000 doesn't sound to bad for a price though. good luck with the p/u.

eater_33062 · May 2001

HI DEAN, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON MY 94 YUKON GT 350CID. I WAS USING 93 OCTANE FUEL. I FIND OUT THAT THE ADDITIVES IN THE FUEL WERE CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I WAS VERY SCEPTICAL, SO FUEL SPECIALIST SHOWED ME. HE TOOK SOME HI TEST, & SOME REG87 OCTANE & POURED THEM ON THE GARAGE FLOOR. TO MY SURPRISE THE REG GAS EVAPORATED & THE HI TEST WAS STILL WET. MY ENGINE SHOOK & GAVE BLACK SMOKE WHEN COLD. AFTER CHANGING TO REG GAS ,ABOUT 3 FULL TANKS LO& BEHOLD THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY LIKE HE SAID IT WOULD!!!! SEEMS MY 94,350 LIKED THE CHEAPER GAS. WISH I STILL HAD IT NOW WITH THE PRICE THE WAY IT IS. REGARDS LH

sonjaab · May 2001

After 4 long hard years of working. I traded
my 97 Chevy 4x4, x-cab for a 2001 2500 4x4, x-cab
Not that it was troublesome or gave me ANY problems.
I usually buy a new one every 3-4 years.
And i WORK my truck too.. its not a garage queen !!
Snowplowing, towing, and hauling etc.
The ONLY time that Chevy saw a dealer was for
it's first FREE oil change and a broken wiper.
I only hope my new 2001 will work as hard and
be as TROUBLE FREE !!!!!! Geo.

jjpowell2 · May 2001

105,000 miles and going strong!! Looks as good today as it did from the lot which takes a bit of effort in our winter salty road area. Haven't had any major problems and hope to see it to 200,000 miles with regular maintenance.

swooshman · May 2001

I have a 94 Chevy Z71 with a 5.7 Liter with 154,000 Kms. Suddenly has become a gas guzzler, gas milage have suddenly decreased to half of normal. We were getting approx. 20 mpg highway. Does anyone know what might be causing this problem and what to check out. Any help would be appreciated.

Swoosh

dlh2 · May 2001

I just bought a 1994 Chevy Silverado 4X4 with the 350 cubic inch engine. Was wondering if I should tow trailers on the interstate in overdrive or not? It seemed to pull better in D vs. OD, but my gas milage dropped considerably in D. ??

arsoncop · May 2001

hi need advice for my 1995 c2500 454 10 mpg gas guzzling hog. I'm at 67,000k and was wondering if anyone else has had their tranny fluid flushed and filter replaced and what kind of luck you have had, I've heard pros and cons, just curious, any info on this would be great. also anyones experiences with 87 or 93 octane fuel? the 93 dosent seem to run any better or give better gas mileage, just wondering anyones experiences with the fuel also

chadgr · June 2001

I've got a 96 Z71 ex cab that I just purchased. It has a problem with the tranny clunking and lurching forward when downshifting to first. It happens when you slow from highway speeds to 10-20 MPH and then start to excelerate. It then does it again(not quite as hard)when you go back into 3rd gear. I saw a TSB on this somewhere that suggested repeated changing on trans fluid with 20 mile trips in between. My mechanic has found no literature on this. Have any of you had similar problems? How was it rectified?

farias · June 2001

I recently purchased a 98 silverado and have a problem with it pulling to the right. I took it to the dealer and they aligned it. It really didn't need it. It is still the same. I notice that the steering wheel is not centered. Do the 98's self center the steering wheel??

obyone · June 2001

Any good alignment guy could straighten the wheel out while aligning the truck. Your dealer should have done it. Try rotating the tires and see if it still pulls to the right. Think this may be a tire problem.

oldharry · June 2001

Is a line item on the original window sticker that was on my '94. I have not figured out what this means. I put the truck on the rack, and re-adjusted the toe settings for each side to center mine when I got it.

Harry

obyone · June 2001

it will wear the tire down till it self centers....

swooshman · June 2001

Hey everyone. I have a 1994 Z71 with a 350 cubic inch engine. The engine has the circular air filter housing on the top of the engine. I've noticed some people turn their air brether cover upside down so that you can see the filter and that more air can get through then what the inlet to the left lets in. Does this affect performance/gas milage?? I can see how more air can improve horses and gas milage but will this setup help? Thanks for any help.

Swoosh

1994 K1500 Z71 extended cab short box with 5.7 liter 350 engine, LT265/75R16 michelins, 155,000 Kms.

obyone · June 2001

it allows more gunk into your motor. Don't think it's worth the minimal increase in hp and intake noise. Then again, I used to do it back in the 70's....course cars were way cheap back then.

eric2001 · June 2001

The only thing that changes is the volume. You can hear the intake easier. Plus you get to change the filter that much sooner.

swooshman · June 2001

Thanks, I figured filters wouldn't last long like that.. I'm trying to figure every little way to try and cut down on the gas consumption. This truck wasn't as bad before my dad started pulling heavy loads with the truck. I'm sure I'll find out why the increase when I put her in the garage for the next tune up..

Swoosh

oldharry · June 2001

also defeats the temperature control of the intake air. Because the stock air intake goes to the fender well, you may be getting hotter air from the engine compartment. Try changing your fuel filter if you haven't recently. Low pressure to the injecters can increase fuel usage by screwing up the mixture.

