We have 16,600 on it. Build date 10/01. Will see how it drives in the next few days. Too much wind today to get a good feel for it. I used Tim's site to print out the information I showed the dealer. They mentioned the gasket before seeing the paper.
At the auto shows this week Cadillac unveiled a mid-size, car-based SUV built on the CTS platform. Both a 6 and 8 cylinder version. It looks like the Oldsmobile Bravada becomes the 2004 Buick Rainer rather than a Cadillac as rumored. Based on the dive in Oldsmobile sales in 2002, I doubt there will be a 2004 Bravada.
State of Texas calls my TrailBlazer a "Passenger Truck" on my license registration. If anybody complains about your evil SUV just tell 'em it's a Passenger Truck.
To replace that lighter socket cover, first the socket has to be removed. From the 11-02 Techlink article this is how they say to do it:
Typical Power Accessory Port or Cigarette Lighter Removal This procedure may be used to remove a cigarette lighter or accessory port if the standard method in SI does not work. To review, here’s the standard method.
Remove the power accessory port fuse. Then remove the power accessory port socket by placing one side of the T portion of J-42059 Cigarette Lighter Socket Remover into the tab window. Angle the other side into the opposite tab window. Pull the power accessory port socket straight out. If the standard method fails to remove the socket, use the following alternate method. Insert a small grinding tool with a cutoff wheel into the socket. Remove the plastic latches in the 3 mm (0.11 in.) square windows. With the tabs removed, use J-42059 as directed above to remove the socket. Remove J-42059 from the power accessory port socket. Then, disconnect the electrical connector from the power accessory port. And finally, use your index finger to pull out the power accessory port retainer.
Once they get the lighter socket out then the cover can be replaced.
When I purchased my 2002 TB off the dealer's lot, it had the cheapo stereo (very boomy and hazy sound). I'd like to replace whatever causes this poor sound (head receiver, speakers, whatever). What are my options here?
Manually turn the Bass down to -1 or -3 from center, and turn the Treble all the way up. Mine sounds pretty good that way. Otherwise there are interface issues trying to replace the head unit with an aftermarket one. It is addressed by the BCM via the serial buss. Not as easy as it used to be. Some have even relocated the original head unit under the front seat to keep it in the system.
The 2004 Ranier has been the touted as the "replacement" for the Bravada for nearly a year now. It was never, formally, going to Cadillac. The Bravada will cease production as of the 2003 model year.
Have 2002 Trailblazer LS with mfg. date of Dec. 2001. At around 10,000 miles and again at 15,000 miles, I had no instrument panel lights or functions when starting vehicle. I mean no speedo, gages, warning lights, cruise control, nothing. After shutting off vehicle and letting it sit for 5 minutes, everything came back to normal. It has only happened twice in the 15,000 miles. No other electrical problems with vehicle. I suspect maybe a relay of some sort. What can you tell me about this? THANKS
What do you guys use to clean your polished alloy wheels? I don't want to use anything that will dull mine. Is there a product that makes them shine really well?
The State of Michigan calls my TB a station wagon! I think tblazed's passenger truck is a little more realistic.
More seriously, has anyone noticed their rear wiper not parking down in the holder on the tailgate? Mine parks to the outside of the holder. I don't know why it started doing that after nearly 2 years of operation.
Has anyone successfully completed a HID retrofit in a TB? I was considering it, but with the DRL's and the low beams going off when high beams are on, concerns me a little with the operation of the HID's. If anyone has any tips please let me know.
The no dash lights and gauges is due to a glitch in the Cluster itself.
There is a tsb on it for the dealer to re-program the cluster.
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Gauges Read Zero at Times, Gauges Inoperative at Times (Reprogram IPC) #02-08-49-004A - (11/01/2002) Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Gauges Read Zero at Times, Gauges Inoperative at Times (Reprogram IPC) 2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer EXT
2002 GMC Envoy, Envoy XL
2002 Oldsmobile Bravada
This bulletin is being revised to change the service procedure. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-08-49-004 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).
Condition Some customers may comment that at times all the IPC gauges are inoperative or read zero at times.
Cause The IPC cluster module receives information to position the gauges when the key is turned from OFF to ON/START. Random electrical interference with this data information on the serial data line may interrupt the receipt of the information by the IPC. When the IPC data information signal is compromised, the IPC will set the gauges to zero for that complete ignition cycle. The gauges may work properly on the next ignition cycle, if the ignition was off for approximately five minutes prior to the next ignition cycle.
