Need help with ideas!

[tyleryates]

Hello all. New to the site and just want some input from some people that know a thing or two about trucks. I just recently bought a 99 Silverado ext cab with 136xxx miles as a car to get through the winter up here in Minot. I want to slowly rebuild some things on it seeing as its a solid truck and has low enough miles to last a while. I guess I'm asking where I should start. I don't have a whole hell of a lot of extra cash laying around but any ideas will gladly be taken. Thanks!

[govener71]

Airaid MIT is cheap, rear wheel well liners are cheap, tune or tunner,wheels and tires, magnaflow muffler. Best bang for your buck.

[GLSierra13]

Depending on what you really know about the truck, you might start with routine mainenance; tranny fluid/filter change, tune-up, oil change, belts, hoses, filters, etc. Make sure the front-end (ball joints, tie rods, etc) are all in good shape. Check all u-joints, CV joints/boots, shocks, brakes, brake lines, flush the diffs and transfer case with fresh fluids, and put in fresh anti-freeze and maybe a thermostat. Make sure your battery is up to snuff and make sure the battery cables are clean and snug at both ends. Winter is fast approaching and you're in a part of the country that will really put your truck to the test.

[tyleryates]

The dealership threw in a new battery with the truck so I'm set there. I drive with the windows down and light on the pedal to try and hear and odd noises and haven't heard anything yet. I need to take it in to a mechanic around here and get the fluids changed out for sure (i would do it myself but being 21 I haven't had time to build up my own tool collection). Is there anything in particular that these trucks are known for?

[sprayed99]

The dealership threw in a new battery with the truck so I'm set there. I drive with the windows down and light on the pedal to try and hear and odd noises and haven't heard anything yet. I need to take it in to a mechanic around here and get the fluids changed out for sure (i would do it myself but being 21 I haven't had time to build up my own tool collection). Is there anything in particular that these trucks are known for?

Piston slap, stuck oil pump relief valves, lifters collapsing, 3/4 clutch pack frying, G80 carriers tossing the retainer pin out of the axle...Lots of things, but I would start with the easy stuff.

 

-Oil change

-Air filter change

-Plugs (use the factory replacements)

-Plug wires

-Trans service (DO NOT get talked into a flush. It is a joke and will cause more harm than good) Drop the pan and replace the filter, new pan gasket, and 4-5 qts of fluid

-Fresh gear oil

-Brake fluid change

-Check belts, tensioner, idler, and all hoses

-Drain and replace coolant

-Check Wheel Hubs

-Check brakes

-Check front end bushings and ball joints

-Check power steering fluid. if it looks like crap replace it too.

-Replace cabin air filter if your truck came with one..some did some didn't (99-02)

 

All of these things can be done with simple hand tools, a floor jack, and JACK STANDS!

[tyleryates]

Thanks for all the input guys. Gives me a direction to start attacking this truck from.

[oldmann]

You are on borrowed time if the fuel pump has not been changed. That is what I would do first if getting stranded a big ordeal for you.

[sahls01gmc]

+1 on the fuel pump. Also, check the condition of your front wheel bearings. If there is any play.....replace them immediately. They will wreak havoc on your ABS if they have play in them.

[tyleryates]

How much does a fuel pump run roughly?

[Coastal01]

I've had a 99 single cab for the past 9 years. Bought it with 103k. I had break lines rust out and burst 3 times. Check them for rust and corrosion. Front wheel bearings should be replaced.

[sahls01gmc]

How much does a fuel pump run roughly?

Around $150. But here's the kicker....you have to lift the bed off, or drop the tank. Might be hard to do in the driveway....

[tyleryates]

Definitely going to have to deal with the fuel pump. Was going up hill and the truck was straining to make it. Then set the cruse at 65 and engine light starts blinking and truck seems to be lurching as if it can't keep up with the demand for power.

Will be taking it to a mechanic in the next few days.

[tyleryates]

Any recommendations on a brand of fuel pump and what kind do I need? There are so many options!

[anumber1]

Any recommendations on a brand of fuel pump and what kind do I need? There are so many options!

Stick with the OEM part for a fuel pump. I have had no luck with the cheaper off branded Wells/Airtex stuff.

 

AC Delco branded or Delphi parts seem to last.

[Jvs]

Check

 

Intake gaskets

Ac pulley/bearing system

Front wheel bearings

Differential fluids

ABS (seriously check it. Abs can get messed up and some people just disable it as a quick fix)

Clean throttle body (very common fix to help truck idle and run better)