Chevy Silverado - IV

stevo · October 1999

Taking the '00 Z71 in tomorrow for a little warranty work. Pulls to the right. Will perform alignment (2nd time). Their alignment guy isn't the greatest but I'll give him another shot.

Also, they are supposed to replace the rear quarter window latches with updated ones. Hope this works. They said if it doesn't work, they replace the glass (it's on back order). I guess it's the frame and everything. The frame that the latch attaches to sure flexes easily. Can't keep much tension on the glass.

First time I took it in for work they fixed my steering wheel shimmy. One tire was out of balance. No vibrations, shakes, etc. Drives really smooth as far as I'm concerned.

Been getting about 15.7 mpg combined city/hwy. Have about 2800 miles on it.

Anyone have any fender flares from a '00 they removed and want to sell? I believe I remember reading that someone didn't like them and took them off.

bassamatic · October 1999

MARKBUCK: I agree with you completely on the need for us to purchase an American made products whenever possible. I try my best to practice what I preach by the fact I have always bought American made vehicles beginning with my first car: a 1957 Chevy up to my last truck, a 2000 Silverado....made in Canada! But the fact remains that there are many excellent products made elsewhere that are simply superior in quality and cheaper in price than we can make here. An example would be my digital camera: a Nikon Coolpix 950 that is, in my opinion, simply the best digital camera made. I'll bet if you take a stroll through your local auto parts store--a third of the products sold there are made in China, Indonesia or elsewhere. I'm not saying it's right---just that is the way it is.

As far as Goodyear tires go, my wife had a set of the Goodyear GSA's on her Grand Cherokee right out of the factory. They went 46,000 miles when they needed replacement. I put on a set of Michelins LTX and I know they will go much, much further. By the way, I always monitored things such as air pressure, proper rotation, etc. This was my only experience with Goodyear tires, and I really felt they were a decent tire that served us well. But there are better ones out there.

My new Silverado came with Firestones and I have no complaints so far. I ran a set of the Uniroyal Laredo's on my 1986 Ford F250 4X4 and thought they were a real nice tire. Reasonably quiet at freeway speeds and performed excellent in off-road conditions. I just sold this truck last week and they looked like new. On the other hand, you couldn't give me a BFGoodrich tire. That same 86 Ford came with them from the factory and I dumped those puppies after 10000 miles. UGH!

Anyways, those are my thoughts on the economy and truck tires!

Oh, one more thing...every day I find something new to like about my Silverado...just today I noticed they built in a bracket (on the inside of the gas tank spring cover) for you to hang the strap on the gas tank filler cap!! Is this a great country or what!

2500lt · October 1999

The Kodak DC265 is the best Digital Camera made.

But that's another topic....

hehehhee

swobig · October 1999

Nice truck Cindy, should last a long time.
Factory Tonneau is no good huh? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to see how long mine holds up...

planejane · October 1999

I noticed that nice bracket for hanging the gas cap too. Boy, they thought of everything, didn't they, those Bowtie Boys did good.

My friend's dad is retired now but worked for GM assembly all his life, he had a 97 Silverado that he said was a piece of crap - blamed it on the 'Suits' wanted to take some short cuts to get the engines out before they were ready or something like that. I just think he got a lemon, of course, there's a lemon in all makes and models. He saw my '99-2500 and I could tell he was in awe of the new bodystyle and all the new improvements, but he still said, "Hope it aint a piece of crap like the one I had." I said to myself, "thanks dude - real nice comment". He still wouldn't talk to anyone who would buy anything but American cars though.

I just saw him again two days ago, he said, "how's the truck?", I said, "its the most awesome thing I ever drove in my life".

bassamatic · October 1999

Sorry...I don't buy it. the Kodak 265 is a nice camera and I especially like the USB connection feature. BUT, at 1.6 megapixels compared to 2.1 megapixels and the fact it does not offer a full range of compression, it just don't hold a candle to the Nikon. My opinion anyways.

Enough of this...I'd much rather talk about my new truck!

2500lt · October 1999

the DC290 at 2,150K and the DCS 660 at 3,000K

But i agree....back to trucks...(and the fact that Kodak rules.)

LOL

lexmark · October 1999

swobig,

Did you write that you have the factory tonneau? If you do, does it hinge in the middle, can you fold it up and remove it to store in the box? Does it leak? Is it hard or soft?

scottay · October 1999

if the Chevy and GMC come off the same assy. line? Like if the 4th door Silver goes into production this week, does the 4th door Sierra come out same time?
Also, can a friends dad let me use his GM discount? Says he can get two cars a year, just dont know the details. Thanks,Scott.

powerisfun · October 1999

The only way you can get the discount would be through some kind of white lie, like you're his step-son or brother-in-law. If your friend's dad is willing to sign the paperwork with that in mind, then there should be no problem. His butt would be on the line if they ever did question it, though. I don't imagine they ever question it, however (unless perhaps there's an employee that always maxes out his/her allocation every year). GM still makes their profit from your purchase, so basically, you'd just be cheating the dealers. I imagine the limits placed on employee allocations is there only to please the dealers.
-powerisfun

rwagoner · October 1999

You have to be careful with what you claim, what you say, and how consistant you say it. If the dealer suspects a problem, they can report the employee to GM. My dealer says they do it, although rarely.

