I live in Flagstaff. My 4.8L Silverado 1500 was built 3-10. Picked it up yesterday, 3-22. The sales manager had called the railroad yard and had the truck labeled "hot". Maybe I got better service for $500 over inv.....
I agree with a previous posting by mwinter1 discussing the bent frame rumors. In the February issue of AI, they interviewed Ken Sohocki, chief engineer GM Truck. He stated that 36 trucks were damaged in transit due to improper tie down procedures. Apparently, the folks loading the vehicles were applying the attachment forces with a hydraulic system instead of a manual winch. He went on to say that the hydraulic system was applying 9000 pounds of pressure (load) per side which bent the frame behind the cab area.
Thinking of replacing those stock foglights with some driving lights maybe PIAA or something else. The foglights don't seem to be to powerfull. Maybe get some of those blue driving lights. Anybody know what will work best?
Markbuck Congrats on getting your truck. You sound awfully excited. I know the feeling. I don't remember if the trip meter or odometer comes up when you push the knob. One of the two comes up then in about 5 or 10 seconds it will change to the hour meter. Just push and hold till it changes. And yes the key has to be off, or just pull it out of the ignition.
Noticed a puddle under the rear diff at lunch. Dropped it off at the dealership for a pinion seal replacement. Just got back from a test ride, not leaking.
Thus far: 150 miles - one pinion seal. Gas gauge still on full though.
Good to hear you got your truck! Hopefully that will be the first and last problem. If I remember right you can check the hour meter without the key in the ignition. You should not see the Odometer or trip meter. My wife is in mine right now or I would check for sure! Hard to keep her out of it!
mwinter and others, Be patient the transport of these trucks can be slow as it was in my case. I understand exactly what you are going thru! Try something someone suggested to me shop for accessories. Good luck!
Gas mileage is not as good as I expected. on the firest 4 tanks been getting between 15.7 and 13.8. I have the 5.3L extended cab Z71 sportside. The best was almost all hwy(65-70) and the worst was strictly city. Maybe it will improve when it is well broken in! What are others with similar setups getting? Maybe I expect too much?
I am not a lead foot either! I am very easy on vehicles. Just get on it once in a while!
jxyoung My truck's the same as yours except I have the wide bed and 3.73 rear end. 4700 miles and I get just over 14 mpg city. Haven't taken a road trip yet. Just checked the hour meter. Push the knob and hold and the odometer comes up. 5 seconds later the hours come up. Release the knob and hours go off 30 seconds later.
99 Silverado, LS, ext cab, 5.3L, tow package, lock differential,---approx. 5000 miles so far (2 months old)---last 1004 miles with 50/50 highway/city averaged 20.38 MPG---I am a conservative driver, but highway miles were between 75 and 80. Will try a trip at 55 and report back on how the mileage is affected.
1500, 4x4, 5.3L, reg cab, long-bed, 4.10 axle, been getting about 14 in town, best tank on highway was not quite 18, just under. Can go more than 500 miles on that big gas tank. Have noticed it ping a bit recently on 87 octane, under normal load at about 1500 rpm. I'm going to have this looked at. Still pulls to the right slightly. Nothing else to complain about. Dealer sent me a coupon for a free oil and filter change. Had a tiny dash rattle that went away on its own...hard to believe. Power windows have to be the fastest in history, love 'em!
Jkalb2: Mytruck is now in the United States. Actually, it's in a town called Lewiston, about 45 minutes away. Since Oshawa, Ontario is just over the border from me (Buffalo, NY) I didn't think it would take long once it got on the train. So, now a trailer has to pick it up and take it to the dealer. I'm hoping by the end of the week.
tkabbes: That's the same article that I was referring to, (AI Automotive Industries). As an engineer, I get to see a lot of the technical publications behind some of these rumors.
mwinter1: Thanks for the info.on your new truck delivery status. I'll keep my fingers crossed for this week end delivery to your dealer.I still haven't heard any more on the delivery of mine, only that it was shipped on March 3rd.Maybe soon. Jim
Still waiting for my silverado 2500 excab longbed (suspossed to be built this week.. 3/22) but was just wondering.. what do ya do for an extra key?? are they coded some how?? Who has blanks? is there a battery in these keys?? I have no idea how these new fangeled anti-theft pass keys work!!
Look like regular keys, with a remote control on a key ring. They give you a code on paper you can use to have the dealer make you a copy. Key does not have battery, but remote does.
