Chevy Silverado - Continued VII

al2 · February 2000

You said you don't need a V tailgate with your shortbox. I have a V gate with my long box Ford and was going to modify it for my new short box GMC 1500. Are you saying that you can tow and turn with the standard gate? What are you driving to do this? I can't quite picture the clearances since I won't have the truck until the end of this month.
Also, what sort of brake controller do you have and was it easy to connect to the truck wiring? Would appreciate a postback with all the details.
Thanks, Al

quadrunner500 · February 2000

I don't think there is less weight on the rear axle on a long bed. I think there is MORE weight on the rear axle. But the distribution of weight, percentage-wise is what changes toward the front. I honestly think you aren't going to notice a difference in traction either way. I haven't. I've driven both types. Other aspects about the truck handling, especially cornering, you will definitely notice, for the worse with long bed. The tradeoff is for better cargo utility, and more stability while towing.

jim212 · February 2000

I recently ordered a 2000 siverado regular cab with standard options. The only thing I would like to upgrade is the seats.A local after market dealer told me if the seat belts are in the seats I wouldn't be able to order from his dealer and have belts in the cab.Can anyone recomend a knowledgable dealer.

afs93 · February 2000

I just got a TPW of Feb. 21st. My truck was delyed due to the 3.73 Locking Rear Axle Ratio. I'm to receive my truck around mid-march??? Hopefully! I'm tried of waiting!

What is happening with your orders?

afs93 · February 2000

Sorry to post again, but I forgot to mention that my truck is going to be built at the Fort Wayne, Indiana plant! That's what GM told me.

Afs

p.s. Ryanbab, could you go & make sure they do a great job building my new truck? Thanks!

rshornsby · February 2000

I have had several different controllers on my pickup. With the electronic type brakes, it is necessary to go with an electronic controller. Of course you probably know that already. The very best that I have found is the DrawTite. All the controls are up front and easy to adjust. And it is easy to install, takes about 30 minutes.

Have a nice day.

Roger.

mgdvhman · February 2000

Now there is a combo we haven't talked about...

I'd imagine it would be useless....as when the rears slipped...Autotrac would semd the power to the front?

HMMMMM

Still say ya don't need a locker..
LOL

- Tim

vince4 · February 2000

You can't have too much power and you can't have too much traction. You guys are just trying to justify your deficiencies. What possible reason could someone WANT to have one wheel powered rather than two? And there is no maintenance issue with the Eaton, try again.

kanton · February 2000

When I bought my truck the only option it did not have was the locker. This is something I wanted and the salesman made the point that with autotrac it really was not needed. I listened and bought the truck. Since the day of purchase I had remorse about not buying the locker. I should have found the exact truck I wanted with the locker. So after a few months I finally had an Eaton Posi installed. This ended up being about twice the price of buying it from the factory. My advice, if you even have any remote chance of using a locker, buy it from the factory and save yourself $300. If you never need it, oh well. As far as maintanece, change the oil once a year or about every 12,000 miles and be sure to use locker/friction modifier.
Kyle

obyone · February 2000

where did you go to install the locker for $600? any problems? Been thinking about doing the same.

quadrunner500 · February 2000

Good account from Kanton. He said he put a Posi in. That would be a little different. $600 is still a good price. Can't see why some are having a hard time seeing the advantage to having one.
Not saying it's absolutely necessary.

I had to change carriers on a Camaro I owned, because you couldn't put a 3 series gear on a 2 series carrier. I put in an Auburn limited slip differential, and a factory 3.23 gear. This after learning the hard way that a Richmond gear whined horribly.

But just changing out the carrier doesn't carry too much risk. There are some spacer/shims, but I think if you put the stock ones back in with the new carrier, you'd be okay. Be careful who does the work. Check around carefully for the best reputation. I heard some horror stories.

quadrunner500 · February 2000

Kanton is absolutely right when he makes the point that you should get the device from the factory up front, if there is any chance you might want it later. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

chevy00 · February 2000

Congrats on the TPW. Whne did you first get an order number?? My dealer said that my order was targeted for a TPW the same week as yours, but my actual order # came in on 1/18. So far, Chevrolet has not assigned a TPW or location as of 2/9/00.