The 2004 Ranier WILL BE the "replacement" for the Olds Bravada. Basically the same vehicle with a different grill and a V8 option. I have a picture on my web page if any one is interested.
I get 23 MPG on the highway since I changed to AMSOIL and their filter. I have a 2003 SLT with 3.73 ring and pinion and this thing is fully loaded. I also install on the side the the Invinca-shield clear bra and I ran a professional detail shop for M-Benz. Willing to help out fellow Envoy owners with advice, especially Seatlle,WA people. Email me at: gowildhare1@attbi.com I am a serious car enthusiast and have been for 26 years!
I read the post about the airbag light coming on at 10K and 15K miles. Went to lunch after reading that, sure enough, airbag light came on for the very first time in 15K miles. After lunch restarted Envoy and guess what, no airbag light. Spooky.
The Caddy DeVille I rented while my Envoy was in the shop last week for 6 days had the airbag light come on too, at 8K miles. Then it went away the next time I restarted and never came back.
This sounds a little like the "what if" we were talking about when installing a CB radio or other types of RF devices in the tripletts. I believe I mentioned interference to the data bus at that time as a possible reason for unexplained electrical problems. It sounds like GM is either on the trail of finding the problem or has found the reason for some of the quirks in these cars.
Here is something I stumbled on in GM's powertrain website.
"For the second consecutive year, General Motors' Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine has been recognized as a Ward's Communications "10 Best Engine." GM Powertrain has also released the final horsepower and torque numbers for the all-new Vortec 3500 inline five-cylinder and Vortec 2800 inline four-cylinder engines that will be featured in the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon."
I always new we had one of the best engines available!
My panel went out also. The dealership keep the car three days and they never really told me the problem. They replaced the whole panel. My TB is a LS so no on star so maybe this is more than just a system glitch. Also has anyone experiences jerking in the transmission on cold driving start up?
I know it's preaching to the choir in this forum and I haven't seen the commercials nor the talk show discussions that are apparently on-going, but I'll give my $.02 anyway.
I don't think we should waste one second trying to explain our purchase (e.g. towing, off-road for boating, hunting, etc.). This is a (legal) product, publicly sold. I went to the store, liked it, bought it and if you don't like it you can kiss my bumper! Seriously, if we started making a list of products consumers don't "need", the list would be a mile long. For instance, I don't need a 2.43Ghz Pentium and a 21" monitor to write this message, but it sure is nice!
I have an '02 Envoy XL SLT. Just wanted to throw in my 2 cents about "that" commercial.
The commercial sponsors are just arrogant in believing they somehow "know" what my pre-ordained gasoline consumption ought to be. Since Jesus was a carpenter, he'd probably be driving a full size pickup or one of those new Avalanche's.
Anyway, I am really happy with my Envoy. This week, after a hard day at the office I was greeted with freezing rain and sleet for my commute home from Milwaukee to Kenosha. Temp's were hovering at 31 so I was just a little uneasy wondering when the ice would be forming. I dialed in A4WD, backed-off my speed a bit and stayed in the center lane, and got 22.6 mpg according to the DIC for my 40 mile ride home that night. I've had 4 bangers that haven't gotten that kind of mileage. Jesus is certainly proud, PTL. Chris
As I have stated before I operate a ham radio transceiver from my TrailBlazer with up to 50 Watts RF power so I actually speak from experience. I have never had a "glitch" in almost a year caused by self-induced RF interference. The only time I have had any "glitch" was the one time my Airbag light stayed on when I started the engine. The radio was turned OFF at this time. Had nothing to do with it. But if you want to really be cautious I would suggest staying at least 1000 ft from any Police car, 18-Wheeler or any other mobile source of RF just in case. RF field strength is directly proportional to the distance from the source. Just make sure there is no one else on the road with you and you don't drive within a mile of any radio or TV station transmitters and everything should be all-OK. (Yeah right.) Oh, and do not use your cell phone inside the vehicle either. It is a radio transceiver too.
Actually, seems like I read that in addition to reprogramming the instrument cluster there was an issue concerning the wiring harness and connector at the right-front door causing some random initial start glitch instrument panel problems. There was a fix to either repair the connector or replace the harness.
