I am only 2 weeks away -- supposedly -- from taking delivery of my new LT. Only problem right now is the potential strike from the carriers. I hope it's resolved ...
I'm looking at buying a 1999 Chev Silverado, 1500 4X4 with the 5.3L engine. The question I have is which rear-end to get. I will be pulling a 25' travel trailer that has a GVWR of 4200 and GAWR of 7100. The new specs I received from the dealership shows that the 3.73 can tow up 8400 lbs and the 4.10 has a max of 9400 lbs. I'm not sure to believe these specs based on comments from other owners. I will only be pulling the trailer, 10-12 times a year, so mileage is a concern.
I've had my truck for almost two weeks now and have had no problems at all.... ....except I just noticed last night that both front doors "click" at the first hinge stop (1/2 open). This happens opening or closing the doors and there are actually two clicks per side - one in each direction. I thought at first it was a switch for interior lights and such, but (A) it seemed odd that it would be so far out, and (B) nothing happens at the click anyway!
I am surprised by those tow ratings. My 1999 Siverado brochere list the max trailer weight for 3.73 as 7500 and 4.10 as 8000. Quite a difference. But you still look ok for the 3.73 to me. I'm pulling a 9000 gawr 5th wheel with my 97 z71 with 350 and 3.42 rear. I pull in 3rd to keep rpm up and move along nicely at 65mph. On the steepest hills I down shift and slow to 52mph. I am looking for a 2000 3/4 for better stability. Even with overloads I get more bounce than I like. But it handles ok in the wind. I guess what I'm saying is there is more to it than rearend ratio. And there is nothing wrong with towing in 3rd. The trans runs cooler and then overdrive will give you better milleage solo. ..... Rich
Finally got a build week for the Z71 I ordered in April. Ordered from dealer 3 April, Chevy accepted and preferenced order around 19 April, and last Friday Chevy told me build would occur week of 7 June. Sure hope new car carriers don't go on strike. If they keep working should get the truck sometime the week of 21 June. Auto loan locked-in through 29 June. May be one of the last 1999's built. I've heard the plants are supposed to start building 2000's week of 14 June.
Ordered two-tone Pewter over Gray Z71. Have seen one and it looked sharp. Can't say I've seen any of the new Chevy's/GMC's that didn't look really good though. Hope that they've gotten all the kinks out by the time mine gets built and that I get all the updates that some people have been going to the dealers to get.
My finger nails are getting kinda short - Why does the time pass so slowly? :-)
Pulling a 24' travel trailer weighs 4,400 lbs empty. GAWR of 7,000 lbs. Probably goes 5K loaded. I went with the 4.10LS with a 4.8L and 5speed manual. In your shoes I would definately go with the 4.10. Little milage penalty and much better performance loaded. Motor really peps up above 2,500 rpm. I always pull in 4th (not 5th). If I were you, I would always pull that much weight in D not OD.
gwvinson I think the tailgate movement you mentioned is normal. The tailgate would normally lift off the right side to remove. There is supposed to be a lock that is attached to the bolt just above the hinge that stops thieves without tools from stealing your tailgate. You can probably only lift the gate until it hits the theft deterrent piece of metal. Chevy forgot to put that piece on my truck. They did get my transmission cooler. It is smaller than I would have thought. It is smaller than a license plate and can be seen by looking thru the hood latch hole. Mine is right under that hole.
Got word from my dealer today about the missing oil cooler on my pickup. Took a while for them to be convinced, but going to get it taken care of now. From what I have learned, I'm sure there will be a recall out on the missing coolers as soon as GM can handle it. One should be aware, because it sounds like GM has identified the units that are missing coolers and mine was not on that list. If you have a dealer that does not know whats going on, have them look through their service bulletins for around April 12th.
Other than the Aux. oil cooler, the pickup is the best. Getting best mileage at speeds around 50 to 55 (19.5 to 20.4 mpg). At interstate speeds of 75 to 80 (16.1 to 16.8 mpg). Pulled 18' camper this weekend. Didn't even know the trailer was on the hitch.
I see where wheels.com is showing the plant startup dates for the new 2000 models. Check it out.
If you or whoever changed the oil didn't reset the counter, the computer never knew the oil was changed. Read your owners manual and it tells you how to reset the oil indicator. It's something like turn the key to on position and pump the accelerator to the floor 3 to 5 times until the change oil light flashes on and off.
BTW, at how many miles did your computer say it was time to change the oil? Mine triggered at 3,400 miles. The computer counts how many times you start, how cold or hot the oil is, stuff like that.
Next time the oil is changed, reset the computer the same way.....
