New Truck and A Few Questions

[01z71]

Hi All,

 

I just purchased a left-over 2011 Extended Cab Steel Green Extended Cab Z-71 1500. The truck has the 5.3L with AFM and an auto transmission.

 

I just have a few questions.

 

First Question: On my 2001 Silverado I have been using Pennzoil Ultra 5W30. I understand the oil needs to be Dexos approved. I don't see where this oil says it so my question is what is everybody using or will this be okay to use?

 

Second Question: My truck has the towing package. I couldn't find the electronic brake connector or adapter to connect trailer lights. Do the trucks still come with these or has that been de-contented?

 

Last Question: I have the 18" Rims and Tires. I haven't seen a good mud tire in this size. Would a 17" RIm fit my truck so I could get a set of 17" Mud Tires?

 

Thanks for answering my questions. I have to get up to speed on the newer trucks since my 2001.

[Jackalope]

Hi All,

 

I just purchased a left-over 2011 Extended Cab Steel Green Extended Cab Z-71 1500. The truck has the 5.3L with AFM and an auto transmission.

 

I just have a few questions.

 

First Question: On my 2001 Silverado I have been using Pennzoil Ultra 5W30. I understand the oil needs to be Dexos approved. I don't see where this oil says it so my question is what is everybody using or will this be okay to use?

 

Second Question: My truck has the towing package. I couldn't find the electronic brake connector or adapter to connect trailer lights. Do the trucks still come with these or has that been de-contented?

 

Last Question: I have the 18" Rims and Tires. I haven't seen a good mud tire in this size. Would a 17" RIm fit my truck so I could get a set of 17" Mud Tires?

 

Thanks for answering my questions. I have to get up to speed on the newer trucks since my 2001.

 

 

I can't help you on two of those questions. I just got mine in October. But as for the oil, look for these symbols on the can...

 

[bkesting]

Can you use the dexos branded oils in older vehicles (prior to 2011)?

[BlackZ71Silverado]

The trailor plug in it to the left of the license plate....No trailor brake unless ordered that way, aftermarket is easy to install. 17's will fit in place of the 18" wheels.

[Dave4x4]

If you are asking if there is a 4 pin connector for trailers, there is not they only have the 7 pin. So you either can wire one in or do what I did and just buy a 7 to 4 pin adapter like this. http://www.easternmarine.com/7-rv-blade-vehicle-to-4-flat-trailer-adapter-47365

 

For the wheels yes to you can downsize to 17's no problem just cant go any smaller do to the rotors and calipers. What size tire you trying to run because I know most companies make mud tires in 18" size. Although they will be cheaper if you go to 17's just fyi.

[gnet158]

Hi All,

 

I just purchased a left-over 2011 Extended Cab Steel Green Extended Cab Z-71 1500. The truck has the 5.3L with AFM and an auto transmission.

 

I just have a few questions.

 

First Question: On my 2001 Silverado I have been using Pennzoil Ultra 5W30. I understand the oil needs to be Dexos approved. I don't see where this oil says it so my question is what is everybody using or will this be okay to use?

 

Second Question: My truck has the towing package. I couldn't find the electronic brake connector or adapter to connect trailer lights. Do the trucks still come with these or has that been de-contented?

 

Last Question: I have the 18" Rims and Tires. I haven't seen a good mud tire in this size. Would a 17" RIm fit my truck so I could get a set of 17" Mud Tires?

 

Thanks for answering my questions. I have to get up to speed on the newer trucks since my 2001.

 

 

I can't help you on two of those questions. I just got mine in October. But as for the oil, look for these symbols on the can...

 

 

 

You mean dexos 1 (for gas) not Dexos 2 (for Diesel).

 

Here's a link to GM approved Dexos 1 motor oils. Ultra is not on the list but Platinum which I used on my 2008 Sierra is. So save yourself a few $$$ and use Platinum.

http://www.gmdexos.com/licensedbrands.html

[foghorn23]

 

 

You mean dexos 1 (for gas) not Dexos 2 (for Diesel).

 

Here's a link to GM approved Dexos 1 motor oils. Ultra is not on the list but Platinum which I used on my 2008 Sierra is. So save yourself a few $$$ and use Platinum.

http://www.gmdexos.c...nsedbrands.html

 

 

Ultra isn't on the list yet, but according to Shell (Pennzoil) and their technical product sheet for the SN rated Ultra it will soon be on the list.

 

http://www.epc.shell.com/Docs/GPCDOC_X_cbe_24855_key_140006587313_201112051449.pdf

 

The biggest thing I see with Ultra over Platinum is it has much better volatility numbers that should help with oil burning, and for those who REALLY need it, better cold temp performance. If you believe the marketing, it has a cleaning advantage over Platinum as well.