What would Jesus Drive? If he needed all the disciples, he could squeeze them into an Excursion in a pinch. I am much more offended by the ads that say we support terrorism by driving an SUV. Really? I just can't see a Toyota Echo or some sorry hybrid pulling my 5000+ pound boat. Did I say boat? I guess I support Saddam as well as Osama!!!!!
I have a 02 Envoy. The 3rd brakelight black moulding above the tailgate is warped and pulls the sticky tape off the window. Had it replaced once, but the replacement is warped also. Searched the tech bulletins but couldn't find any references. Anyone have a similar problem?
tblazed, you should know that measured rf field strength is not directly proportional to distance from the source. It is a function of logrithmic proportions. In order to double distance, you must quadruple power out, and so on. By the way, you should not take these posts so personally, they are in no way directed to you. It was just a small reminder that all things are not black and white in the tech world. That is why the post was labeled electrical quirk.
Also, on the subject of what Jesus would drive, I don't know what they drove to dinner, but I seem to remember a depiction of the last supper which showed half of the table empty. They could have used a smaller table, but they opted for comfort over utilitarianism.
OK ficuss sorry for not getting the exact wording gramatically correct. Here are two questions from the FCC license question pool with the correct answers.
T0D04 (C) In the far field, as the distance from the source increases, how does power density vary?
C. The power density is proportional to the inverse square of the distance
T0D05 (D) In the near field, how does the field strength vary with distance from the source?
D. It depends on the type of antenna being used
Sorry hosts for carrying this on here but as one of about 800,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the US, I am constantly trying to ENCOURAGE people to get involved, even with a CB in the car. You'd be amazed how many hams started out with a CB. I donate a lot of time, money, and labor supporting our local amateur radio club. I was countering the negative impression left by blaming random glitches on somebody's CB. "Fair and Balanced", like Fox news! Before I decided finally to buy my TrailBlazer I went and looked one over for radio installation. That was a prerequisite.
I'd been considering these options. I've followed the posts related to it and browsed K&W and other sites. What I wasn't sure of was whether it really was worth doing in terms of performance; particularly the induction kit. Reports of better throttle response and performance without actual numbers are just too subjective for me. So this morning I ran a couple of acceleration tests; one as normal and one with the air box and filter removed (you can't do any better than entirely unrestricted airflow). To the resolution of my test (which was fairly low - stopwatch and noting the speed as I passed my mark), there was 0 difference in performance. Also, in driving around without the filter I couldn't really tell any difference.
More horsepower is always better and I could believe approximately 5 hp gain. I wouldn't doubt a gain of a tenth and a mile or two in the quarter under instrumented testing, but that's not where I use it. Also, the "up to 20 hp" quoted on K&W's site is going to be the best they've seen across many engines. No doubt that number is from a blown engine, probably a turbo-diesel.
"0 difference in performance" That's the conclusion I came to on my 4.3 V6 S-10 after installing a K&N. The filter really did not make a perceptable difference performance or gas mileage. I'm not going the K&N route this time. I don't care for the oily mess either. It "could" make a difference if the exhaust system was opened up to flow better to take advantage of whatever flow gain you get from the K&N. The exhaust pipe especially where it goes over the rear suspension looks more restictive to me than the air filter element. Also the little "snorkle" air intake at the front of the air cleaner box looks restrictive.
Your testing is incomplete. The resonator on top of the engine restricts airflow. It sounds like you kept that on. There appears to be a resonator inside the airbox too. Also, if you remove the airbox, you will allow hot air coming through the radiator into the engine. The true test would be to induct cold air without a filter and without resonators.
I've installed the K&N intake. A few extra horsepower no doubt, but enough to feel? Probably not. The only thing I may have noticed above and beyond the placebo effect, is at WOT it seems to get from 5000 RPM's to 6000+ really fast. Anyway, the poor engine is handicapped by this thin Denver air.
I've noticed just in the last 1500 mi or so mine seems to be zipping up in RPMs faster and even the low-end is better. All I've done is drive it. I have been making it shift eariler and it seems to be "learning" my habits too. The transmission is supposed to have a learning mode but have not found documentation exactly what it does as far as "learning" driver habits. I complained about performance in the past as I have the 3.42 gears. But the way it's running as of now I certainly have no complaints.
