With cloth, graphite looks ok, akthough I don't like the way it looks shiny on the dash area. But in leather it's hideous. Looks like a leather recliner from the den was put in the truck.
I have the med. grey also. Don't know if it would get dirty too fast. It is lighter than I'm used to, but leather is fairly easy to clean and the carpets are protected fairly well by the large mats.
after 6 weeks of normal use...the drivers seat is ready for a wipe down...so it will probably be ok. It's been a while since I had this light of an interior. I like graphite...but toooo dark in the leather..and oak..well...that was just too orange in the dash for me.
There are plenty of distributors for that brand. JC Whitney sells some of their products. Kragen or Checkers auto also can order them. Do a search on the web, you should find some.
I ordered the graphite with cloth and I think I'll love it. The cloth seat is really a dark blue & gray. I could see where graphite leather would be too much.
I have 2000 Sierra ext cab swb SLE Z71 with fender flares from the factory. My truck is pewter with graphite cloth. The fender flares are painted pewter. My dealer has the identicle truck setting on his lot but the color is black. On that one the fender flares are not painted. This was a $250.00 option from GM up here in Canada so I figure the cost should be about $180.00 down in the States. The $250.00 is based on MSRP.
I tried towing this weekend with my new 99 1500 silverado/extcab, 5.3L, auto, 4x4, w/Z71. My previous truck had a 9000lb suspension so it never had a squating issue, but this truck does. I haul 1000 lbs of truck payload with 500-800 Lbs of tongue weight.
Setup like this the rear dropped 3" at the receiver. This puts the headlights at the top of the trees... not good.
I bought the 1500 because the older C20 w/heavy suspension just road too rough the 300 days of the year I was not towing. So I was wondering what you would recommend to solve the sagging issue. I don't want to make the ride any worse (its still a truck!) than it is now when the truck is empty. But I need more rear-axle capacity when towing.
Suggestions comments welcome. Any websites I should look at?
Overall the truck had plenty of power (w/3.73) and was very stable. The trailer is a 16' dual axle flatbed, total trailer weight (last weekend) about 3500lb. A few times a year I'll push this to 6500lb. But 500-800 on the tongue is consistent.
Anybody know the part # for the trans oil cooler. Is it KN7? I think I found it on my truck but not sure.
Also, has anybody had any oil leaks on the 5.3? I saw some spots in the driveway last night. Got underneath and there was oil stains on the oil pan and skid plates, but I couldn't tell where it was coming from. Seems to be a very slow leak.
I've been to several dealerships looking to order a new Z71 with the forth door. A couple of places said they would take my order while the others said I am wasting my time with them, and that it won't be available until after the 1st of the year - (still crash testing?)
Could anyone tell me what the real status is with the forth door? The dealers have me real confused at this point! Sure would appreciate any input.
You can order the 4th door NOW. Shop around with different dealers. I had one dealer tell me that no orders could be placed until October. I called another dealer and they had an allocation last week to place orders for nine 4 door 1500's. I don't know if there is a restriction on 2wd vs. 4wd. I was told by that same dealer that the 4th door was not yet available in the 2500.
My local dealer is hoping to get an allocation tomorrow so that my truck can be ordered (2wd though). All dealers find out on Tuesdays what their allocation is, i.e. how many of what that they can order.
I keep hearing about a recall on the ABS brakes on GM trucks. Does anyone know if it affects pre-99's. I have a '98 K1500 and I haven't gotten anything in the mail, but my dealership is made up of a bunch of clowns that never get anything right, so I don't want to rely on them. Not that I've had any trouble yet with my truck, but it's a family run business and I can just tell by talking to them that they're not with it at all. Thanks. -powerisfun
The recall affects, as my memory serves, about 1991-97 all wheel ABS systems. It doesn't affect the Silverado at all (99 and later) and I don't THINK it goes past '96 or '97. It also doesn't affect trucks with only rear wheel ABS, like I had on my S-10.
Your dealer wouldn't be the one to send you the recall notice anyway; that comes straight from GM/Chevy.
It's been awhile since I've checked in. there seems to be a huge number of new people at this page.
