Chevy/GMC Owners

stauter · April 1998

I own a 96 GMC Z71 and am having a problem that I can't figure out for the life of me. Every time I apply the brakes I can hear a slight popping noise up around the front end by the tires. It's louder if I'm going down the highway and hit the brakes for a stoplight and not so noticeable if I'm say.... just pulling out of a parking spot or something. It's not the transmission or the steering as far as I can tell. I can't pin it down and it's starting to worry me because front end work is so dang expensive, I'd really like to get it fixed before I have to get it replaced. Thought that it could be loose pads but I checked that out and couldn't find anything, however I didn't look all that hard. Does anyone have any ideas on what this could be????? I hate to just take it to the shop and say Fix It! That's when they really rip you off... Thanks and I'd appreciate any input you may have.

fredwood · April 1998

Does the sound continue as you brake?

The sound starts right as you press on brakes and then stops, let off the brake as you coast...press the brakes and the sound reappears...right? Sound familiar? This sound is from a loose brake pad. You need to put new brake pad shims in, if your brake pads still have enough pad life left. They are a little metal shim that goes behind the brake pad. Also while your in there put some brake pad lubricant in between the pad/shim/caliper. Good luck.

thatcher7 · April 1998

Fredwood:
Thanks for the advice, that's exactly what it's doing, I feel a lot better now and I'll get started on the project first thing tomorrow. No telling how much $ you just saved me.
Thanks again,
Stauter

fredwood · April 1998

jalang, yea the price seems a little high. But if its as cherry as you describe it, go for it. I would expect to rebuild the auto trans in the near future. Ask to see his maintanance records. Ask him WHY is he getting rid of it. Ask him if he towed with it regularly. Good luck.

Zorbas · April 1998

I am considering buying a new Chevy 4x4 ext. cab with all of the options. I like the style of the 98s but am curious if I should wait till the 99s come out. Do you think that the 99 is going to be that much of a better truck?

Brutus · April 1998

You might check out the Truckworld site at www.truckworld.com. They have some information on the new trucks. It looks like they've made some changes with the engines, the frames, the brakes and some other stuff. It might be worth waiting for, depending on what the price is going to be. If nothing else, you should start seeing rebates on the 98 models once the 99 models come out. The new trucks are due out this Fall, I believe.

cdean · May 1998

I would like to know what other Chevy owners are getting that pull trailers. I have a 350 with 3.42 rear end. I usually pull about a 3500lb boat, and i've never checked actual mileage, but I estimate pulling to be around 10 or 11, going 65 mph ( in 3rd, not overdrive.) This is opposed to 18 when not pulling. Is any one out ther e with the same rear end or a 3.73 pulling frequently. I kinda want to see how i'm doing in comparison. I've also heard some people with trouble with the 3.42 who pull with Tahoes. anybody out there with experience. Thanks.

joemac · May 1998

I am considering buying a '98 S-10 with the ZR2 package. I have test driven the regular LS model, and liked it, but am wondering how different the ride & handling will be with the ZR2. I definitely want the ZR2 pkg for the off-roading I plan to do, but since this would be my only vehicle, I have to consider the day-to-day, on-road driving experience as well. Can anyone offer first hand experience/comments on this baby?

jeff84 · May 1998

cdean I have a 98 3/4 4x4 350 auto 3:73 I get 15 mpg on long trips at 70 mph or 12 mpg at 65 pulling my 3,000 lb boat 150 miles to lake powell. truck has 3000 miles on it.

johnssa · May 1998

I am considering 1998 C3500 crew cab. This truck has a vortec 5700 with the 4-spd heavy duty auto, and a 4.10 rear end. This is a Silverado package and the truck is beautiful. Any thoughts on mileage with no cargo, a ton of feed in the back, or pulling about a 5000# box trailer? Any other thoughts are comments on this potential purchase?

srk · May 1998

Currently looking to move into a 98 1500 Silverado (Auto, 4WD, ext. cab, V8). It will be my first Chevy purchase after living with a very basic Nissan over the past few years. Any words of wisdom, good or bad, on the 98 Silverdos?

BigChevy · May 1998

Hello. I have a 95' Chevy, reg cab, swb, 4x4, full size pick-up with a 305 and auto trans. I think I get the crappiest gas mileage in the world, and I don't pull or get on it hard but it continues to give me just over 11 mpg. I have also noticed a loss in power, but not much. Any suggestions to what maybe causing this poor mileage. I can't travel 200 miles before filling up and thats on the highway. THAT SUCKS. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks.

Motormouth · May 1998

Now's the time to share your expertise...