Richard

scottay · October 1999

Thanks!

bassamatic · October 1999

Went in to the local Truck Accessories shop today and had a set of Kitco fiberglass running boards installed. Also had a "Tuffliner" bed put in. This is a really nice bedliner with cut-outs for the four tie downs, and pre-formed brackets for a series of 2X4's to make an elevated rack. I also had a bug shield put on. It was made by "Prime Design". The shop manager told me that this was the ONLY bug shield they could find for the new Chevrolet trucks that did not make the rubber seal around the windshield flap. Interesting huh? I like the shape of this shield as it is quite a low profile one (can't see it from inside the truck) and it is very easy to clean behind. The cost was only $49.00 installed, which I felt was quite reasonable.

scottay · October 1999

When I use my GM Mastercard credits will it take the price right off the top of the deal, or act like a rebate/down payment? I want to know if I still pay taxes on the amount prior to the credit or if it lowers my taxable amount. Is this negotiable?
Also, since I have $7K cash for a down, I want to use the card for this amount, accrue another $350 credits, put this toward the truck, then payoff the card. Any suggestions? scott

mfreeman1 · October 1999

That money comes of the price you have to pay for the truck, i.e., you don't pay taxes on that amount. (that saved me an extra $200 in taxes when I used mine.)

lkpoe · October 1999

Well, still waiting, it's been over a year since I ordered the 1500 silverado LT 2wd. Chevrolet says they built it 10/7/99 and and it is still sitting at the factory to ship. They claim they are having rail shipping problems.

powerisfun · October 1999

I don't think you can do that with the downpayment thing unless perhaps the dealer is willing to work with you. Here is what I mean:
Technically, you're only able to apply your gm card earnings that you earned as of your last statement ending date. Which makes what you're proposing impossible if done directly. However, suppose your statement ending date is the 15th of every month (that's when mine is). If you were to charge a "deposit" of 7K (as opposed to a "downpayment") on the 15th and then complete the purchase on the 17th or 18th (or whenever you're sure it's registered on your statement), you might be able to get away with it. Also, make sure you have $350 left on your yearly limit ($500).
I haven't tried this yet, because I bought my truck without a downpayment. If you try it, let me know if it works.
-powerisfun

werking · October 1999

alright, i hate to do it, but has anyone heard of a fourth door constraint? went to dealer today (below invoice sale - hoped they had 4-doors in) and he said he had one but it was a 2wd. he also told me that due to the overwhelming demand on 4-doors, chevy is constraining it until a bulk of their 3-door models are sold. anyone out there HAVE a 4-door in their possession? even a build date? just curious cuz that's what i'm holding out for. though i did nearly buy a 2000 3 door today. lucky for me, they couldn't get the price low enough and my trade high enough. any info would be greatly appreciated.

kyle

rwagoner · October 1999

In California, it counts as a down payment. In other words, you are most definitely taxed on it.

Richard

gibbous · October 1999

What kind of prices have you guys been seeing for a 2wd, 1500 ext. cab, SB? Standard 4-spd automatic in LS trim? Edmund's says MSRP of 19k, but Autosite says 21k. This will be my first car, and I hesitate to hit the lot until I've saved up enough for a down payment.

Also, how much of a difference performance-wise between the 1500 and 2500 series? I'm used to driving a V6 Land Cruiser, which ever model is on par with that will probably suit me fine. TIA

kanton · October 1999

Has anyone installed the Trail Master 4" suspension system on their Silverado. If so, how does it handle/ride, any problems, if you have autotrac did you install the new driveshaft, also do know if it affects the factory warranty? I was thinking about doing this. Just found out today that Rancho now has their kit available.

One other question, if you put bigger wheels and tires on, what sizes did you use?

Thanks for any info.
Kyle

kanton · October 1999

I was just looking at some other posts at pickuptruck.com and came across something rather interesting that another silverado owner discovered, I thought I would pass it on. He discovered how to disable the auto headlights and the day time running lights. It puts the lights into manual only mode. I did not believe him, so I went outside and tried it, sure enough it works. Myself and him have 2000 1/2 tons, so I don't know if it works on 3/4's or 99's. Anyway all you do is have the truck running, press the dome override button 1/2 way twice. If it works the truck will ding and the lights will go off, or on. Oh yeah, have the parking brake off, if it is not dark, I'm sure you can tell it the DRL's are off. This could be a nice feature, I am going to try it for a while.

