RWTJR

That thing is genius. Why couldn't GM think of that? Never mind.

Do they no longer have free use auto shops on bases? When I was in the Army (40+ years ago) we had auto shops on bases with bays, lifts and even a tool crib where you could borrow tools. All free, it was great. I would just reserve a time, show up, drive in, lift my vehicle, pull over the oil catch, grab some tools from the crib, (MWR person manned the crib and managed the schedule), and do my oil change and tire rotation. Bada Bing! Sometime they even had a tire machine you could get checked out on to mount/dismount your own tires. Often times there was a wash bay next door/nearby. When I was stationed at FT. Meade, MD., we had 5 branches of service there (still do) so they offered a Valet Service at the auto shop for the Air Force guys. Just kidding, couldn't help myself. The shops were run by the MWR office. You might want to check around. No expertise implied or expressed

No, the April 9, 2020 is the original build number date for the radio in my truck (the original programming). The update is Jan, 13th. GM didn't start pushing the update until late last year (December, I think).

FYI, I have the IOS infotainment system, this is what my screen says after the update:

Yes there's a fair share of that type of fear mongering too. I can only share my experiences, thoughts and questions. I have had oil changes completed at a dealership maybe 6 times and two of those times they screwed it up. The first time, my wife entered the house and said, "Why is there a pool of oil under your truck?" and when I touched the oil filter it fell into my hand. I have no idea how far from home it started leaking and there was still some oil in it but not enough to register on the dipstick. Had I not lived close to the dealership I suspect my engine would have probably blown. The second time, in a moment of weakness, I took my wife's Equinox in for it's first and free oil change. When it was completed, but before I left the dealership, I checked the oil and it was over-filled. Apparently, they put 5 qts of oil in a vehicle that requires 4.2 qts. So approximately 33.3 percent of my dealership oil changes, at different dealerships, were screwed up. As a member of a Camaro forum, I have read, and seen pictures of, front fender and under body structural damage that occurred during dealership oil changes due to improper lifting. This is not something I desire to personally experience and I'm sure it won't happen in my garage while performing my DIY oil changes. Yet, I have never heard, read, or seen any instances where someone was denied warranty work because a properly performed DIY oil change. I have never personally experienced any issues, warranty or otherwise, from any of the DIY oil changes I have done. I am not trying to imply, or insist, anyone fear a dealership oil change but my experiences have shown that my decision to change my own oil was the right one for me. Additionally, I can use arguably better products for less money and feel confident it has been done right. Am not trying to convince anyone of anything (or incite fear). I am just sharing my thoughts, experiences and opinions to further the conversation. Although I quoted "OnTheReal" in this post my response is not directed at him, his post just inspired me to post. My post is intended for, and directed towards, everyone and anyone. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed

I apologize, I didn't realize I was arguing about who knows more. I was just sharing my thoughts, beliefs, questions and understanding of the subject being discussed. When I use the term "you" I am using in the collective sense as in "everybody who reads this" not as a personal you. Again, I apologize if I came off argumentative or alleging superior intelligence. That was not my intention. No expertise implied or expressed.

I would never fault anyone who desires to replace their UCAs. However, there are other factors to consider when it come to ball joint failures than just a lift, i.e., hard off road use/abuse, proper ball joint torque, torn/damaged boot allowing grease out-dirt in, tire size/weight, etc. After all, some non-lifted (and aftermarket) ball joints fail too. The standard 1500 and the Trail Boss share the same factory upper control arms, so lifting a standard 1500 2" puts the UCA at essentially the same operating angles and forces as the Trail Boss. So if the 2" lift on the standard 1500 is causing the failures, why aren't the Trail Boss trucks, (without any aftermarket lift), failing with the same regularity? Could it be factors other than the 2" lift? As for lifted Trail Boss/AT4s on factory UCAs, failure should be expected as the UCA is being taken out of it's designed/engineered conditions and parameters. The same applies to standard 1500 trucks with more than 2" of lift. I would like to add, the stock suspension on all of these trucks is engineered and designed for OEM tire sizes. Considering this fact, anyone who exceeds the largest factory tire size, (about 32"), and weight (around 50 lbs) has taken the suspension out of it's factory engineered operating parameters. These things considered, 2" of lift and 32" tires of around 50 lbs each, (like a factory Trail Boss) on a standard 1500 should still be within engineered specifications and, therefore, be fine. Any lift or tire size/weight increase on a Trail Boss/AT4 takes it outside designed parameters. This is just my humble opinion and could be complete nonsense, you decide. No expertise implied or expressed

Why does GM recommend the ACDelco PF63E for our trucks over of the arguably better ACDelco UPF63R? Any thoughts? No expertise implied or expressed