Harry

dladwig · June 2001

I'm thinking of buying a used crew cab and would greatly appreciate any info, good or bad on these trucks. I have an '89 K1500 ext. cab short bed 4x4 w/3.73 rear end that I bought new. It's got 160,000 plus miles and has been a great truck. I've pulled a large tent trailer many times and also used it extensively during home remodel loading it pretty heavy and pulling a large dump trailer loaded with gravel several times. Only things I've replaced are starter, battery, exaust, tires, breaks, shocks and radiator. Once while pulling dump trailer up a long hill the tranny slipped badly like it went into neutral and blew a big smoke cloud. I thought I was in for major repair but after cooling down for half hour, back in business and no problem since. I've also had lots of minor leaks like coolant from intake manafold (stop leak fixed it) power steering pump, front differental & rear seal. It is getting pretty tired now and I want a crew cab for the growing family. Any experience with '98-'2000 2500 or 3500 anyone? I just can't see spending $35,000 plus for a new HD Silverado, even though I want one.

Thanks, Dave

swooshman · June 2001

Thanks Harry.. Have done some maintence recently and installed a new fuel filter among changing most of the fluids (except trans). I have a tire question.. I know the more pressure in your tires the less resistance and the better fuel economy. I have a new set of Michelin's LTX M/S LT265/75R16's (this is the size recommended for the truck) on the truck now and the sidewalls say a max of 50psi cold. This is what I have in the tires now but the truck is a little jumpy on ruff roads. On the side of the dirvers door it says that the recommended tire pressure is 40 front and 35 rear. Which should I follow?? My dad had a set of Goodyear Wrangler TD's which came on the truck (these had to be the best tires we've every had but they are discontinued unfortunately) and on one trip to Nova Scotia the belts busted in a tire (I believe he had too much pressure in them). Should I stick with the 50psi or lower it down and how much can I lower it without burning more gas? Thanks for any help anyone can give me.

Swoosh

rudedog1 · June 2001

I have a 98 Z-71 with BFG all terrain T/A and heard many different ideas as to what the ideal tire pressure should be, like anywhere from 30-50 psi. I finally went to the BFG web site and found the right tire pressure (45 psi) listed for my exact truck. I would imagine that Michelin would have the same info on their site. Hope this helps.

cspaulding · June 2001

If you're looking at getting a '99 or 2000, you may as well buy new...at least here in Wisconsin, they still "want" 30,000 to 34,000 for used '99s and 2000s. With end of year coming you may be able to get into a 2001 for a lot less. There is a posting I started about our 2000 K2500 Crew Cab, you might want to check it out.

Chris

oldharry · June 2001

Sorry not to get back sooner, had some power outages and got behind. I run 3 to 5 lb's over recommendation in my tires, and maximum only when I am going to be loaded heavy. With too much pressure the contact patch (area of tire that touches the road) is so small, and the defection so slight that small bumps cause the tire to bounce completely off the road. This will cause the tires to wear more on rough roads than the tread you save on smooth roads. On gas milage, the law of deminishing returns sets in shortly after you pass recommended presure.

Harry

swooshman · June 2001

Thanks guys for the info for my tire question.. Yeah I've dropped my pressure down to 40psi and can see quite a dramatic change in ride.. I don't know why they put one set of pressures on the door and another on the tire wall.. It can get confusing as to what is right.. My dad just bought a 2001 Ford F250 Platinum Edition and it came with Firestone Steeltex AT tires and the sidewall says 70psi.. I think this is wierd seeing they are exactly the same size as the tires on my Z71.. And of course on dad's truck the door tells a different tale then the sidewall.. I have a webpage if anyone is interested in checking out.. I have some pictures of my truck posted there. The address is:

http://www.members.tripod.com/swoosh_man/Stephen's%20Web%20Page.htm

Don't forget to keep is rubber side down!!!!

Swoosh

eric2001 · June 2001

The major difference in your tires vs. your father's is the number of plys. You might have a 4 or 6 ply, but his AT's should be a 10 ply load range 'E' for the additional capacity. The increased air pressure is necessary to handle the increased load capacity.

Any change from the OEM tires may cause the difference between factory recommend and actual tire capacities.

Hope I didn't mess you up more.
-Eric

raben · July 2001

I am thinking about purchasing subject truck(very soon) and would like to ask for comments from past or present owners. Truck has:
107000Kms or 66875 miles
350ci
Extended cab
Step side
4X4
ABS
pwr group

Thanks.

foxterrorist · July 2001

I think I may have an electrical problem in my 1996 Silverado 1500. Sometimes - no pattern to it - when I turn on the wiper blades, nothing happens. I was having a problem (also seemed electrical) where truck would not start as if battery were dead. Jiggling wires did not help - would leave it alone for a while - and then it would start.

Does anybody else have this problem? I purchased this truck about 6 months ago and it has 60,000 miles on it.

Thanks!

swooshman · July 2001

I know this seems very minor to even think about but I have a question.. I was wondering how tight should I screw down the wing nuts on my air filter cover.. I usually put them a couple of turns extra to when they touch the cover but I was wondering if this is too tight or too lose..

Thanks for the help.. Swoosh

obyone · July 2001

by hand and not need a plier...it's not too tight

swooshman · July 2001

Thanks... I was afraid of squating the filter...

Chevy Silverado (C/K) & GMC Sierra (1988 - 1998)

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Chevy Silverado (C/K) &amp; GMC Sierra (1988 - 1998)

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Chevy Silverado (C/K) & GMC Sierra (1988 - 1998)