In case you missed it, Johnssa needs info/feedback from any C3500 owners out there (see message #117).

In message 118, srk is looking for feeback on the 98 Silverado, and in message 119, BigChevy wants to know why his mileage is so bad.

Anyone out there that can lend a hand to these folks?

Also, to those three (and anyone with questions about performance etc), don't forget to check out our Auto & Truck Reviews.

Thanks.

Motormouth

justmeinvt · May 1998

srk,

Well, I recently bought a 98 Silverado, 1500, extended cab, auto, 5.7 V-8, air, snow plow prep package and tow package.

Very happy so far, mileage surprisingly good, 17 +. Of course, driven conservatively, and lots of highway miles.

We have an 85, similarly equipped. My wife always hated it, won't drive it !! She loves the new truck !!!

cuz · May 1998

i really don't like ford because the g m c i think
that it is a better all around trunk

risbell · May 1998

Have you heard what the new 99 GMC sierra will look like? how much is it going to change?

KCRam · May 1998

A few questions to help narrow your problem:

1) How long ago was the power loss, mileagewise, and how many miles are on the truck?
2) Did it coincide with a fillup at a station you don't normally use?
3) Have you had trans slippage around this time as well?
4) Have you changed your engine filters (air/fuel/PCV) lately, or even just before you had the power loss?
5) Was the mileage and power loss gradual or immediate?

Even before you answer those, you sound like a candidate for a real tune-up (not that "maintenance tune-up" crap most shops advertise) where you get plugs, wires, cap, rotor, the filters I mentioned, an honest injector cleaning, and a throttle body cleaning, as well as a thorough transmission service (filter, band adjustment, check of radiator connection in addition to fresh fluid).

Other things that will cause a power and mileage loss:
- a plugged exhaust system (bad muffler, bad cat-con)
- rear differential probs (power loss at the axle)
- slow tire leak (causing drag)

tarheels · May 1998

hello all!
I have a 1992 chevy s10 with 40000 miles. I have had the breaks replaced several times because of a thumping noise when coming to a stop and I also have a problem with losing coolant.I cannot find any coolant on the ground when I let the car idle or when I pull into the driveway from a trip and leave it on. I briefly recall reading a small article in usa today about a recall of some sorts on gm trucks for brake problems. I have talked to customer service reps and they say they don't know what I'm talking about. If anyone has any info I would appreciate it.
Thanks.

Motormouth · May 1998

We've got a way of searching for Recall Information.

Click on the hot link above to save you a couple of steps.

To save you some time, I checked on the 1992 S10 and there were two recall notices. One had to do with a defective fan blade that could come off while spinning and hurt someone if the hood happened to be open at the time.

The other had to do with the coolant system. Go check it out.

Motormouth

bigfur · May 1998

I've got a 89 F250 regular cab long bed with a 302 (yes, that is correct a 302) with a four speed overdrive manual. I get less than ten mpg and I believe that I should get better. Any advice would be great.

bigfur · May 1998

By the way risbell the 99 chevys don't change to much outside. they get a new front and rear end apperance.

erumaker · May 1998

Sorry, I meant to say I hope I DON'T have a timing belt!

tarheels · May 1998

motormouth
Thanks for the info. I did not know about the recall notices. I didn't find anything that pertained to my problem though

clper · June 1998

I will be looking to purchase a pickup soon (possibly Chevy or Dodge, 1/2 or 3/4 ton, 4x2 or 4x4). We will be towing travel trailer @ 7,000 - 8,500 lbs GVWR, 26-28 ft long.

I know this thread was posted as Chevy/GMC interest, but would like to hear from ex Dodge owners and why they may have switched to Chevy.

Would like to know who is pulling what and where (i.e., flat range, mountains, etc.)?

Preferences and why?

Thanks in advance.

cdean · June 1998

if its pulling power you want, either of the trucks will fill your needs. both have plenty of power. for that size trailer you probably want a 4.10 rear end, so the engine won't be struggling. you will sacrifice gas mileage. both the chevy and dodge have great torque and are awesome to pull with. i think the chevrolet will get a bit better mileage, especially when not pulling. if you go with a 3/4 ton big block engine, the dodge v-10 will pull anything, but not far from a gas pump. chevy's 454 has 300 hp, 420 ftlb (dodge has 450 ftlb) and still gets mileage anywhere in the 11-14 range, depending who's driving and what gear. i don't think the v-10 gets above 10 mpg. someone else know? i've always pulled with a halfton chevy usually between 4 and 6000 lbs. the 350 pulls no prob, but i've wished for a 3/4 ton a couple times, just to have a little more stiffer truck. then again, it would probably be too stiff when i wasn't pulling. my boat trailer is terribly designed and when i hit rough roads, it bounces badly, and shakes the truck a little. other steadier heavy trailers have not given much of any probs, though. i haven't pulled with a dodge, but i think the dodge frames have more torsion stiffness than chevy, (twisting strength between the frame rails), which probably makes for more steady feel when towing.
hoped i helped.

