Newbie here...Great site

VictoryRed2003 · January 21, 2007

This site is awesome! I recently bought my first full size truck which is a 2003 GMC sierra with a 5.3. I absolutely love the way the truck runs, drives and looks. I bought the truck used to avoid paying the BIG NEW TRUCK PRICES. I have had several small issues with this truck since I have owned it. This is really frustrating, but most of these seem to be common problems with these trucks....steering clunk, gauge cluster, and valvetrain noises. It is awesome to be able to go here and do a search and find TSB's, replacement part numbers, detailed description for replacing parts, etc... I feel better about my truck knowing that some of you guys have the same issues and I can do a quick search here to find answers. Thanks!

GatorFan · January 21, 2007

Welcome to the site. Believe me, there is tons of stuff you can learn on this site. Everyone here has either seen it, done it, or broke it and all are willing to give you some advice or help when you need it.

This site also causes your wallet to lose weight. When you start seeing what other guys are doing or have done... it's off the the ATM to spend spend spend.

Again, welcome.

01z71 · January 21, 2007

Welcome!! There is lots of info. here and if you can't find it you can always ask

Ditto what GatorFan said about your wallet becoming lighter with spending on goodies.

Shaners · January 21, 2007

Welcome to GM-Trucks!

I honestly believe you've stumbled upon the best group of GM truck enthusiasts on the web. So join in, have fun and learn all you want know about your new truck!

rjirvine · January 21, 2007

Welcome! How many miles on it? What maintenance have you done/are you going to do to it?

As far as detailing etc. I would suggest checking out autopia.org there are a great bunch of people over there too. I found them from this forum as well.

VictoryRed2003 · January 21, 2007

Welcome! How many miles on it? What maintenance have you done/are you going to do to it?

As far as detailing etc. I would suggest checking out autopia.org there are a great bunch of people over there too. I found them from this forum as well.

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My truck has 70000 miles on it. Red, extended cab short bed, with tan leather. I bought it about a year ago with 45000 miles. I drive about 75 miles round trip to work. Mostly highway miles. I wanted something that rides like a Cadillac on the highway. I have been running the XL synthetic AMSOIL and their air and oil filters. The truck is pretty much stock....AT LEAST FOR NOW As far as maintenance I am planning on doing the diff service soon and the tranny. The tranny has been done at about 36000 miles according to the service log. As for detailing....my dad recently bought the Adams kit with their random orbital buffer to do his BLACK 2000 GT mustang. I will tell you honestly that car did not look that good when it was new. It is hard to please my dad when it comes to his car, but he is sold. He wants to do my truck now and I think I will just let him

rjirvine · January 21, 2007

IS it 4 Wheel drive? Whats wrong wit the gauge cluster? If you do your own MX, take a look at alldata.com I really like their site, it's saved me the price of admission over time.

As far as the rear diff, the fluid from the dealer is kinda spendy. Get the gasket while you're there too, I've read some of the aftermarket ones are dorked up. I'd also suggest getting a new fill plug from a parts store thats 6-sided (its a standard plug and costs less that $1.50). A GM brake tool fit's it perfectly. The square hole in the current plug is a pain. I usually use permatex around the threads when I reinstall it, but I get nutty about things like that. I'd also get a replacement plug for the transmission, cause you'll probably screw the old one up trying to get it out. From what I've gleaned on here, it has a threadlocker on it that you should try to break free with some heat (ie propane torch...look for that tip on the search function)

At 70k I'd be thinking of new shocks in the future. I like the Monroe reflex, but there are lots of people that like the KYB and the Bilstens. I used to live 73 miles to work too. As you do a lot of highway driving, I'd suggest LT rated Michelin LTX M/S tires when it comes to replacing your current tires. They are really nice and quiet.

I put a hellwig rear sway bar and front torsion bar on m 2000 Silverado and think that was about the best money ever spent. If you decide to put them on, get some lockwashers and nuts from the hardware store to replace the crappy ones that come with the rear kit.

You'll have to replace the spark plugs in the future, and I replaced mine at 93k with wires too that I got a good deal on thru ebay. Don't forget to use anti-sieze for the threads and tune up grease on the wires.

I'm not sure if your year has a cabin air filter or not. But if you do and haven't changed it, it's probably really crappy.

Your throttle body may be dirty too. I'd get a can of throttle body cleaner (NOT brake cleaner etc) and give it a good cleaning. And the standard fuel filter, PCV valve etc. I think the fuel filter started to be "in tank" in 2004 but am not sure. If you do decide to replace yours, get a set of metric flare nut wrenches to save you some grief! (Don't ask me how I know)

I have no experience with AMS oil, but I'd suggest taking an oil sample and sending it off to blacksone labs every once in awhile. I did mine at 100k just for piece of mind, and they said everything was great. It costs $20. I run Valvoline 5W-30 and Purolater PureOne filter.

I'm not sure about your year truck, but when you lube it, turn the wheel all the way to the right to get the idler arm fitting, and drop the front splash shield to get the idler arm bracket.

My driveshaft U-joints went out at 100k miles. Replaced them with aftermarket lubeable ones. Also I had to replace the read brake splash shields at 100k, mine were totally shot, but I live in Delaware and the truck came from upstate NY. (ie rust belt)

Did your dad get the porter cable 7424 with the Adams Kit? If so, he can go to autopia and read trick and tips for that until his eyes glaze over.

I'll probably think of more stuff, just thought of giving some rambling advice.

cayers · May 9, 2007

I've been a member for awhile and just beginnig to post, so I guess I'm a newbie too!

Nice to find a good website!

C & A s Dad · May 10, 2007

Victory Red, Bob has given you some great advice. I would add that when you do sevice the trans the plug should come out easily if it has been removed before. Be sure and get a really good quality 6 pt impact (black) style 1/2 drive socket and be very careful. It is does not break right away, you may need the heat. If so, it will not take much heat to melt the threadlocker.

Bob also mentioned the plugs and wires. Save yourself a lot of grief and replace the wires with the plugs. You will find that the wires are very difficult to remove and if you are replacing them anyway, you can just "snatch" them off without worrying about breaking them. I was able to rotate the boots on my plugs and they came off pretty easy. I still replaced them to be safe. A good quality stock wire is great but you will see in my sig I decided on Taylor Wires.

Oh yea, welcome to the forum. There are some really great guys and girls on here that are full of good info.

mudrunner80 · May 10, 2007

Welcome to GM-Trucks!

I honestly believe you've stumbled upon the best group of GM truck enthusiasts on the web. So join in, have fun and learn all you want know about your new truck!

I agree. I"ve been to other sites and they're either arrogant or don't know what they're talking about. Great group of people here and they've saved me $$$ already.I've even tackled jobs where it was'nt broken and had a happy ending lol If God were here today he'd drive a Chevy or GM heh