Seems to be the consensus. The factory control arms are engineered for both the 0" of lift on a regular 1500 and the 2" of lift on the Trail Boss. It's the same UCA on both trucks. Lifting a non-Trail Boss truck 2" is putting the UCA and ball joints at essentially the same operating angles/conditions as a stock Trail Boss. This is why the only GM designed, authorized and warrantied 2" lift for non-TB/AT4 trucks does not include, or require, new UCAs. The GM 2" lift kit is basically comprised of the different/additional parts from the Trail Boss/AT4. My thoughts, I wouldn't change the UCAs on a non-Trail Boss with a lift up to 2" but I would change the UCAs with any additional lift on a Trail Boss or an AT4 (already at, or near, UCA limit). JMHO No expertise implied or expressed

I'm no expert but I would think if you run the 5100s set at stock height it should be the same as if you ran the stock Rancho shocks. Of course the Bilsteins will ride differently but the height/lift should be the same. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed

Which READYLIFT kit are you considering? This READYLIFT 1.75" kit intended for the TB/AT4 does not have a "spring perch spacer": https://www.readylift.com/2-25-front-leveling-kit-w-control-arms-at4-trail-bossgm-1500-truck.html It has an upper strut spacer (goes on top of the coilover) and lower strut spacer (goes under the bottom of the shock). As for the shock diameter, both the Rancho and the Bilstein B8-5100s use the stock spring perch so they should be fundamentally the same diameter. No expertise implied or expressed

Based on the fact that the TB/AT4 with their factory 2" and the GM OE Accessory 2" lift all use the same UCA as the non lifted trucks, it is safe to infer any lift up to 2" is within the engineered limits of the factory UCA. Anything above a 2" lift is questionable and should probably have a new UCA. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed.

In the statement below from the GM Accessories site, it lists the trucks with the "composite rear leaf springs" as the LT trim 5.3 (L84) and the LT, Short Bed with the 3.0 (LM2). If this is accurate then it implies only those with the above listed configurations should have "composite rear leaf springs". I suspect the other trucks are listed for reasons other than composite springs, i.e., already lifted. "The 2-inch Suspension Lift cannot be installed on all regular cab trucks, 2019+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss, all Max Trailering Package trucks (NHT), all Snow Plow Prep-equipped trucks (VYU), or any 2019+ Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with composite rear leaf springs (Chevrolet LT Trim with 5.3L V8 engine (L84) - Chevrolet LT Trim, Short Bed with 3.0L Turbo Diesel engine (LM2)" (emphasis added) Why are the composite leaf springs only on LT trim trucks, any thoughts? Does anyone know if there is a specific RPO code for the composite springs? JMHO no expertise implied or expressed

Yep! I have a friend who was a dealership service manager for 15 years, including a Chevy dealership. She told me, keep records of your work and the receipts for parts & fluids and it'll never be an issue (and she's seen it all). She recommends to all her friends & her family to do their own maintenance. You get better products for less money. I keep all my receipts and run an eXcel spreadsheet of all my work. I have done almost all of my maintenance and a great deal of mechanical work on my vehicles and I have never had an issue.

Have you considered filling the gap with spray foam? I suggest the bright orange fire block foam. It'll not only stop the dust but it may help if your truck catches on fire. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed

No, it shouldn't work that way. The non-TB/AT4 Bilstein shock 2" lift should effectively give you the same lift height suspension as you have now. As far as the "lifting" components on the TB/AT4 front suspension go, basically the only difference from the non-TB/AT4 is the shock length and spring perch location. The 2" of lift made by the non-TB/AT4 Bilstein is made by changing/adjusting the spring perch location to essentially the same position/lift equivalent as what you have on your current Ranchos, no net gain. In other words, the non-TB/AT4 Bilstein adjustable shocks at 2'' would just give you the same 2" as your current TB/AT4 suspension setup. Your replacing 2" of lift with 2" of lift, so no additional lift. BTW, UCAs have virtually nothing to do with 'lifting" the truck. They allow for space, movement and maintain proper suspension geometry. They are replaced at certain lift heights to allow space for movement and maintain proper geometry after the lift (oversimplification). All measurement/lift numbers are approximate. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed.

