Chevrolet Silverado

quadrunner500 · February 1999

I agree with what you are saying, if you have the time to wait. I think 2000's will come out early also, but the 1999 doesn't lose any value to me at that time, except on paper. For one reason, I have been getting use out of it. But the difference in value between them may equalize somewhat because the early 2000 will be high mileage for its model year while the 1999 will be low mileage if you got one late. So if it happened that your '99 build date was announced, that would probably be the soonest you're going to get it exactly as you want it. Five years or so down the road, the difference in value between them won't amount to much, but even then, you realize the loss only when you sell. Trucks are an asset, but not an investment.
As for the 4th door, I've stayed out of all discussions, but now I have an opinion. If 4 doors are so important, everyone should at least take a look at those CK 1500/2500 crew cabs. All kinds of real space. As it was for me, I decided I would just be throwing stuff in the back if I got an extended cab, no matter if 3 or 4 doors. So I opted to save money and be practical by getting a long-bed regular cab, and mounting a nice weatherproof storage chest.

tjrd12 · February 1999

Bought my new Silverado 1500 x-cab ls this weekend. Paid invoice minus advertsing fees. Dealer was Wallace Lundgren in Elgin, Texas 25 miles from Austin. I have two questions. 1. When I turn the car off and do not turn the radio off, it stays on until I open the door. Is this normal? 2. I also have a clicking sound when I open and close the driver's door. Is that normal?

RichinKs · February 1999

One thing for sure, we all use our vehicles differently. One requirement I have is that my truck fit in the garage. My current extended cab 97 Chevy w/shortbed just fits. We use the back seat primarily for shopping and our Irish Setter. I have a Roll-N-Lock cover on the bed, so sometimes I put groceries in there. Easier to get in and out than the back seat. A Roll-N-Lock type cover is my only option with our 5th wheel. Plus I can reach stuff over the side without having to climb in the bed with other type covers or shells. Also 4x4 is required to go to our cabin on a unimproved dirt road. I plan to keep my new truck about three years. I used to drive them till the wheels fell off and finally decided its no much more expensive to trade every 3 years. Don't need to come up with so much money at one time. Keep a vehicle 10 years and its nearly worthless on tradein. Plus a newer vehicle ussually isn't in the shop much and if it is warranty takes care of cost. I spent a fortune on my last vehicle I kept 10 years. Meanwhile I could have been driving a newer vehicle. Just some of my thoughts on owning a Silverado. Rich

quadrunner500 · February 1999

tjrd12,
When you turn the car off but not the radio, it stays on until you open the door. This is a normal feature called "retained accessory power." As for the other click when opening the door, that one I haven't noticed. But I hear a relay clicking behind the instrument cluster every time I step on the brake. I guess it's normal too. Lastly, I notice a whirring sound, like a small cooling fan that comes on occasionally from behind the dash somewhere in the vicinity of the radio. I hear it mostly when I stop, because it keeps going also until I open the door, but I think that too is normal. The truck does some strange things, trying to out-smart me I guess. For instance, it locks the doors when I drive off if I forget, but only if I had locked them on a previous drive. It seems to "remember" the previous state and returns to it automatically. (I really should finish reading the owners manual)

cookie1 · February 1999

The use of the fourth door would come in handy
at times when unloading kids and groceries. Most
likely, GM will come out with the fourth door, but
not as standard equipment, and probably a pretty hefty price for model year 2000. FYI for all of
you 1999 Silverado owners who are about ready
to change your oil for the first time. After
my dealership changed mine for free the first time
at around 3,800 miles, the change engine oil message warning light flashed at about 4,400 miles. I read the owners manual and the dealership forgot to put the key in the ignition on the run position (w/o starting engine) and pushing the accelerator pedal all the way down three times within five seconds to reset the message sensor. When I called them up to explain to them what happened, they told me that all of their mechanics were not yet aware of how to do this. So, be forewarned if this happens to any of you on what to do. The owners manual even points this out.
Has anyone else had the problem with the security system going off pre-maturely when opening the doors when the doors are already unlocked? My truck has done this three times and scared the heck out of me. It makes me look so stupid and people look at me like I'm trying to steal my own vehicle. I am going to see if the dealer can disassemble this useless feature since I do not live in a high crime area. As far as the door locks automatically locking after 15 m.p.h., the dealer said they can change it so the locks unlock when the vehicle is shut off and even maybe when the vehicle is running but in park, but they are not sure about this one yet. I hope they can change all of these security features because for me, they are all a pain in the neck!