As a separate question, have any of you folks added an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system? I miss the sound of my C/K2500 and am looking for something more for sound than for the ? performance gain. I can't seem to find a Rancho system that my C/K had.
Scattered around the Indianapolis 500 Race track I saw the new Silverado crew cab long beds being used for the safety crews during the race. Chevy is a big player at Indy with pace car and all.
Quad, I didn't see the crew cabs in Indy trim, but I have seen one in person (won't tell ya how) It will be nice in dually trim.
I am totally aghast at what tony George has done, but thought the race was one of the best regarding competition throughout the entire event. nobody opened up more than a 5 sec lead throughout, and multiple dices throughout. I am on my way to Milwaukee this weekend to watch the Furriners have a go at it. I have been attending the indycar races there for ...well...geez, remember the STP turbines???? It was so cool to watch those cars woosh by...
Lookin forward to the ride in about 3 hours or so.
STP Turbines! I go back to the days of the Novi engine. :-)
Let's see. CART 40,000 people barely making a dent in the stands at Moline on Saturday. IRL Indy 500 sold out again with 400,000 plus in reserved seats. So who won?
IRL has some good drivers. Tony Stewart fresh could do no better than 9th at Indy 500. Tony Stewart exhausted came in 4th at NASCAR later that night. CART has only two drivers with true name recognition in Al Unser Jr. and Michael Andretti--both are past their primes. Target/Ganassi Racing Team has won 45% of all CART races in past 4 years--hardly fair competition. Last year's CART champ Zanardi is off the charts in Formula 1 rankings this year. IRL and NASCAR are more competitively balanced. CART has aging arrogance, slightly more budget than IRL and petty juniorness to F1.
I think it's moot. CART needs Indy more than IRL needs CART. Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and Formula 1 Grand Prix all next year at Indianapolis. CART better get its butt back in the fold or become 4th rate.
I like the oval racing. I'm amazed Indy cars can go through 90 degree 12 degree banked turns (Indy) at two and sometimes three abreast going 200 mph plus. It takes your breath away in person. Hard to appreciate on the tube. It does lacks the NASCAR bumping.
Getting back to those Silverados. I'll have to check my pictures when I get them developed. I hope there is a picture in there somewhere.
Greetings, new to this site. 99 silverado 1500, z71, rear suspension noise. At about 2000 mi began with chirp, turned to rattle. Been to dealer 3 times, have 2 different sets of what I would call "Isolators" on lower leaf. Noise is now tolerable, but not gone. I've been waiting about 8000 mi for GM to find cure, and remove the band-aid. Any ideas?
I am about to purchase a Silverado LS regular cab Sportside, mainly to commute to work in. I am confused by how close in power the 4.8 and 5.3 are. I believe the 4.8 will be plenty for me and I can save the extra $700 the 5.3 costs. Does anyone know more about these engines?
5.3 tall geared is probably getting better fuel econ than the 4.8 with short legs and about the same throttle response. Really happy with my 4.8L 4.10 rear end 5 speed. Towing 5,000 lb trailers up and down 6% grades at 7,000 ft. Pulls ok, but gotta spin the motor. Plenty of power empty.
I have 5.3 w/3.73 in my silverado, I chose it over the 4.8 mainly because of hauling or towing. It has plenty of power for both. @ 70 mph I run about 1900 rpm, and get 18.5 to 20 mpg on interstate.(empty-500#)
The 4.8 is actually pretty close in comparison, and unless you plan on towing much, it should be fine.
Markbuck, I plan to get the auto and haven't seen any rear ends other than the 3.42. I'm hoping for 20 plus mpg highway if I go with the 4.8. The salesman says that this engine will hurt resale like the old 305 vs. 350. I say that the differece in rated power is very little, but I am wondering if I'm missing something here. $700 extra for 15 horses and 30 lbs. of torque?
rcar: Go for the 5.3 if you don't need a 5 spd. I've found that the 4.8 needs to be thrashed to get anything out of it(despite the 4.10, 5 spd). Keep in mind than Chevy's HP numbers are inflated, at best, and that the 4.8 lacks torque.
Has anyone had wind noise from the rear side windows on there extend a cabs? If so does GM have a fix or an update? These are a real poor design. If the window latches were made right and pulled the window tight the problem would be solved. The rest of the truck is great.
Just got a 99 Silverado...had all I wanted except the fog lights. Looked at the Fog Light Kit that Chevy sells for the Silverado ($99.00). Installation of hardware---harness and lights---looks very straight forward. However the installation notes indicate that certain "codes" must be entered via a specificed piece of equipment(sounds like a dealer test/diagnosis machine) to get the system to "recognize the fog lights" ---THIS SOUNDS LIKE A DIFFICULTY FOR A DO -IT-YOURSELFer. They also provide an 800 number to call to get the appropriate "code" information.