My stripper truck has regular key with no remote. The passive passlock system is built into the steering column. Keys can be made anywhere. Paper code is just like old vehicles, can cut a key from a code book.
Have you had any luck finding out what is going on with these trucks from your dealer or the GM info number (800 GMC TRUCK)?
I still don't have a build date (it's listed in the computer as Feb 8th according to my dealer) and no one seems willing or able to tell me what is happening. I've heard about problems getting manual transmissions, bed supply problems....
Sorry for posting a message, then being away for a while...
jxyoung (Post #8), quadrunner500 (post #19)
I bought the LS model, upgraded the heck out of it. The remote keyless entry is what is included, not an alarm. Looking at the front of the manual for the alarm its a model VSC3300 alarm. Considering what the dealer put me thru in this purchase, I'm now convinced the dealer stuck me for what they could. I'm a member of a credit union that has an agreement of 500 over factory invoice with the dealer. My wife bought a Monte Carlo from another dealer 2 years ago, and it was a totally different experience. Which will be remembered when we get her the Suburban she wants. (She refuses to step one foot in the dealer we got the Truck from, here in the Phoenix area)
I've got about 411 miles on it now. I don't know how much gas they put in it at the dealer before I drove it home (it showed full). But it was on the last 16th tick before empty, and I refilled it. But it only took 20.x gallons. Its a short bed, extended cab, and I thought it took 28 gallons to fill an empty tank. Given the gallons entered, and the milage, I only got 14.5 mpg on the 1st tank.
Its a 5.3 liter, 3.73 limited slip, 1500 Silverado. All milage was city driving.
Is there an indicator that tells you your low on fuel? (Haven't read the entire manual, got bored when reading the pages after pages concerning the seat belts.)
Unfortunately gas prices were on the rise the first time I had to fill it up. ($1.129 a gallon for 87 octane) Cost a heck of a lot more than my '88 Toyota 4x4 to fill!
Anyway, I'm happy with the truck, totally unhappy with the treatment the chevy dealer (Glendale AZ. location) gave me. When I ordered the truck, I told them I was financing thru my Credit Union. 6.95%. The dealer's finance dept tried to get me to sign papers for a loan at 6.5%. But looking at it there was a $1700 charge for an extended warranty that they said "I ordered". I DON'T THINK SO! Now considering that I was overcharged for an alarm, how do you think I'm gonna respond to the customer satisfaction form soon to be sent by Chevy? And by the way this form is VERY important to the dealership. If they get unsatisfactory responses (i.e. the form G.M. sends you) for a dealership you dealt with, it will affect the allocations the dealership has in the future.
BTW I ordered my truck on 12/30/98, and got delivery on 3/16/99.
What are you getting? If it's a 1500, you probably won't have much of a wait.
A good place to look at the availability of the trucks and options is at http://www.wheels.com/fr_news.htm - It should be updated again soon (they only change it once a month). Mostly the people with the LT/SLT models have had the long waits (mine is a K2500 SLE Long Bed).
As long as the truck is built well and runs for a long time I'm OK. Five years down the road, the wait won't mean much.
The ONLY thing that is important to 90 percent of all dealerships is PROFIT, and if the dealer is selling the hell out of the factory product, than most complaints are handled with a wink and a handshake.
bobfox, If you bought an LS with keyless remote, then you have a factory alarm! Your dealer, among other things should have explained this. Here's how to test it. Roll a window down, turn the engine off, get out, and close the door. Press the "lock" button on the keyless remote (2) times in succession. The horn should beep once to confirm. Then wait about a minute or so, reach in through the open window, manually unlock the door (don't use the power door lock switch), then open the door. Honk - Honk - Honk - Honk etc. Press the unlock button on the keyless remote to turn it off.
On March 8, 1999 I ordered a Silverado LS 1500, regular cab long bed, 5.3 automatic, 3.42 gears with locker, Z85 suspension, Z82 trailering pkg with transmission oil cooler, sliding rear glass and fog lamps. I know it is going to be awhile before I get a Born On Date. The only problem I have at present is the Dealer. I haven't got the Vehicle Order Number from them yet, it's like pulling hen's teeth to get it, (the only thing I have in my hand, is the vehicle specification sheet of the truck I ordered and the buyers order). Is this a big secret or something? It's not the salesmans fault (been there for over 20 years). It's his sales manager. He does all the ordering. If the salesman asks, he gets PO'd. Called again today, the salesman said he would try to get the manager in a better mood and ask again. Suppose to call me back later. If I don't hear from him today. May have to make a trip to them tomorrow and jump on someones desk.
