Chevy Silverado - IV

leathal02 · October 1999

tundras from a distance the other day, and could have sworn it was a dodge dakota, i was parked next to and walked up to it and it said tundra on it, and it shocked me somewhat, not a pretty truck in my opinion, and definately not a 1/2 ton

man, seems to be quite a few in here from Texas, or have been in texas

i got my Z-71 here in Brenham, TX for a pretty good price but since i am in a fairly small town, "knowing" people seems to help out somewhat

nuwo · October 1999

are nice little trucks!

gwmoore · October 1999

Toyota designs a new truck from the ground up and they couldn't figure out that they could have made it a measley 3 or 4 inches longer and had a full-size back seat with headrests, like the buyer wants. Could it have really been that hard to figure out? You can't tell me it would have affected the performance or anything else that much to have had it that tiny amount longer. With a full back seat, it would have really been competitive with the big-three. But it still has a shallow bed, can't hold a camper, and doesn't get any better mileage than a true full-size truck. Besides, the famous Toyota-Quality has not been present on the Tacoma or T100.

uspsa · October 1999

Just got back from the dealer after buying a new Z71 for $100 over invoice. I expected the $305 for the advertising fee because it was on the invoice he faxed me, but I didn't expect some of the other fees. I asked him before I agreed to buy if there were any other fees and he said no. However, when it was all said and done, there was a $50 Documentary fee (max amount allowable) and a Dealer's Inventory Tax of $61.50. I asked about the Doc. fee and he said it's part of the deal and everyone pays it. The Dealer's Tax is assessed by the county according to the sales guy. I also had to pay the state inspection fee of $25.

After a couple weeks of searching for a deal and the fact that I drove about 50 miles to this dealership I figured that even with the fees it was still a good deal. The truck has everything I want except the 265/75 wheels and the black fender flares. It's white with the graphite cloth interior and bucket seats. Should be able to pick it up Saturday. Can't wait to get it!

mgdvhman · October 1999

The big 3 have nothing to worry about with the Toiletta Tindra.

Come on..

Get real

- Tim

planejane · October 1999

Welcome to Silverado Land.
Sorry it took me a couple of days, haven't been
keeping up.

So, tell me all about it! How do you like the way
it drive?

Hey I know you haven't had it long, but, I noticed
that sometimes I come out of the store and in the
parking lot -- right next to me, another brand new
Silverado parks next to mine. How sweet. Makes me
smile.

I had one next to me a 1500 2wd Carmine Red.
Sorry Vince, I only like the Metallic Charcoal
Grey. Try and conVINCE me with your pictures!!

Congrats!!

planejane · October 1999

Let's all park next to each other in the parking lot. We know we would never try to ding up each others Silverados. I really have noticed several times people with new Silverados park next to me.

OK, all the Silverados park next to each other from now on (if its convenient).

I know this sounds corny, but its late for me.
GOODNIGHT for now.

Cindy

rwagoner · October 1999

My favorite part of the Tundra is the way you can see from one side to the other BETWEEN the frame and the bed. Great design, there. Toy -- ota!

vince4 · October 1999

I agree with powerisfun and volkej. The Truck Trend article was slanted a little. Oops to Chevy for having a 0.4 gallon smaller tank??? Stupid. However I suspect the Tundra is a very nice truck, there's a reason Toyota trucks are so popular. Other than the back seat oops, the size is likely a bonus to most Tundra buyers. It likely feels easier to drive and maneuver.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still a full size Chevy fan. But it is possible that the Tundra is also a nice vehicle for light duty use. I wonder, of all the people giving opinions, has anyone actually driven one??????? (I have not)

vince4 · October 1999

OK girl, I'll seek out the Silverados to park next to! Sounds like fun.

Having owned mine for all of 4 days, I love coming out of the store and seeing that beauty in the parking lot. Makes me giggle every time.

(yes I know: get a life!)

vince4 · October 1999

I have a question for you all. I have two problems with my truck and want to know if they are normal.

1) After running about an hour with the headlights on and the panel brightness at half, the dimmer wheel was so hot I could barely hold my finger on it. This does not seem right. Does yours get hot?