Kyle

scottay · October 1999

Since I am in SoCal it seems I will be taxed on the b4 rebate total. Is there a law or something that defines this, or maybe i can talk my way around it?
Also, when talking to the customer service rep for the GM card (how accurate can this info be?), he said the credits are earned at the time of purchase. And altho my anniversary date just came up and I have all $500 credit available, i am at $3,300 totall after 7 years. He said it would go over the $35oo limit, as the old credits will expire as time goes on. I guess I will just have to give it a shot!!

mfreeman1 · October 1999

They just took the GM card rebate off the price of the truck, so I didn't pay tax on that amount. If I had to pay tax on it, I would have taken the amount in cash instead of putting it as a down payment. (only paying 5.74% on my truck loan) When my dad bought his Chevy they did this without us even asking, but when I bought my GMC, I had to point that out to them (i.e., they tried to pocket my $200 tax savings when I went to pick up the truck. They removed $200 off the tax amount and added it to the cost of the truck) They quickly corrected the matter when I brought it to their attention that the amount was wrong. Said something like, "oh, well it is not worth holding up the deal for just $200", and they removed it.

My rebate was about $3998.00 but I wasn't at the 7 year limit either.

Mike

swobig · October 1999

Yeah, I ordered the factory tonneau, but don't get the truck until Dec. so I can't tell you how it hinges or anything. I figured it would just be easier getting the factory one (with the warranty) than getting a aftermarket one (maybe cheaper too), but I may have to cancel my order because of a job opening in Ohio. Used the GMO program and didn't put a down payment, but wonder what the dealer will say. Take care...

shampton · October 1999

Ryanbob - After 3 weeks of ownership on my 2000 1/2 LS 4x4 / Indigo Blue with dark graphite interior - I must say that although it is VERY difficult to keep it clean, I would not trade the Indigo Blue for anything. Just as with a Black vehichle, it is very high maintainance - but looks fantastic when it is just washed (4 washings in 3 weeks - due for another tomorrow!)

shampton · October 1999

How are you enjoying your new Extang rail system tonneau? I have considered both this model and the Cover Craft version. HOWEVER, aftermarket dealers in this area tell me they will have to knoch out 6 small holes to install these rail systems with my under the rail York Lod Lock(tm) bedliner. They claim this will not affect the warranty on the bedliner, however I wonder how much is involved in taking this item off / reinstalling after carrying oversized loads.

I'd like to hear about your experience with it so far.

Thanks!

Bill

ryanbab · October 1999

U only have washed it 4 times in 3 wks??? Man u better get on top of things and get your priorities straight. hahaha i think ill wash mine like every 4 or 5 days when i get mine. Only bad thing is mine is gonna have to sit out wont fit in garage. I am definitly going with indigo blue. Hopefully i wont regret it.

The graphite is a great color interior our blazer has it. I am definitly getting it. Only thing i am not decided on is the locking differential.

Ryan

rsk · October 1999

Ryan get the locking dif you won't be sorry. As for color I have pewter met with the graphite int. I couldn't handle blue or black to much work to keep it clean. I prefer to drive it instead of washing it. Plus I like the matching pewter fender flares.

z71bill · October 1999

I doubt any dealer will let you use your credit card for your down payment. Whenever you use a credit card the merchant takes a hit of between 3-4%. This spread is how credit card companies make money. If you charge $7,000 dealer would only be paid $6,700. Also I do not think you would earn any points for this type of purchase. Give GM some credit they are not complete idiots..

scottay · October 1999

Hmmm......Good point.But have you never gone to buy a car and the dealer says "no down payment?!, Why cant you just put like a thou on a credit card?". And of course any CC charges are written off as a cost of doing business.Cant hurt to try...

scottay · October 1999

salesman was happy to write down my CC number as a deposit on my 4th door silver.

mgdvhman · October 1999

Graphite has the other fiber colors in it...right?

Leather graphite I saw in person....Like getting into a black hole. No other colors....just one black hole~!

- Tim

kanton · October 1999

I wash my indigo blue about every five days. yeah it is a pain, but I would not have any other color. also, it is kind of fun and enjoyable washing that beautiful truck. I have the medium grey leather and almost wish I had the graphite. Although, I test drove one with graphite and at the time I thought it was too dark, however it will stay clean longer. The medium grey just takes more time and attention.

Also, I did not put a down payment on the truck, and I did not receive any flack from the dealer. They were very pleasant. I was quite surprised with the whole process; this was my first new vehicle buying experience.

kyle

rwagoner · October 1999

When I checked into mine, I was told that the 5% credit was not given at time of purchase, as they want your payment and/or credits before the rebate is really credited. Therefore, the rebate amount was determined by the last statement date. Didn't matter to me as I was maxed out anyway by the timeI bought mine.