OK your 4x4 trucks don't have front hubs that lock anymore. Only the transfer case locks in which in turn supplies power to the front diff. The auto trac is only about a year old. I have seen next to zero problems with it. Maybe one module replaced. But that's it. The transfer case does have clutches in it kinda like an auto trans. You will notice that if you go in for a bucking problem when you turn corners that the dealer adds an updated transfer case fluid. The blue juice as I call it. That is about the only thing I've seen dealing with the autotrac.
The trucks overall have been pretty good. No big problems at our dealership. Mostly people complaining about some kinda squeak or something. My response IT'S A D--- TRUCK! Yes they cost 30k+ but that is because we the consumer are stupid enough to pay for it. Supply and demand baby. There I'm done venting again.
Enjoy your new rigs don't look for something wrong if you look hard enough you may find something.Enjoy them
I just learned from classifieds2000.com the 4 door sierras will be a "mandatory option" starting...whenever they start production of the 4th door. I think november. It will then be standard at midyear for all sierra 1500s. For silverados it will only be an option for the 2000 model year.
Regarding your loaded 99 1500, the one and only solution that exactly fits your need is air assist suspension. Two compaines dominate the market, Firestone and Air Lift. Hellwig also rebrands the Firestones and sells them under their name. The heavy duty air bags are rated at max of 5000lb per pair. They both make lighter duty ones too but why bother. You might as well have a little overkill and ensure that they will last a long time. The best part is when your load is gone, let the air out and you have a factory ride. Also you can adjust the level for varing loads.
I just ordered a set of Air Lift Super Duty from Performance Products because they are having a 15% off sale. Camping World also sells them. The Air Lift part number for your truck is 57250 which superseeds the number you will find at www.airliftcompany.com.
Getting ready to order a new 2000 4X4 with the 4th door. I don't use the truck for any off road use but need four wheel drive for driving in snow. I'm debating between the Z71 off road package and the standard smooth ride suspension packages. I have queried many different sales staff and the answers are divided. Half of the people have stated the standard suspension will give me the best ride whereas the other half have stated the Z71 will yield the best ride due to the superior "Bilstein Shocks" which will in effect "absorb the bumps" I would appreciate any feedback as I would like to place my order in the next day or so. BTW, the best price I've found so far on a 4th door order is 3% over invoice + 1% advertising fee. Had $500 over invoice with no advertising fee on 3 door models but here in Northern California the dealers say they will be getting MSRP for a long time to come. Thanks
First off, Z71s DO NOT come with Bilsteins. They used too, but starting with the 99s they come with a red shock made by Tenneco.
My wife and I ordered the firm ride suspension and both of us found it to be too soft, even empty. We upgraded to the Z71 shocks which were better, but still too mushy with a load. We now have a set of Bilsteins and the jury is out. We need to travel some to find out.
Test drive both trucks. The Z71 is not harsh, the standard and firm suspensions float and wallow alot on the highway. Drive them and see what you like, it doesn't matter what I like or what the salesman reccomends.
I have a 2000 Ex Cab 1500 LS with about 700 miles on it. Got the GM Supplier discount plus another $3800 off for my GM Card rebate, which was nice. Now I am wondering if I should wait any time before waxing, and what type of wax people recommend.
Also, one of the very few options that I didn't get was the fog lamps. I'd like to get them now and I am wondering if I should order them straight from my dealer or elsewhere.
I took some more pictures of my 2500 last weekend, with KODAK 200 speed film (richer in color) instead of 400 (grainier), so when I get those developed - have to finish a roll, I will scan it again.
Quadrunner - I don't know if I want to post my truck on Dave40's site (he kind of scares me a little) ;-P
He does? I don't see why. I think he was released early for good behavior, and the charges were never proved anyway, Ha!
If you don't have a personal web page (like aol or something), email it to me, and I will put up a link so everyone can view your truck. Regards. Quad.
I have a 99 Indigo Blue/Pewter Silverado and did plenty of research on the wax subject. Infact edmnunds has a topic under another category for different waxes. As it turns out I tried this stuff put out by the Zaino Bros. You must order it from the mail, it is not sold in stores. The stuff is easy to apply and remove. You can leave the stuff on overnight and remove it the next day.