cookie1 · February 1999

Oops - sorry for the duplicate entry.

zonk1 · February 1999

Interesting about the change engine oil message. I was told that the truck measures viscosity and warns you when the oil breaks down. Sounds like the warning is set on mileage? I'm going for my first oil change on Friday. I'll make sure they reset it. I was also told by the dealer that all 4X4's get a free front end alignment between 500 and 7500 miles. Something about the way they are secured in transit can knock it out of alignment.

dave40 · February 1999

Add Gibson headers 20hp
Add Gibson Catback 18hp
Add K&N stage 2 air 20hp
Turn that Stock 5.3 270 hp into 328hp AWESOME

or the 6.0 300hp into 358hp

desertrat1 · February 1999

I have an old Chevy PU with the saddle gas tanks that GM had offered under class action settlement for a $1000 or $1500 credit toward the purchase of new GM products. Anyone heard anything on that?

ladyblue · February 1999

quadrunner500:

I don't remember if you have an automatic or a manual transmission. If it's auto, the clicking you hear when you step on the brake may be a safety feature that prevents the gear shift from being moved unless your foot is on the brake. I had this on my Mazda, and if you pressed the brake slowly, the click was quite audible. This is so children can't accidently take the vehicle out of park by just hitting the gear shift.

pharmasea · February 1999

I also have the whirrling sound from the vicinity of the radio, I hope this is not normal since it is pretty noticable. I will be going back to dealer to have them look at it, and hopefully get the free alignment mentioned above.

agentboy: why did you not get 4x4 if you tow such a heavy boat? I tow a 25' Pursuit (about 6000lbs) and would get nothing but the 4x4. I have the 4.10 rear on my new silverado and it tows like a dream.

Jim

26andrew1 · February 1999

I think the whirling noise behind the radio is a little fan on the back side of the radio. It is to keep the radio cool.

I say this because I see a fan on some of the radio's. I think the ones with tape/cd built in.

sd99 · February 1999

Fans on the backs of radio's? Push the accelerator all the way down 3 times within 5 seconds after and oil change? What happens if its 6 seconds, does the truck blow up? This is progress?

jimdahl225 · February 1999

Does anyone have any dealer recommendations or other buying experience in the Atlanta, Ga. area. I am interested in the 2500 4WD Extended cab LT or loaded LS, or the 1500 4WD Extended cab LT or loaded LS with Z71 package. Thanks for any recommendation.

Anyone have experience with a very large Chev. dealer near Columbus, Ga?

quadrunner500 · February 1999

ladyblue,
It's an auto, and I believe you are exactly correct. The relay clicks when I step on the brake while the transmission is in Park. I don't notice it while driving, so I believe it is indeed the shift interlock. How can the Dodge lady be so smart?

pharmasea,
26andrew1,
I'm glad you noticed the whirring sound or fan too. The curious thing is, I haven't heard it in several days, but noticed it mostly in the first few days. And when I did hear it, I had not necessarily been using the radio or cd player. It made me think maybe there was some other fan-cooled processor or accessory back there someplace. Today was the warmest it's been in weeks, but the whirring fan I did not notice turning on.

cookie1,
zonk1,
I have not had a problem with the security system going off, unless the panic button gets mashed from bouncing around in my pocket. I don't think there is a sensor yet capable of determining oil viscosity. I think it factors operating hours which are measured, and cumulative rpms, and number of starts. Thus, it has to be reset.

sd99,
Truck does not blow up, but does activate the airbags on Super Duty trucks within target range.

to all:
The air conditioner on high will preserve beef. But while for the most part, the high-tech "smarter" features do not get in my way, I would trade them all for something smart enough to be really useful like automatic climate control.

Last point:
Fog lights ought to be illegal, unless it's foggy. I see everyone running with them on, apparently for style, because they don't add much brightness to the road, but they are irritating when on-coming.

rwagoner · February 1999

I'm still torn between waiting until Summer (or a bit later) for my Silverado or buying now. If I wait, I get more "rebate" from my GM card (I'm at $3100 now) and perhaps a 4th door if I decide I want one. If I buy now, I don't have to buy tires for my S-10 before selling it.