2) The idle is a little rough (6.0L auto). It's not bad but I can feel the engine bouncing around just a little. I suspect this is normal but I wish it wasn't.

Thanks

mtrammell · October 1999

I see they still haven't fixed this one since my S10 Blazer in 1998. It had one of those dimmer wheels and in the 8 months that I owned the truck,
they replaced the melted wheel twice. You will know when it starts to go - you'll smell melting plastic. It's just a cheap rheostat that is not properly sized to handle the amount of current it has to dissipate.

powerisfun · October 1999

1) This is not a real solution if you don't like bright dashlights, but if you keep the lights at full, the resistance in the potentiometer (dimmer wheel) will be nearly zero which will keep the heating to a minimum.

2) I've heard other people saying that they have
a rough idle as well with both the 5.3L and the 6.0L (probably the 4.8L too). It's in one of the topics on this board that they were discussing it. My 5.7L Vortec has a bit of a rough idle when I use higher octane gas, but it also gets better gas mileage with the higher octane, so I just put up with it. I wonder if there is a reflash for this. If so, it probably just raises the idle to the point where it stops.
-powerisfun

lkpoe · October 1999

Question, how long does it take to get a truck after Chevrolet say it was built. According to the Customer Help line, it was built 10/7/99. They are still saying that it has not been released for shipment. Another one says it waiting on rail shipment.
- lk

lexmark · October 1999

I have been reading this topic for a few months now. With plans to buy a Silverado I headed to the dealership to test drive. An hour later I drove a Tundra. Has anyone else actually driven a Tundra? Now that I have driven the Tundra, I will not buy a Silverado.

Drive one and you will know why.

PS: Save the typical "too small" comebacks UNLESS you have actually driven the Toyota!

powerisfun · October 1999

I just read a good portion of the Tundra posts and I'm impressed by how few problems people are reporting. In fact, there were only three that I saw (vibrating steering wheel, transmission problem that was fixed by a solenoid, and a "Service Engine Soon" light that turned out to be because the gas cap was left off). Granted, it hasn't been out that long and there are a lot fewer than there are Silverados/Sierras, but I believe the complaints started almost immediately with the GM's.
Although, I would never buy one because of the looks (Sorry, but "Ewwwwww!", I've never liked the looks of ANY Toyota with the exception of the Forerunner) and the size, I'm very impressed that Toyota made such a good 1/2 ton pick-up on their first try.
-powerisfun

rfduncan · October 1999

Has anyone ran across moulded plastic mud flaps to fit a 2000 Sportside? I understand the GM flaps will not fit the rear of the Sportsides. I have not found any good aftermarket flaps that claimed to fit either.

planejane · October 1999

I drove around and around 3 times and decided what the hell, parked next this red explorer. I knew their door didn't clear my truck, but I figured oh they'll be considerate! WRONG. I came out and there it was, red colored ding on my plastic wheel flare. Now its back to parking all the way in the far end of the parking lot where all the other NEW cars and Silverados are. Dammit. Don't trust anyone, especially when you're lazy.

I sat in my truck one night (waited for husband in store) and obviously they didn't see me, this car pulls up - the girl passnger swings, I mean FLINGS the door open - misses my rear view mirror by 1/4". Comes back from store and does the same thing. People are ignorant.

volkej · October 1999

Drove a Tundra. It's still too small.

26andrew1 · October 1999

Here is the poop on octane. Don't put any higher octane then owners manuel states. Your wasteing your money. A higher octane prevents pinging. That is how it is rated. In fact in some cases your vehicle may run worse with a higher octane. I know the buick 3800 V6 had problems because people were putting high octane in them. They ran perfect with the low octane for example. Hence the problem with the ruff idle mentioned earlier. As for the better mpg???? Find it hard to belive. Who knows??

Gas burns when in vapor form. Compare the three octanes and see which one evaporates first. High octane works for a worn out engine that is getting tired to help with the pinging, and also in high compression engines.

.02 worth

vince4 · October 1999

Thanks for the input on the panel dimmer. I'm not surprised that this is an old problem, GM isn't known for jumping on problems very quickly. I did run it at full brightness today and it barely got warm, as expected. I guess I'll go into the dash and put a heat sink on the pot if I can get at it. But first I'll see what the dealer has to say.

