Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum. It looks likes a great source of information.

I'm a youngster(sort of) looking to get into auto mechanics. My truck is getting close to 100,000 miles so I figured It was time to do a little maintainence on it,even though I've had zero problems out of it.
Im hoping some of you guys can tell me some things i should do to keep my truck running longer and stronger. It's my daily driver so I don't want to do anything that will take longer than a weekend.
My thoughts are I should put some new plugs in it and replace hoses. Are there any known problems with this model truck that I should look into replacing? Any performance upgrades that are relitively easy and worth doing? Should I replace old fluids?

OR should I just go with "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"? Thanks in advance for all your input

 

I have no idea how long you have had the truck or how many of the 100k miles YOU have put on it. If you are not very sure of the truck's past maintenance record or have not done much to it since you have owned it, the items have I have listed below might be worth considering.

1. Flush & fill the fluids (engine oil & filter, transmission, coolant, power steering, rear differential, etc.). Replace the air filter and use some high-quality fuel injector cleaner.

2. Inspect the hoses - they probably are okay. I still have the OEM hoses on my 2004 with 105,000 miles and the still look quite good.

3. Change the serpentine/fan/accessory belt(s) if you don't remember the last time it was done.

4. Replace the spark plugs AND the wires that attach to them. This will make your truck run smoother, give you a bit more power and perhaps save a few dollars on fuel.

5. Have the braking system checked (pads/shoes, fluid level, etc.) to be sure that everything is okay.

6. After ensuring that all exterior lights (turn signals, headlamps, brake lights, etc.) are working just fine.....give the truck a nice cleaning. Vacuum the upholstery and carpets/floor mats, use some air freshener, clean all of the windows, wash & wax the exterior. Tidy up the 'trim' pieces and spray on some tire shine. Replace those old wiper blades, too.

I am sure there are other things you can do, but keeping care of the old girl will allow you trouble-free driving and keep you out of the payment book. These trucks are durable and long-lasting if properly maintained. Good luck!!

 

NashVegas Welcome to the forum

 

I completely agree with everything JK stated. I recommend a complete brake system fluid flush. Roll underneath and grease the front end. If you want to go even farther you could remove and inspect, or replace the battery. While doing your tune up check your tires air pressures including the spare tire. Take your time and do it right and you'll get alot more trouble free miles out of your truck.

 

^^ Like!! ^^

P.S. I forgot to recommend Mobil-1 synthetic oil in 5w30 viscosity; you can't lose with it.

 

i agree with everything except the synthetic oil change that jk suggested. reason i disagree with the synthetic oil change is ive seen several cases where the person used conventional oil for most of the vehicles life then switch to synthetic and the new synthetic oil cleaned the seals of gunk and grim that was assisting with the sealing of the engine. then the vehicle had several new leaks. I would just stick with the oil you generally use. i would also check your vacuum lines. make sure there not cracking or getting too hard and brittle

 

I agree with the synthetic although my truck had about 140k when I got it and took a gamble and switched to Mobil 1 and haven't had any problems at all.

 

I agree with the other users that if you have been using conventional oil then stick with it. Some people do get lucky and don't have any issues with the swap. But some DO have issues. Unless you are prepared to either live with a leaky engine or put money into replacing the seals, I would stick with the normal oil you have been using. Conventional oils have come a long way over the last decade. They (meaning a good brand name conventional oil) have much better additives and do a very good job of protecting your engine.

I would also INSPECT your plug wires. Unless there are some worn spots on the plug wires or cracking at the boots, I would not bother replacing them. I have actually run into more problems replacing the wires then had I just left them alone. If you do decide to replace them, Use GM wires. Usually well worth the slightly higher price for wires that are exactly fit for your truck. Also, use only AC DELCO plugs that are designed for your engine. Some use Iridium and some use platinum. I'm not sure which yours is but the dealer can tell you. I don't think putting iridium in a truck that came with platinum is an issue. But putting platinum in a truck with iridium is gonna make your truck run like poop!

Hope this helps.

Eric