Not that I'm really asking anything. I'm just looking forward to the new truck.

In a semi-related point: do dealers give anything as a trade-in for a '91 S-10 with 120,000 miles? Or should I just sell it myself?

Richard

ladyblue · February 1999

quadrunner500:

Thanks for the warning about the air conditioner. One of the things I would have liked is climate control. I probably have to play with the temperature switch more than I do the radio!

Speaking of radios, the cooling fan may be exactly what you are hearing. I remember reading somewhere that there was a problem with the CD players burning out from heat trapped in the dash. They may have come up with this fan as a means to correct the problem. I hope it's not going to annoy me in my new Ram.

BTW, the Dodge lady reads her owner's manual cover to cover on every new vehicle. Guess I need to get a life, huh?

ladyblue · February 1999

quadrunner500:

Oooops....forgot I was in the Silverado topic. What your air conditioner does won't matter to me in my new Dodge. A friend of mine has the new Silverado and with all the comparison going on, I get confused! Forgive me.

However, the radio fan thing IS relevant to all vehicles with CD players. It has more to do with the design of the CD players than the manufacturers, according to what I read.

pharmasea · February 1999

I have the bucket seats with the upgraded radio/cassette/cd player. The rdio and cassette are on the dash and the CD player is on the console between the seats.

Living in Miami it gets alittle hotter here. The sound seems to eventually quit while driving but it is still annoying.

Jim

agentboy · February 1999

Pharmasea,

I bought a 2WD because when I test drove the Ford, Dodge, and GM 4x4s they were all _much_ rougher handling, and more difficult to maneuver than the 2WD versions. And they cost $4-5K more and have higher maintenance costs. I have towed my boat(s) previously with 2WD SUVs (Expedition, Explorer) and never had a problem with traction on this (or any other) boat ramp. Those factors and since I tow the boat only 4-6 times per year, I felt that a 2WD truck would be the best choice.

As a matter of fact, I like the way the 2500 drives and handles so much that my normal daily driving vehicle ('98 BMW conv.) hasn't left the garage since I got the 2500.

Doug

quadrunner500 · February 1999

I used to read every page of those owners manuals. But now, about 50% or more of the book is devoted to putting on seat belts, and strapping in child seats. Without reading that part, I have already figured out if I slide the hook into the latch, I will have to press the button to get back out. I will follow your example though, and read the rest tonight. You know what they say....when all else fails, read the instructions!

ladyblue · February 1999

How true, how true!! Thanks for the laugh!

woj1 · February 1999

Has anybody bought the new Silverado with a 5spd? Still waiting for mine to come in...dealer claims it is being built this week. Has anybody pulled out the radio unit to see if it is easy to add an external amplifier?

markbuck · February 1999

Thought my 5speed Silverado was built 2 weeks ago. Been pestering my sales guy for a VIN.

Today he says my new build date is first week in March. The Superduty's are looking better....

dave40 · February 1999

That 4.8 is a dog anyway!

agentboy · February 1999

Markbuck,

I get a big laugh out of the people in this forum lamenting the unavailability of the 2500s thinking that maybe they'll get a Super Duty instead. I waited over 4 months for a Super Duty F250 V-10 without a scheduled build date before I decided to "slum" and get a GMC Sierra 2500.

Unless you want a PowerStroke SD, I wouldn't count on getting a Super Duty soon. Ford is building 65-70% of the Super Dutys as Power Strokes. As my wait lengthened I spent weeks scouring the country for an available SD V-10. There were only a few V-10s available in the entire country and none which matched my "must have" requirements. I was willing to pay $1500 over dealer invoice and couldn't find one to buy.

Just remember the grass is not always greener.

Doug

stanford · February 1999

Whatever you order -- find a dealer that doesn't have a waiting list for allocations! If you can do that, then your order will be processed as soon as there are no 'holds' on anything you want. That's the way I got my V10 F350 -- I paid a little more at this dealer than at others that had 30-40 folk on their waiting lists but I got it 31 days after placing the order. Do a little research, and a little legwork, and you should be fine.

markbuck · February 1999

Sorry Dave40, still grumpy from my wonderful lunch experience at the Chevy dealership and the 6 week build date delay.

Good comeback, I kinda feel that way too about my new truck (on order) since I got rid of the F350 Crew Cab. My SD buddy is already calling the vinyl seated, stripper, truck I have on order "Jane" (as in plain jane).