At first I was skeptical. I have tried many other products in the past and all seem to get somewhat good results. However this stuff seems to be exceptional.
As for the shine, it looks wonderful. It leaves a nice smoother surface and renders the paint as if it was wet. The stuff does not contain abrasives and does not leave swirl marks.
I have had the stuff on my truck for over three months and I will tell you it still beads up water as if it was done just hours ago. Also the stuff does not attract dirt and dust like a wax does.
As for the interior I use this stuff called protectant 303. Unlike Armorall, the stuff does not dissolve the protectant layer that is on leather and plastic surfaces. You do not get that fog that builds up on the inside of the windshield weeks after you have applied it. Armorall does this. Armorall also leaves the surface oily because it contains silicone. Silicone is not very good for these types of materials. As a bonus, Protectant 303 also shields the surfaces from UV damage.
Mckain, i had a similar problem ,i tow a 22 feet santa fe vacation trailer ,when i first hooked it up it did the same, i talked with "trailering " people and the overall recommendation was to "invest"on a good towing package.the one that was most popular on this area (CA . lots of mountains terrain) was the "Easy Lift System" with the 2 ,1000 pounds torsion bars this system distributes the weight over your entire tow vehicle i also added the "anti-sway" bar since then i have had no more trouble.its a "stand alone" system, therefore if you change tow vehicles or trailer you just keep it ( the system is "adjustable" you adjust it until your tow vehicle is level) once i drove from the high sierras with my left rear tire flat and did'nt know about it until i got home and disconnected my trailer.no damage to tire other than the puncture. the previous input about the "air bags" it's fine however it will not do anything for your towing "setup" a lot of people just put a tow ball on their truck or car and they just start towing i am sure all of have seen on the highway "towers" like that they are a menace. in my view the Towing set up" should be of "first quality" protect yourself,your investment and the well being of others on the road. best of luck to you sir. dan.
I personally like waxes/polishes that bead water since they tend to look shinier. But the modern "hi-tech" approach looks down on water beading, as the beads of water leave water spots as they dry, and can be darn near impossible to remove due to hard water or dirt on the surface that leaves rings. We're SUPPOSED to look for polishes that make the water "slip off" the paint and leave no water spots, according to some who claim to know such things.
I've been driving my 2500 4wd excab sb 4.1 for about three weeks now and it is fantastic! It was difficult to keep my foot off the peddle for the first 5000 miles, but now with about 750 miles I can really enjoy driving it. The mileage on the first fillup, all city, was 12.5 mpg, the second, also city, was 13.2. The third looks like it will go about 15 with half highway driving. I am ok with that.
There is one thing that seems strange to me, though. Went I apply the brakes reasonably hard (not a panick stop, just not real easy) I notice a distinct pulsating feedback in the peddle when I get to about 5mph or so. Have others noticed this? Is it a nornal characteristic of abs on this truck?
1) Agree with post #1000, the best way to get the truck level is to get weight on the front end. That's what weight distributing hitches do. Stopping distance and sway control much better with part of the load transferred to the front end.
2) Pulsing is the antilock brakes operating. Feels like a sewing machine. If your tire pressure is too high, and/or you are running empty in the bed, the tires will break loose under moderate braking. Unloaded, on my 1/2 ton, I'm runnning 45psi front and 30 to 35 rear. Most frequent time I notice the antilock coming on is when braking over cattle guards at the end of interstate off ramps here in N AZ.
Did I sound THAT excited??? I guess I was carried away. That's funny, I never had a truck this cool. It really impresses the heck out of me.
No, not tried the back seat yet, the DOG is always back there, that's his area. The seat is always up (with a blanket over it) - he likes to lay down back there and get real cozy. I have one of those M-E-L-L-O-W dogs, the kind that you say, hey - come here! he just looks at you and... well, he just stands there and looks at you. But then when a bird comes by - look out!
Does anybody else take there dog everywhere like my husband does - geez!
Was going home tonight and saw a new Silverado...but something was terribly wrong!?