Question: Has anyone installed the Chevy fog lights for the 99 Silverado? If so, how did you get "the system to recognize the fog lights"? ANy problems?
BTW---the dealer will sell the kit and installation for $252.00.
Save your money and get a Cat Eye, PIAA, Hella or other real foglight unit. The 27W bulbs from the factory setup just don't cut it. (Modest light output that only serves to illuminate the side of the road right next to the vehicle.) Most aftermarket fog unit have 50W bulbs and better lenses.
I talked to three different Chevy dealers and all said for model year 2000, the Silverados will have a fourth door option that you can order. One catch, limited production and it will take even longer to get a fourth door model. They said if I ordered one in June, it will not be here until at least November or December. Without the fourth door, looking at about 3 months wait.Also, no pricing on 2000 model years, but you can order them. Typical GM - makes no sense at all!
I just called my dealer. He has got pricing but the 4th door option won't be produced till December. I had been hoping for September. It will be an option for the 2000 model. Also he has none of his most popular models. The 1/2 ton SB extended cab 2x4 and they don't expect any for a month. All the 99 colors are still available. But there will be a new radio for 2000. We are planning on going to Phoenix for a month or two in Jan 00 with our fifth wheel. So I'm faced with getting a third door on the wrong side or getting a Dodge without all the other Chevy options. Not very promising. First I need to see what if any changes Dodge is making for 2000 and then make a move right or wrong. By the way, the old body styles are still selling real well because they can sell them for less. ....... Rich
Any news on the fourth door for 2000 not available until Dec.? What are the cost involved and are there any new options??? Any help would be appreciated, I got my 1999 knocked back to a 2000 due to a build out???
My 99 got knocked off too. I ordered in early February. Really screws up my summer, not a happy camper. After a few respectably calm calls with my dealer, he says I am first in line for his first 3/4 ton order. Maybe by September? Has anyone heard if the ZX3 suspension option will actually be available THIS year, or just more hype?
I'm in line for a 3/4 ton as well ... just depends on when the dealer gets the right allocation. By the way, the ZX3 is NOT an option on a 3/4 ton, so I wouldn't worry about when it's coming out.
markbuck: I'm coming from a modified K2500 350 5spd Ext cab that hauled quite well. Midrange grunt was simply great. The new Silverado is a nice truck (too car like), but is gutless and on a recent trip through Vermont, I had to shift a lot with the A/C on...I was surprised considering that I had ordered the 4.10. Needs a Whipplecharger in a big way, just hard to spend that kind of money on a new vehicle. quadrunner: plenty of fog in New England when the humidity rises...the OEM lights aren't worth a d---.
I just ordered a 2000 LS 4x4 ext. Cab with sportside body. Dealer can't give me a price yet...does anyone know what the percentage increase is on the 2000? Also, the dealer tells me there is a constraint on power seats and Leather?! Anyone hear anything on this? Lastly, my dealer says my truck should be done by the end of August - not sure about the 4th door but I'm seeing alot of December-ish comments in this topic list? What's the scoop?
I was originally considering a 2500 w/6.0, but couldn't stand to wait 8-10 weeks when my '88 1500, 5.0 had 256k (original), didn't want to press my luck.
After a lot of research I took a 1500, 5.3 off the lot, has the "tow/haul" mode. I was impressed (so far) by the way it held the shift pattern when engaged. I didn't think I could use "cruise" while pulling my skid loader, without it going "shift crazy", I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't have any big grades to deal with though.
I've only had to move the skidder once, and didn't need the A/C then. We'll see what I think by the end of the summer.
BTW, I'm taking my NEW truck BACK in again!! for a full set of new rear springs and shocks, (left and right side this time) Anybody else had problems with suspension noise?
megabob: My Silverado is stock currently, looking for a place in the NE that can do engine/exhaust mods...have some leads from JBA. I frankly think that the it's underpowered and probably could use 4.56 out back. The transmission whines and the clutch has chattered since new. Back to the dealer. Overall, I like it but...
I have been looking for a 1500, either chevy or GMC. Need a extra cab type but don't want to pay an arm and leg to the local dealers on the Miss. GULF Coast. Anyone have an idea?
Is the 4.3L V6 a viable option for the 1500 (2WD or 4WD)if no towing is planned, or is too underpowered anyway? Looks like everyone has the 4.8 or the 5.3. So does that make the V6 a resale problem as well?
