Jonathan Herring

Noob here. New to the site, sort of new to the truck. Recently purchased a 2004 Silverado w/ 154k miles on it (!) Previously owned a 2004 Colorado 3.5 that had 177k miles on it and was still running strong until meeting it's demise a few months ago. I am no mechanic, but I am comfortable working on things. Also have a 1985 Mazda RX-7 that I monkey around with sometimes ... 85,000 original miles on it. Anyway, happy to be here; looking to learn.

I recently bought a 2004 Silverado, 5.3, Extended Cab. I'm the second owner - the first owner put a bit over 154,000 miles on the truck. As far as I can tell, the truck has been treated well. I did find a list of regular oil changes in the back of the owner's manual - and it does appear to be clean. But .... I've never bought a vehicle with this many miles on it! Prior to buying the Silverado, I had a 2004 Colorado, that I purchased with about 14,000 miles on it, back in 2006. Sadly, it was totaled with just over 177,000 miles on it. Grrrr.... Things the truck NEEDS: Brakes - and I think new rotors Shocks Needs tires and alignment Fluid Change all the way around (differential, transmission, radiator flush, brake flush) Transmission lines need to be replaced as there is a very slight leak (seeping) at one of the crimps. Might as well replace both Tires PRND123 lights no longer function Dash Panel has at least one light out Radio has at least one light out Light control multifunction switch appears to be flaky - dash lights will suddenly go very dim or out all together Headlights have some hazing/fogging Fog lights are just sitting in the holes - the lights look OEM, but the switch isn't OEM and the relay for the fog lights is not present. So they are either on or off and don't automatically shut off when high beams are on. Things that I am considering for the truck: About those brakes - should I upgrade or should I just go OEM? If I'm thinking about upgrading the brakes, I'd really need to think about larger wheels, correct? Leveling kit, maybe? I'd really like to swap out the seats for either leather seats with the full center console, or at least swap out the jump seat for the full console Running boards - as requested by the Fam. Spray in bed liner, why not? what else ...? Where to start?

Thanks for the input. I'll change the oil this weekend. Probably take it to a friend's shop for the radiator and transmission flush/change. Looking at the headlights, I think you guys are right - I'll try a restore kit first. Seems I have little to lose there. Key Fobs - I only received one when I purchased the truck, and it has a number "2" engraved on the back - but the truck doesn't have the programmable seat positions, etc. I'm wondering if they somehow gave me the wrong key fob. For the dash, it's been a long time since I've done any soldering. Do you guys know of anyone in NC who repairs instrument panels? thanks again.

Maybe this is the wrong forum - if so, I apologize. First post. I recently purchased a 2004 Silverado LS, Extended Cab, 5.3. 153,000 miles. (I still can't believe I just bought a vehicle with over 150k miles - I normally buy used, but try to find something with much lower mileage .. but you know, "the market is bad", etc.) One owner truck, clean CarFax (I realize that CarFax doesn't always tell the full story...). From what I can tell, it was owned by someone fairly local to me (NC). The truck appears to be clean - no weird stains in the carpet or on the seats; underside is clean and - at least visually - appears to be in good shape. Previous owner did regular oil changes. There are some issues that one might expect with a 17 year old truck - for example, the headlights and tail lights are badly fogged - I've ordered replacements. The dash doesn't completely light up - which I understand is common. The passenger window sticks and will come down, but not go up. The locks don't seem to consistently lock when the truck is put in drive. Key fob does not work - which I should have discovered before buying the truck - but these seem like fairly minor things overall. I don't know what brand or weight of oil the previous owner used, I only know it was changed frequently by the dates noted in the owner's manual. Given the mileage, should I start using oil "for high mileage" engines? Historically, I've used Havoline 10W30 (I had a 2004 Colorado 3.5 which was running great at 177,****** miles, until I was rear-ended and it was totaled). Any insight would be appreciated.