New To Forum Need Help Have ?'s

bgdeer1 · August 13, 2011

Hi guys, new to forum just yesterday i puchased a 06 gmc sierra 1500 crewcab 4x4 SLT. So far i love it, great power, great sound love all the room i have in the truck.

My question:

I noticed today when im at a complete stop, i turn my steering wheel about a 1/4 turn and then after that 1/4 turn the power steering stops... Im curious as to what could be the issue.. It only stops when im at a complete stop.. When im driving its perfectly normal..

Thanks ahead of time!! Looking forward to posting on here and seeing everyones trucks!

Stevens03 · August 13, 2011

I don't know what causes it... but It's fairly normal on lifted trucks. My previous 03 had the same issue. Something to do with the larger wider tires. I agree, in a parking lot it can be a pain. As long as your rolling, it's ok, but from a stop you just can't turn very well.

Welcome and nice looking truck

bgdeer1 · August 13, 2011

I don't know what causes it... but It's fairly normal on lifted trucks. My previous 03 had the same issue. Something to do with the larger wider tires. I agree, in a parking lot it can be a pain. As long as your rolling, it's ok, but from a stop you just can't turn very well.

Welcome and nice looking truck

I figured the lift and tires had something to do with it... Who knows, i dont think i should worry about it unless im rollin on I55 doing 75 n it goes out, then i might need to worry =D

Thanks, yours it great looking to!!

bgdeer1 · August 13, 2011

any other opinions?

TexasAl · August 13, 2011

Welcome to the forum!

With the larger tires, and trying to turn the wheels at a dead stop, your power steering pump doesn't have the power to move that much mass. To keep the steering pump healthy, you are not supposed to turn the wheel at a dead stop, OEM setup or otherwise. If you would like to have that option, I'd suggest that you look for a larger steering pump, and that will solve your problem. Enjoy the new truck.

bgdeer1 · August 13, 2011

Welcome to the forum!

With the larger tires, and trying to turn the wheels at a dead stop, your power steering pump doesn't have the power to move that much mass. To keep the steering pump healthy, you are not supposed to turn the wheel at a dead stop, OEM setup or otherwise. If you would like to have that option, I'd suggest that you look for a larger steering pump, and that will solve your problem. Enjoy the new truck.

That makes perfect sense. Hmm.. so nothings really wrong n there's no reason for me to even wanna turn at a dead stop anyways... so nothing I should be concerned about ?

Thanks for the replys!

Stevens03 · August 13, 2011

Nope... I ran my 03 like that for 5 years without issue. But when your in a tight parking lot.. it's a bitch sometimes...

I sometimes miss my lifted truck.

bgdeer1 · August 14, 2011

Nope... I ran my 03 like that for 5 years without issue. But when your in a tight parking lot.. it's a bitch sometimes...

I sometimes miss my lifted truck.

Haha i just took a trip to my buddys place 80 miles away so 160 round trip. Cost me 50$ at 12 mpg... I was alittle disappointed but I expected bad mileage but not this bad.. kept it at 65 whole way.. im woundering if there is anything I can do to help mpgs.. I understand a 6" lift+ 35's = bad mileage but is there anything I can replace change to help mpgs? Hell even if it only helps 1-2 mpgs that's better than nothing.

Btw I love my lift, but its the fact that its a Gmc n that's why it turns heads

gregrocks89 · August 14, 2011

I sometimes miss my lifted truck.

i hear ya

Stevens03 · August 14, 2011

Well, you need to find out a few things first. Was the truck reprogrammed for the 35" tires and what gears does the truck have?. First off, if the computer isn't programmed for the tires, then your speedo, shift points and mileage will be off. Those will make it seem like your trucks doing worse mileage than it really is. Second... If you have anything less than 4.10's, your mileage is gonna suck. Not enough gear for the larger tires adding both strain and stress on the driveline.

4.10's at a minimum...and 4.56's optimum. My 03 had 4.10's and with a custom tune, I could get a solid 15 mpg running around and 18 mpg on the highway. Gears and correct programming for the tire size will dramatically help

bgdeer1 · August 15, 2011

Well, you need to find out a few things first. Was the truck reprogrammed for the 35" tires and what gears does the truck have?. First off, if the computer isn't programmed for the tires, then your speedo, shift points and mileage will be off. Those will make it seem like your trucks doing worse mileage than it really is. Second... If you have anything less than 4.10's, your mileage is gonna suck. Not enough gear for the larger tires adding both strain and stress on the driveline.

4.10's at a minimum...and 4.56's optimum. My 03 had 4.10's and with a custom tune, I could get a solid 15 mpg running around and 18 mpg on the highway. Gears and correct programming for the tire size will dramatically help

I thi k it was reprogrammed because I passed a speed trailer that police use and my spedo was right on with what the sign said. No idea what gears I have how can I check if possibile?

What do I gain or lose with 4.10? What about gains or losses with 4.56?

Bought the truck with all the upgrades included .. lift tires etc. So I wouldn't know

Sorry for not knowing all the answers to your questions , thanks for the replys, your great help! Continue maybe we can figure this out!

Stevens03 · August 15, 2011

Unless the gears have been changed, the RPO codes in the glove box will tell you what gears you have. GU6 = 3.42's, GT4 = 3.73's, GT5 = 4.10's. As I stated before, the proper gear set will take the strain off the transmission and engine with the larger tires. Both the 4.10's and 4.56's will/would be a good choice.

Report back what gears you have. Take a look at the rear end or the front differential and see if it looks like the bolts have been removed/worked on. That will be a good indication if the gears have been swapped.

bgdeer1 · August 15, 2011

Unless the gears have been changed, the RPO codes in the glove box will tell you what gears you have. GU6 = 3.42's, GT4 = 3.73's, GT5 = 4.10's. As I stated before, the proper gear set will take the strain off the transmission and engine with the larger tires. Both the 4.10's and 4.56's will/would be a good choice.

Report back what gears you have. Take a look at the rear end or the front differential and see if it looks like the bolts have been removed/worked on. That will be a good indication if the gears have been swapped.

Just looked gt5. The bolts don't look tampered with so they prolly haven't changed them im going to say they just raised the truck put big tires n did not regear. What gear ratio would be best for mpgs?

bgdeer1 · August 15, 2011

Unless the gears have been changed, the RPO codes in the glove box will tell you what gears you have. GU6 = 3.42's, GT4 = 3.73's, GT5 = 4.10's. As I stated before, the proper gear set will take the strain off the transmission and engine with the larger tires. Both the 4.10's and 4.56's will/would be a good choice.

Report back what gears you have. Take a look at the rear end or the front differential and see if it looks like the bolts have been removed/worked on. That will be a good indication if the gears have been swapped.

Just looked gt5. The bolts don't look tampered with so they prolly haven't changed them im going to say they just raised the truck put big tires n did not regear. What gear ratio would be best for mpgs? I also read up on spectre CAI.. would that help mpgs or would I have to take drastic changes because of the tire and lift sizes?