Maybe I'm only a week or two away??? I also ordered truck with 3.73, but dealer told me that when my order number was generated, there were no constraints on any parts at that time---for whatever that's worth...

ww00650 · February 2000

My house is situated near the top a hill that gets progressively steeper as you go up, and my driveway becomes steeper yet until it levels out, just before entering my garage. My wife and i both had front wheel drive cars which barely made it up the driveway when snow-covered. We were stuck if we had to stop for any reason. Just back down the hill and try again.
Now I have the truck with autotrak and 4.10 rear. I know this is not a fair comparison, but, at a standing start at the bottom of the driveway, in 2-HI, I would spin a wheel at any pressure of the throttle. In auto I could hear just a slight hint of wheel spin, then the front would engage, and I crawl up my driveway.
I don't know if just having a locker would have let me get up from a rolling start, and think that having a locker and autotrak would not be of any real benefit.

My personal opinion.

bluebeast · February 2000

or should I say lack of it, I must say that F150online.com is a excellent web site for late model fords. Where is a Silverado web page? or even a late model C1500/Silverado page?

roger350 · February 2000

From what I've read Autotrac only splits torque between the front and rear axles. It does nothing to split torque side to side. If that is the case you could very easily end up with one front wheel and one rear wheel spinning and having Autotrac continually vary the torque between the two, but you would still be stuck because only the two wheels with the least traction would be turning. So the presence of Autotrac is no reason to skip the locker. Now if you are just one of the people that doesn't like lockers, fine. No hard feelings either way. But to tell people a locker won't do anything if you have Autotrac, is just plain wrong. Autotrac won't help you if you have one front and one rear in the slippery stuff.

bowhuntwi · February 2000

Here you spend closer to 30 grand on a pickup and you can't justify spending 300 more. Why not just go buy a 10 grand metro. It's a personal perferance, maybe they shouldn't offer A/C up north or heat down south. There's more moaning about not having something on a truck that you should of ordered but didn't. Then having ordered it & don't use it. I use my truck, if I want to go off road I do, I don't worry about........gee it might get dirty, 90% of 4x4 bought new today never see off pavement use, until there 2nd or 3rd owner. The kid will never go out of me for not having fun while truckin....Some days you can't tell what color my truck is...and it's not because of the road salt either.

scottay · February 2000

for those who "cant understand why to have locker and autotrac".
2x4 = one wheel drive

2x4 w/locker = 2 wheel drive (both rear)

4x4 = 2 wheel drive

4x4 w/locker = 3 wheel drive. Get it? Good!

quadrunner500 · February 2000

Autotrack just engages the transfer case. If it senses slip front to back, then it locks the hubs. Even if the hubs are locked, the axles are not, because of the planetary gearing in the front differential. It's not a system that controls 4 corners.

But if you have one front wheel with no traction, and one rear wheel with no traction, you have NO wheels driving, for the same reason on both axles, the planetary gears.

Unless you have a locker, which case you will have ONE wheel still driving because a clutch locks the rear axles together.

4wd with no locker = NO wheel drive worst case.
4wd with locker = ONE wheel drive worst case.

In the best case, where traction is equal at all four corners, then, only then, does 4wd = 4 wheels driving.

murizar · February 2000

You know what they say about assuming and stereotyping. We don't get real snow but we do get ice, and that is only if it rains and stays cold. Today's high is in the 80's.
Again, yep, I have seen quite a few people with 30k trucks just for mudding. On my last trip to New Mexico there were two brand new (at the time) 99 SILVERADOS on different parts of the city covered in layers (and I mean layers) of dirt and mud. Since they had been in different parts of the state, and the color of the soil differentiates, you could actually see where one layer of mud started and the other ended on the vehicles. Not to mention the Jeeps, Fords, etc.