Soooo, empty with me on board I figure about 18lbs per hp. If you and your truck weigh more than 5400 lbs, looks like me and my little 4.8 will at least have better hp/weight when empty.

Or, I can always bust out my 0-60 3.6 sec street bike!

jxyoung · February 1999

It appears that some dealers may not be using up allocations on the trucks that are on restriction?
I can't say I blame them but if the factory is making a limited amount of that model, the dealer is artificially extending the time it will take for that buyer to get his truck.

All I can tell you "SERIOUS" CHEVY guys or gals is you won't be disappointed! I think you guys and gals would regret settling for anything else!
Alot of us in here have been through the same ordeal that you are going through but hang in there and pester your dealer every chance you get!

Davydd · February 1999

Gee, I feel strange. My dealer pestered me! I ordered my pickup on November 7. He called me in December to come in and look at one very similar to my order and said I could have it. Unfortunately, it was sold before I got there after work. But, I looked at it and decided to change my order to z71 and the graphite leather interior to match what I saw. Truck came January 12.

gwvinson · February 1999

My dealer told me today that there are no 5.3L engines to build my truck so no order today. That sure sounds strange, since nearly every truck you see on the lot is a 5.3L. Has anyone heard the same?

chevy4me · February 1999

Can anyone tell me the differences in the 2wd
suspension package choices. This would be on a
1500 extended cab . I drive with light loads most of the time and tow a light ski boat. Whats best suited for those conditions?

davep1 · February 1999

Ordered Silverado 1500 extended cab 4X4 on 1/23/99. Told by dealer yesterday that a constraint has been placed on LT's and no date can be given and in all likehood, I may have to wait for the fall to get the truck. He's asking if I want to change the order to an LS and get a comparable truck much sooner. Anybody else heard of this new constraint?

djstep · February 1999

Have seen a lot of messages with the speculation that GM will have a 4th door in 2000. Isn't the big Detriot car show in December and wouldn't the 2000 model be shown at that time. Was the 4th door introduced?

woj1 · February 1999

In regards to the 4.8 being wimpy...all of the makers have chosen to have their primo motors with automatics only. I looked at the 2500 w/6.0 and 5 spd, but the granny gear and sheer weight of the vehicle didn't make sense. I have a 95 K2500 now that howls, but with the oversized tires and all it is sometimes quite a chore to drive. The 4.8 still puts out more power than the Ford 4.6. Both motors would hum with a blower but...

mikes · February 1999

Have had my LS since 12/18 and love it! Anyone figured out how to connect up the pigtail for the elctric brake controller that came with the tow package? Would appreciate any instructions.

fish6 · February 1999

I didn't get the trailering package when I ordered my truck ( I know, MISTAKE!!!, but too late now)
and I want to hook up trailering light now. I thought it would be like my last pick-up where I could pull it apart and place the connection in the middle and snap it back together. But no! I have 6 wires hanging down back there. What kind of harness do I need to connect to those wires. Do I use all six of those wires if my trailer has a flat 4 harness on it????

dan33 · February 1999

Am planning to purchase a Silverado 4x4 extended cab LS Z71 and have a couple questions. (1) Any rumors of dates of the 2000 model and whether it will have 4th door? (2) Is there any way to bypass the automatic headlamps so that the lights can be off while the truck is running or idling in the dark? (3) Any recommendations on the tire options with the Z71? Thanks,

quadrunner500 · February 1999

dan33,
The running lights will go off if you put the selector in Park, and apply the parking brake while idling. If you want them off while you are driving, the only way I know of is to pull the fuse for the daytime running lights. This works, I tried it, but I put the fuse back in since I decided I prefer having them on for safety. As for the tires, my preference was the P265's on the option PF9 alloy wheels, for style. Don't know about the 4th door, everyone says its coming in 2000, but you won't know for sure until it's here.

quadrunner500 · February 1999

dave40,
That was jxyoung who put those on. He sent me a picture. They look good on the PF9 alloy stock rims for his 1500 ext cab sportside, and he didn't say anything about clearance problems. I don't know if he got his speedometer/transmission shift points re-calibrated or not.

quadrunner500 · February 1999

My second tank is in. My 34 gallon tank gauge still showed 7/16's in it, but gas was a bargain today so I filled up with 20.34 gallons, after driving 351 miles. That works out to 17.3 miles per gallon, 75 percent were highway, 25 percent in town. Truck is 1500 4x4, 5.3L, 4.10 axle.

markbuck · February 1999

Very impressive, hope my 4.8 (if it ever gets here) 5 speed does as well.

dan33 · February 1999

Still trying to figure out exactly what to order in a new Silverado. Am going with the 4x4 extended cab LS with a 4.8 in a stick and was curious of the pro's/con's of the 3.73 vs. 4.10 axle ratio. Any advice would be appreciated.

