Smokey, According to the book, your 2500 is top of the line for towing, with 10,500 lb trailering rating. Tongue rating is 1500 lbs.
Still, I'm not surprised. Air-Lift makes some nice pneumatic helper springs that let you adjust ride height without sacrificing comfort. I have them and love them!
I checked with the dealer, the springs are correct, (five leaf for the 2500,three for the 1500).
quadrunner: I guess I'll have to look into helpers - I'm alittle leary of running down the highway with the springs squatting this much and hitting a big pothole (when something breaks I get to sit on the side of the road with an irate wife and kids).
My Silverado 1500 also had the same problem. I think so many people use these trucks like cars that GM has designed in a soft ride. And to get to load capacity you are deep into the overload springs.
I was very leary of using the truck when it down to about 1/2" away from the bump stops on the rear suspension. However, we did use it, and on some pretty bad 4wd roads - 4wd Lo, etc. The suspension stood it. Nothing gave and the springs did not take a permanant set.
Maybe GM did it on purpose to prevent people from loading the trucks to the max?
I also put AirLifts on my truck to keep a level ride when loaded. I bought the set for $166 and spent about 4 hours on installation. Installation is not for the mechanically challenged. It involved drilling holes in the frame and bumper and locating fasteners in places my hands would not fit.
I'm happy with the AirLifts and would reccomend them.
My truck came with the Firm Ride Suspension. And it was too soft. It rode like a car. Actually it rode softer than any of our cars! I put Z-71 shocks on it and it is better, but still too soft when loaded. I would have tried the Rancho RS9000 adjustable shocks, but they are not available for the new trucks yet.
Smokey, Just remember that if they do break, you are no worse off. You still have the stock suspension holding everything up, so you won't be stuck by the side of the road. Of course, you can always have a spring shop add a leaf, but you'll pay for a stiff ride when unladen.
I had a surprise wake up call from the dealer this morning. My Sierra SLE 1500, 2 dr long bed, 5.3, auto arrived last night. I went right down to take a long look. It only took less than a week to get here after it was built. It even took the dealer by surprise. He was looking for delivery on or before May 25. It is Summit White/Storm Gray and it is bee-ute-t-ful (the first of its kind on this dealers lot, and he likes the color combination). Now have to run down to the credit union and get a check for them. They are going to have the box Rhino-lined tommorrow morning, I also told them to reset the auto door locks so they will not lock above 20 mph, and they are installing wheel locks on the rims. Now to install all the add on stuff I bought. Will post later. I'm off to the credit union now.
Found out from the dealer that, he, the dealer cannot change the auto door locks himself without the risk of a fine because it is a government mandated safety requirement (keeping ourselves from ourselves). However, I can have it done by going through the service department (for a fee). I was told it would take about an hour to go from page to page through the program to reset it.
Anyone else have a speaker on their new truck that sounds like it is blown? I have the system that comes with the CD & cassette combo. It is possible that it is just loose, but it sure sounds like it is blown. No I have not been blasting it real loud.
Picked up my truck yesterday from the dealer. It drives and handles nicely so far. However, I noticed that it didn't come with the transmission oil cooler gauge in the instrument cluster. The oil cooler is installed. Is there suppose be one in the SLE 1500 1/2 ton? Or is this a 4X4 or 3/4 ton thing?
This gauge only comes with the 6.0 (3/4 t) set up for mega towing. There have been discussions about owners adding this gauge "after market" but I don't know if anyone actually pulled it off
I now have about 5000 miles on my Sierra 2500, 6.0L, 4.10 axle, 2WD, extended cab, Z85 suspension. I just got back yesterday from its first long towing trip (350 miles each way down to the Florida Keys). My boat weighs around 8500 lbs and has a _lot_ of windage because of how high it sits on the trailer (it's a 26.5 ft catamaran) and has a tall T-top (it sits about 12.5 ft tall when on the trailer). The engine definitely knows the boat's back there. I got a very consistent 7.0 MPG (D'ooooh!) while towing the boat at 59-61 MPH.
