07 GMC Sierra Crew Cab

[The General]

This is the new body style 5.3l, 40,000 miles.  I just purchased this last Saturday.  This is my first GM truck.  Originally a Ford man but didn't like the seats in the new trucks.  Have to be comfortable driving IMO.  What are some things I should be looking for as maintenance issues if any?  Anything like GM's are known for X so watch out for it and make sure to do this, kinds of stuff.  On my trip back from the cities on Saturday it pulled of 20.8 mpg so I was happy about that.  I also can see I'll be needing some new tires this fall for next winter.  Wranglers are on it now.  I had wranglers on my previous vehicle (Jeep) and they seemed to average around 50-60,000 miles.  I was pretty happ with them.  So any tire suggestions/recommendations.

[finch]

congrats on coming to your senses and getting GM.  I have an '05, and have not done much research on the NBS trucks...  you may have better luck with that on www.dieselplace.com as far as things to watch for on MY truck, just the usual GM bull  .  pitman arm, idler arm, ball joints.  wheel bearings (front)  umm, you're still low on the miles so most of these don't apply to you but also alternator, starter, radiator, water pump.  do you plan on maintaining the truck yourself or farming it out to a shop?  I've put over 40,000 miles on my truck, probably 20,000 of them pulling a trailer.

you should also find out if the original owner purchased the 100,000 mile extended warranty, so you can make sure you are the name on the warranty at GM

[snow]

congrats on the new ride,the 5.3lit and tranny is bullet proof plus you get the balance of the 5yr/100k warrenty,1st recommended tune up is 100k miles,tranny fluid change (dexron6) 100k rotate the tires every 7500 miles and change the oil per truck message center,it show and keeps tabs on oil life based on how you use the truck.

Tim

[beeker]

I put 150k on a 2000 1500..  the only problem I had was with the 4wheel drive not locking in correctly and then they had to mess with the switches and stuff. by the time that was done I almost choked the dealer.

[Hard617]

If you actually know how to use a grease gun and do it at least every other oil change, (I do mine every since using syn) you wont have to worry about pitman arms, ball joints, etc. I have an '06, the only problem i've had is wheel bearings in the front at about 15k. ign. switch the other day for loss of power to the tranny. other than that, you have bought yourself a good truck.
 Tires, ive had revos and they tend to cup. BFG's were awesome, but have decided to try toyo's this time around. So far they have been awesome. 10 ply. can't say for wear yet, but still look pretty good, maybe 7k on them?

[KTapper]

Just do simple normal maintenance and you will have that truck for a long time. I have a 2000 Silverado 5.3 with 130,000 and the truck still runs awesome, and the only thing I have ever had to replace was the fuel pump. Oh it's also for sale, I'm going to buy a new one want to sell your Sierra   to me?

[The General]

Thanks for all the info.  KTapper.............not for sale sorry.  I do have a question with the oil life message.  How does it tell say if i use mobile 1 synthetic where is says you don't need to change every 3000 miles or just a regular oil.  Does this thing tell the difference in oil?

[Hard617]

It does not. It goes by your driving style. I have found, though, it works perfect for syns. It lets me drive in the neighborhood of 6-7k on an oil change. I use Royal Purple so this works out great.

[schwinger]

This is from Alldata-

WHEN TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL
Your vehicle has a computer system that lets you know when to change the engine oil and filter. This is based on engine revolutions and engine temperature, and not on mileage. Based on driving conditions, the mileage at which an oil change will be indicated can vary considerably. For the oil life system to work properly, you must reset the system every time the oil is changed.

[finch]

hmm...  I would definitely not go out as far as to say the 4L60E is bulletproof.  it is a stout half ton trans, but surely it is no Allison.

and to the guy that runs royal purple.   why?  do you see massive HP gains?  I'm not trying to be a smartass, just curious because it is a racing formula oil and I have never heard of someone running it in a daily driver.

[KTapper]

Nothing compares to the Aillison.