Any comments on what I ordered? The waiting period involved? How Long? Dealer told me 8 - 14 weeks?
I noticed you ordered the trailering package and 3.42 gear ratio.
The 3.42 is not exactly conducive to towing anything much heavier than a tent trailer, in my opinion.
If you plan to tow anything heavier than that, you would be happier with the 3.73, or if towing something really heavy (say, over 6 or 7 thousand pounds), get the 4.10.
As per markbuck's comment, I also got the 4.8 with 4.10 LSD and would not get anything taller. The 6.0 might have enough torque to go with 3.73...but the 4.8 definately doesn't.
bobfox, Look on page 50 of the Silverado brochure. It has listed under the standard features of the LS. Remote Keyless entry with content theft alarm. quadrunner is correct about how to test this. Check your owners manual and get more info. You should also see the yellow security light flashing in the driver message center at times.
If your dealer is trying to sell you the alarm you already paid for in the price of the base LS they are full of it!
knobby, You are probably okay towing with the 3.42, but this is only available on 2WD. The 4.10 is not an option on the 2WD. The trailering rating on the 3.42 is 7000 pounds, on the 3.73 it is 8200. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the reason you have not received your order number is probably not because the sales manager is lazy, but your salesman would probably prefer that you believe that anyway. Unfortunately, the more likely explanation is that the dealer does not have an allocation yet. Pin him down on this point, especially if you left a deposit for the special order. Ask him this question, and record his answer with a tape machine. Do it now. If you decide you can't wait any longer, and want to get your deposit back, this will help. By the way, out here in Denver, if you would accept 4WD, you could find that truck equipped as you describe on the lot, in your choice of several colors. I know this because it is very similar to mine, and I drive by the dealers all the time. If you wish to remain loyal to your dealer, don't be shy about asking them to get one for you from one of their competitors. First, shop all the lots in town. If you find one you like, tell your salesman you want him to get that truck for you. I know this works. That's how I got mine, and ended the agony of waiting, waiting....
The reason I chose the 3.42 over the 3.73 and 4.10 was a compromise. I didn't purchase the truck for hole shots, low ET or anything else. I'll use the truck mainly as a commuter to and from work (43 miles one way). I understand your concerns about my choice. I live in South Central Florida where it gets quite steamy. The late spring and summer time temps run in the high 80's and low 90's with high humidity. Therefore, the towing package. It is the addition of the engine and transmission oil cooler with the Z85 rearend. This should keep the engine and transmission oil from burning out because of the harsh weather conditions. The only hills around here are the overpasses on I-95 and on the turnpike with 70 MPH speed limit. Otherwise, it's flatter than you know what. On weekends I plan on taking my bass boat, trailer and gear (~ 2000 lbs total) out to the lake (Lake Okeechobee, 52 miles away), rivers and the intercoastal waterway to drown worms. I don't plan on pulling stumps and such with it. Nor do I plan on towing anything rreeaall heavy (other than the boat) at this time. If the situation changes later on, I'll consider changing the ratio then. Otherwise, I would have considered a lower gear ratio.
The truck I ordered will be Summit White/Charcoal Gray, with medium gray interior, 40-20-40seats, 2wd.
knobby A really good fishing guide in central Florida area is C.C. Corey of Lunker Bass Guide Service. He works out of Cresent City and fishes places like Rodman reservoir and St. Johns river. He will definately put you on fish. My biggest bass from Rodman res. was 9 lbs. Gee, getting an idea for my vacation this year. Good fishing! Bob
Just got a copy last week of the "1999 GM Accessories for Silverado" catalog. Spent the weekend drooling over some of the accessories it shows. The catalog is 10 pages long and has quite a few interesting items. It has everything from mud flaps to bedliners to brush guards to hitch packages to a 12-disc CD player. It also shows a tailgate lock that looks great. All made especially for the Silverado. In any case, I really recommend you get a look at this catalog. The catalog number on the bottom right side of the back page is CA06069801. Good hunting.
Same hill on the interstate I have driven every week for 10 years. In my '89 7.3L Diesel (no turbo) F350 2wd CC 3.55 rear end, 5th gear, I would drop about 8 mph and occasionally drop out of cruise control at a starting speed of 65. My new 1500 Silverado 4.8L 5th gear 4.10 will pull the hill and maintain 65 within a few mph. Anxious to see how it tows 4,000 lbs at 7,000 ft elevation. Gonna get at least 1000 miles on it before.