2345 · June 1998

Anyone heard the news? GM is talking about moving (more) plants to Mexico! Tell them how full of it they are. Tell them American jobs are more important than helping develop a third world country!
Tell them to use Saturn as a model to treat employees, and keep jobs in America.

P.S. I am not a union member, and don't know anyone who is in the UAW

Here's a story: http://www.autoauth.com/topstories/aw3.htm

And links to GM where you can e-mail them your comments:

www.cadillac.com
www.buick.com
www.pontiac.com
www.gmc.com
www.chevrolet.com
www.saturn.com
www.oldsmobile.com

Wes

bigfur · June 1998

Clper,
I don't know if this is still true(probably not), but i heard that Dodge trannys wernt any good after a hundered grand NOT pulling. like i said i may be wrong, if so somebody please correct me.

Brutus · June 1998

Every time a strike happens, like the one GM is dealing with now, it just fuels their fire to get as much of their work out of the US as possible or to outsource the work to other nonunion US companies who have lower labor costs.

cdean · June 1998

i believe bigfur is right, GM automatic trannies are MUCH more reliable than dodges.

stevek · June 1998

Dodges also have a problem with their front ends. It can not handle the weight of the bigger engines. I know of several Dodge owners who had nothing but problems, it includes pleasure and heavy duty work trucks.

simonds · June 1998

I currently have a 96 Sierra Club Cab SLE. I love
it, but I'm ready for the 99's. Anyone out there
know how much they're running for??

bigfur · June 1998

I saw in a magizine(i cant remember which) that an extended cab 4x4 would be about 25K with some good options.

mje · June 1998

Simonds,

The 2000's might be worth the wait as they
will be re-designed.

mje · June 1998

I have a 97 Sierra Z71 with bucket seats. The
drivers side has a 6 way power seat. I have had it fixed 4 times as the bracket that the set is attached to comes loose. (not where it is attached
to the floor.) The The seat is attached to a
separate bracket which is then attached
to another bracket to the floor. Has anyone
else experienced this or just me? The dealer
can't explain the problem. The seat will slide
slightlyforward or back when accelerating or braking.

stevek · June 1998

A towing question. I have a '97 Chevy K1500 extended cab pickup with the 5.7 Vortec engine and the Z71 package (whatever that is). I purchased a pop-up trailer (no more then 2,000 pounds) to tow. Do I need to do anything to make the truck last. I know it can handle it and I am planning to use premium fuel while towing, but may be some minor modifications (like a shift kit) would be helpful. Anyone with some advice or experiences?

FETZ · June 1998

You shouldn't have any problem towing a 2,000 lb. trailer. I just checked the specs on Edmund's new truck listing, and the 4.3L V6 is rated to tow 5,000 lb. You have the 5.7L V8, so your your tow rating is definitely more than that (also depends on tow package and axle ratio).

For such a light trailer, I think you would be wasting your money to make towing modifications to your truck.

Happy Motoring!

seber · June 1998

I am in the process of deciding between two different trucks to purchase the 1999, Ford F250 Super Duty and waiting for the 1999 Chevy/GMC K1500. Although I do not need the 3/4 ton, I like the new look of the superduty and the four doors. As a long time Chevy man I am looking for some good reasoning to wait for the new Chevy.

pworange · June 1998

Has anyone heard of any problems with premature brake maintenance on Sierra K1500, Z71? A friend of mine has a 97 with only 12600 miles and has been told he needs to replace at least the front pads. This can't be normal although we've heard that with the abolition of asbestos pads that the new ones don't last as long. Does GM have anything in the works to fix the situation or is he destined to replace the pads every 12000 miles or so. Appreciate any inputs.

stevek · July 1998

I have the same Z71 truck and the front brakes did fail early. The problem was that I had a leak in the rear end, which resulted in gear oil getting on my rear brakes and not working a 100%. There are also "lifetime" aftermarket front pads out there I have 25+K on them so far. Anyway check the rear brakes make sure they are adjusted correctly, it also depends on how the person drives.

