300k Mile Tune Up

[zach1990]

My old sierra 4.8 Z71 is getting closer and closer to that 300k mile mark (currently 284,6XX). I've compared the cost of buying a new vehicle vs that of repairing one as at breaks so I've just decided that come income taxes I'm going to do a full tune up, not just the engine but the whole truck bumper to bumper. I'm wondering what is normally done in a tune up and what all i should look for when i begin replacing parts.

Just a little history on the truck:

* I'm the second owner, bought it in 2007 with 241k miles on it and still in great shape (belonged to an old man that used it to drive 100 miles to and from work each day).

* It was my first Z71 and I'm still young so needless to say it's seen plenty of mud riding and trips to the woods for hunting and fishing

* been used to the full extent of a truck. I do not drive this thing like its a car!

 

I have no clue what maintenance the last owner performed but i have replaced:

* tires in 2009

* alternator and sears die hard gold battery in 2008

* shocks and sway bars in 2009

* both rear u joints in 2009 and one in the front a few months ago

* spark plugs and wires in 2009

* transmission at 278k miles (few months ago)

* front driver side hub assembly 280k miles

* water pump a couple weeks ago

* spectra cold air intake and true dual straight exhaust (cats only) at 280k

 

This truck has been great for me and im hoping it last well beyond the 300k mark so any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[txab]

Fuel filter

Done anything to your belts and hoses?

[zach1990]

Fuel filter

Done anything to your belts and hoses?

 

sorry forgot that part. fuel filter got replaced about 2k miles ago and the heater core outlet hose has been replaced. i checked the belt when i did the water pump and it shows no sign of wear so we just cleaned the coolant off with some dawn dish soap and put it back on.

[Beer Belly]

I gotta tell ya....hearing about these high mileage truck makes me feel good about keeping mine. I usaually get a new one every 30k or so....decided to keep this one....75,xxx on the clock....hope to be right up there with you guys someday....whats the secret to longevity ??

[zach1990]

I gotta tell ya....hearing about these high mileage truck makes me feel good about keeping mine. I usaually get a new one every 30k or so....decided to keep this one....75,xxx on the clock....hope to be right up there with you guys someday....whats the secret to longevity ??

 

couldnt really tell ya the secret to that since ive abused this thing many times just keep the oil changed and have faith in it. i dont plan on buying a new one till the frame rots out from under this one, its been to good to me

[Black02Silverado]

Maybe some steering and suspension items to be inspected closely like ball joints and tie rod ends. If they have been greased often they should be in good shape but like all things they can wear out over time.

 

I'm sure you have done all the fluid changes though out the truck, ie diff's and T case.

 

Not much more than that I would guess.

[zach1990]

Maybe some steering and suspension items to be inspected closely like ball joints and tie rod ends. If they have been greased often they should be in good shape but like all things they can wear out over time.

 

I'm sure you have done all the fluid changes though out the truck, ie diff's and T case.

 

Not much more than that I would guess.

 

i've pretty much kept up with all the greasing... anyone got anymore suggestions?

[KMGZ400]

Maybe some steering and suspension items to be inspected closely like ball joints and tie rod ends. If they have been greased often they should be in good shape but like all things they can wear out over time.

 

I'm sure you have done all the fluid changes though out the truck, ie diff's and T case.

 

Not much more than that I would guess.

 

 

i would definatley check all of the front end parts closely.. i havent had a GM truck tie rod last more then 100,000 miles for me.

[KMGZ400]

I gotta tell ya....hearing about these high mileage truck makes me feel good about keeping mine. I usaually get a new one every 30k or so....decided to keep this one....75,xxx on the clock....hope to be right up there with you guys someday....whats the secret to longevity ??

 

 

there honestly is no secret... have an 03 suburban with 170,000 miles and all thats been done is oil changes every 3-4k.

[zach1990]

Maybe some steering and suspension items to be inspected closely like ball joints and tie rod ends. If they have been greased often they should be in good shape but like all things they can wear out over time.

 

I'm sure you have done all the fluid changes though out the truck, ie diff's and T case.

 

Not much more than that I would guess.

 

 

i would definatley check all of the front end parts closely.. i havent had a GM truck tie rod last more then 100,000 miles for me.

 

 

surprisingly i havent had a tie rod problem yet (knock on wood right) but my truck absolutely hates ball joints with a passion i'll probably find time to crawl under the front end and check all of the steering and suspension closely tomorrow.

[Mckenzie]

199500 miles and she still going good! GM did something right with these GMT 800's from 1999-2002!

[zach1990]

199500 miles and she still going good! GM did something right with these GMT 800's from 1999-2002!

 

yes they did. basically regular maintenance and some TLC and they just keep going and going. good luck you've still got a lot of miles left to put on that thing

[Sly]

I gotta tell ya....hearing about these high mileage truck makes me feel good about keeping mine. I usaually get a new one every 30k or so....decided to keep this one....75,xxx on the clock....hope to be right up there with you guys someday....whats the secret to longevity ??

 

Maintenance.

[KMGZ400]

theres very few of us 99-02 GMT800 trucks on this forum

[wavery]

Maybe some steering and suspension items to be inspected closely like ball joints and tie rod ends. If they have been greased often they should be in good shape but like all things they can wear out over time.

 

I'm sure you have done all the fluid changes though out the truck, ie diff's and T case.

 

Not much more than that I would guess.

^ ^ What he said ^ ^