First 1/2 tank mileage (not sure they filled it completely), went 300 miles on 18 gallons of fuel, for about 16.5 mpg. Lots of 4wd stop and go break-in driving. Figure I should average around 17 mpg over the next year (excluding towing). Will keep you all posted....
Another great place to drown worms (fish) is the Kissimmee river off SR60. The St. John's River is a little to far (~3 1/2-4 hr drive) to get there. Lake Okeechobee is closer. I also fish the St. Lucie canal and inlet, the rim canal around Belle Glade and around Okeechobee, Fl. Even though it's not in season yet, the Snook fishing is also great.
I to just saw a a copy the "1999 GM Accessories for Silverado" catalog. It's nice. I ordered a set of GM running boards for the 1999 Silverado 4x4 I'm picking up on Monday. Also, rear molded splash guards. All accessories are covered under the 3year 36000 mile warranty also.
I love my '99 Silverado, LS, Z-71, locking diff, 5.3L, auto, ext cab, short bed. My mpg averages between 16 and 18 mpg. I have over 7K miles on it now. My only problem with it has been a binding feeling on the gas pedal when cruising down the highway. You take your foot off the pedal, step on it again and the pedal feels like it is stuck or binding, then frees up. Took it back to the dealer and they fixed it. Said it was the throttle plate sticking. They realigned it or replaced it, I don't remember. Fixed it for a while. It starting to do it again, but only sporadically. Other than that, the truck has been great.
The content theft alarm is just that. It protects the contents in the truck. It is activated when you lock the truck and deactivated via the keyless remote or the key in the door. If the door is unlocked via the inside lock lever and the door is subsequently opened, the alarm is triggered. This does not protect against body damage, towing, jarring, etc. I had my dealer add the GM alarm to protect the rest of the truck as well as the interior. With the content theft alarm, someone can break the window, reach in and take something without opening the door. The alarm is never triggered.
Seem to be settling into about 16.7 mpg in 2wd mode on mostly suburban out and about driving and commuting. Dividing miles by hours driven I am averaging 37 mph. I'm guessing driving in Autotrac is about a 0.6 mpg hit but other factors such as cold weather and idling probably figure in as well.
Long trip mileage on freeway was 18.1 mpg. That is right on the estimate.
I went in for an oil change service at the Chevy Dealer yesterday and got a chance to see first hand the hard shell folding tonneau cover that appears on page 44 of the Silverado brochure. It looked good. It's a black aluminum cover in four continuous hinged sections resting on clamp down rails that key locks front and back and locks the tailgate as well. You don't have to replace the protruding tailgate protector as required for most fiberglass hard shells such as A.R.E.
The three back sections fold open and rest on the fourth section behind the cab. The section behind the cab locks and lifts separately so you can get at items against the cab which is extremely difficult with fiberglass hard shells.
The Parts Dept. happened to have one in stock so I am getting it put on Tuesday. The cover is manufactured by Fold-A-Cover, a Michigan company. I posted info on it earlier in the hard shell tonneau cover category on this board.
Phil, I have the same throttle feeling with my Sierra, noticed it at about 200 miles. Seems to be airflow relaated as it is only at highway speeds. Will address this with the dealer when i have more of a reason to take oit in.
I purchased my 1500-Std. Cab off the dealers lot on 12/07/98. It has the LS option, 5300 V8, 4-Sp.Auto W/TowHaul, Auto-Trac Tran.Case, Off Road Susp. Pkg., 3.73 Posi, Trailer. Pkg.,Fogs, Rear Slider, Cast Alum. Whls., Deep Tint, Two-Tone-Meadow Green Met./Lgt Pewter Met., and Graphite Cloth Int...I couldn't have wanted much more if I had order it. This is a "Great" Truck! I only have 1171 miles on it so far, but am avrg. 18.7 mpg @ 60-70 mph. It pulls like a Clydesdale, or should say 270 of'em in the snow! I was amazed at the acceleration it has, will set you right back in the seat and break loose the rear tires without any problem at all,(Not that I do that often).Fortunatley I was able to get it through GM's retiree option plan, and I had almost $4k in GM Credit Card Bonus money, I got a very good deal on this Truck! I wish I could say good things about the salesperson and dealer, but, no can do, and that's to bad too. It seems that the dealers take the attitude they don't need you after they've made the sale. It's been almost 4 months now and haven't heard a word from them, and when I've gone back for service the salesman seems to avoid me. It just don't figure, don't they realize we will probably want to buy another vehicle in 2-4 years or less? A question I have concerns two pcs. of masking tape I found under the truck with Green paint overspray on them. I found then about at the middle of the rocker pnls. under the doors. Is this an area that the haulers use for hold downs? I have never seen the factory let anything like this go out the door. I was thinking maybe it was done at the dealers..Oh yeah, and how many ignition keys come with the truck? I got one... Thanks for this site, it's Great!!
nomad- I took delivery of a Silverado 3/12. Salesperson handed me 2 keys and 2 keyless entry controllers. Get cards and letters in the mail at least twice a week and even a box of cookies and coffee cup from the salesperson, last week. Called me up on the phone three times and even gave me a free service this month.
