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100,000 today.


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Posted

Well it finally happend, my beloved 99 Silverado Z-71 turned over 100,000 on the way home from work. Did alot of thinking after I saw her turn 100,000 miles.

 

My thoughts:

 

I love my truck, and I hate it.

 

I love it because it's tough, it's comfortable, and it hasn't left me stranded once.

 

I hate it because it lacks that "Most Dependable, longest lasting" feeling to it. I've replaced parts that would not have worn out until well after 100,000 miles on the 98 and older Silverados. I hate it because it's obvious that in 99 GM decided to try to cut costs and use cheaper parts and screw the consumers as a result. (Fuel guage, Dex Cool, Fuel Pressure Regulator, Slip Yoke Clunk, Steering Shaft clunk, excessive wind noise from the passenger side, noisy power windows, and the STUPID LOCKING REAR DIFF THAT WENT OUT ON ME GRRRRR! ($1600, ouch), Water Pump, Battery, ignition system, radio and dash lights, Floorboard plastic trim that is too brittle, just to name a few)

 

I hate MYSELF for being stupid and getting a 99, I knew better then to purchase a new model year vehicle, but I was too cought up in how beautiful it looked, how well it drove, and yadda yadda yadda.

 

I hope I can get her to last to 200,000 miles without having to dump $3000 for a new tranny and possibly a new transfer case. If I can get her to 200,000 without a new tranny, THEN I will feel that I got my $$$ worth out of her.

 

 

On a side note, the fuel pressure regulator on the 2001 Sierra 4.8L Company truck is going out as well, a PITA to start, fuel pump has already been replaced. 88,000 miles, but still hanging in there with all the abuse I put her through. Out of the 4 Astro Vans that the company has, 3 of them have over 100,000 miles, 2 of them have over 150,000 miles, one of which has had a tranny rebuild, the others have been doing just fine with VERY VERY VERY few problems. I love the 4.3 V-6 Astros :confused: Very dependable, and my supervisors truck, a 1996 or 1997 S-10 4X4 has 190,000 miles with hardly any problems as well. Love that 4.3 V-6!

Posted

I'm a firm believer in GM trucks. I've had two that hit over 100,000 miles-- a 2000 Z71 with 109,000 and a 2001 with 120,000. My grandfather has a 1995 C2500 with 260,000 on it and it still runs like a champ. I have two uncles with 93 and 94 year model C/K pickups that have over 200,000 miles on them, also. I lucked out and found a 2001 with 43,000 miles on it back in July and I'm currently at 56,000. I plan to see just how far this one will run!

Posted

My dad also has a 99 and took the gamble on the new model. Knock on wood he hasnt had too much trouble with his, except for ABS computer and a few other things here and there. If you are looking for 200,000 out of that tranny, you are a wishful thinker, the good ole 4L60E, (same as OBS) are not exactly known for having a long life. I hate to say this, but usually around 100,000 is when they start to go. Though it could very well give you 140,000 or so. If you want to get a longer life out of it, I suggest changing the filter and fluid, and also either get a power programmer or have your pcm tuned, with the firmer shifts. The tranny will naturally slip when shifting to make the shifts smoother, which wears it out faster, so the firmer shifts should give it little longer life. Plus, you can make the truck run a lot better too.

Posted

Thanks for the posts. I'll start setting aside some money for when the tranny goes <sigh> I can't really get rid of her since I still owe about $9000 on her.

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