I keep hearing about 30K trucks. Mine was 17K with tax title and license. I can see why now. I didn't have to buy the keep my butt warmer device.

murizar · February 2000

One mayor insurance company told me that since I live between the two worst crime Zones in Houston the full coverage insurance for a brand new SILVERADO was $2,800.00 per six months and this was last year at 29 years of age. After taking a walk the next company gave me 30% off for air bags, 10% off for daylight running lights and more percentages off for engine kill switch, living in a gated apartment etc. The final price for six months was in the $400.00's.

murizar · February 2000

Spending $300 more for a 30k or 17k truck is not the problem. The moaning are lessons for future buyers so that they will not make the same mistake. In my case I was badly adviced and therefore did not buy the locker from the start, then again as some have typed I might have been adviced correctly. All I know is that I fell silly spinning tires in second gear while turning on dry pavement or at the carwash in wet pavement and so far I have not heard of anyone with a locker that is experiencing the same spinning problems. If there is please post. I don't want to spend $600 to find that life is the same. I have the 4.8L with standard transmission and can only imagine what a 6.0L does to the tires.

murizar · February 2000

Right now I am parked between two 4x4 Dodges(imagine, Texas,

). They are tall and pretty but still have the small tires. If they use the small tires to get more torque why is everyone trying to get larger tires fitted on their trucks? Better fuel mileage or is it just looks. Has anyone tried the new truck tires where two are made specifically for the front and the other two for the rear so you don't have to rotate tires? Happy weekend, I am off for last minute valentines shopping for my truck.

crossfire1 · February 2000

Thanks for the equations Scott,

I had parked my C10 on the side of the street after a snow storm. The left side of the truck was in a clear path, but the right side (drive wheel side) was in the snow.
Much to my chagrin, when I tried to leave the parking area, all I got was some spinning, and a bad attitude about non lockers.
Regardless of whether I get a 4X4, or 2X4, you can bet that I'll not order my new truck w/o the locker!

Chris

fgilby · February 2000

I received my order number four days after my order was accepted.

My order was to be built last month, but was delayed! I was told due to the 3.73 locking rear axle. Not sure if that is the case but I'm glad to finally (hopefully) be in the stretch run on this order!!!

GM told me that some options were limited due to a shortage of parts? Who know? Could just be the amount of orders have overwhelmed GM? I think that a lot of people have been waiting for the four door Silverado's!

Good Luck with your order!
afs

mgdvhman · February 2000

Kanton,
12,000 miles is every 6 months for me.
No thanks for a device I have no need for.
I have taken my trucks in all kinds of nasty [non-permissible content removed] places and have never had the need for a locker or posi...the facts. Maybe I'm just a better off roader that knows how to pick lines better?

Buying the 2500 LT...price was not an issue. It's the maint.on a device that gives me no benefit that I chose not to go with it. I like gadgets and extra insurance just as much as the next guy..but having open axles and no problems over the years...why spend $300 for a device that will never be of any benefit to me?
I totally realize what a 4x4 means as farr as power to the wheels and 3wd is better than a 2WD.
Problem is...That 0-WD "worst case scenario" has never happened for me...and will not happen for almost everyone here.

As usual too many people take me wrong..(there's a first)...Yes a locker is the best combo....problem is...next to nobody needs it.

I don't have any deficiencies to cry about. I chose this route.
Perhaps the extra 585 pounds and a 2.48 first gear instead of 3.06 make my combo better?..never know.

"I have the 4.8L with standard transmission and can only imagine what a 6.0L does to the tires."

..with the gearing and the weight combo above...I don't have the tire slipping problem you may think. The 1500 feels like more pep off the line...and probably would have a tire slipping problem in it's inferior design....

Argue till you turn blue....I know what a locker does...and i don't need it...

Good Luck

- Tim

jimtnc · February 2000

cna anyone respond to my post #121? I'm seriously thinking about sinking more money in bigger tires. Can someone talk me out of this before my wife fires me? :-)

rbrick · February 2000

I noticed that the Suburban Z71 package includes (or will) 285/75 tires. Aren't the Silverado and Suburban built on the same (or similar) frame? If so, then why would my local tire shop recommend NOT going with 285's?

It is still early for most, but has anyone looked into the Whipple Supercharger for their new Silverado. I just read an article about it. $3800 for 120hp/160ftlbs.

Someone said they just bought anA.R.E lid. Which model and about how much did it cost? I would like to have a nice low-profile lid.

My ext cab Z71 is gonna be built next week. I hope to receive it by mid-march.

Rob

kanton · February 2000

Tim-
I was just mearly sharing my experiences with not having a locker. When I bought my truck I wanted the locker; the truck I got did not have one, so I ended up putting one in. You did not want one, so you have not gotten one. That is fine. I don't dog your decision, so don't dog mine. We are all entitled to our opinions and to get what we want. That is a beauty of this country. You will never drive my truck and I will never drive yours, so why does it matter so much? Relax.