jetn · July 1998

I'm torn between a Z71 and ford F150 any advice on this

jetn · July 1998

Why besides the amount of people buying Fords are they rated #1 over say the ZS

cdean · July 1998

who is rating the ford over the chevy is the 1st question. it's really what you like. i think the ford's strong points are it's carlike ride, love or leave it styling, and smooth operation. the chevy on the other hand, can outrun, and outpull it and get better mileage. i've been in some rough riding chevy's but the new ones are smooth as glass. the ford has a frame that is torsionally stiffer than the chevy, which means it isolates the bumps from the driver better. but that's because the chevy frame was designed over 10 years ago and the ford only 2 years ago.

either way you're going to get a good package. the interiors differ quite a bit, i personally like chevy's better, i also know people who like fords much better. if drivetrain performance is really what you want, go with the chevy. steering is effortless on both trucks. the '99 fords will give you a 4th door if you get an extended cab. the '99 chevy's will give you an awesome truck all together. if they ever make them, though.

kfarley · July 1998

I am in the market for a pickup and drove a new 1998 Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge yesterday, one after the other. The Dodge had the smoothest ride and seemed to have the most interior room. The ford was best handling and quiet and had a ride second to the Dodge. Ford and dodge had about equal power. The Chevrolet had best power but the handling and ride are definitely dated and inferior to Dodge and Ford. All three had comfortable cabs and the controls on all three were convenient. I anxiously await the 1999 GM products. I have a 1992 F-150 long cab and have been displeased with three things: worse mileage than chevrolets, that blasted squeaking drive belt and interior rattles. Does anyone have experience with 1997 or 1998 F-150 long cab to share in these problem areas or other areas of praise or condemnation? Also, how is the mileage and long-term experience on rattles and squeaks on 1997 or 1998 Dodges with 318 engines?

jetn · July 1998

Please advise. I'm buying a 1998 Z71 are there any particular problems I need to be aware of for this year. Should I buy now that the strike is on the dealer I talked will give me a good deal because he really needs a sale and dosen't know how long it will last. On the down side they discoutinued the owner loality which was 1,000 should I wait to see if the loality comes back or buy now when they are down. Oh I want a 98 because I like the bigger v8 5.7 and that engine is proven and tested for years. I'm not sure about their new engines.

Brutus · July 1998

GM products will likely increase in price until the end of the strike because the supply won't meet the demand. That's probably why they got rid of the loyalty discount. I wouldn't expect any rebates or other discounts anytime soon. GM was already committed to their June rebates and discounts. I read that GM has cut their fleet sales, in an effort to keep as much product in their showrooms as possible.

bonvec · July 1998

I own a ford f350 dually that has 195,000 miles on it and is still dependable. However , with this many miles I know I'm on borrowed time. I am a masonry contractor and am very hard on my truck I am presently looking at chevy and gmc because I thought I would get a better price. But I'm having second thoughts now since there seems to be so many unhappy gm owners here. Also is the gmc any different than the chevy do they come from the same plant if not anyone know which plant has the better build quality

bigfur · July 1998

bonvec,
If you're looking for another deisel, first i'd check post 236. As far as the differance between the two, the grille work is differant thats about it.

pworange · July 1998

bonvec Just read an article in USA Today. The GMC and Chevy are exactly the same. Same plant, same workers, same parts, like bigfur said the grill and the labels are different thats it. The GMC guy in the article said that a lot of folks believe the GMC is better, thicker sheet metal etc but that is absolutely not true. They won't dispute the rumors because if someone wants a GMC because they believe it is a better "quality" vehicle so much the better for GM. A friend of mine, a GMC owner, jokingly says that as the vehicles are inspected coming off the assembly line the ones with no problems get the GMC logo and the ones with problems become Chevy's.

As I mentioned earlier he had to replace the front brake pads at just 12000 miles.

higgins1 · July 1998

New to the group but thought I'd add my experience. Own a K3500 (dually)with a 5 speed and 6.2 Diesel. Bought new in late '97 and use for farm and towing. Experience has been excellent. No problems, plenty of power and ride and interior comfort well above the average. Pull a large 5th wheel horse trailer and its does well. Options in the class at this time were limited. For the money, its tough to beat. Would I do it again? Shop around, determine your real needs and see what the comparison for costs is. One thing to remember is the need for towing. Previous Ford was excellent but towing with automatic transmission and largest cooler available frequently caused overheating.

djsvec · July 1998

Hello...I have a '97 Chevy (25K miles) C1500 Ext. Cab (5.7L) that makes a "popping" sound from beneath the floor board when stopping/starting and especially when turning at a stop sign. Have had the truck to the dealer 3 times for repair....but sound remains and is becoming more frequent. Right now it is just annoying but I think something may be wearing out. If anybody has any info. about this I would like to hear....Thanks.

Chevy/GMC Owners

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