 

As far as the green logo is concerned, the only dexos labeled bottles I have seen are Mobil 1. (another fine choice) Shell has been SLOOOOOW with putting it on their bottles. I've been using Quaker State Ultimate Durability synthetic myself as Quaker State and Pennzoil are both Shell oils and have been returning really great used oil analysis reports over at bobistheoilguy http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=3&page=1

Plus the Quaker State is the best value I've found at around $20 for a 5 quart jug at Walmart.

 

Some of Valvoline and Castrol's oils claim to meet the spec as well, but they are not officially licensed by GM. Good luck deciding.

[Gurrzt]

Hi All,

 

I just purchased a left-over 2011 Extended Cab Steel Green Extended Cab Z-71 1500. The truck has the 5.3L with AFM and an auto transmission.

 

I just have a few questions.

 

First Question: On my 2001 Silverado I have been using Pennzoil Ultra 5W30. I understand the oil needs to be Dexos approved. I don't see where this oil says it so my question is what is everybody using or will this be okay to use?

 

Second Question: My truck has the towing package. I couldn't find the electronic brake connector or adapter to connect trailer lights. Do the trucks still come with these or has that been de-contented?

 

Last Question: I have the 18" Rims and Tires. I haven't seen a good mud tire in this size. Would a 17" RIm fit my truck so I could get a set of 17" Mud Tires?

 

Thanks for answering my questions. I have to get up to speed on the newer trucks since my 2001.

 

 

I can't help you on two of those questions. I just got mine in October. But as for the oil, look for these symbols on the can...

 

 

 

Sir, the symbols above ONLY apply to diesel (sp) engines, the original poster will be looking for the green "Dexos 1" symbol.

 

I use the Mobil 1 "extended performance" 5W-30", and the PF48 AC Delco filter (6.2L engine).

 

If you do not use the Dexos 1 oil, and there is a catastrophic (sp) engine failure, and the dealer can trace it back to the oil used (highly unlikely) they can void your warranty.

 

I believe someone posted (pinned) a list of all the Dexos 1 approved oils for our vehicles.

 

Please reference the link below for a more lucid answer:

 

http://autos.aol.com.../gm-engine-oil/

[MaverickZ71]

Your factory original tires are probably P265/65R-18. If you change to P265/70R-17's, the overall diameter of the tire and wheel are the same and you can find more off road/all terrain tires in the 17-inch size, and they seem to be a little cheaper, too. But your TPMS (tire pressure) system will have to re-learn your new wheel sensors.

 

The prior posts are correct; as of now, only Pennzoil Platinum 5W30 is Dexos certified, not Pennzoil Ultra, for some strange reason.

[gnet158]

You mean dexos 1 (for gas) not Dexos 2 (for Diesel).

 

Here's a link to GM approved Dexos 1 motor oils. Ultra is not on the list but Platinum which I used on my 2008 Sierra is. So save yourself a few $$$ and use Platinum.

http://www.gmdexos.c...nsedbrands.html

 

 

Ultra isn't on the list yet, but according to Shell (Pennzoil) and their technical product sheet for the SN rated Ultra it will soon be on the list.

 

http://www.epc.shell...01112051449.pdf

 

The biggest thing I see with Ultra over Platinum is it has much better volatility numbers that should help with oil burning, and for those who REALLY need it, better cold temp performance. If you believe the marketing, it has a cleaning advantage over Platinum as well.

 

As far as the green logo is concerned, the only dexos labeled bottles I have seen are Mobil 1. (another fine choice) Shell has been SLOOOOOW with putting it on their bottles. I've been using Quaker State Ultimate Durability synthetic myself as Quaker State and Pennzoil are both Shell oils and have been returning really great used oil analysis reports over at bobistheoilguy http://www.bobistheo...&Board=3&page=1

Plus the Quaker State is the best value I've found at around $20 for a 5 quart jug at Walmart.

 

Some of Valvoline and Castrol's oils claim to meet the spec as well, but they are not officially licensed by GM. Good luck deciding.

 

 

That's good to know. I've actaully used both Ultra and Platinum on my old Sierra and often wondered what the main difference was. I guess I'll go Ultra when I change my oil.

[Big Whiskey]

Just fyi, there are plenty of good mud tires available in 18"....if you want to keep your stock wheels. A 275/65/18 will fit without a leveling kit.

[bkesting]

Can you use the dexos branded oils in older vehicles (prior to 2011)?

 

 

I am assuming yes.........

[foghorn23]

Can you use the dexos branded oils in older vehicles (prior to 2011)?

 

 

I am assuming yes.........

 

 

It can be per the dexos site:

 

"dexos™ is recommended by GM for use in all its vehicles except those with Duramax diesel engines requiring the use of API CJ-4 engine oil. dexos™ is fully backward-compatible and can be used in older vehicles."

 

http://www.gmdexos.com/aboutdexos.html

[bkesting]

Good to know.....thanks!