Just Got A Loaded 2000 Z71...have Many Questions.

JackalAR · January 7, 2010

Inherited a 2000 Z71 Off-Road 5.3L with all the options and only 55k mi. on it. I bleed blue, but have always owned Pontiacs and not above getting behind the wheel with a bowtie on the front.

I am thinking about removing the tubular side rails from the bed and adding an A.R.E. topper, but the tailgate doesn't lock. Can this be added?

There are 3 "GM Campaign" stickers under the hood, front left of the upper radiator support...I assume this was recall work that has been performed?

The "Service 4WD" light occasionally shows up on the message center, but it seems to work fine. Is this a common problem or possibly a stuck solenoid? I think a co-worker's newer model does this too and he said it was a sensor inside the transfer case that wasn't worth replacing. Are there any other common problems with them like the HVAC control module, intake gasket leaks, or faulty head castings that my co-worker has had problems with? I think his is an 03.

I plan on flushing the dex-cool this spring and getting some yellow Prestone in it, probably do thermostat while I'm at it and Seafoam via gas tank and brake booster line.

My F-150 has stainless longtube headers with Magnaflow spun-cats and straight pipe dumped before the rear axle so I'm not stranger to loud. Having tried every combination of exhaust on that truck I'm pretty familiar how each change effects the note and output. I want the Z71 to sound like a V8 with deep / throaty note and significant output, but for my wife and son's sake I don't want the interior drone or teeth rattling. How do these trucks sound with a simple straight pipe swap in place of the muffler?

Are there any worthwhile mods for this truck?

How can I tell which gears it has?

Is there a dedicated Silverado forum?

dlstewart01 · January 7, 2010

Look in your glove box for these RPO codes...

GQ1 -- AXLE REAR, STD RATIO

GT4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.73 RATIO

GT5 -- AXLE REAR, 4.10 RATIO

GU4 -- AXLE REAR, 3.08 RATIO

GU5 -- AXLE REAR, 3.23 RATIO

GU6 -- AXLE REAR, 3.42 RATIO

G80 -- AXLE REAR, locking differential

JackalAR · January 7, 2010

Thanks, I edited the OP to include some information. I'll post my results.

amtz.zero · January 7, 2010

Post some pictures too.

JackalAR · January 7, 2010

Just took a pic...is this what you're talking about? Looks like a 3.73 open diff. That's what I guessed. Surprised he didn't get the LS.

700 sportsman · January 7, 2010

yes, that's what he's talking about, it looks like you just have a standard axle with 3.73 gears, and no locker. If you looking to add a locker, I'd check out ARB, Eaton, and some of the bigger names, I'm not sure about availability for your truck, but I would guess someone should have one available

JackalAR · January 7, 2010

Here's a quick pic. Has the running boards, chrome rocker panels, wheel well moldings, full leather captains chairs, etc.

chakis24 · January 7, 2010

you can add a tailgate lock- i actually got one for my birthday that i finally installed. its the pop lock one. took all of 10 minutes. i didnt really bother to look into how it works, but it works.

from what ive read on here, a blackbear tune is that way to go. and imo ditch the running boards for some steps.

dlstewart01 · January 7, 2010

Just took a pic...is this what you're talking about? Looks like a 3.73 open diff. That's what I guessed. Surprised he didn't get the LS.

Now being a Ford guy, you may be used to a limited slip, that's what comes in Fords. They are not available in GM trucks. GM trucks can came with a G80 locking diff,

See video..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sw9DwurQAs

MS3DALE · January 7, 2010

There are 3 "GM Campaign" stickers under the hood, front left of the upper radiator support...I assume this was recall work that has been performed?

Correct,If you post the last 8 digits of your VIN I can tell you what they were. (Although I could probably guess what they were...tailgate cables,brake pipe contact,& brake hose abrasion caution)

JackalAR · January 7, 2010

you can add a tailgate lock- i actually got one for my birthday that i finally installed. its the pop lock one. took all of 10 minutes. i didnt really bother to look into how it works, but it works.

from what ive read on here, a blackbear tune is that way to go. and imo ditch the running boards for some steps.

Did you get the manual or power Pop & Lock?

MS3DALE · January 7, 2010

The "Service 4WD" light occasionally shows up on the message center, but it seems to work fine. Is this a common problem or possibly a stuck solenoid? I think a co-worker's newer model does this too and he said it was a sensor inside the transfer case that wasn't worth replacing.

Most of the time its the 4WD switch on the dash.

JackalAR · January 8, 2010

There are 3 "GM Campaign" stickers under the hood, front left of the upper radiator support...I assume this was recall work that has been performed?