My experience parallels djsteps. Nothing but top notch. I guess dealerships do vary.
BTW, I received in the mail last week (on a Jan 12 purchase) a key in a plastic case from Chevy that will only open the door. It is for carrying in my wallet in case I lock myself out. The key does not work in the ignition.
Does anyone know where I can lay my hands on that Silverado Accessories Catalog which Chevy has published?
Yes, I've already checked at my dealer. Parts Dept. knows nothing. One sales guy remembers seeing one a while back, but can't find it now.
I want to get the locking tailgate handle since I had a Pace-Edwards roll top cover put on a few weeks ago (love it) and want to be able to secure the gate too.
Why Chevy didn't make this standard (like on the truck which shall remain nameless, but starts with an "F") or at least make it an option is a mystery, but then so is that silly 20 mph auto door lock without a mechanism to auto UNLOCK when you put it in park like many high-end GM cars have.
Has anyone purchased an LT? I decided that's what I want, then found they are amazingly hard to find. None on ANY lots within 30 miles.
Also, since they are so popular, the dealers tend not to be willing to deal much. A few said that they don't at all since they already sell all they can get; another says $1500 or so over invoice. The best deal so far I have found is a AAA deal: $800 over invoice, but the dealer wants me to order it (none of the model I want on the lots; he doesn't want to trade between dealers).
I want an LT 2 wheel drive, black or peuter.
The dealer I usually go to says that he already has deposits on 12 of the 20 trucks he is expecting in the next two weeks. The remaining are not models or colors I want. He WILL trade, but wants to split the $3000 markup (between invoice and MSRP) in half. If I order from him, he'll match the AAA deal, and claims that I could have an ordered truck in within 6 weeks. Claims he has plenty of allotments ...
seve The dealer is giving mr the GM factory running boards for cost which is about $390 PLUS $68 to install. If you go to folowing gm site you can see a picture and description.
First of all, the locking tailgate option in the GM accessories catalog has been discontinued. I tried to order one a month ago when I took delivery on the Sierra that I ordered 11/5/98. It has been discontinued thanks to the government stating that it is available in the aftermarket, GM can't sell it. That stinks in my opinion, the service manager called regional GM to find out why he coundn't pull it up on the computer. My 99 GMC Ext Cab SLT 4x4 Ext Cab 3.73 Autotrack, Posi Automatic likes the gas. I am getting 14-15 driving 15 miles each way each day and several 5 mile trips a day. 1600 miles on the truck now. I am fairly pleased but there is a noise that comes from the lower left part of the engine compartment under light acceleration. I guess I will take it into the dealer and get it checked out. The molded GM mud flaps are a pain to install because one has to remove the Torx Fastener to install them. The right one in my truck was crossthreaded or way to tight and the fastener was stripped out. Ordered a new pannel stiffener under warrenty so I can drill the head of and replace the fastener with a thirteen MM bolt. The 40/20/40 bench is great. I wouldn't pay extera for the bucket seats. The leather is a very nice touch. Spend 800 dollars on getting it clad with leather than to spend 350 on bucket seats.
This is in response to those who are looking for a powered tailgate lock.
Pace-Edwards @ www.pace-edwards.com/tailgate.htm has a power tailgate lock listed on their website. From their discription, it's suppose to hook up directly into your electric door lock system. They don't list a price, so you'll have to call the 800 number for it.
For the person who made the comment about me being a ford man(person) a while back was wrong. I actually work for a GMC dealer in MN. In a class I attended about a week or so ago the intructor was explaining that the new hydroform frame rails were craking where it met the C-type rail right behind the cab. He went on to explain that this is why you are not supposed to plow with the 1500 because it causes more stress on the rails. All I wanted to say earlier was to keep an eye on this situation so that one of you don't run into this problem. Tom
Comments
Congrats on getting your truck. You sound awfully excited. I know the feeling. I don't remember if the trip meter or odometer comes up when you push the knob. One of the two comes up then in about 5 or 10 seconds it will change to the hour meter. Just push and hold till it changes. And yes the key has to be off, or just pull it out of the ignition.