After the fuel stop in Florida City, the engine began running real rough and the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. The engine smoothed out within a couple of miles. Once we got to Marathon and put the boat in the water, we noticed a smell coming from the rear of the truck. One of the seals on the differential had a slight leak. We dropped the truck off at Morrison's GMC in Key West that night. Morrison's replaced the pinion gasket and said the computer had recorded an "Engine Misfire Event" about 120 miles previously (right around Florida City), but otherwise everything was running fine.
While towing the boat back to Port Canaveral yesterday, everything was going ok until after stopping for fuel at Fort Pierce/St Lucie. While pulling away from the service station, the engine starting running rough and the "service engine soon" light came on. And once again the engine smoothed out within a couple of miles.
I think the engine is burning so much fuel while cruising down the interstate, that it builds up major deposits which gunk things up when the engine is stopped and then restarted. I think that if I idle the engine longer (or don't stop it) while fueling, it may prevent the engine "misfiring events".
The good news was the transmission did fine (never got above 180 degrees, even in the 90 degree heat, mostly stayed around 165-170). The Z85 suspension has no problem handling the trailer tongue weight and the truck has absolutely no problem staying in control of the boat/trailer.
agentboy, Make sure your gas cap is going on, and working properly. Each time you got the SES was after a fuel stop right? Not buying the idle build-up possibility. Vapor lock maybe?
You mileage sounds about right. Weight isn't everything. As you said, a large wind profile can be like pulling a parachute. Doesn't weigh much, but the drag slows you down.
Just brought my Sierra to the dealer - for the 3rd time - on this wheel balance problem. After rebalancing the tires 2 times, things got better but not as good as I expected. Today, the service manager took a test ride with me and he agreed that something was not quite right. At the end of the day, they still couldn't quite figure out what the problem was; he said maybe the tires were defected (could be the wheel(s) too).
Anyway, I had a loaner vehicle and it happened to be a '99 Ford Explorer Expedition. It was nice but I'm not really impressed with it.
I finally got the chance yesterday to take my Sierra SLE to work with me for show and tell. All my co-workers Oooo'ed, Ahhh'ed and Wowww'ed the truck. Everyone really liked it, even one of my co-workers who owns a 99 Silverado liked it too. On the way to work I did notice a out of balance tire at about 67 mph, it seems to be coming from the rear, I feel it in the seat of the pants more than the steering wheel. I'll take it to the dealer later to have them re-balance all 4 tires. Will post later.
need info on mileage of 99 sierra 4x4 short bed extended cab, rear end for best miles per gal and best v8 not much towing just a 2 place enclosed sno mobile trailer
tung: Hope you get your problem fixed. Mine still running fine no problems (knock on wood). tung i think i read where you had the westin side bars? If you do did you get it on ? was it ez? thanks
I would think that a 6.0 liter would be overkill for towing something light like you are. I have the 5.3 and it has plenty of power and gets better gas mileage than the 6.0. I get 15 ~ 18 mpg (mixed hway & streets). But if you want the bigger engine, by all means go for it.
Thank you. The problem was fixed to an acceptable level. I still can feel some vibrations (just little) and will watch for it. I still love my truck a lot.
Got the Westin bars, but didn't have time to install them. This week my wife is finished with her final exams, so seems like I will have some time to do that during the Memorial weekend. I'll let you know.
rogue thanks do you have limited slip and autotrack. I don't really want the big engine I put on about 40,000 miles a year most highway. Is autotrack really worth it.
I was told by a GMC dealer that there will be several slight changes on the 2000 sierra. Anyone know what they are (aside from the 4th door option)? Thanks.
Yikes! I placed an order in Jan. for a Sierra 2500 SL extended cab 4x4, 6l V8, manual transmission, short bed - not alot of frills but just the truck I need for work and everyday. Got a good deal - less than $100 over invoice - but have had a run around since then. Just read here that it looks like they have been taking me for a ride and that I won't be getting one. Yikes! Was calling the dealer alot, but getting the same story - we'll let you know when GMC figures out wether they can make a manual 2500. What do I do now? Am looking for the staight story on availability - any ideas?