One other question: are the black fender flares standard on all Silverado 4WD's?
the diesel is not yet in the 99 silverado's. New diesel to be released later this year(?) maybe, if gm is on time.
The old 6.5 in the c/k trucks has a problem with the injetion pump. Some will go forever others will die and live you walking. Other then that the engine is solid.
In rec.outdoors.rv-travel a number of people report that the 4.3 v-6 in a Safari van is satisfactory for hauling a lightweight trailer so it should be ok for just running around in a pickup.
I am thinking about ordering a Silverado Reg Cab SWB truck with a 5.3 V8, Automatic, 3.42 axle, but I am not sure on the suspension. I want a smooth ride but occasionally I plan to pull my boat which weights 3000 pounds. Chevy advertizes an adjustible suspension option (ZX3). It has two positions "smooth" and "trailering". I heard Chevy is having trouble getting this option to work. Do any of you have the ZX3 suspension or have heard about it? With just 3000 pounds to haul do you think the standard suspension (Z83) would work? I am reluctant to order a firm suspension (Z85) because with the SWB I think a firm suspension would make my ride too bumpy. What are your thoughts? I appreciate any feedback.
OK, my wife and I have discussed it and we're sure we want the four dour. The dealer has the ordering info but no prices yet and the four doors won't be available till December it looks like. Heck I been foolin' with this since last June. Waited on ordering a 3/4 ton until things were firming up and then cancelled in March when it looked like I may not get one until the 2000 came out. And rumors were that the 2000 would have the 4door. I didn't think the first one's would have a four door but at least by September. Wrong! So now I'd like to get one of the first 4 doors in December (or maybe January?). I've heard others on here order 2000's before the prices come out. How does that work? Go by 99 prices plus some percentage of the increase? My dealer was ancy about taking my 97 in trade with a four month wait. How will he be about a six month wait? No, I'm not ging to sell it myself as its hard to break even when you look at the sales tax. Kansas only charges sales tax on the difference. So I'd have to sell it on my own for more than a thousand over trade-in just to break even, not to mention the hastle. Any ideas? ...... Rich
According to my dealer besides the addition of a optional 4th door, Chevy will have a new radio. It will interupt what your lisening to with NOAA weather warnings. Also it accepts the new codes some stations are sending. For instance if your lisening to a CD and your favorite news program comes on you can program it to switch to the news and it will tell you the station you are lisening to. Also all of the 99 colors will be available plus some new ones. Anybody else heard anything? ........ Rich
Comments
Richard
....except I just noticed last night that both front doors "click" at the first hinge stop (1/2 open). This happens opening or closing the doors and there are actually two clicks per side - one in each direction. I thought at first it was a switch for interior lights and such, but (A) it seemed odd that it would be so far out, and (B) nothing happens at the click anyway!
Any ideas?
Ordered two-tone Pewter over Gray Z71. Have seen one and it looked sharp. Can't say I've seen any of the new Chevy's/GMC's that didn't look really good though. Hope that they've gotten all the kinks out by the time mine gets built and that I get all the updates that some people have been going to the dealers to get.
My finger nails are getting kinda short - Why does the time pass so slowly? :-)
In your shoes I would definately go with the 4.10. Little milage penalty and much better performance loaded. Motor really peps up above 2,500 rpm. I always pull in 4th (not 5th). If I were you, I would always pull that much weight in D not OD.
I think the tailgate movement you mentioned is normal. The tailgate would normally lift off the right side to remove. There is supposed to be a lock that is attached to the bolt just above the hinge that stops thieves without tools from stealing your tailgate. You can probably only lift the gate until it hits the theft deterrent piece of metal.
Chevy forgot to put that piece on my truck. They did get my transmission cooler. It is smaller than I would have thought. It is smaller than a license plate and can be seen by looking thru the hood latch hole. Mine is right under that hole.
Other than the Aux. oil cooler, the pickup is the best. Getting best mileage at speeds around 50 to 55 (19.5 to 20.4 mpg). At interstate speeds of 75 to 80 (16.1 to 16.8 mpg). Pulled 18' camper this weekend. Didn't even know the trailer was on the hitch.
I see where wheels.com is showing the plant startup dates for the new 2000 models. Check it out.
BTW, at how many miles did your computer say it was time to change the oil? Mine triggered at 3,400 miles. The computer counts how many times you start, how cold or hot the oil is, stuff like that.
Next time the oil is changed, reset the computer the same way.....
The Silverado trucks were of course, an exception.