Tundra - as much as the Tims of the world argue against it, Toyota makes good cars. I still trust them way over GM and expect to have a more reliable product from them. I think Toyota still sweats the quality details more than the Americans. I bet the Tundra V8 doesn't bounce around at idle. Of course I bought GM because I think they are okay and I like the product. So far I'm impressed with the build quality of my Silverado, everything works and no significant problems (as it should be).

lkpoe - delivery was quoted to me as 2-3 weeks and that is in fact what it took. Once it gets on the train I don't think it takes very long.

planejane - NO NO NO not a ding already! At least it's in the flare rather than the middle of the door. I agree with you about the level of intelligence/consideration many people have. A large portion of the population doesn't even see what's wrong with a ding: huh? so what, it's just a car! You can tell those people by what they drive. I bet their houses don't look so great either!

powerisfun · October 1999

I didn't think it would matter either, but I've gotten over 21.2 mpg with my truck 3 times and all three times were with 89 octane instead of 87. With 87 octane, I consistantly get 20.4-20.6. Being a scientist, I'm very careful with the whole mileage measuring thing (i.e. same station, same pump, truck is level, same filling technique, etc.). Of course, that still allows for variations in pressure, temperature, wind-speed, etc. However traffic is always the same, very light, all highway (I live in rural New Mexico). It could still be a coincidence, but I'm betting not.
I'm guessing that the improved mileage comes about because the knock sensor allows the spark to be advanced a little more with 89 octane (without knocking), thus, allowing more complete burn.
One last note, the Vortec engines have relatively high compression ratios (5.7L, 6.0L have 9.4:1 and 4.8L, 5.3L have 9.5:1). A few years ago that would have been considered a high-compression engine.
Also, you can no longer go by the "it's not knocking or pinging, so I don't need premium" philosophy, because of the knock sensors in modern cars which protect the engine from damaging itself by retarding the spark when needed. Gas mileage and power are probably the only way to guage whether your engine prefers high octane or low. You may want to give it a try.
I do agree with you though that it's silly to pay for it if you don't need it. Like you said some engines actually perform better with lower octane because of the fact that lower octane fuel burns faster.
-powerisfun

rwagoner · October 1999

>I'm very impressed that
>Toyota made such a good
>1/2 ton pick-up on their
>first try.

This wasn't their first try. The first try was the T-100, remember? Remember how they insisted it really was a "full size" truck more room in the cab than Chevy or Ford? And in my opinion, the Tundra isn't very well thought-out.

As to "quality," I'll agree that Toyota sweats the finish details somewhat better than others. But I know too many people with rusted beds, rusted roofs (IN CALIFORNIA!!) bad head gaskets, fast-wearing brakes, warped rotors, and sheet-metal that cracks at the door latch to ever believe that Toyota has long-term plans for their trucks.

And what is with the exposed foam in the front seat back on the regular can small trucks? They're too cheap to put on a piece of vinyl?

Richard

rwagoner · October 1999

By the way, I will admit that I haven't driven a Tundra. It's too small for me, so why bother (as was the Ford F150 extended cab). But I HAVE driven many Toyotas and Lexus models over the years, including long trips in an LS400 and GS300. I have never once thought that they were inpressive at all, and they are just too small inside for my tastes. At only 6-feet tall, my head should not hit the headliner in the front seat of an LS400 (with the power seat adjusted as far down as it will go). And the only people who think Toyota engines are powerful are those that have never driven anything but Toyotas and Hondas ... names mutually exclusive to word "power."

leathal02 · October 1999

if toyota made 500,000 trucks a year, they would be having the same problems.

they made so few, they can put a somewhat better quality into it

gwmoore · October 1999

Save the typical "too small" comebacks UNLESS
you have actually driven the Toyota! ---WHAT????

Some of us NEED a real full-size. A real back seat. A full deep box. Something that will hold a full-size camper. I'm sure the Tundra drives nice, but driving nice is not the end-all.

mgdvhman · October 1999

I don't think I could test drive a toyota?