Hello everyone Took my truck in to jiffy lube for and oil change(1800 miles) The service guy suggested i use a fuel additive to prevent sludge in gas tank,do i need a fuel additive?
I should have kept my mouth shut. But you asked, and I offered so here goes.
I am bothered by the drive through oil change retailers mostly because around here, they constantly change personnel. Experience is the best teacher some would say. My '99 Silverado is not for the interns and apprentices. The drop-out turning the wrench can't read the warning on my differential that says the fluid level is one inch below the check-hole, so it could get overfilled. Stripped filler plug holes, blowing compressed air the wrong way through an air filter, or trying to sell you one you don't need. Improper procedures ofter used for draining automatic trannies or transaxles. Overlubing the grease zerks, you name it. It can happen.
Some then try to sell you the additives, for your fuel, your oil, your radiator, your power steering pump. All not only unnecessary for a new vehicle, but undesirable as well. (Snake oil)
I realize they are all different. People make the difference. If you know one on a first name basis, and they let you go down in the bay and watch, then okay. I know one that does, and he's reputable. But with GMC dealers offering the Goodwrench 29 minutes or the next one is free offer for about the same price as the drive throughs, I see no reason not to let the more skilled specialists do it right.
ckobash if your missing the trans cooler with the z82 trailering equipment your the sixth one I've seen posted . according to my dealer G.M. has acknowleged that some trucks have them missing but haven't decided what will be done. I was told that my truck is certified to tow its rated capacity without it.
chevy4me: Thanks for your response, if you hear anything let us know i would like it on since i believe i already payed for it. I called the local gmc service department and he told me it was in or under depending on what i had, i think he was b.s'ing me, i looked for it but could not find. People who have it says it's in the middle of radiator. Quad: thanks for your answer will consider it on my next oil change. Only problem is i've had a negative experience w/ the only gmc dealer here so i don't care to take my truck there
I have to agree with quadrunner. We have one of those Jiffy Lube places in town and I took my Mazda there once. ONCE. After they were done I noticed my oil was leaking, and when I went to check my oil level, the oil was BLACK. I don't know what they put in there, but it wasn't clean oil. I had to take it to someone else to have it changed again and have the plug fixed. Never again.
knobby, I was the other unlucky guys who also brought the truck in 3 times for the balance problem. They finally detected that one of the wheel has heavy spots from the Al rim and the tire lined up. So they rotated tire 180 degrees. It seemed to make a big improvement. Now the truck ride is at an acceptable level, but I still can feel a bit of vibration from the frame. I'm still watching it.
What would help to detect the bad tire(s) is that if you feel the vibration from the floor/frame and not from the steering wheel; then rotate the rear wheels to the front one by one and watch for vibration from the steering.
I hope the info is helpful and yours will be fixed soon.
I don't think that I have a problem with the balance of my tires, Goodyear Wrangler AST's. But I do feel a slight vibration when first accelerating and when it changes into 2nd gear, I am wondering if this is a tranny problem or a driveshaft problem. I will be taking it to my dealer soon for the first oil change and have them check it out. I am still consistently getting 18mpg. Does anyone else have a vibration at low speeds? I have read in here about people feeling vibrations at about 45 but the vibes I feel are at 10 to 15 mph. Any info will be appreciated.
I also am feeling a vibration or shudder when taking off from a stop .Its most noticeable around 1500 rpm in first and a little less in second. I can really feel it starting off going uphill. It is in the 10 to 15 mph range and I dont feel it at other speeds. My truck is 5.3 auto 2wd.
I took my Sierra SLE to a truck tire shop this morning (where they specialize in big and small trucks only) to have all four tires re-balanced. They found that the dealer over balanced the front left tire the by 1 1/2 ounces (1 ounce outside 1/2 ounce inside, makes you wonder if their tire balancer is out of cal.). The left rear tire had a lateral run-out and was rotated 180 degrees on the rim and re-balanced. I took it for a test drive on the interstate for five miles and I am finally rid of the vibration. I returned to the shop and told them everything was fine now. I left the shop and went shopping. As luck would have it, on the way home I took the turnpike and I threw two wheel weights off (1 front and 1 rear) and the vibration re-appeared at 68-70 MPH. I couldn't return for a re-balance since they close at noon on Saturday and this being a holiday, I'll have to wait till Tuesday to go back and have the weights replaced. Anyway, it sure drove nice for a short while. Oh well.