Thus far: 150 miles - one pinion seal.
Gas gauge still on full though.
Good to hear you got your truck! Hopefully that will be the first and last problem. If I remember right you can check the hour meter without the key in the ignition. You should not see the Odometer or trip meter. My wife is in mine right now or I would check for sure! Hard to keep her out of it!
mwinter and others,
Be patient the transport of these trucks can be slow as it was in my case. I understand exactly what you are going thru! Try something someone suggested to me shop for accessories. Good luck!
Gas mileage is not as good as I expected. on the firest 4 tanks been getting between 15.7 and 13.8.
I have the 5.3L extended cab Z71 sportside. The best was almost all hwy(65-70) and the worst was strictly city. Maybe it will improve when it is well broken in! What are others with similar setups getting? Maybe I expect too much?
I am not a lead foot either! I am very easy on vehicles. Just get on it once in a while!
My truck's the same as yours except I have the wide bed and 3.73 rear end. 4700 miles and I get just over 14 mpg city. Haven't taken a road trip yet. Just checked the hour meter. Push the knob and hold and the odometer comes up. 5 seconds later the hours come up. Release the knob and hours go off 30 seconds later.
tkabbes: That's the same article that I was referring to, (AI Automotive Industries). As an engineer, I get to see a lot of the technical publications behind some of these rumors.
Jim
85 days and counting....
Have you had any luck finding out what is going on with these trucks from your dealer or the GM info number (800 GMC TRUCK)?
I still don't have a build date (it's listed in the computer as Feb 8th according to my dealer) and no one seems willing or able to tell me what is happening. I've heard about problems getting manual transmissions, bed supply problems....
140 days and counting....
jxyoung (Post #8), quadrunner500 (post #19)
I bought the LS model, upgraded the heck out of it. The remote keyless entry is what is included, not an alarm. Looking at the front of the manual for the alarm its a model VSC3300 alarm. Considering what the dealer put me thru in this purchase, I'm now convinced the dealer stuck me for what they could. I'm a member of a credit union that has an agreement of 500 over factory invoice with the dealer. My wife bought a Monte Carlo from another dealer 2 years ago, and it was a totally different experience. Which will be remembered when we get her the Suburban she wants. (She refuses to step one foot in the dealer we got the Truck from, here in the Phoenix area)
I've got about 411 miles on it now. I don't know how much gas they put in it at the dealer before I drove it home (it showed full). But it was on the last 16th tick before empty, and I refilled it. But it only took 20.x gallons. Its a short bed, extended cab, and I thought it took 28 gallons to fill an empty tank. Given the gallons entered, and the milage, I only got 14.5 mpg on the 1st tank.
Its a 5.3 liter, 3.73 limited slip, 1500 Silverado. All milage was city driving.
Is there an indicator that tells you your low on fuel? (Haven't read the entire manual, got bored when reading the pages after pages concerning the seat belts.)
Unfortunately gas prices were on the rise the first time I had to fill it up. ($1.129 a gallon for 87 octane) Cost a heck of a lot more than my '88 Toyota 4x4 to fill!
Anyway, I'm happy with the truck, totally unhappy with the treatment the chevy dealer (Glendale AZ. location) gave me. When I ordered the truck, I told them I was financing thru my Credit Union. 6.95%. The dealer's finance dept tried to get me to sign papers for a loan at 6.5%. But looking at it there was a $1700 charge for an extended warranty that they said "I ordered". I DON'T THINK SO! Now considering that I was overcharged for an alarm, how do you think I'm gonna respond to the customer satisfaction form soon to be sent by Chevy? And by the way this form is VERY important to the dealership. If they get unsatisfactory responses (i.e. the form G.M. sends you) for a dealership you dealt with, it will affect the allocations the dealership has in the future.
BTW I ordered my truck on 12/30/98, and got delivery on 3/16/99.
What are you getting? If it's a 1500, you probably won't have much of a wait.
A good place to look at the availability of the trucks and options is at http://www.wheels.com/fr_news.htm - It should be updated again soon (they only change it once a month). Mostly the people with the LT/SLT models have had the long waits (mine is a K2500 SLE Long Bed).
As long as the truck is built well and runs for a long time I'm OK. Five years down the road, the wait won't mean much.
The ONLY thing that is important to 90 percent of all dealerships is PROFIT, and if the dealer is selling the hell out of the factory product, than most complaints are handled with a wink and a handshake.