Don't think it could handle any one over 200 lbs for one..
And I couldn't really deal with the suffering having people look at me in one!

get real.

it's tonka size.....not full size.

Power = Big three

Vince,cindy

yeah...some waste of human put a slight ding in my passenger door last week too. Black looks so sweet when clean and ding free....and shows dirt and dings big time!
Oh well...I know a guy who charges like $45 per ding for paintless dent removal....works pretty damn good too.
Front end it knicked to hell too....several spots that could have been avoided with a guard...and a few higher on the hood that would not matter. That's what happens when ya go 80 on the highway every day!

got a Lund Interceptor to put on soon...whenever I pick it up.

Putco boards and skins are going to be in teh next 2 weeks for sure.

let ya see them when I get them on.

- Tim

26andrew1 · October 1999

Anybody know of a web page that gives motorcycle invoice pricing???

ryanbab · October 1999

When my mom went looking for a new SUV we happened to go to a toyota dealer (only reason i went was to drive a silverado

) well she made me sit in the tundra. Oh my god i was so uncomfortable im tall and skinny 6"3 170 i couldnt handle it. That truck is a rip off outside mirrors in my opinion look like the fords, antenna looks like the chevy. Dont mention the back seat i wouldnt subject an infant to that not even a dogg. I didnt drive it because i hated it. Im not knocking anyone i just personally didnt like it. The salesman asked how i liked it i said to small and not enough space i said and i quote "it sucks i am buying a silverado". They are also very expensive $28000 for one? Come on thats crazy. One last thing sorry but i wouldnt buy a toyota or any other foreign car and YES FOREIGN 90% of the parts are japanese i know its assembled in the US. 10% of the parts american??? My dad works for Ispat inland Steel they supply gm with steel and i wouldnt buy anything but american i would even buy a ford over a foreign vehicle. Im not knocking anyone or any product its my personal choice.

Ryan

ryanbab · October 1999

I forgot who sent this to me but do u know what size tires those are??? they look small. Maybe its just the pic if u dont know what size its no big deal just curious thanks again for the pic its a nice truck

mgdvhman · October 1999

Ryan,

You are right one for imports.

Skip them all.

Nothing in this country is more important than our auto industry....especially here in Michigan. Anyone who wants to live here and drive an import...really shouldn't be living here in my opinion. Move out...or stay and support the country you live in and the country that is rivaled by no one.

As for size tires on that Indigo in michigan?..beats me...read the sidewall!
LOL

- Tim

mgdvhman · October 1999

get a 2500 next time. They have LT as standard.

- Tim

ryanbab · November 1999

Ok smart u know what. I live in indiana sure ill just got check that. It wasnt u that sent the pic another guy. Believe me if that truck was here id know what it had. They just looked small. U wanna see the pic time??? Ill send it to u. Its beautiful.

Ryan

vince4 · November 1999

I agree with you on the head room thing. At 6 feet tall you should have plenty of head room in a luxury car. I ran into the same problem and I'm only 5-11, but it was in a $75k BMW 7 series. I couldn't believe it. My head touched the roof and the steering wheel blocked my view of the gauges. I rode in a Lexus LS300 and GS400 and they were okay. One thing that blew my mind was how quiet and smooth the idle was. You absoulutely could not say whether the engine was running or not. They were smallish inside though.

The Silverado is soooo comfortable. I'm very happy with the seat and the overall driving position. I look forward to many thousands of miles in that seat.

mledtje · November 1999

Maybe you are mistaking the most expensive tires for the best.

You can get the LT245's for less money, and they are better tires. Or you can buy the P265's cause they look bigger and put more money into GM's pocket.

Or you can get the least expensive tire's on your truck, and go to your local BFG dealer and have a set of LT265's mounted for only a little more money.

Mike

mgdvhman · November 1999

The guy I bought mine from just told me today he has 15 - 3/4 orders in the system right now and none have order numbers yet.
He is telling his customers about 8 months for one...and probably a slim chance of getting
one for 2000.

The axle manufacturer has bailed out and does not want the GM business any more I guess?

Just what I heard....not concrete...just a rumor..maybe??

There won't be too many 99/00 used 2500's around in a few years!