I just purchased a 99 Sierra SL with the small V8. I have taken it back to the dealer for a few noises so far. The most disturbing is a vibration/grinding noise that occurs between 1000 and 1500 RPM while pressing the gas and is more pronounced when going up slight grades. The noise goes away when the truck kicks into the next gear. The dealer told me that the computer has to be recalibrated and they will do that when they get the new software to update their computer.
The other disturbing noise is a popping sound around the windshield above 60 mph. This sound comes from the two side rubber moldings around the windshield. Check them out. They just lie on top of the windshield though they have a lip on the inside edge that should fit more under the windshield. When you hit 60 mph, The molding flops around and makes a popping sound. Every 99 GM truck I have seen has it's moldings like this. I can't believe it. It is such a poor design. The molding obviously doesn't fit but GM just keeps installing it on all their trucks. I have had new Ford trucks and new Chevy trucks and I am not very impressed with the quality of finish on this new 99 Sierra.
The last noise is from squeaky body mounts. They retorqued mine and one day later they were squeaking again.
Hope this helps. Please let me know whether you find anything out about your vibration.
I just installed the Westin step bars last weekend, and I like them.
As xjyoung said, it was quite easy. However the installation instructions/figure from Westin is kinda poor. Anyway, for extended cab, in the bottom-up order, you'll find the supplied bolt, lock washer, flat washer, and metal bracket, then the original metal cup/cap, big rubber insulator, the frame bracket.
The tubes have open ends which may allow water into themselves. So, I tried to seal them with a metal cap and some non-erosive caulk. For the metal caps, I bought from the plumbing section at Home Depot some 4 inch. pipe plugs and used their metal caps.
My dealer previously replaced a squeaky body mount pad and bolt, and fixed that noise entirely.
I also had the popping sound from the windshield molding, found the problem like you, and just taped over it with some vinyl electricians tape.
I don't have the low speed shudder at all, but the driveline growl I can still occasionally hear at 35-45 mph, but usually not.
I don't have any wheel or tire vibrations from the P265 Wilderness AT's or PF9 aluminum rims, but did have a slight steering pull to the right. The dealer aligned the front end at 3200 miles, and it was straight. Right up until I rotated my wheels at 7500 miles that is. Now the slight pull seems like it has made a cameo. The tires seem to have a slight amount of excess wear on the inside edges of all 4.
I've had the computer re-flashed with the software update to fix spark knock. But occasionally, I can still detect it. I'm beginning to think about just switching up to a mid-grade unleaded fuel. Over the ownership life of the truck, this might cost $800-900. Oh well, at least I don't have to pay it all at once.
Still love the truck, and would do it again. But ask me again in 4 years just in case.
Does anyone have any more info. on the 4th door for the 2000 model? I went to the car show in NY City about 5 weeks ago and they said that the 4th door won't be available until 2001. But then a couple dealers said mid 2000. I would appreciate any information.
reefer, the windshield moldings are designed with that extra section on them to keep wiper-rain water off your side glass. This is not a manufacturing defect. This channels the water up and over your roof. Check the strakes of dirt after a rain that go over the roof.
I haven't heard that popping sound, but will listen on my 400 mile trip tonite.
I got the popping, after not having it, when a blast of Texas Panhandle dust smashed into it. Been there ever since. Took some black vinyl tape, and laid it over the molding and the glass, just along the passenger side edge where the source of leak was. No more popping.
I had the flash updated today on my Sierra '99. The trans vibration at 40-42 mph is gone or least I cannot notice it any more; the rmp seems to be boosted 200 rpm compared to before the fix.
The throttle response is much better in my opinion. The acceleration is smoother and somehow I feel the truck delivers more power than before.
However, the engine still pings. I hope with moremiles, the run-time parameters will be gradually updated and the ping will go away.