I am totally aghast at what tony George has done, but thought the race was one of the best regarding competition throughout the entire event. nobody opened up more than a 5 sec lead throughout, and multiple dices throughout. I am on my way to Milwaukee this weekend to watch the Furriners have a go at it. I have been attending the indycar races there for ...well...geez, remember the STP turbines???? It was so cool to watch those cars woosh by...
Lookin forward to the ride in about 3 hours or so.
Let's see. CART 40,000 people barely making a dent in the stands at Moline on Saturday. IRL Indy 500 sold out again with 400,000 plus in reserved seats. So who won?
IRL has some good drivers. Tony Stewart fresh could do no better than 9th at Indy 500. Tony Stewart exhausted came in 4th at NASCAR later that night. CART has only two drivers with true name recognition in Al Unser Jr. and Michael Andretti--both are past their primes. Target/Ganassi Racing Team has won 45% of all CART races in past 4 years--hardly fair competition. Last year's CART champ Zanardi is off the charts in Formula 1 rankings this year. IRL and NASCAR are more competitively balanced. CART has aging arrogance, slightly more budget than IRL and petty juniorness to F1.
I think it's moot. CART needs Indy more than IRL needs CART. Indy 500, Brickyard 400 and Formula 1 Grand Prix all next year at Indianapolis. CART better get its butt back in the fold or become 4th rate.
I like the oval racing. I'm amazed Indy cars can go through 90 degree 12 degree banked turns (Indy) at two and sometimes three abreast going 200 mph plus. It takes your breath away in person. Hard to appreciate on the tube. It does lacks the NASCAR bumping.
Getting back to those Silverados. I'll have to check my pictures when I get them developed. I hope there is a picture in there somewhere.
Really happy with my 4.8L 4.10 rear end 5 speed. Towing 5,000 lb trailers up and down 6% grades at 7,000 ft. Pulls ok, but gotta spin the motor. Plenty of power empty.
2000 Crewcab Silverado in Openroad Magazine for summer "99" (spy photo)
I have 5.3 w/3.73 in my silverado, I chose it over the 4.8 mainly because of hauling or towing. It has plenty of power for both. @ 70 mph I run about 1900 rpm, and get 18.5 to 20 mpg on interstate.(empty-500#)
The 4.8 is actually pretty close in comparison, and unless you plan on towing much, it should be fine.
I plan to get the auto and haven't seen any rear ends other than the 3.42. I'm hoping for 20 plus mpg highway if I go with the 4.8. The salesman says that this engine will hurt resale like the old 305 vs. 350. I say that the differece in rated power is very little, but I am wondering if I'm missing something here. $700 extra for 15 horses and 30 lbs. of torque?
The auto-lock doors are what drive me nuts...
Question: Has anyone installed the Chevy fog lights for the 99 Silverado? If so, how did you get "the system to recognize the fog lights"? ANy problems?
BTW---the dealer will sell the kit and installation for $252.00.
Thanks for any input.
Poad
Course I'm moving up from a diesel PU.
I think my 4.8 is faster than my buddies V-10 CC Ford....... Doesn't tow 5,000 lbs quite as good but I get better fuel economy.
Most of the time you should be able to see just fine without them.
Turn them off.
I talked to three different Chevy dealers
and all said for model year 2000, the Silverados
will have a fourth door option that you can order.
One catch, limited production and it will take
even longer to get a fourth door model. They
said if I ordered one in June, it will not be here
until at least November or December. Without the fourth door, looking at about 3 months wait.Also, no
pricing on 2000 model years, but you can order
them. Typical GM - makes no sense at all!
Thanks.
quadrunner: plenty of fog in New England when the humidity rises...the OEM lights aren't worth a d---.
I was originally considering a 2500 w/6.0, but couldn't stand to wait 8-10 weeks when my '88 1500, 5.0 had 256k (original), didn't want to press my luck.
After a lot of research I took a 1500, 5.3 off the lot, has the "tow/haul" mode. I was impressed (so far) by the way it held the shift pattern when engaged. I didn't think I could use "cruise" while pulling my skid loader, without it going "shift crazy", I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't have any big grades to deal with though.
I've only had to move the skidder once, and didn't need the A/C then. We'll see what I think by the end of the summer.
BTW, I'm taking my NEW truck BACK in again!! for a full set of new rear springs and shocks, (left and right side this time) Anybody else had problems with suspension noise?
GMC. Need a extra cab type but don't want to pay an arm and leg to the local dealers on the Miss. GULF Coast. Anyone have an idea?
One other question: are the black fender flares standard on all Silverado 4WD's?
Thanks.
The old 6.5 in the c/k trucks has a problem with the injetion pump. Some will go forever others will die and live you walking. Other then that the engine is solid.