Obyone,
I had the Posi installed at West Coast Differentials in Sacramento, CA. $359 for Posi, $180 labor/shop supplies, $25 oil and friction modifier.

Rancho RS9000 Shocks,
Somebody asked about these. I have them on my truck. Even though it is lifted and does not ride as smooth as stock, the adjustable shocks are nice. I can definately feel a difference between the settings. Usually around town and on the freeway I run them in the 2 position or 3 front 1 rear, just depends. When I haul or tow I run 4/4 or 4/5. I also have an add-a-leaf in the rear, and with the rear shocks on 5 while towing the boat I have no tongue weight sag and the truck feels pretty stable.
Kyle

al2 · February 2000

Thanks for your info. You said 'electronic' brakes on your 5th. Do you really mean electric brakes with an electonic controller? On my old Ford the controller is teed into the brake fluid reservoir of the truck, I presume an older style of sensor. I'll check out Drawtite. Still like to hear about the shortbed tailgate situation.
Roger, I believe you said previously that you don't have a new model truck yet. Does anyone pull a 5th with a 2000 2wd 1500 shortbox? How does it perform?
Thanks, Al

mgdvhman · February 2000

Don't worry....none of this gets to me.....just want to be understood....ya know?

Ryan,
we know you are watching.....so come on out...
LOL

- Tim

wang2 · February 2000

I purchased my truck from a dealer, and it came with the locking rear. Got a Z71 Autotrac ext cab. Has the locking rear helped me? Don't know. Hurt me? Probably not. Would I have been careful enough to order it? Doubt it. Didn't buy my truck for serious off-roading. Pulling off onto gravel is off roading to me!(well, a friend of mine has a farm in south Ga, and I did drive into a field. wooooo) I live in Atlanta, we've already had our week and a half of winter here during the Super Bowl... So the snow challenge is back burner-ed too.

So, why did I buy the truck? A)Wanted it. B)Looks good. C)Most useful vehicle I've ever owned(this is the most important reason) D) locking rear diff.(hahaha) E) Looks good - already said that.

Later,

Bryan

rshornsby · February 2000

Brakes on the pick-up. The 5th has electric, but you cannot hook in like the old one used to. Which in my opinion worked a heck of a lot better than the electronic type. Anti-lock brakes won't work with the old type, keep pulsing. This "Draw-Tite" is the 4th one that I have had. It is the best, as far as I can see. I like it. I have the DrawTite 5500, for a 26 ft. 5th wheel with slide out, it's a Tahoe.

Roger.

rshornsby · February 2000

I forgot, I tow it with an '88 Ford. Ordered a
GMC Sierra SLE 4x4 yesterday.

al2 · February 2000

Thanks for the input. I see what you mean about ABS. I'll check out Drawtite 5500 with local dealer. Glad to hear you have made the big truck decision and hope you don't have to wait too long. Cheers, Al

rshornsby · February 2000

Thank you. My son has a 2000 SLT 4x4, no problems at all ever. Since the forum is slightly dead tonight, perhaps most of the people won't say too much about our subjects..

Roger

tdrigger · February 2000

I'm a proud first-time Chevy owner of a 2000 Z-71 ext. cab. My truck has about 6,000 miles on it and I'm very pleased so far. I was concerned about previous discussion regarding vibrations and was concerned when my brother-in-law's 98 CK truck's transmission failed at 38,000 miles. To date, the only concern I have is what appears to be a small clunk sound in the drive train. I read a previous note somewhere that there was a TSB regarding a fluid replacement. Does anyone know if this is true and where do Chevy owners go to find out TSB's or recalls?

Any info would be appreciated.
Side note- 17" of snow last storm and I had the privledge of making Milk and Bread runs for the neighborhood. What a truck, never even worried about getting stuck. So far, LIKE A ROCK!