- Tim

odenmeyer · November 1999

Problem is finding someone who wants those P265's. I think I would be better off ordering the Silvarado with the stock tires (P245's), saving the $385.00, and then try to sell the 245's outright and apply what little I do get towards my LT265's. On my 95' GMC 4X4 Ext. cab, I sold the stock tires at 8K miles for $400.00 to a farmer that loved the Goodyear Wrangler and then bought Michelin LTX AT's for an additional $275.00. I just sold the GMC at 62K miles (54K miles on the tires so far) and the Michelins look like they had another 20-30K miles left in them. They are a great tire!

vince4 · November 1999

Did you ever take the Michelin LTXs off road? How about a muddy dirt road?

I've yet to see a 265 all-terrain tire with the class E load rating of the 245. Does anyone know of one?

vince4 · November 1999

Do you notice any difference driving with the BFGs? Are they as quiet as the Firestones? What about speedo calibration, are you going to worry about it?

quadrunner500 · November 1999

The P265 Wilderness A/Ts on mine were an expensive price adder, but in hind site, after 15,900 miles, it's been a great tire for me. That is, no flats, no need to balance, true running, good wear, quiet.

oilwell1415 · November 1999

My fiancees parents bought a new Silverado a few months ago and everything has been great with the truck so far. The only problem is the paint. There are light spots starting to show up in a few places. The truck is pewter.

Also, I saw a new Z71 in the parking lot at school the other day that was already rusted through above the rear wheelwells. The truck is probably about a year old and doesn't appear to be very well taken care of. Regardless of care, it shouldn't have a rust problem already.

Has anyone else heard of either of these problems?

jaijay · November 1999

Gee I find that one a little hard to believe since the body panels are hot dip galvanized before being painted. My old Toyota was notorious for this sort of thing. Also I think the General has a decent rust through warranty especially if this truck is only one year old.

kanton · November 1999

has anybody lifted their silverado yet? if so, what kit did you use and what do you think about it?

planejane · November 1999

Where 'you hearin' all these rumors from??

No 3/4's for awhile? Why? What's the big deal if someone wants one.

mgdvhman · November 1999

coming from the dealer that sold me one and friends in the industry.

They just can't get their crap together on 3/4's. Axle man has bailed (supposedly) and I'm sure top priority is the 1/2 4 doors right now.

Mine was more want than need. I feel sorry for the guys who need one.

Oh well.

We got ours!

- Tim

vince4 · November 1999

I just read in the owner's manual to not use chains with 265 tires because there isn't enough clearance. But they also say to not put chains on the front, only the rear (any tire). It looks to me that the rear has a huge amount of clearance, at least on my 3/4 ton 4x4. Maybe the warning covers a worst case situation, like a fully loaded down 1/2 ton 2wd.

But why not put chains on the front of a 4x4?

bassamatic · November 1999

Damn strait you can chain up a 4X4 "all the way around". I've done some mule deer hunting in the Selway/Bitteroot Mountain range in Idaho and we've had to do that more than once just to get out.

doudis · November 1999

Does anyone have any experience ordering through
GMO. I called the gmo people and they did not know
anything about allocations so they referred me to
gmc. GMC simply said you always have to wait for
an allocation. I ordered on 10/6 and it still has
not been ordered. I get the feeling the dealer
could care less about placing my order cause they
make so little on the transaction. Plus they have
to, according to him use an allocation on such a
hot veichle. Patience wearing thin here in phoenix.
Yes I'm elgible for GMO.

mgdvhman · November 1999

on my 2000 2500 LT...and it took a while.

...But all are taking a while.

dealer makes same as any other transaction.

He gets his money later from GM

Good Luck

- Tim

rlangford2 · November 1999

I was poking around underneath my truck earlier today, and noticed that the underside of my bed had some surface rust. I live in "Hotlanta" so snow/ice/salty roads are not an issue. I've only had the truck for 5.5 months.

On another note, my truck is a 2wd ext. cab swb, with the 3.42 limited slip rear end, goodyear tires, and alum. wheels, and I don't have any vibration problems.... Don't know build date or anything like that... I'm just saying that not all the 1/2 tons are shimmying down the road...

Chevy Silverado - IV

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