Had the wheel balance checked by another dealer (the 4th time!). This dealer said I had 2 bad tires, and they ordered 2 new for me. They'll let me know when the tires come in.
Bottom line, the software updates seems to be great to have!
Give the truck some time Tung. I noticed the ping minutes after picking mine up after the software update. But it got better pretty soon after, as if it was re-learning itself. I can occasionally still notice it, situationally about always around 1500-1800 rpm under load, or towing uphill, warm ambient temperature.
I had the same experience as quad. after the software updates and my truck will occasionally ping slightly under a load. The updates for the pinging seemed to work pretty good but I'm still having a sharp shift from 2nd. to 3rd. I will have the dealer check my throttle position sensor next week to see if that is the problem. The truck shifts very smoothly when I accelerate slowly.
I've put about 3,700 miles on the truck so far and they have been primarily city miles. The "change oil" from the message center did not come on and I believe the oil should be changed at 3k miles (especially here in Fla.). I went ahead and had it changed because I'm going on a trip. Has anyone else had a delay on the oil change message or am I being to picky? Thanks.
I don't think you are being too picky. I never wait more than 3000, even if they are highway miles. And I use Mobil-1 5W-30 synthetic. It may too be overkill, but I sleep better.
The only time I see the message, is when it flashes five times after I do the reset procedure.
The other thing is, I like to do the oil change at my convenience. If I wait until the oil change warning comes on, it's too late. The oil is already worn, needs to be changed, and may not be convenient for me to do it at that time.
Comments
Yep, and I even had the bars on. I think I'm going to check with the dealer to see if this thing got built with the right springs.
According to the book, your 2500 is top of the line for towing, with 10,500 lb trailering rating. Tongue rating is 1500 lbs.
Still, I'm not surprised. Air-Lift makes some nice pneumatic helper springs that let you adjust ride height without sacrificing comfort. I have them and love them!
quadrunner: I guess I'll have to look into helpers - I'm alittle leary of running down the highway with the springs squatting this much and hitting a big pothole (when something breaks I get to sit on the side of the road with an irate wife and kids).
I was very leary of using the truck when it down to about 1/2" away from the bump stops on the rear suspension. However, we did use it, and on some pretty bad 4wd roads - 4wd Lo, etc. The suspension stood it. Nothing gave and the springs did not take a permanant set.
Maybe GM did it on purpose to prevent people from loading the trucks to the max?
I also put AirLifts on my truck to keep a level ride when loaded. I bought the set for $166 and spent about 4 hours on installation. Installation is not for the mechanically challenged. It involved drilling holes in the frame and bumper and locating fasteners in places my hands would not fit.
I'm happy with the AirLifts and would reccomend them.
My truck came with the Firm Ride Suspension. And it was too soft. It rode like a car. Actually it rode softer than any of our cars! I put Z-71 shocks on it and it is better, but still too soft when loaded. I would have tried the Rancho RS9000 adjustable shocks, but they are not available for the new trucks yet.
Mike
Just remember that if they do break, you are no worse off. You still have the stock suspension holding everything up, so you won't be stuck by the side of the road. Of course, you can always have a spring shop add a leaf, but you'll pay for a stiff ride when unladen.
There have been discussions about owners adding this gauge "after market" but I don't know if anyone actually pulled it off
After the fuel stop in Florida City, the engine began running real rough and the "Service Engine Soon" light came on. The engine smoothed out within a couple of miles. Once we got to Marathon and put the boat in the water, we noticed a smell coming from the rear of the truck. One of the seals on the differential had a slight leak. We dropped the truck off at Morrison's GMC in Key West that night. Morrison's replaced the pinion gasket and said the computer had recorded an "Engine Misfire Event" about 120 miles previously (right around Florida City), but otherwise everything was running fine.
While towing the boat back to Port Canaveral yesterday, everything was going ok until after stopping for fuel at Fort Pierce/St Lucie. While pulling away from the service station, the engine starting running rough and the "service engine soon" light came on. And once again the engine smoothed out within a couple of miles.
