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Nobody?

2002 Sierra 2500 HD with 8.1/Allison. Back in January 2024, I had to have my left rear bearing seal replaced. I was out of town and didn't have any tools with me so I had to go to a local mechanic that had a good reputation. To my knowledge they only replaced the seal but not the bearings. Topped off the diff fluid. Towed my camper 2 hours at interstate speed with no issues. I've only driven the truck 2,000 miles since January, and one short 20 mi trip Towing my travel trailer. That was in June. Got to the campground and my left rear wheel was smoking just like it was in January. Called a mobile mechanic, also with a good reputation. He replaced the inner seal again and asked me if I wanted the bearings replaced. I told him if it needed to be done go ahead. Well, he didn't. I decided the root cause of two failures in 6 months could be bad bearings so I decided to take the job on myself today. And now I have questions. Some of the videos didn't show some specific things that I encountered. When I took the Hub off, the axle end near the brake plate (behind the disc) had a bit of rust on it but I was able to shine it up with some fine sandpaper. I suspect this could be the root problem also, but who knows. It's hard to tell but I think that's where the rear seal sits when the Hub is installed. Anyway, I feel like I took care of that issue. When I installed the inner race, I took it down all the way to the lip so that it bottomed out. I'm fairly certain that that is correct based on videos. And the bearing just drops right in there. 1) So here's my first question I guess. Even after putting the rear seal in place, and I assume the seal is supposed to be flush with the rear of the Hub, the inner bearing just sort of rattles around in there loosey-goosey. When I installed it back on the axle, there was little to no play. I just want some assurance that that is correct. The bearings/hub turned fine. 2) I used a new flange gasket when I reinstalled the axle but I didn't use any sort of gasket maker or sealant. The previous repairs did and it was sort of a mess but not terrible. Maybe I should have? I've torqued the axle nuts to 115 ft-lb as is apparently the spec. Should I have used sealant or gasket maker or something in addition to the flange gasket? It was very hot and humid here today so I didn't feel like test driving when I got done to see if there was any weird noises or grinding or fluids exiting the premises. And yes I also topped off the diff fluid. I need this truck to be Dependable because we use it to go on camping trips and this left rear axle has my anxiety level raised significantly. Larry

Then the lights are behind the bikes, completely useless. Looking for an idea that's out of the box that I just haven't thought of. Larry

I'm looking for ideas. I use a Propride 3P hitch for my travel trailer, which won't allow me to use a bike rack double stack on the hitch like I have done with previous hitch setups. So I got a front receiver hitch for the truck, and I just use my Swagman 3 bike rack on it. However, last year (2 years ago?), we got caught in heavy rain at night, with the bikes mounted on the front, and I could hardly see because my headlights were mostly blocked. Fortunately, we were on a divided 4 lane highway, and I was able to pull over until it was safe to drive. But I got to thinking....what if I was on a curvy country road, or something else less than ideal? I want to put lights on the front, but I'm not sure what I want to do. I don't really want to mount lights on the hood or cab; I am not sure lights mounted below or on the front bumper would help the situation. Truck is 21 years old, but I love it and want to keep it, but also don't want to sink a ton of money, unless it is a top shelf idea. So what other ideas are there?

I've been searching for a Topper for my bed. Measurements are all over the place even when somebody says it is made for my model truck. So it's been a little bit frustrating. Especially since I'm a bit picky about what I want and many things that are available are quite a long drive away. I'm wanting something secure with no windows or at the very least expanded metal mesh over the windows. So here are the measurements of my truck: 81.5" outside length incl tailgate 68" outside of side rails rear 70.5" outside of side rails front 19.5" bedrail to bed floor at tailgate 78" inside of bed, front to tailgate I have found something that I really like but is 3 hours away and here are the measurements that are given: 80 inches long 72 inches wide in the front and 70 in the back. I think what I'm asking is how close do they need to match? A lot of things that are for sale people don't have any idea what it came off of. Help! Larry

Has anybody seen the mahogany in a Silverado or Sierra that originally had the tan / Brown interior? Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

Nice ride!

Sounds like a lotta issues to me, but i didn't look at pictures or see a price.

Not many of them around here in Middle Tennessee, either. Probably specially ordered, many of them.

2007+ NNBS trucks