05' 1.5 year update

[neoh77]

Just a long term update for you on the 2005 ride with 33,000 miles on it now.... Reference my initial impressions here:

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...topic=39365&hl=

 

-Ditched the radio after that posting. Put in a new head unit (cheapie pioneer) and an XM receiver. Done.

 

-Transmission started in 2nd gear several times per week. Had it reprogrammed and it hasn't done it again in 20k miles.

 

-Driveline clunk is slight and hasn't changed. Doesn't bother me anymore.

 

-1-2 shift is just fine after reprogram and learning process.

 

-Steering shaft relubed again today. Steering column feels better, but still a lot of slop and clanging in the front end. Sounds like the ball joints are shot.

 

-On my third driver's side door lock. They last about a week until seizing up. Passenger side works a-ok. Telescoping winter ice scraper works great reaching across cab to flip drivers door lock. Makes a good conversation piece for passengers (why the HE## is there an ice scraper in here? it's 90 degrees!)

 

-Brake rotors are very slightly warped, but the system still stops well. Feels good with trailer in tow (4000 pounds with surge brakes). I have new pads+rotors to put on...335 dollars from dealer. Dealer only item since the brake system was brand new for 2005. Nothing in the aftermarket channels yet. Thank you GM for using regular bolts and not those blasted T60 Torx bits on the caliper brackets!

 

-Gas mileage increased as expected. I can pull almost 21 mpg freeway at 65 with a/c on. Winter time is more like 16-17mpg with E10 fuel. 4.8l 3.23 gears 4WD regular cab.

 

 

I like long term updates so I thought I'd drop one out there. It gets me from point A to point B, but the sloppy front end doesn't help my confidence. As my warranty is almost up I'll just dive into the front end myself and fix it. I have little time to get to the dealer during normal hours. Time is money and I don't have the time OR money

 

Off to read a lot of missed posts

-Matt

[jgillott]

Wow, with the exception of the door lock issue, you just described my feelings toward our '05 almost perfectly.

[pm26]

That's a pretty crappy record, actually. Not confidence inspiring at all. My friend had a '96 extended cab Z71 - no problems at all when he sold it three years later with 60K miles.

 

I had a Nissan SE V6 4X4 pickup for a long time. I never had issues with the front end or steering feeling sloppy or loose. I almost regreat I traded it for this '06 Z71. Not looking forward to owning this truck, knowing well that I have defective components installed in my truck (e.g. sloppy intermediate steering shaft, clunky rear yoke).

[jgillott]

I almost regreat I traded it for this '06 Z71.  Not looking forward to owning this truck, knowing well that I have defective components installed in my truck (e.g. sloppy intermediate steering shaft, clunky rear yoke).

 

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Our '05 has just over 24,000 miles on it in a little over a year. The front end issue appeared right around 13K or so. The slop can really be felt going around corners at speed, especially when that corner may be slightly rough or uneven. My wife, who drives this unit mostly, describes it as making the rear end feel like it is disconnected from the front, not responding to the change in direction. The intermediate shaft issue has been addressed several times and the feel comes back after a few thousand miles. I'm getting ready to take it apart again. I have a feeling however, that steering shaft is not the source of the problem. I'm going to take a good look at the ball joints when I have a chance this weekend, though they seemed OK when they were checked at 19K.

 

I guess it's hard to explain my feelings for this truck. Overall, we really enjoy it. It gets very good highway mileage for something its size, is comfortable, quiet, and my wife absolutely loves it. However, if the front end feels like this with 24,000 highway miles, how will it be in a couple of years?

[BL650]

Have 05 also Black Crew Cab Z71 SLT and had problems with shake from brakes, went to a Power Slot Cryo rotors (119.00 each) made a difference, good rotors, 8,000 miles on new rotors and so far so good. had trouble with brakes just ater 2000 miles when truck was new and dealer fix it 2 different times

[TEE]

Have 05 also Black Crew Cab Z71 SLT and had problems with shake from brakes, went to a Power Slot Cryo rotors (119.00 each) made a difference, good rotors, 8,000 miles on new rotors and so far so good. had trouble with brakes just ater 2000 miles when truck was new and dealer fix it 2 different times

 

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Not to burst your bubble but, you'll be takin' those drilled rotors off before you'll like because I found they wear 10X faster

[BL650]

These rotors are the slotted and not the cross drilled you might be thinking about and they have a 2 year warranty against defects