Took the plunge

[HeyJoe]

Hi all,

I was a lurker for a long time, reading what everyone had to say, then I asked a few questions to clear up a few issues for myself, then I collected a bunch of opinions and mixed all of that together.

 

The end result:

http://www.coedlacrosse.com/silverado/silverado.htm

 

That's my new 1999 Silverado, 29k miles, 5.3l, 3.73 rear end, G80 locker, autotrac transfer case, heavy-duty towing package, nerf bars, and locking hard tonneau cover.

 

I've only had it for a few days, but have already used it to tow my sailboat down to the Chesapeake from Philadelphia.  Fantastic ride -- absolutely effortless.

 

I had it inspected by my own mechanic before purchase, and he gave it a very enthusiastic clean bill of health.  As it happens, I bought it from a Ford dealer (I looked long and hard for this thing, so I took it where I found it), and I bought Ford's extended "competetive" factory warranty for my piece of mind.  The one item of particular importance to me -- the anti-lock brake controller module -- is specifically mentioned by name as being covered by the warranty I got.  I know others have had trouble with this in the past, so this was a requirement for me.

 

Thanks to everyone for the good advice along the way so far.  I'm sure I'll be making frequent use of this forum in the future.

 

Thanks again!

-- Joe

[gmcjoe]

Nice truck Joe, welcome to the 'club'  

 

Joe's Truck:

[GnatGoSplat]

Congrats!  It looks great!

[Dihappy]

Congrats Joe,

Expect to have a few problems if they havnt already been addressed.

 

The 99's had several problem spots.  Yours may or may not have all of them.

 

Slip Yoke

Intermediate Steering Shaft

Alignment Problems

Tranny Shift Problems

Get the new spare tire tool from the dealer if you can

Make sure it doesnt start smoking on start up.

Engine Knock/Piston Slap

If you go offroad, you may start to have a problem with the Auto-Trac not turning off, or on.

 

Then youll be ready to lift it and get some 35's

[gandolphxx]

Nice looking truck Joe - geez Henry, let him drive for a few miles first

[bscottb]

Good looking truck!

[jpendlum]

Nice truck. Now the fun part, the MODS!!! That's one of the best things about our trucks, they are totally modable!! You can make yours an Escalade or a Tahoe or a totally custom truck.

You're going to love it!!

[MarkD]

Congratulations!  Great pics!