What were those god awefull things sticking out the sides??
They were the camper mirrors!
I have never seen them in real life...now I don't know if I'll be able to sleep at night! Those puppy's were horrible. they stuck out and up on an angle towards the sky...and they were closed!
...almost as bad as the Superduty Mirrors??...nah...Those are the worst!
If the brakes pulsate all the time every time you stop, yes there's something wrong. There is also something wrong if they NEVER pulsate, especially when the bed is empty. An empty bed on a truck like this makes the rear brakes vulnerable to locking, and the pulsating (at 5 mph or whatever) is just the antilock system doing its job.
It's a good system and it activates very quickly. I'd be concerned if the system hasn't activated at least a few times in normal driving.
Sounds like you have a defective disk - If the disk is not even all the way around you will get the pulsating feeling in the pedal just before you stop. Or your disk could be warped. In my experience the anti-lock feature will not activate when you are only going 5MPH unless the road is slippery or uneven.
I agree with #1000 that the first place to start is with a weight distributing hitch, I forgot about that. An anti-sway device is a good addition as well. However you mentioned that you have 1000lb payload in addition to the trailer and the hitch can't help that. If you want to keep the factory ride and be able to compensate for the payload with or without trailer the air bags are a great solution.
Tim you break my heart. I'm getting the camper mirrors because... I carry a camper! But I don't want a goofy ugly component on my truck. Please tell me it isn't so.. When I saw them in the brochure I was so happy they weren't Dumbo ears like you-know-who, at least GM's telescope in and out.
So not only are they manual, with no heaters, and maybe not even convex, but ugly too? I may have to cancel my order and buy a Dodge.
Here is the web site for the Protectant 303 products. I purchased mine at a camper store. They highly recomended it for protecting vinyl and fiberglass. Also I have a hot tub and they recommend using this stuff on the vinyl cover. I have found that this stuff works very well and does not attract dust or dry out the vinyl. The Armorall stuff seems to attract dust in a big way. Check out their site and see what they have to say. After using this stuff, I will never use Armorall again.
I have the camper mirrors and I think they look great!. And they work quite well. Pushed in they are not obtrusive like the F**d SuperDumb mirrors. I do wish they had a convex section on the passenger side though.
Much better than that sore thumb looking piece of chrome most trucks have.
I bought a truck, not a car. It shouldn't have chrome plastered all over.
Mike 99 Silverado 4x4 NO chrome except front bumper
I did a double take and got that look of horror on my face when I seen them. The angle they sit at closed is god awefull. The look way too skinny also. While others may like them...maybe even you can train yourself to like them??...I think they be ugly. I was considering them also in case the day came I needed them....They were not available in an LT though.
I have the camper mirrors. I thought I would not like them because they are manual, but I have been surprised, I park in a lot every day and they have yet to be knocked out of position. They telescope out, something I desire since I tow a Travel Trailer And I don't think they look bad either.When I originally placed my order for a 2500 LS in April (with no luck at getting) I did not order them but the truck I eventually purchased had them on the truck and they can not be refitted with Electric Mirrors. Also For post # 994 Don't be in a rush to get the fog lights, I had them installed and they don't increase the visibility very much if at all.
Comments
I loved the brochures...and when I saw it in real life....I had to run for the barf bag!
- Tim
Went with Med.grey...although I think it may get too dirty too quick soon?
- Tim
Richard
- Tim
Thanks!
Setup like this the rear dropped 3" at the receiver. This puts the headlights at the top of the trees... not good.
I bought the 1500 because the older C20 w/heavy suspension just road too rough the 300 days of the year I was not towing. So I was wondering what you would recommend to solve the sagging issue. I don't want to make the ride any worse (its still a truck!) than it is now when the truck is empty. But I need more rear-axle capacity when towing.
Suggestions comments welcome. Any websites I should look at?
Overall the truck had plenty of power (w/3.73) and was very stable. The trailer is a 16' dual axle flatbed, total trailer weight (last weekend) about 3500lb. A few times a year I'll push this to 6500lb. But 500-800 on the tongue is consistent.