This is how I understand it. TB/AT4 has the same stock upper control arms (UCAs), as the non-TB/AT4. The TB/AT4 lift, (factory or OEM aftermarket) has the extended axles, different shocks, etc. So that 2" lift is occurring within the limitation of the stock UCAs. If you add additional lift of any kind to the TB/AT4 you exceed the engineered limits of the UCA. The issue with added lift to the TB/AT4 isn't axle length it is the UCA. In other words, the stock UCA has a tolerence of 0"-2" of lift. if you add and additional 1" lift to the 2" lift of the TB/AT4 you are effectively at a 3" lift and outside the UCA engineered limits. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed

Your phone should connect automatically via Bluetooth when you start the truck if it's configured properly. To use the Android Auto App you have to plug your phone into a USB port unless it's a 2021 model with wireless android auto. Your phone connects via Bluetooth. Bluetooth will handle all regular phone functions, (calls, stream music, etc.), but it lacks the bandwidth to carry Android Auto (maps, etc.). The wireless Android Auto now available on 2021 GM products uses WiFi, not Bluetooth. Short answer, your phone should automatically connect but not Android Auto. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed

I struggle with the, "I can't do it that cheap myself" argument. If you consider the ACDELCO, Dexos 1, Gen 2 oil the dealership is using is probably the Exxon/Mobil equivalent of SuperTech Dexos 1, Gen 2 oil, it's not even close. They are both full synthetic API SN+, ILSAC 5 rated oil. Now if you want a better then basically-meets- the-standard oil at the dealership your only choice is Mobil1. See what you'll pay for that at the dealership? I posted the numbers earlier showing I DIY using Mobil1 & the ACDELCO filter for less than $50. If I were to do it with SuperTech it would be less than $30. When you compare an oil change using the cheapest Exxon/Mobil, (branded as ACDELCO), dexos1, gen 2, oil at the dealership against a do-it-yourself oil change using the cheapest dexos1, gen2, oil available, it's a relatively significant difference ($30 vs $70+). So to compare apples-to-apples, what would a Mobil1 oil change at the dealership cost compared to my less than $50 mobil1 oil DIY change? Don't get me wrong, the $70, 8 qt., special my local dealership is running for the ACDelco oil is a good deal if you're not a DIYer. If I didn't prefer to do my own maintenance I would take advantage of that deal. However, it's not nearly as inexpensive, or as satisfying, as an equivalent DIY oil change. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed

Amsoil has claimed to meet or exceed Dexos standards for a long time, however, they are not a certified dexos oil. Amsoil claims to have put their oil through the dexos certification test conducted by an independent laboratory and met or exceeded the dexos certification testing requirements but they aren't willing to pay GM for certification. I am not a boutique oil fan. I've never been convinced of any substantial benefit of using a boutique oil for the user who changes their oil at recommended intervals. It's just a way to charge higher prices and separate buyers from their money. Now in defense of boutique oils, GM's current requirement is that the oil meets the dexos specification not that it be dexos certified or GM approved. That said, being a dexos certified oil removes any argument as to whether the oil meets the GM/dexos standard. Which, is why most GM owners buy dexos certified oil. I personally think Amsoil is making a mistake buy not paying for the dexos certification. I think being dexos certified would increase their sales exponentially but apparently they disagree. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed

YES , 2020 only (for now). The models listed below: Technical Service Bulletin: #20-NA-199 Release Date: 11/9/2020 TSB #20-NA-199 Applies To These 2020 Model Year Vehicles Buick Enclave Buick Encore GX Buick Verano Cadillac CT6 (China ONLY) Cadillac XT4 Cadillac XT5 Cadillac XT6 Chevrolet Blazer Chevrolet Camaro Chevrolet Cruze Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / 2500HD / 3500HD Chevrolet TrailBlazer GMC Acadia GMC Sierra 1500 / 2500HD / 3500HD With The Following Infotainment System RPO Codes IOS IOT IOU

$299 for six is a great price. However, I do my own using Mobil1, Dexos 1, Gen2 oil and an ACDELCO PF63E for less tan $50 a pop. Mobil1 $4.60 X 8 = $36.80, ACDELCO PF63E $7.92. The two together $44.72 + 2.68 tax for a total of $47.40. $2.60 isn't much of a savings but I never have to worry if it was done correctly. Oh, and I love working on my vehicles. I'm not sure the techs check it at all. In a moment of weakness, I took my wife's equinox in soon after purchase for it's first (and last) free oil change. When it was finished I checked the oil right there in the dealership lot and it was way over filled. I pretty sure they put 5 qts into that little turbo that requires 4.2 qts. I had them correct it. It just confirmed my past and current practice of changing my own oil. JMHO No expertise implied or expressed

I got the U150 update today. I was notified while away from home so I ignored it. When I got home I checked for updates and it was waiting. Clicked on the icon and it said it would take Aprox. 15 minutes, yada, yada. I came back out to the truck about 30 minutes later and had a successful update message.

Did you fill it up at the same gas station each time it read low? Could the pump be shutting off prematurely? Maybe try another gas station and see if still happens. How close is the dealership to you and a gas station? Maybe you could ask to have a tech go with you to fill it up so he can verify the issue. Just throwing out some thoughts. No expertise implied or expressed

Looks similar to some trails I ran in my 2018 Colorado near Blue Ridge in November of 2019. Sound like y'all had a great time and the truck did well too. How was the BBQ?