JK23112

Well, my '04 is crossing the 101,000 mile threshold and is still running strong. I bought it a bit over two years ago with 74,000 miles on the clock. I have had to spend a few bucks with maintenance and some repair items - but much less than a new vehicle payment would run me. The truck runs strong, the 5.3L V8 has plenty of power - although it is a bit thirsty.

I am curious as to how many miles some other folks here have on their 2004 trucks. I have heard that these engines (4.8, 5.3 and 6.0) last a long time with proper care. Since I have owned it, I use Mobil-1 synthetic oil and still change both the oil & filter every 3,000 to 3,500 miles.

My truck is an extended cab, long bed LS model with two-wheel-drive. It has the Z71 rims (17-inchers), the towing package, 3.73:1 rear axle and dual Flowmaster mufflers. The worst thing about it is the fuel mileage(about 15 miles per gallon); but I did not buy it to be an economy car. My '02 Nissan Sentra is what I typically use for commuter duty.

Do the GM auto transmissions tend to hold up as well as the engines? I had the "BG Service" done to mine when it had about 78,000 miles - and it seems to shift smoothly and perform well.

Thanks for any replies!

country_09

That's the weak link in GM trucks...the tranny. But if you've had it flushed and filled with a new filter and all then you should be fine. It's just when people don't do any maintenance to it and then beat on it is when it tends to go out. I've got 200k on my 01 5.3 and i just went an had a retune here recently and Wheatley said that this motor runs stronger than some of the newer 5.3s he's tuned before

JK23112

It runs strong and shifts crisply - and I did have the BG Service done at about 78k....but am unaware if the previous owner(s) did anything to it. The fluid has always been pinkish and did not have any "burnt" odor at all.

I also had the BG coolant flush (with DexCool, of course), BG fuel injection service and the BG differential fluid service done to the truck during the past year to year and a half. Additionally, I had all new spark plugs and wires done at around 95k miles (though the old ones still looked okay).

This truck is going to be with me awhile if I can help it.....and that is saying a lot - because I am a FORD TRUCK GUY from way back when!


This 5.3L V8 runs VERY STRONG, albeit thirstily at the pump. 17-inch wheels, 265-70 tires, true dual Flowmaster mufflers and a 3.73:1 axle are not exactly conducive to fuel economy, but it sure is FUN to drive the darn thing!


A good friend of mine has an '02 5.3L Silverado that is approaching 180,000 miles and he has had very little trouble with it......so I hope it is a harbinger of what I face down the road. A new one is too costly for me right now, so this '04 must run for a lot more miles. So far, it starts right up and might use as much as a half quart of oil between changes - which is nothign about which I should be upset.

So far, I think I like my Chebby!!

country_09

Lol try 3:73s and 35x12.5x20 at te pump. That's thirsty. I'll be upgrading gears though shortly. Glad to see you'll keep the ole Chevy around. Proper maintenance and they will literally last forever

RTIGHE

I have an 01 1500 5.3L with 227K on it. Runs well has a few leaks (rear main seal and oil pan gasket) and it throws the abs light whenever the mood stikes then goes off a short time later but other then that it's ok.

cleveland63b

you've got the right idea just take care of it and it'll last as far as major component failures I've ran into a lot more tcase replacements than trannys, the thing about transmissions is the fact that most people neglect proper maintenance. BG services are great if done right and if you stay on top of them they offer warranties not sure if your shop filled you in or not.