-Jim
Also, has anybody had any oil leaks on the 5.3? I saw some spots in the driveway last night. Got underneath and there was oil stains on the oil pan and skid plates, but I couldn't tell where it was coming from. Seems to be a very slow leak.
Thanks,
Mark
a new Z71 with the forth door. A couple of places
said they would take my order while the others said I am wasting my time with them, and that it won't be available until after the 1st of the year - (still crash testing?)
Could anyone tell me what the real status is with the forth door? The dealers have me real confused at this point! Sure would appreciate any input.
Thanks, Greg
My local dealer is hoping to get an allocation tomorrow so that my truck can be ordered (2wd though). All dealers find out on Tuesdays what their allocation is, i.e. how many of what that they can order.
Good Luck!!
-Frank
Happy Hunting
GM trucks. Does anyone know if it affects pre-99's. I have a '98 K1500 and I haven't gotten anything in the mail, but my dealership is made up of a bunch of clowns that never get anything right, so I don't want to rely on them.
Not that I've had any trouble yet with my truck, but it's a family run business and I can just tell by talking to them that they're not with it at all. Thanks.
-powerisfun
Your dealer wouldn't be the one to send you the recall notice anyway; that comes straight from GM/Chevy.
OK your 4x4 trucks don't have front hubs that lock anymore. Only the transfer case locks in which in turn supplies power to the front diff. The auto trac is only about a year old. I have seen next to zero problems with it. Maybe one module replaced. But that's it. The transfer case does have clutches in it kinda like an auto trans. You will notice that if you go in for a bucking problem when you turn corners that the dealer adds an updated transfer case fluid. The blue juice as I call it. That is about the only thing I've seen dealing with the autotrac.
The trucks overall have been pretty good. No big problems at our dealership. Mostly people complaining about some kinda squeak or something. My response IT'S A D--- TRUCK! Yes they cost 30k+ but that is because we the consumer are stupid enough to pay for it. Supply and demand baby. There I'm done venting again.
Enjoy your new rigs don't look for something wrong if you look hard enough you may find something.Enjoy them
For silverados it will only be an option for the 2000 model year.
I just ordered a set of Air Lift Super Duty from Performance Products because they are having a 15% off sale. Camping World also sells them. The Air Lift part number for your truck is 57250 which superseeds the number you will find at
www.airliftcompany.com.
BTW, the best price I've found so far on a 4th door order is 3% over invoice + 1% advertising fee. Had $500 over invoice with no advertising fee on 3 door models but here in Northern California the dealers say they will be getting MSRP for a long time to come. Thanks
My wife and I ordered the firm ride suspension and both of us found it to be too soft, even empty. We upgraded to the Z71 shocks which were better, but still too mushy with a load. We now have a set of Bilsteins and the jury is out. We need to travel some to find out.
Test drive both trucks. The Z71 is not harsh, the standard and firm suspensions float and wallow alot on the highway. Drive them and see what you like, it doesn't matter what I like or what the salesman reccomends.
Mike
Also, one of the very few options that I didn't get was the fog lamps. I'd like to get them now and I am wondering if I should order them straight from my dealer or elsewhere.
Any help will be appreciated.
Have you tried it yet?
Cindy
Quadrunner - I don't know if I want to post my truck on Dave40's site (he kind of scares me a little) ;-P
Cindy
If you don't have a personal web page (like aol or something), email it to me, and I will put up a link so everyone can view your truck. Regards.
Quad.
http://community.webtv.net/dp2000/TRUCKFORCEACTION
At first I was skeptical. I have tried many other products in the past and all seem to get somewhat good results. However this stuff seems to be exceptional.
As for the shine, it looks wonderful. It leaves a nice smoother surface and renders the paint as if it was wet. The stuff does not contain abrasives and does not leave swirl marks.
I have had the stuff on my truck for over three months and I will tell you it still beads up water as if it was done just hours ago. Also the stuff does not attract dirt and dust like a wax does.