I would think the resonators in the intake might help smooth the air flow at certain engine RPMs to prevent the air from pulsating back-and-forth at some frequency relative to the engine speed and a resulting back-pressure that could inhibit air flow. Just a theory.
Thin air in Denver... the worst thing I ever did to my old '71 Chevelle w/ 402 big block was drive it all the way up to the top of Pikes Peak in '75. By the time we got to the top the mixture screws on the Holley spread-bore were turned all the way to the stops, it would barely get around in the parking lot and was blowing clouds of black smoke. Had thick carbon build-up in the exhaust tips for at least year after.
Down here at 400-600 ft above sea level my Trailblazer runs goood! Wonder how much difference there is at 5,000 ft?
No problem. Actually, you spared me from having to explain the difference between logarithmic and inverse square variation! To some of us, seeing the terms used incorrectly produces the same reaction as fingernails scratching a chalkboard! :-)
Anyone know what the criteria is for installing this so called Brake Controller under the dash when towing trailers? I understand our SUV's have the wiring ready for this and also has the 7 pin rear connector, but the manual states that a brake controller is required when pulling large trailers. What is this and can a "do it yourself" person do this without going back to the dealer? Where can you buy it and how is it used and installed? Any input would be appreciated.
A brake controller is required to control the brakes on trailers with electric brakes. The controller is activated when the foot brake is applied, also has manual activation for more control. There's a 4-wire harness attached to a large harness under the left side of the steering column. Remove the lower fascia, 2 vertical facing screws on a Trailblazer, the wires have a white tag wrapped around them and is taped the the larger harness. These wires are connected to the controller wires ACCORDING TO THE BRAKE CONTROLLER INSTRUCTIONS, do not match the color of the wires, the connections and colors vary with manufacturers of the controller. The controller can be purchsed just about anywhere hitchs/wiring kits are sold, NAPA, Walmart and most auto parts stores. Tekonsha and Reese are just a couple makers.
GM Calibration Information site shows several postings for my VIN number. Is this telling me that my VIN needs to be considered for these updated claibrations, or is this a historical record of the calibrations upgrades already done to my VIN???
Thanks a bunch, this will help me. I have to pull a trailer next month but the guy that I am renting from, did not tell me about the electric brakes on the trailer. Hopefully I can do this next week. Thanks again.
Considering ordering new TB. I won't be doing any towing - so I was wondering about gear ratio's. I would assume that the 3.42 would provide better gas mileage but less acceleration torque. ANyone have any input??
The calibrations listed are all of the calibrations that are current for the Vin you have entered. This is not a history of what is on your vehicle. The only way to see the calibratios on your vehicle is to use a tool called a Tech II. This is the diagnostic computer used by the techs at the dealership to diagnose your SUV.
Intend to purchase 2003 Envoy XL. Hung up on which engine to go with - the 4200-6 or 5300-8. Heard a lot of good things about the 4200 6 cylinder. However concerned if this has enough power for XL version. I will NOT be towing. Appreciate your comments.
I have been driving an TB XL since October and have towed approx 1500#. I am set up with the 4.2L with 3.42 gears. There is absolutely no issue with adequate power. Plenty of acceleration and high speed passing is good
twinrotts - I bought a 2003 Envoy XL last month with the 4200 6 cyl 2WD, 3.73 gears. It has ample power, and I rarely take it over 3000 rpm during normal driving. Since you won't be towing, save your money and go with the 4.2L, you'll get better gas mileage too (not that us SUV owners care about that!) I would also guess that the 4200 is quieter and has less vibration than the 5300, but I have not driven the 5300.
I'm about to order a Chevy 4WD Ext Trailblazer - thinking about adding the sunroof and tube steps anyone with thoughts or experience here? Stick with dealer, or save a few $ and go aftermarket?
For the sunroof, just go factory. There are some great aftermarket ones available, but it's almost always a safer bet to have it built in there right at the factory and not have to go cutting later.
As far as the running boards, if the price is good and you like, go with those from the dealer or factory and get them on there in the first place. Otherwise, just don't order anything and go aftermarket. I'd probably go factory here too, but that's just me.
I'd go aftermarket on the side step bars. I just put on some black Westin ones and they were just over $200 and very easy to install. I don't like the factory plastic running boards at all. I think you can get tubular side steps from the factory but gmgoodwrench.com says "coming soon."