If you bought an LS with keyless remote, then you have a factory alarm! Your dealer, among other things should have explained this. Here's how to test it. Roll a window down, turn the engine off, get out, and close the door. Press the "lock" button on the keyless remote (2) times in succession. The horn should beep once to confirm. Then wait about a minute or so, reach in through the open window, manually unlock the door (don't use the power door lock switch), then open the door. Honk - Honk - Honk - Honk etc. Press the unlock button on the keyless remote to turn it off.
Any comments on what I ordered? The waiting period involved? How Long? Dealer told me 8 - 14 weeks?
I noticed you ordered the trailering package and 3.42 gear ratio.
The 3.42 is not exactly conducive to towing anything much heavier than a tent trailer, in my opinion.
If you plan to tow anything heavier than that, you would be happier with the 3.73, or if towing something really heavy (say, over 6 or 7 thousand pounds), get the 4.10.
Look on page 50 of the Silverado brochure. It has listed under the standard features of the LS.
Remote Keyless entry with content theft alarm.
quadrunner is correct about how to test this.
Check your owners manual and get more info. You should also see the yellow security light flashing in the driver message center at times.
If your dealer is trying to sell you the alarm you already paid for in the price of the base LS they are full of it!
You are probably okay towing with the 3.42, but this is only available on 2WD. The 4.10 is not an option on the 2WD. The trailering rating on the 3.42 is 7000 pounds, on the 3.73 it is 8200. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the reason you have not received your order number is probably not because the sales manager is lazy, but your salesman would probably prefer that you believe that anyway. Unfortunately, the more likely explanation is that the dealer does not have an allocation yet. Pin him down on this point, especially if you left a deposit for the special order. Ask him this question, and record his answer with a tape machine. Do it now. If you decide you can't wait any longer, and want to get your deposit back, this will help. By the way, out here in Denver, if you would accept 4WD, you could find that truck equipped as you describe on the lot, in your choice of several colors. I know this because it is very similar to mine, and I drive by the dealers all the time. If you wish to remain loyal to your dealer, don't be shy about asking them to get one for you from one of their competitors. First, shop all the lots in town. If you find one you like, tell your salesman you want him to get that truck for you. I know this works. That's how I got mine, and ended the agony of waiting, waiting....
Thanks for your reply.
The reason I chose the 3.42 over the 3.73 and 4.10 was a compromise. I didn't purchase the truck for hole shots, low ET or anything else. I'll use the truck mainly as a commuter to and from work (43 miles one way). I understand your concerns about my choice. I live in South Central Florida where it gets quite steamy. The late spring and summer time temps run in the high 80's and low 90's with high humidity. Therefore, the towing package. It is the addition of the engine and transmission oil cooler with the Z85 rearend. This should keep the engine and transmission oil from burning out because of the harsh weather conditions. The only hills around here are the overpasses on I-95 and on the turnpike with 70 MPH speed limit. Otherwise, it's flatter than you know what. On weekends I plan on taking my bass boat, trailer and gear (~ 2000 lbs total) out to the lake (Lake Okeechobee, 52 miles away), rivers and the intercoastal waterway to drown worms. I don't plan on pulling stumps and such with it. Nor do I plan on towing anything rreeaall heavy (other than the boat) at this time. If the situation changes later on, I'll consider changing the ratio then. Otherwise, I would have considered a lower gear ratio.
The truck I ordered will be Summit White/Charcoal Gray, with medium gray interior, 40-20-40seats, 2wd.
Again, thanks for your reply.
A really good fishing guide in central Florida area is C.C. Corey of Lunker Bass Guide Service. He works out of Cresent City and fishes places like Rodman reservoir and St. Johns river. He will definately put you on fish. My biggest bass from Rodman res. was 9 lbs. Gee, getting an idea for my vacation this year. Good fishing!
Bob
In my '89 7.3L Diesel (no turbo) F350 2wd CC 3.55 rear end, 5th gear, I would drop about 8 mph and occasionally drop out of cruise control at a starting speed of 65.
My new 1500 Silverado 4.8L 5th gear 4.10 will pull the hill and maintain 65 within a few mph.
Anxious to see how it tows 4,000 lbs at 7,000 ft elevation. Gonna get at least 1000 miles on it before.
First 1/2 tank mileage (not sure they filled it completely), went 300 miles on 18 gallons of fuel, for about 16.5 mpg. Lots of 4wd stop and go break-in driving. Figure I should average around 17 mpg over the next year (excluding towing). Will keep you all posted....
