Hello all. I am NEW and the reason I joined was because I am thinking of becoming a Silverado owner. What better way to find out about the vehicle (before I buy) than to ask those that own or did own one and their experiences. I am looking at a 2005 1500 Ext Cab 4wd Z71 with the 5.3L motor. So, are there any areas that are of/or have become major problems (eg. Ford 2001 5.4 has a notorious lean bank 1 &2 = Intake manifold gasket changeout = dealer $1200+) transmissions problems or 4WD problems (switches or module)? Does the truck seem to have enough power to pull a 10x6 trailer or a boat; is the automatic transmission big enough to handle the load/engine or is it too small or under-engineered; maintenance for the most part doable or does it have to go back to the dealer; engine problems like this (Ford on some engines has a cam chain tensioner issue that is $$ and involved to repair) or computer modules to control the dome light, power windows, etc. that are a pain to get to and $$'s to replace? Are there any parts that are DEALER ONLY - cost a bundle and without it the truck won't run? IF the truck is sold before I get this information are there any years and models that I should stay away from? Knowing what you know now would you buy it again or would you buy something else. Bottom line, I am just trying to make sure I have all the facts about this truck before I go and buy it and then find out I should NOT have. ANY and ALL experiences, warnings and hints will be greatly appreciated. THANKS..

 

I've been a Chevy guy most of my life so I'm sold on them. Parts are cheaper and is engineered in a way that makes sense to me.

That being said, manifold gaskets, exhaust studs, transfer cases pump hole, transmissions can be weak if not maintained, and the push buttons for the 4x4 can be flakey. Oh, and abs modules tend to crap out.

None are horribly expensive if you do them yourself. The transfer case wear hole being the worst.

The g80 differential that almost always comes with the z71 sometimes explodes if abused.

My z71-ish didn't come with the g80, so no locker for me but hopefully no sudden explosion either. I just recently got a 00 and love it.

The 5.3's are solid and there are plenty of goodies and running options for them. Aftermarket support for Chevy is world's ahead of everyone else in my opinion.

 

I have been a Silverado owner for many years. I have had very few problems with mine other than the normal wear and tear items. The only real problem I had was with the ABS module and replacing the sensors did not fix it, other than that the truck was great. If you buy used and get one that was well maintained and you keep on maintaining it, then you will get many years of great service from it. Just like with any vehicle maintenance is the key.

 

My 99 Silverado is the first Chevy Pickup I've owned and I'm very happy with it. It is now pushing 234,000 miles and still runs great! It doesn't use any oil and starts at -20 degrees. It has 4 wheel drive which is good for MN winters. The heater works great and the A/C will almost freeze you out in the summer. Two years ago my son and I drove it to Pensacola, FL. I changed the oil and filter before we left and changed it again when we got back. It used about 3/4 of a quart of oil during that trip which in my book is fantastic! I only had a topper on it then but have now graduated to a popup camper which handles nicely.

7-12-16 Update:

The pickup now is well over 234,000 miles and still running great. It handles the 10' camper very well which I used over this past weekend. I've had the 4 wheel drive selector buttons replaced because the original switch shorted out. And had new tires put on it that were heavy duty enough to handle the weight of the camper better than the ones I had on it. It still doesn't use any oil to speak of and still starts at -20 degrees.

 

4.8 is underpowered, 5.3 is a good motor and its before all the afm stuff that started in 2007
they do have 1500hd models that have the 2500 chassis, suspension, 6.0L engine and 4l80E trans
IMO get a 2500 series of that generation 1999-2006 but stay on the later end of the run 05-06 due to age.


my 2000 4.8 is mint and has 366 000kilometers.

 

I own a 2004 Silverado 1500 2wd with the long bed & extended cab (suicide doors). I bought it used in 2010 with 74,000 miles and now have 132,000 on it. Mine has the Z85 package (a watered down Z71 version for 2wd trucks) and the 5.3L V8. I don't get a thrill up my leg when I drive it, but it has served me well and never left me sit on the side of the road.

The engine is VERY strong, runs great and only uses about 1/2 a quart of oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. The custom-built Flowmaster TRUE DUAL exhaust system is music to my ears. With the 3.73:1 rear axle, it will really scoot. The 17" Z-71 rims (from a Tahoe) look great and people often think it is a 4x4. It's easy to work on and you just can't top that legendary small-block V8 torque. I've always been a Ford guy with trucks, but am relatively happy with the Chebby.

A REAL truck to me would be the Chevy Silverado body and small-block V8 engine......with the Ford interior & suspension. The Fords carry loads better and the seats are light years ahead of GM, but the Chevy is easier to work on and looks better.

I never had a Dodge, so I can't say much about them -- but I drive big trucks for a living and LOVE the Cummins diesels.

 

I have a 2000 5.3l 1500 now..i have had chevy and ford trucks all my life im 43 now...both make good trucks..Chevys are infinately easier to work on...and cheaper to repair...both hold up well if maintained. My 5.3 gets my 1500 up to speed alot quicker than the 5.4triton in my old f150 or expedition...its more a matter of taste..but if upgrades are on your future...chevy has better and cheaper aftermarket support.

 

lets have a look...some pics please!

 

Here are my chevys...2000 Silverado 5.3L auto xcab cai..exhaust..programmer...2007 Avalanche 4x4 5.3L cai...exhaust..leveling kit 33 inch at's

 

I can tell you don't live in the rust belt. pretty clean body for a 2000 p/u