As for the interior I use this stuff called protectant 303. Unlike Armorall, the stuff does not dissolve the protectant layer that is on leather and plastic surfaces. You do not get that fog that builds up on the inside of the windshield weeks after you have applied it. Armorall does this. Armorall also leaves the surface oily because it contains silicone. Silicone is not very good for these types of materials. As a bonus, Protectant 303 also shields the surfaces from UV damage.
santa fe vacation trailer ,when i first hooked
it up it did the same, i talked with "trailering "
people and the overall recommendation was to
"invest"on a good towing package.the one that was most popular on this area (CA . lots of mountains terrain) was the "Easy Lift System" with the 2 ,1000 pounds torsion bars this system distributes the weight over your entire tow vehicle i also added the "anti-sway" bar since then i have had no more trouble.its a "stand alone" system, therefore if you change tow vehicles or trailer you just keep it ( the system is "adjustable" you adjust it until your tow vehicle is level) once i drove from the high sierras with my left rear tire flat and did'nt know about it until i got home and disconnected my trailer.no damage to tire other than the puncture. the previous input about the "air bags" it's fine however it will not do anything for your towing "setup" a lot of people just put a tow ball on their truck or car and they just start towing i am sure all of have seen on the highway "towers" like that they are a menace. in my view the Towing set up" should be of "first quality" protect yourself,your investment and the well being of others on the road. best of luck to you sir. dan.
And where do you get Protectant 303?
Is this stuff you can get from an auto parts store? 3 months and still beading sounds tremendous, I remember you posting that to me earlier, thanks!
www.zainobros.com
Yeah..I've tried it. Not sure I got as excited as you did girl?
It's 4 low...it's supposed to feel that way!
...You and the Hubby Break in the back seat yet?
- Tim
Richard
There is one thing that seems strange to me, though. Went I apply the brakes reasonably hard (not a panick stop, just not real easy) I notice a distinct pulsating feedback in the peddle when I get to about 5mph or so. Have others noticed this? Is it a nornal characteristic of abs on this truck?
Thank for all the good conversation on this page.
- Paul
Dave-40 Commander In Chief/US TruckForce
http://community.webtv.net/dp2000/USTF
2) Pulsing is the antilock brakes operating. Feels like a sewing machine. If your tire pressure is too high, and/or you are running empty in the bed, the tires will break loose under moderate braking. Unloaded, on my 1/2 ton, I'm runnning 45psi front and 30 to 35 rear. Most frequent time I notice the antilock coming on is when braking over cattle guards at the end of interstate off ramps here in N AZ.
No, not tried the back seat yet, the DOG is always back there, that's his area. The seat is always up (with a blanket over it) - he likes to lay down back there and get real cozy. I have one of those M-E-L-L-O-W dogs, the kind that you say, hey - come here! he just looks at you and... well, he just stands there and looks at you. But then when a bird comes by - look out!
Does anybody else take there dog everywhere like my husband does - geez!
My 2000 2500 does not do that either. Better have a looksee...unless it's no biggee.
Cindy,
Excitement is good. Get the Dog out of the back...and get the OTHER dog back there!
heheheeeee
- Tim
What were those god awefull things sticking out the sides??
They were the camper mirrors!
I have never seen them in real life...now I don't know if I'll be able to sleep at night!
Those puppy's were horrible. they stuck out and up on an angle towards the sky...and they were closed!
...almost as bad as the Superduty Mirrors??...nah...Those are the worst!
- Tim
I can't wait to drive around in the snow this winter.. I can't wait til WINTER!!!!!!!!!!
It's a good system and it activates very quickly. I'd be concerned if the system hasn't activated at least a few times in normal driving.
Richard
So not only are they manual, with no heaters, and maybe not even convex, but ugly too? I may have to cancel my order and buy a Dodge.
http://www.awwwsome.com/303-products/product.htm
Much better than that sore thumb looking piece of chrome most trucks have.
I bought a truck, not a car. It shouldn't have chrome plastered all over.
Mike
99 Silverado 4x4 NO chrome except front bumper
I did a double take and got that look of horror on my face when I seen them. The angle they sit at closed is god awefull. The look way too skinny also. While others may like them...maybe even you can train yourself to like them??...I think they be ugly. I was considering them also in case the day came I needed them....They were not available in an LT though.
Someone IS watching out for me?
- Tim