RichinKs · February 1999

My Silverato 2500, 4x4, LT was ordered February 1. I still have not received confirmation of the order or a build date. If my order was really entered 2/1 I feel I should have heard something by now. I called the salesman 2/5 and he assured me he would call as soon as he received order confirmation. I trust my salesman, have done business with him for a numer of years. But I there is a new salesmanager and I'm concerned my order got bumped by the dealership. ...... Good to be back on the list after 4 days. I deleted all the cookies from my system about the time Edmonds had trouble sending new cookies so I haven't even been able to read the list. Had 35 entries to catch up on. This list seems more active on the second 600 entries than it did on the first 600. ... Rich

lbutler · February 1999

just ordered '99 silverado LT, Z71, trailoring pkg, 265 ALT tires, locking differential....

Also add ons "GM accessories":
chrome side step bars (nerf bars)
chrome bed side rails
bed mat

question is with the GM accessories is there any
indication on the product once they're installed
that they are not aftermarket products? They are
suppose to for the extra dollars have the same
warranty as the truck .. 3 years

dave40 · February 1999

www.airaid.com
Check out their new airfilter for the 4.8 5.3
and the 6.0 add 16hp
279 bucks

RichinKs · February 1999

Just received the new issue. It reviews the GMC sierra 1/2 ton 4x4 with 5.3 and 3.73 rear. Test tow was a 22 foot 4500 pound trailer. Have only glanced at the article but looks positive. Mentions that torque at 2000 rpm is only 15 ft pounds less than at 4000 rpm. Pretty flat. Give credit for this to the improved exhaust more than the engine itself. Also mentions that when the transmission is in trailer towing mode, besides higher RPM shift points, the torque converter unlocks at medium throttle. .... Rich

quadrunner500 · February 1999

I've been checking truck accessory shops for a bug deflector and mud flaps. "Got 'em on order. Be here soon," is the usual reply. But then, just for curiosity, I tried the Mr. Goodwrench parts counter at my Chevy dealer. He brought out molded mud-flaps for $30/pr., and a smoked bug shield for $60. Each part was pulled up from the computer. Each part was in stock, and came in a G.M. box with G.M. part numbers and bar-code. Each part included clear instructions, with an estimated installation time of 30 mins/pair for the mudflaps, 15 minutes for the bug deflector. The fasteners for the bug deflector are high quality. Five plastic clips snap into peg-holes on the underside of the hood. No drilling is required. No hook and loop fasteners or tape either. Once you've set the clips, five screws in, five minutes done. Perfect fit, beautiful! As for the mudflaps, equally good fit, perfectly aligned pre-punched holes, and no drilling. I am very impressed with the quality of these parts. That is why I'm writing this testimonial. I don't think the price of these parts was unreasonable, even when compared to 3rd party vendor parts that cost less, if they do.

ajdawson · February 1999

quadrunner500...
I bought exactly the same mud flaps and bug shield and I agree...good stuff. One problem worth mentioning though. The bolt on the drivers side, underside at the rear mudflap. The one you remove at the support and reinstall through the mudflap. Mine would not come off (its kinda painted in place) so I took it to the dealer and he knew exactly what I was talking about. Said it's happened to them many times. They cut a slot in it and tried to get it off but couldn't. Finally cut it off. As we were talking he thought he would try submitting it as a warranty problem so I wouldn't pay anything. I appreciated that along with good quality parts.

quadrunner500 · February 1999

ajdawson,
At first, I struggled with that torx fastener too. Painted shut, like you said. Went to try the passenger side. It broke loose much easier so I went back to try the first side again. This time, it broke loose too, so a little wrenching effort using the right tool, a 1/4" drive socket paid off.

Chevrolet Silverado

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