I think the engine is burning so much fuel while cruising down the interstate, that it builds up major deposits which gunk things up when the engine is stopped and then restarted. I think that if I idle the engine longer (or don't stop it) while fueling, it may prevent the engine "misfiring events".
The good news was the transmission did fine (never got above 180 degrees, even in the 90 degree heat, mostly stayed around 165-170). The Z85 suspension has no problem handling the trailer tongue weight and the truck has absolutely no problem staying in control of the boat/trailer.
For pictures of BoatZilla, check out:
http://www.magicnet.net/~dfletche
I'm on my second replacement pinion seal. Might be weeping again, not sure.
Towed 5,000 lbs with my 4.8L last weekend.
See Silverado site for info.
Make sure your gas cap is going on, and working properly. Each time you got the SES was after a fuel stop right? Not buying the idle build-up possibility. Vapor lock maybe?
You mileage sounds about right. Weight isn't everything. As you said, a large wind profile can be like pulling a parachute. Doesn't weigh much, but the drag slows you down.
3rd time - on this wheel balance problem. After
rebalancing the tires 2 times, things got better
but not as good as I expected. Today, the service
manager took a test ride with me and he agreed
that something was not quite right. At the end of
the day, they still couldn't quite figure out
what the problem was; he said maybe the tires were
defected (could be the wheel(s) too).
Anyway, I had a loaner vehicle and it happened to be a '99 Ford Explorer Expedition. It was nice but
I'm not really impressed with it.
Tung
Check out pickup topic #571. My 6.0L, 410 rear is geting 13.5 to 14 mpg combination Highway/City.
Mine still running fine no problems (knock on wood).
tung i think i read where you had the westin side bars? If you do did you get it on ? was it ez? thanks
level. I still can feel some vibrations (just
little) and will watch for it. I still love
my truck a lot.
Got the Westin bars, but didn't have time to install them. This week my wife is finished with
her final exams, so seems like I will have some
time to do that during the Memorial weekend. I'll
let you know.
Tung
I placed an order in Jan. for a Sierra 2500 SL extended cab 4x4, 6l V8, manual transmission, short bed - not alot of frills but just the truck I need for work and everyday. Got a good deal - less than $100 over invoice - but have had a run around since then. Just read here that it looks like they have been taking me for a ride and that I won't be getting one. Yikes! Was calling the dealer alot, but getting the same story - we'll let you know when GMC figures out wether they can make a manual 2500. What do I do now? Am looking for the staight story on availability - any ideas?
Took my truck in to jiffy lube for and oil change(1800 miles) The service guy suggested i use a fuel additive to prevent sludge in gas tank,do i need a fuel additive?
Anybody with towing package missing their aux trans cooler?
I am bothered by the drive through oil change retailers mostly because around here, they constantly change personnel. Experience is the best teacher some would say. My '99 Silverado is not for the interns and apprentices. The drop-out turning the wrench can't read the warning on my differential that says the fluid level is one inch below the check-hole, so it could get overfilled. Stripped filler plug holes, blowing compressed air the wrong way through an air filter, or trying to sell you one you don't need. Improper procedures ofter used for draining automatic trannies or transaxles. Overlubing the grease zerks, you name it. It can happen.
Some then try to sell you the additives, for your fuel, your oil, your radiator, your power steering pump. All not only unnecessary for a new vehicle, but undesirable as well. (Snake oil)
I realize they are all different. People make the difference. If you know one on a first name basis, and they let you go down in the bay and watch, then okay. I know one that does, and he's reputable. But with GMC dealers offering the Goodwrench 29 minutes or the next one is free offer for about the same price as the drive throughs, I see no reason not to let the more skilled specialists do it right.
Quad: thanks for your answer will consider it on my next oil change. Only problem is i've had a negative experience w/ the only gmc dealer here so i don't care to take my truck there
I have to agree with quadrunner. We have one of those Jiffy Lube places in town and I took my Mazda there once. ONCE. After they were done I noticed my oil was leaking, and when I went to check my oil level, the oil was BLACK. I don't know what they put in there, but it wasn't clean oil. I had to take it to someone else to have it changed again and have the plug fixed. Never again.