Scott: Which triplet did you add the Westin tube side steps to, and is there plenty of room for mudflaps, too? Did you have to order the tubes, or did you find them locally? Thanks.
I have an '02 short wheelbase Trailblazer. I don't have the mudflaps, but there looks to be plenty of room for them since the steps start about 5 or 6 inches after the end of the wheelwell.
I got them locally at a Pep Boys. They had to order them, but it only took a few days. Surely a lot of auto parts store can get them. Make sure to find the part numbers beforehand, though. It makes it a lot easier when dealing with the part store folks.
Comments
Thanks
PolarBear6
-mike
To replace that lighter socket cover, first the socket has to be removed. From the 11-02 Techlink article this is how they say to do it:
Typical Power Accessory Port or Cigarette Lighter Removal
This procedure may be used to remove a cigarette lighter or accessory port if the standard method in SI does not work. To review, here’s the standard method.
Remove the power accessory port fuse. Then remove the power accessory port socket by placing one side of the T portion of J-42059 Cigarette Lighter Socket Remover into the tab window. Angle the other side into the opposite tab window. Pull the power accessory port socket straight out.
If the standard method fails to remove the socket, use the following alternate method.
Insert a small grinding tool with a cutoff wheel into the socket. Remove the plastic latches in the 3 mm (0.11 in.) square windows. With the tabs removed, use J-42059 as directed above to remove the socket. Remove J-42059 from the power accessory port socket. Then, disconnect the electrical connector from the power accessory port. And finally, use your index finger to pull out the power accessory port retainer.
Once they get the lighter socket out then the cover can be replaced.
When I purchased my 2002 TB off the dealer's lot, it had the cheapo stereo (very boomy and hazy sound). I'd like to replace whatever causes this poor sound (head receiver, speakers, whatever). What are my options here?
Thanks for any help,
Dean
Now you know how to spell it. :^)
More seriously, has anyone noticed their rear wiper not parking down in the holder on the tailgate? Mine parks to the outside of the holder. I don't know why it started doing that after nearly 2 years of operation.
There is a tsb on it for the dealer to re-program the cluster.
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Gauges Read Zero at Times, Gauges Inoperative at Times (Reprogram IPC) #02-08-49-004A - (11/01/2002)
Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Gauges Read Zero at Times, Gauges Inoperative at Times (Reprogram IPC)
2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer EXT
2002 GMC Envoy, Envoy XL
2002 Oldsmobile Bravada
This bulletin is being revised to change the service procedure. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-08-49-004 (Section 08 -- Body and Accessories).
Condition
Some customers may comment that at times all the IPC gauges are inoperative or read zero at times.
Cause
The IPC cluster module receives information to position the gauges when the key is turned from OFF to ON/START. Random electrical interference with this data information on the serial data line may interrupt the receipt of the information by the IPC. When the IPC data information signal is compromised, the IPC will set the gauges to zero for that complete ignition cycle. The gauges may work properly on the next ignition cycle, if the ignition was off for approximately five minutes prior to the next ignition cycle.
www.geocities.com/myersworld2001
~Ken
I am a serious car enthusiast and have been for 26 years!
The Caddy DeVille I rented while my Envoy was in the shop last week for 6 days had the airbag light come on too, at 8K miles. Then it went away the next time I restarted and never came back.
Frank
"For the second consecutive year, General Motors' Vortec 4200 inline six-cylinder engine has been recognized as a Ward's Communications "10 Best Engine." GM Powertrain has also released the final horsepower and torque numbers for the all-new Vortec 3500 inline five-cylinder and Vortec 2800 inline four-cylinder engines that will be featured in the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon."
I always new we had one of the best engines available!
--
Doug
I don't think we should waste one second trying to explain our purchase (e.g. towing, off-road for boating, hunting, etc.). This is a (legal) product, publicly sold. I went to the store, liked it, bought it and if you don't like it you can kiss my bumper! Seriously, if we started making a list of products consumers don't "need", the list would be a mile long. For instance, I don't need a 2.43Ghz Pentium and a 21" monitor to write this message, but it sure is nice!
And here is a shot of the interior.
More details at http://www.buick.com/rainier/photos/
The commercial sponsors are just arrogant in believing they somehow "know" what my pre-ordained gasoline consumption ought to be. Since Jesus was a carpenter, he'd probably be driving a full size pickup or one of those new Avalanche's.