Another great place to drown worms (fish) is the Kissimmee river off SR60. The St. John's River is a little to far (~3 1/2-4 hr drive) to get there. Lake Okeechobee is closer. I also fish the St. Lucie canal and inlet, the rim canal around Belle Glade and around Okeechobee, Fl. Even though it's not in season yet, the Snook fishing is also great.
How this relates to a Silverado, I don't know?
Sounds like you made the perfect choice for your intended use of the truck.
Boy, what I wouldn't give to go fishing in FL again. Haven't been since I was a teen visiting my grandparents (they had a house on lake Kissimmee).
Good luck fishin'!
Accessories for Silverado" catalog. It's nice.
I ordered a set of GM running boards for the 1999 Silverado 4x4 I'm picking up on Monday. Also, rear molded splash guards. All accessories are covered under the 3year 36000 mile warranty also.
The content theft alarm is just that. It protects the contents in the truck. It is activated when you lock the truck and deactivated via the keyless remote or the key in the door. If the door is unlocked via the inside lock lever and the door is subsequently opened, the alarm is triggered. This does not protect against body damage, towing, jarring, etc. I had my dealer add the GM alarm to protect the rest of the truck as well as the interior. With the content theft alarm, someone can break the window, reach in and take something without opening the door. The alarm is never triggered.
Seem to be settling into about 16.7 mpg in 2wd mode on mostly suburban out and about driving and commuting. Dividing miles by hours driven I am averaging 37 mph. I'm guessing driving in Autotrac is about a 0.6 mpg hit but other factors such as cold weather and idling probably figure in as well.
Long trip mileage on freeway was 18.1 mpg. That is right on the estimate.
The three back sections fold open and rest on the fourth section behind the cab. The section behind the cab locks and lifts separately so you can get at items against the cab which is extremely difficult with fiberglass hard shells.
The Parts Dept. happened to have one in stock so I am getting it put on Tuesday. The cover is manufactured by Fold-A-Cover, a Michigan company. I posted info on it earlier in the hard shell tonneau cover category on this board.
A question I have concerns two pcs. of masking tape I found under the truck with Green paint overspray on them. I found then about at the middle of the rocker pnls. under the doors. Is this an area that the haulers use for hold downs?
I have never seen the factory let anything like this go out the door. I was thinking maybe it was done at the dealers..Oh yeah, and how many ignition keys come with the truck? I got one...
Thanks for this site, it's Great!!
My experience parallels djsteps. Nothing but top notch. I guess dealerships do vary.
BTW, I received in the mail last week (on a Jan 12 purchase) a key in a plastic case from Chevy that will only open the door. It is for carrying in my wallet in case I lock myself out. The key does not work in the ignition.
Yes, I've already checked at my dealer. Parts Dept. knows nothing. One sales guy remembers seeing one a while back, but can't find it now.
I want to get the locking tailgate handle since I had a Pace-Edwards roll top cover put on a few weeks ago (love it) and want to be able to secure the gate too.
Why Chevy didn't make this standard (like on the truck which shall remain nameless, but starts with an "F") or at least make it an option is a mystery, but then so is that silly 20 mph auto door lock without a mechanism to auto UNLOCK when you put it in park like many high-end GM cars have.
Also, since they are so popular, the dealers tend not to be willing to deal much. A few said that they don't at all since they already sell all they can get; another says $1500 or so over invoice. The best deal so far I have found is a AAA deal: $800 over invoice, but the dealer wants me to order it (none of the model I want on the lots; he doesn't want to trade between dealers).
I want an LT 2 wheel drive, black or peuter.
The dealer I usually go to says that he already has deposits on 12 of the 20 trucks he is expecting in the next two weeks. The remaining are not models or colors I want. He WILL trade, but wants to split the $3000 markup (between invoice and MSRP) in half. If I order from him, he'll match the AAA deal, and claims that I could have an ordered truck in within 6 weeks. Claims he has plenty of allotments ...
The dealer is giving mr the GM factory running boards for cost which is about $390 PLUS $68 to install. If you go to folowing gm site you can see a picture and description.
http://www.gmgoodwrench.com./
Good Luck
My 2 cents
Huntman
Pace-Edwards @ www.pace-edwards.com/tailgate.htm has a power tailgate lock listed on their website. From their discription, it's suppose to hook up directly into your electric door lock system. They don't list a price, so you'll have to call the 800 number for it.
Just thought I'd help.
Tom