Correct,If you post the last 8 digits of your VIN I can tell you what they were. (Although I could probably guess what they were...tailgate cables,brake pipe contact,& brake hose abrasion caution)

YE180787

Thanks!!!

My wife will be driving this more than I, so I don't plan to get too carried away like I have with my F150. Probably keep factory tuning, just do drop-in intake / exhaust mods if anything. Unless I found a hell of a deal on a canned tuner to firm up the tranny shifts. No interest in running premium in this one. My truck is dyno tuned so I know the difference it can make, but not necessary in this one. Just put some Husky liners floor mats in, going to get the windows tinted darker, and prob change out the antenna and headlight bulbs with some SS Ultras. If I do get an A.R.E. the tailgate must be lockable so I'll have to look into it. I figured it was a quick factory part swap.

JackalAR · January 8, 2010

The "Service 4WD" light occasionally shows up on the message center, but it seems to work fine. Is this a common problem or possibly a stuck solenoid? I think a co-worker's newer model does this too and he said it was a sensor inside the transfer case that wasn't worth replacing.

Most of the time its the 4WD switch on the dash.

Please explain.

MS3DALE · January 8, 2010

There are 3 "GM Campaign" stickers under the hood, front left of the upper radiator support...I assume this was recall work that has been performed?

Correct,If you post the last 8 digits of your VIN I can tell you what they were. (Although I could probably guess what they were...tailgate cables,brake pipe contact,& brake hose abrasion caution)

YE180787

Thanks!!!

Yep,Those three I mentioned,plus two others were performed as well.....

GM Vehicle Inquiry System

Summary

VIN : 1GCEK19T7YE180787

VEHICLE INFORMATION

Merchandising Model : CK15753 -2000 SILVERADO LT 1500 PICKUP

Warranty Start Date : 11/30/1999

BARS Order Type : 70 - RETAIL - STOCK

Delivering Dealer :

BARNES-BAKER MOTORS, INC.

PO BOX 138

CHILLICOTHE , MO 64601-0138

Service Contract : No

Branded Title : No

Warranty Block : No

PDI Status : Paid

REQUIRED FIELD ACTIONS

Type Number Description Posted Date Status

RC 00024 FRONT BRAKE HOSE ABRASION N/A Closed

RC 00093 FRONT BRAKE PIPE CONTACT WITH BODY CROSS SILL N/A Closed

RC 02029 AIR BAG SENSING DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) N/A Closed

RC 05068 FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION N/A Closed

RC 06019 TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLE REPLACEMENT N/A Closed

APPLICABLE WARRANTIES

Description Effective Date Effective Odometer End Date End Odometer

36/36000 BUMPER TO BUMPER LIMITED WARRANTY 11/30/1999 70 miles 11/30/2002 36070 miles

72/100000 SHEET METAL COVERAGE RUST THROUGH LIMITED WARRANTY 11/30/1999 70 miles 11/30/2005 100070 miles

96/80000 FEDERAL EMISSION CATALYTIC CONV. AND PCM 11/30/1999 70 miles 11/30/2007 80070 miles

36/36000 FEDERAL EMISSION 11/30/1999 70 miles 11/30/2002 36070 miles

CLAIM HISTORY

R.O Date R.O Number Type Labor Operation Odometer Reading

05/30/2006 117699 # V1462 - 06019 - INSPECT AND REPLACE TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES INC. H 44405 miles

03/16/2006 115485 # V1410 - 05068 - INSPECT WHEEL SENSOR (INC. CLEANING) 42910 miles

10/29/2002 073292 # V0881 - 02029 REPROGRAM SDM 20364 miles

04/18/2001 057102 # V0609 - INSPECT BRAKE PIPE & INSTALL SPACER CLIP 7391 miles

07/14/2000 049649 # V0486 - 1999-00 CV & GMC C/K 1/2T P/U - FRONT BRAKE HOSE ABRASION- INSTALL NOTICE LABEL 4449 miles

06/07/2000 048503 # N6612 - EXTERIOR LIGHTING WIRING AND/OR CONNECTOR REPAIR OR REPLAC 2744 miles

10/01/1999 E80787 I Z7000 - PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION - BASE TIME 0 miles

GM Vehicle Inquiry System

Claim History Details

VIN : 1GCEK19T7YE180787

CLAIM HISTORY

Repair Order Date : 05/30/2006 Repair Order Number : 117699 Odometer Reading : 44405 miles

Serviced By : BARNES-BAKER MOTORS, INC.

PO BOX 138

CHILLICOTHE, MO 64601-0138