>If I had to pay tax on it, I would have taken the
>amount in cash instead of putting it as a down
>payment.

Can't do that. GM card rebate money cannot be given in cash.

Many states are different, but California tries to get avery dollar it can from vehicle sales and transfers; hence they figure the GM card rebate as a cash down payment rather than a price adjustment. They just recently lost a suit regarding out-of-state vehicles being charged a $300 smog fee just to transfer title to California. Perhaps some day they'll lose a suit regarding these rebates. On the other hand, it's only $280 in savings, so who really gives a crap. If you're too cheap to pay that little extra, you should be buying an economy car anyway, or living in another state. It's worth it to me to pay an extra $280 to live in weather like this. With surf within walking distance. With snow within a short drive time. Etc.

Richard

rwagoner · October 1999

Med.grey takes time to clean? What are you doing with yours? I haven't had to do anything more that a quick vacuum and wipe down. And I am carrying people to and from the beach, with all the sand they get in the carpet.

Richard

kanton · October 1999

I haven't really had to "clean" it. just wipe it down, and am more careful than I would be if I had graphite.

Has anyone installed or used the Hypertech III power prgrammer. If so, was it worth it? Any information would be helpful. Thanks.

Kyle

dave40 · October 1999

The Hypertech is overrated.
I think my truck runs better without it. Invest in a good Catback exhaust & Airaid induction.

kanton · October 1999

I already have both. Flowmaster cat-back, and just the other day installed the Airaid induction system.

Kyle

dave40 · October 1999

Did you notice a big difference afterwards ?

mgdvhman · October 1999

I've had it 9 weeks now...and i'm just ready for the first wipe down. Dunno what's gonna happen in 3 weeks for hunting season?

Damn I can't wait.

My whole life is based upon the fun of these 2 weeks.

- Tim

alchavez · October 1999

A few posts back, someone asked about sunroofs on the the Silverado/Sierra. Well, I actually saw one on a 2000 4wd Sierra extended cab the other day. It was dealer insalled and ran about $1900. I personally would have concerns about chassis flex with this after-the-fact hole in the roof made into an extended cab truck (especially one of the 4 door models.) But it is available and actually looked pretty good.

Alex

z71bill · October 1999

If I liked the sun that much I would buy plane tickets to Hawaii and spend a week on the beach.

Had sun roof in my last truck (Nissan x-cab) and do not ever remember using it.

For $1,900 you should be able to put a tanning bed in your truck.

26andrew1 · October 1999

where would one look on the web for an airaid, picture and order form.

jaijay · October 1999

I installed the Extang cover myself. It took about twenty minutes. There was no cutting at all. However I think if you have a bed liner you may have to cut a small section at the top edge of the liner where it meets the top rail of the bed. There wasn't any cutting or drilling or anything like that to the truck. I wanted a cover that I could remove from the truck without any tell tale signs that one was there. The rails have a nice foam pad that protects the paint so that any vibrations to not rub and scratch the paint.

I have a Indigo Blue with pewter 99 Silverado. Before I installed it I "Zaino-ed" the whole truck especially the areas where the rails will hide. The truck looks real nice with the black cover.

shampton · October 1999

Thanks for the info on the Extang cover. I'm contemplating installing one this week on my '00 Silverado.

I need to clarify the implications of "cutting into the bedliner" to ensure I won't void the warranty on it - and also that these holes will not allow excess H20 in when the tonneau is not in place.

Thanks again for the info!

ryanbab · October 1999

The deal im gonna order from told me he could get a sunroof installed by an outside company he said it would cost about a thousand dollars and would be just like the ones in the blazers and tahoes the electric ones not pop open. I really would like one they are nice it would be better if it was a factory option i know our blazers was $750 and well worth it its getting cold now cant use it but cant wait till summer to use it and hopefully by then the silverados will have one.

crolke · October 1999

you can find airaid at http://www.airaid.com

i seen awhile back someone had a hell of a deal on them the price was like $229 or so i will find out where at and let u know
i think that it was someone who was advertising off of http://www.ls1.com

follow their links and that should get u the info

kanton · October 1999

I just got my Airaid at Central 4 wheel drive in California, paid $239, by far the best price I found anywhere. I don't know how you all feel about mail order, but you may be able to find it for a better deal.

pwitz · October 1999

Looking to add a set of tube steps to my '99 Black LT Silverado Extended Cab 4x4. Was considering Manik, Westin, Outback Country, etc. I've heard a bit of bad about Westin (surface rust) and Edmunds has woes with their Manik steps on their Ranger truck. Anybody have something on their truck that they could recommend?

Chevy Silverado - IV

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