Anyway, I am really happy with my Envoy. This week, after a hard day at the office I was greeted with freezing rain and sleet for my commute home from Milwaukee to Kenosha. Temp's were hovering at 31 so I was just a little uneasy wondering when the ice would be forming. I dialed in A4WD, backed-off my speed a bit and stayed in the center lane, and got 22.6 mpg according to the DIC for my 40 mile ride home that night. I've had 4 bangers that haven't gotten that kind of mileage. Jesus is certainly proud, PTL.
Chris
Actually, seems like I read that in addition to reprogramming the instrument cluster there was an issue concerning the wiring harness and connector at the right-front door causing some random initial start glitch instrument panel problems. There was a fix to either repair the connector or replace the harness.
Also, on the subject of what Jesus would drive, I don't know what they drove to dinner, but I seem to remember a depiction of the last supper which showed half of the table empty. They could have used a smaller table, but they opted for comfort over utilitarianism.
Frank
T0D04 (C)
In the far field, as the distance from the source increases, how does power
density vary?
C. The power density is proportional to the inverse square of the distance
T0D05 (D)
In the near field, how does the field strength vary with distance from the
source?
D. It depends on the type of antenna being used
Sorry hosts for carrying this on here but as one of about 800,000 licensed amateur radio operators in the US, I am constantly trying to ENCOURAGE people to get involved, even with a CB in the car. You'd be amazed how many hams started out with a CB. I donate a lot of time, money, and labor supporting our local amateur radio club. I was countering the negative impression left by blaming random glitches on somebody's CB. "Fair and Balanced", like Fox news! Before I decided finally to buy my TrailBlazer I went and looked one over for radio installation. That was a prerequisite.
More horsepower is always better and I could believe approximately 5 hp gain. I wouldn't doubt a gain of a tenth and a mile or two in the quarter under instrumented testing, but that's not where I use it. Also, the "up to 20 hp" quoted on K&W's site is going to be the best they've seen across many engines. No doubt that number is from a blown engine, probably a turbo-diesel.
I've installed the K&N intake. A few extra horsepower no doubt, but enough to feel? Probably not. The only thing I may have noticed above and beyond the placebo effect, is at WOT it seems to get from 5000 RPM's to 6000+ really fast. Anyway, the poor engine is handicapped by this thin Denver air.
I would think the resonators in the intake might help smooth the air flow at certain engine RPMs to prevent the air from pulsating back-and-forth at some frequency relative to the engine speed and a resulting back-pressure that could inhibit air flow. Just a theory.
Thin air in Denver... the worst thing I ever did to my old '71 Chevelle w/ 402 big block was drive it all the way up to the top of Pikes Peak in '75. By the time we got to the top the mixture screws on the Holley spread-bore were turned all the way to the stops, it would barely get around in the parking lot and was blowing clouds of black smoke. Had thick carbon build-up in the exhaust tips for at least year after.
Down here at 400-600 ft above sea level my Trailblazer runs goood! Wonder how much difference there is at 5,000 ft?
tidester, host
No problem. Actually, you spared me from having to explain the difference between logarithmic and inverse square variation! To some of us, seeing the terms used incorrectly produces the same reaction as fingernails scratching a chalkboard! :-)
tidester, host
tim
Is this telling me that my VIN needs to be considered for these updated claibrations, or is this a historical record of the calibrations upgrades already done to my VIN???
I am set up with the 4.2L with 3.42 gears.
There is absolutely no issue with adequate power.
Plenty of acceleration and high speed passing is good
As far as the running boards, if the price is good and you like, go with those from the dealer or factory and get them on there in the first place. Otherwise, just don't order anything and go aftermarket. I'd probably go factory here too, but that's just me.
I don't like the factory plastic running boards at all. I think you can get tubular side steps from the factory but gmgoodwrench.com says "coming soon."
Which triplet did you add the Westin tube side steps to, and is there plenty of room for mudflaps, too? Did you have to order the tubes, or did you find them locally? Thanks.
I got them locally at a Pep Boys. They had to order them, but it only took a few days. Surely a lot of auto parts store can get them. Make sure to find the part numbers beforehand, though. It makes it a lot easier when dealing with the part store folks.