Rookie needs help!

Z71Adrenaline · December 12, 2001

Hey ya'll,

Pretty soon I will seriously be looking at getting a new Silverado for MYSELF! One that I don't have to share with my dad!! YAY! I know for sure I want a Stepside Z71 Ext. Cab. I would like a LT or SLT...depending on whether I get a Chevy or GMC. What should I look for on options like mechanically and how do I know whether or not a dealer will be willing to work with me?? Thanks!

Will

chevy4x4trucks · December 12, 2001

Well for starters I wouldn't pay over the dealer invoice price. If a dealer won't give it to you, go to another dealer. Most of the time as long as its not a brand new just released vehicle you can get it under dealer invoice. Also, they usually have some GM rebates. I wouldn't bother getting an extended warranty, chances are it won't be worth it.

HillHound · December 12, 2001

Get a 4.10 axle if you get the 4.8L or 5.3L engines.

Z71Adrenaline · December 12, 2001

Get a 4.10 axle if you get the 4.8L or 5.3L engines.

what does that do!?!? LOL i want optimum MPG's so i need whatever helps that!

Shaners · December 12, 2001

$200 over invoice is OK. Price your truck out on KBB or Edmunds first. Go in there smart. If you want mpg's don't get 4.10's, 3.73's are fine and you can still haul a load if you want...

HillHound · December 12, 2001

4.10 gears give more torque to the wheels and make it easier for these high-revving Vortec engines to get a trailer moving. More power to turn bigger wheels/tires if you want to add those later. The difference in mileage is negligable. Less than 1 mpg better with 3.73s. The 5.3L revs about 100 to 200 rpms higher at the same speeds with the 4.10 as opposed to the 3.73.

XSaNiTy · December 12, 2001

first off, id like to say nice choice in truck layout (see sig). second, id go with the 4.10's it wont hurt mpg much and will facilitate better torque, bigger tires, etc. thats the only thing i wish i had done differently. if you cant find 4.10's 3.73's work just fine so i wouldnt worry much. and dont say you dont care about power or size either, the bug will bite (trust me) also, dont limit yourself to local dealers. places like carsdirect.com can hook you up with great deals. we drove 2 hours to get my truck but saved $1000 hope i helped

silverado man · December 12, 2001

I dont think that he would be pull anything to big to warnt the 4.10.

Z71Adrenaline · December 12, 2001

I dont think that he would be pull anything to big to warnt the 4.10.

Don't say that!! LOL Them dang stock trailers get pretty heavy when full of beef. LOL I'm going to put a folding gooseneck hitch in it when I get it. Also, can you get either one of those rearends in a locking version? Dad's 2000 Z has a locking rearend and it really helps. Thanks a lot everyone, if you think of anything else PLEASE let me know!!!

Will

HillHound · December 12, 2001

The locking differential is available on all of the 4x4 model Silverados (as far as I can tell from the sales brochure). The 2wds can be ordered with "traction assist", but I'm not quite sure what it is or how it works. I think it's a part time auto locker that you can turn on and off via switch in the cab.

The Eaton locker that is availble for the 4x4s is a part-time auto locker that only locks when it senses one of the rear wheels slipping. After traction is regained the axle unlocks automatically.

Pertaining to the original question(from my 2001 window sticker):

The 4.10 axle is a $50.00 option.

The locking rear diff is a $285.00 option.

Two of the best options you can spend $$ on in my opinion. For about $350.00 you get factory installed items that put more power to the wheels and give you better traction in potentially dangerous situations such as icy or wet roads. Also, both of these options might enhance performance in offroad conditions.

raventai · December 12, 2001

hmm in the HD the locking rear is the eaton govenor regulated locker in 2 wheel drive (I got one)

not shure on the LD

Shaners · December 12, 2001

At 70 mph the 3.73's rev the motor 2K rpm. At 70 mph the 4.10's will rev it 2400 rpm.

HillHound · December 13, 2001

At 70 mph the 3.73's rev the motor 2K rpm. At 70 mph the 4.10's will rev it 2400 rpm.

On level highway @ 70mph, mine stays revved in between 2100 & 2200 rpms with the 4.10 axle.

djames · December 13, 2001

Just make sure you test drive more than one type. The way that I went was to get what I wanted that would make me happy and not make me say later, Man I wish I would have gotten that on my truck". But let me tell you this, once you get leather you never go back. LT LT LT LT LT!!!!!!!!! The 5.3 with 4.10 gears and a locking diff is your best all around bet. If you listen to CD's and are getting away from tapes, delete the Cassete option. Also weather you want a rear defogger or a slider. And you can't go wrong with a Z-71. I always said I'd never need a trailer hitch or if I did I'd put it on myself. Well get it, not only is it good for tailgating, it also adds a little more protection in case any of those idiots in sports cars that hit from the back. Plus it'll really mess up their frontend.

The HD's are nice but if your not going to be hauling a house load of stuff you won't need it. And always go for the ext. cab four door.

Z71Adrenaline · December 13, 2001

Just make sure you test drive more than one type. The way that I went was to get what I wanted that would make me happy and not make me say later, Man I wish I would have gotten that on my truck". But let me tell you this, once you get leather you never go back. LT LT LT LT LT!!!!!!!!! The 5.3 with 4.10 gears and a locking diff is your best all around bet. If you listen to CD's and are getting away from tapes, delete the Cassete option. Also weather you want a rear defogger or a slider. And you can't go wrong with a Z-71. I always said I'd never need a trailer hitch or if I did I'd put it on myself. Well get it, not only is it good for tailgating, it also adds a little more protection in case any of those idiots in sports cars that hit from the back. Plus it'll really mess up their frontend.
The HD's are nice but if your not going to be hauling a house load of stuff you won't need it. And always go for the ext. cab four door.

Thanks for the advice. I am with you on the LT thing...That is what I want. My grandmother has an '01 4-Door Ext. Cab Z71 LT and I am in love with her truck. I would LOVE to have an HD CC D/A but I really don't need that much "oomph" for COLLEGE! LOL I want the defogger in mine and also a tape player with my CD player because my duck calling tapes need somewhere to play!!!