Tom

wanderer1_2 · February 2000

Tom,

You can get some TSB's at the National Highway Safety Agency's website at:www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems

Wanderer

werking · February 2000

does anyone know, if i ordered a '00 silverado 2500 LT, four door ext cab, 4WD tomorrow, and i want it to be indigo blue over onyx black (two tone) can i get victory red flares installed at the factory? think it will be delivered wihtin, say, 2 weeks? also, i've been reading this forum for a bit, but haven't had this question answered yet: if i get the auto-trac, does it make sense to get a locker too? i'm just not sure if a locker makes sense if i have auto-trac. i'm a little disappointed nobody ever talks about that either. maybe i'll start something now that'll get people finally talking about it.
thanks...kyle

werking · February 2000

sorry for my earlier post...just thought i'd stir some folks up. as of today, i've got 908 miles on my '00 LS 1500 Z71, 5.3 L, blah blah blah, (no locker by the way, didn't know much about it before reading the last 300 posts on this topic). i've been getting about 13-13.5 mpg city driving. looking to take a long trip in march to see what she'll do on the highway. no major glitches thus far. beautiful truck that rides very well. just got one serious question for you that was conceived while reading all the locker vs. autotrac, etc type stuff. if i put my truck in 4-hi, how many wheels are actually driving?
4-lo? thanks...

kyle

tigercub · February 2000

Has anyone had their truck converted to "duel fuel",ie. natural gas or propane. Gas in this part of Canada is up to 63 cents per liter or about $2.50 dollors a gallon (Canadian dollars).

Gord

rshornsby · February 2000

Welcome back, you have been quiet for a long time. I thought maybe you were driving the heck out of your new truck, and didn't have much time to monitor here.

.

Have a nice day..

Roger

rdve80 · February 2000

Al,
The rear overhang on the SB is shorter than the LB. No need for a V gate. You can lower the standard tailgate during hook up and do minimal manuvering W/O hitting the lower part of the 5th wheel. Then close the tailgate while traveling. In addition to keeping the truck looking normal, I am able to use a folding hard cover (www.foldacover.com) that covers the front 20 inches of the bed while traveling. Once the 5th wheel is disconnected, I can close the cover and lock it to the standard tailgate in 60 sec. This protects the hitch and other items from weather and theft while driving solo.

Your new GMC will come with a brake harness stored in the glove box. Wire it to a brake controller, mount the controller in a convenient location and then plug the harness into the GM plug located under the dash. If you ordered the $25 UY2 camper & 5th wheel wiring provision, there will be a 7-wire pigtail secured to the frame under the front of the bed on the drivers side. Get a plug that matches your trailer, install it to the inside bed wall and wire it into the pigtail. Contact me at: dayle1@epochworks.com if you have more questions. Sorry for the long response.

werking · February 2000

roger,
yeah, been busy working and driving. more often than not nowadays, i just read the posts and try my best to refrain from responding to some of the dumber ones.

ray,
congrats on your truck being ready. hope yours is everything to you that mine's been for me. good luck and enjoy!

kyle

rayt2 · February 2000

Congratulations on FINALLY finding someone who took you seriously & could prove it by getting your truck ordered for you without the BS. If I remember correctly you said you got a better deal then any other previously. Makes it even sweeter yet! Now what are ya gonna tell that guy frothing at the bit for your old 88 Ford??

Ray T.

dropper · February 2000

I have put up pics of my '00 Silverado...

http://members.brandx.net/user/dropper/thetruck.htm

rshornsby · February 2000

I really don't know. I was told the standard 8 to 10 or 12 weeks. But who knows, I don't think I am going to believe it, until I see it. And don't plan on getting ulsers waiting and wondering. I hope the buyer for my Ford will settle down a little. He wants it now, but I think I have put him in the mood to wait until I get a TPW at least. I might sell it to him with the understanding that if I don't take delivery, I can get it back, same price. Yeah, Right. As my granddaughter says. But I can only wait and see.

Have a nice day guys......

Roger

rshornsby · February 2000

Sorry about the box, my trademark sign off was a little bit off. Sipping wine and typing sometimes just does't go together.

Roger

rshornsby · February 2000

I didn't answer the question about the cost of my pickup. Yes it was slightly better than the one I had previosly. In Spokane, through Stoneage, the price is $500 over invoice, bottom line. No additional charges of any kind. (Adv. fee for example). Completely satisified with the deal.

Have a nice day..

Roger

scottay · February 2000

the slider has like a 2" drop. Can i just turn it over to get a straight shot and get my boat level? See any problems withh that? Is that a dumb question? -scott

Chevy Silverado - Continued VII

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