I was the other unlucky guys who also brought
the truck in 3 times for the balance problem.
They finally detected that one of the wheel has
heavy spots from the Al rim and the tire lined up.
So they rotated tire 180 degrees. It seemed to
make a big improvement. Now the truck ride is
at an acceptable level, but I still can feel
a bit of vibration from the frame. I'm still
watching it.
What would help to detect the bad tire(s) is that
if you feel the vibration from the floor/frame
and not from the steering wheel; then rotate the
rear wheels to the front one by one and watch
for vibration from the steering.
I hope the info is helpful and yours will be fixed
soon.
Tung
back to the dealer for a few noises so far. The most disturbing is a
vibration/grinding noise that occurs between 1000 and 1500 RPM while
pressing the gas and is more pronounced when going up slight grades. The
noise goes away when the truck kicks into the next gear. The dealer told me
that the computer has to be recalibrated and they will do that when they get
the new software to update their computer.
The other disturbing noise is a popping sound around the windshield above 60
mph. This sound comes from the two side rubber moldings around the
windshield. Check them out. They just lie on top of the windshield though
they have a lip on the inside edge that should fit more under the
windshield. When you hit 60 mph, The molding flops around and makes a
popping sound. Every 99 GM truck I have seen has it's moldings like this.
I can't believe it. It is such a poor design. The molding obviously
doesn't fit but GM just keeps installing it on all their trucks. I have had
new Ford trucks and new Chevy trucks and I am not very impressed with the
quality of finish on this new 99 Sierra.
The last noise is from squeaky body mounts. They retorqued mine and one day
later they were squeaking again.
Hope this helps. Please let me know whether you find anything out about
your vibration.
As xjyoung said, it was quite easy. However the
installation instructions/figure from Westin is
kinda poor. Anyway, for extended cab, in the
bottom-up order, you'll find the supplied bolt,
lock washer, flat washer, and metal bracket, then
the original metal cup/cap, big rubber insulator, the frame bracket.
The tubes have open ends which may allow water into themselves. So, I tried to seal them with a metal cap and some non-erosive caulk. For the metal caps, I bought from the plumbing section at Home Depot some 4 inch. pipe plugs and used their metal caps.
Tung
I also had the popping sound from the windshield molding, found the problem like you, and just taped over it with some vinyl electricians tape.
I don't have the low speed shudder at all, but the driveline growl I can still occasionally hear at 35-45 mph, but usually not.
I don't have any wheel or tire vibrations from the P265 Wilderness AT's or PF9 aluminum rims, but did have a slight steering pull to the right. The dealer aligned the front end at 3200 miles, and it was straight. Right up until I rotated my wheels at 7500 miles that is. Now the slight pull seems like it has made a cameo. The tires seem to have a slight amount of excess wear on the inside edges of all 4.
I've had the computer re-flashed with the software update to fix spark knock. But occasionally, I can still detect it. I'm beginning to think about just switching up to a mid-grade unleaded fuel. Over the ownership life of the truck, this might cost $800-900. Oh well, at least I don't have to pay it all at once.
Still love the truck, and would do it again. But ask me again in 4 years just in case.
door for the 2000 model? I went to the car show in NY City about 5 weeks ago and they said that
the 4th door won't be available until 2001. But then a couple dealers said mid 2000. I would appreciate any information.
Thanks
I haven't heard that popping sound, but will listen on my 400 mile trip tonite.
The trans vibration at 40-42 mph is gone or least
I cannot notice it any more; the rmp seems to be
boosted 200 rpm compared to before the fix.
The throttle response is much better in my
opinion. The acceleration is smoother and somehow
I feel the truck delivers more power than before.
However, the engine still pings. I hope with
moremiles, the run-time parameters will be
gradually updated and the ping will go away.
Had the wheel balance checked by another dealer
(the 4th time!). This dealer said I had 2 bad
tires, and they ordered 2 new for me. They'll
let me know when the tires come in.
Bottom line, the software updates seems to be
great to have!
Tung
The only time I see the message, is when it flashes five times after I do the reset procedure.