Need Your Advice On A 07 Chevy/gmc

[RyanZ71]

Hi folks, been a few months since I last posted on here.

 

I currently have a 99 Silverado which I have owned for the past 4 years. She has 113,000 miles on her and for the past year has been relativly trouble free with the exception the Odomoter/Gear indicator display flickering off and staying off till I pound the dash a few times, then sometimes it comes back on. Have already checked for a loose connection, took the cluster apart, no such luck. Also still has the Slip Yoke issue BIG TIME now. Take off from a stop and CLUNK! (only when warm though) Also the Tranny shifts in and out of OD after I've done a few wide open throttle runs up to 75 MPH or so and then hold a steady speed. (also most notibly when warm outside) Engine wise the 5.3L has been flawless with the exception of a little cold start knock.

 

Some of you may remember I had to have the G-80 rear diff replaced a few years ago after it went out at 89,000 miles (they replaced it with the older generation G-80 which I am told is bulletproof compared to what they started useing in the 99+) Also had the typical fuel guage/fuel sending unit failure, the pump went out and had to have that replaced at 85,000 miles. Now add to that 2 blown front speakers, burned out radio display, and windows that sound like the regulator is going to go to hell any time now, as well as a banged up front bumper, and dent in the rear 3rd door and 2 dents on the top of the roof where the car wash wheel sensors did not work properly and came down rather hard on it,

I think I have convinced myself it is time for a new truck. I had my brother read me off the reviews in Consumer Reports about the new trucks, I was all grins when I heard how crappy ratings the Nissan Titan got, and that the GMC/Chevy seemed to have rated better then Dodge and Ford, so I am figuring on getting another GM Truck. I will go with a 4X4 Ext Cab, probably figuring on the 5.3 again since I have no need for a 6.0 as I do not do any towing, and work is only a 10 min non-highway drive. I like the looks of the 07 GMC over the 07 Silverado. My question to you would be how much increase in power will I be looking at with the 07 5.3 compared to the 270-280 HP that the 99 5.3 had? Also is there still a 5.3 HO being offered?

 

For those of you who own an 07 what issues have you had with them so far?

 

Any suggestions on what I should be looking at in an 07? I really do not need leather or heated seats or the super extra goodies like that, just 4WD, AC, V-8, AM/FM/CD, (and cassette if they are still offering those things ) power windows, power locks, rear defroster, thats about it .

 

Question about Axle RR..

 

3.75 vs 4.10 what is the difference? I am not good when it comes to that kind of stuff.

 

Thanks

[SS Crew]

If you order a truck, make sure you get:

 

1. The auxiliary battery option, yeah it's a $125 more, but you'll never be left stranded with a dead battery.

 

2. The CD changer, once you have one you'll wonder how you got along without it. The new ones also play MP3's - you can put about 8 hours of music on one CD.

 

3. Power mirrors, it sucks trying to adjust the passenger's side by yourself.

 

4. Tow package. you say you don't tow, but you might need to in a couple of years, this way all you need is a receiver and ball, the wiring, plug and hitch is there

for you already - If you leave the hitch and ball in, it keeps people from tailgating you.

 

5. Auto climate control - it seems frivolous, but I just set it on 74* and leave it, the cab's always "just right".

 

6. Don't forget the locking diff - it keeps your tires wearing even!

 

7. Don't cheap out, get an upscale model that has the color matched front end (Chevy) and the body colored door handles.

[shedberg]

I've had my 07 Sierra 1500 WT for just over 3 months, and it's been completely trouble free so far.

 

The difference between 3.73 and 4.10... well, 4.10 is better for towing, you get better acceleration, but it's at the expense of some fuel mileage. Also, if you are planning on putting bigger tires on the truck, go with the 4.10.

 

I have the 4.10 rear axle and it's not really that bad on gas, as long as you aren't flooring it every time you take off.

[rogerf]

For those of you who own an 07 what issues have you had with them so far?

 

Any suggestions on what I should be looking at in an 07? I really do not need leather or heated seats or the super extra goodies like that, just 4WD, AC, V-8, AM/FM/CD, (and cassette if they are still offering those things ) power windows, power locks, rear defroster, thats about it .

 

Question about Axle RR..

 

3.75 vs 4.10 what is the difference? I am not good when it comes to that kind of stuff.

Only minor issues for my '07, the lint-magnet seats and the power steering line rubbing the power steering resevoir.

 

As for your spec. needs. A 1LT will have the basics you listed, (had a W/T before, would not buy another vehicle this big without power windows, locks & mirrors). Watch closely at what is included in some of the packages on the LT. If you want a DIC (recommend this option with a 5.3L AFM), requires a premium package. A DIC can also be added for @ $100 after the fact if you don't want the other extras of the package.

 

If going with a 4X4, would get the Z-71 option for the limited slip diff. and stiffer sway bars. The tow package is relatively inexpensive and a good choice even if you don't anticipate towing (you just never know). Take a close look at the way these options are bundled, GM gives a lot of value when these are purchased together.

 

Axle ratio depends on your application. Personally would not own a 4.10 (but that's just me) as engine RPM's are too high at expressway speeds, hurting fuel efficiency. It's just not right for my needs, 3.73 is a better choice. The trailering crowd would disagree and likely perfer the 4.10. For as lightly loaded as I use this truck, a 4.8L with the 3.42 ratio would have been more than enough power. Very happy with the 5.3L AFM engine and 3.73 axle combo.

[Gozer]

Haven't had any real issues with my 2007 NBS Sierra to date. As mentioned above, the cloth seats leave something to be desired, so plan on covers up-front or spring for leather.

 

There's an array of packages that will suit almost every need. I went with the Sierra since I like the front-end look better, and you get less chrome even with the SLE packages. With Silverado you have to go the the higher end LTZ packages to get painted bumper, etc. I also preferred the lower-end interior with 40-20-40 buckets and underseat console, so I went with SLE1 package but added in preferred package and power seats.

 

I went with Max trailering package which includes 6.0L and 4.10's for towing my travel trailer. Gas mileage is fairly miserable though. I would think the 5.3L with 3.73's would serve most folks who aren't towing heavy loads.

 

Good luck with your decision.

[RyanZ71]

Thanks for the info, it looks like it'll be the 5.3 with the 3.73s then.

 

Next question/concern...

 

Should I get the AFM or do the FLEX option for the Engine?

[tde]

Thanks for the info, it looks like it'll be the 5.3 with the 3.73s then.

 

Next question/concern...

 

Should I get the AFM or do the FLEX option for the Engine?

 

You can have both.....The Flex fuel option ( doesn't cost anything extra, by the way ) has AFM....even if you don't have the need to be able to run E85 now, it "futureproofs" your purchase....and you get some higher grade materials in the fuel delivery system to boot