Newbie

MadConan · January 17, 2008

Hi, all. This looks like a pretty good forum based on some of the threads I see and how often folks respond. I just purchased my first full size truck. It's a 2001 Chevy Silverado LS 2500 HD 4x4 crew cab (ie: 4 doors -- in case "crew cab" is the wrong syntax) with 147,000 miles. Bought it primarily for use as a tow vehicle.

I did a quick search here for a few concerns I have and found some basic info, but I'll ask again since I'm posting anyway . Maybe someone has info I missed...

I plan on the following for a tune up:
- timing chain changed
- tranny fluid changed
- coolant flushed/replaced
- plugs changed
- oil replaced with synthetic
- brake pads (do all Silverado models use the same ones??)
Does that sound about right? Am I missing anything?

[*]How likely is there to be a problem with the front diff? I'm not sure, but it sounds and feels a bit rough(?). I've had other 4x4's and don't remember them whining so much. I plan on having it checked out but I thought I'd ask.

[*]Any suggestions for online (or other) parts suppliers? I've looked at
- carpartswholesale.com -- seems pretty comprehensive but not sure about their prices
- lmctruck.com -- doesn't really seem like they have any "serious" parts (diffs, etc)

Thanks!

Fortune50 · January 17, 2008

There is no timing belt. But there are serpentine belts that can be changed. I assume you have one of the gas engines since you mention plugs, I'd replace the plugs & wires w/ AC Delco stuff. The other stuff mentioned looks to be good to do. You should consider getting the diffs & transfer case oils changed, too. They're a simple drain & fill. I used OE oils only. The rear oil is pricey at $30 qt. since it's synthetic, I needed to buy 3 qts. The transfer case will need about 1.9 qts. of GM manual transfer case oil (or Dexron III). The front diff will use standard diff oil, I believe it was about 2 qts to fill it. May want to check the oil level in the front diff asap. It may have a leak and is low on oil-axle seal leakage is common w/ the GM IFS's. I also flushed my ps fluid (w/ 2 qts. OE ps oil) & brake reservoir (1 qt. DOT 3). Do you know for sure if you need brake pads? I'm still on my original set (over 50% remaining) at 130K. Roughness could be caused by bad tires or alignment. Also, a bad hub bearing will make whining noises & can feel rough, too. May want to get that looked at asap, too.

MadConan · January 17, 2008

There is no timing belt. But there are serpentine belts that can be changed. I assume you have one of the gas engines since you mention plugs, I'd replace the plugs & wires w/ AC Delco stuff. The other stuff mentioned looks to be good to do. You should consider getting the diffs & transfer case oils changed, too. They're a simple drain & fill. I used OE oils only. The rear oil is pricey at $30 qt. since it's synthetic, I needed to buy 3 qts. The transfer case will need about 1.9 qts. of GM manual transfer case oil (or Dexron III). The front diff will use standard diff oil, I believe it was about 2 qts to fill it. May want to check the oil level in the front diff asap. It may have a leak and is low on oil-axle seal leakage is common w/ the GM IFS's. I also flushed my ps fluid (w/ 2 qts. OE ps oil) & brake reservoir (1 qt. DOT 3). Do you know for sure if you need brake pads? I'm still on my original set (over 50% remaining) at 130K. Roughness could be caused by bad tires or alignment. Also, a bad hub bearing will make whining noises & can feel rough, too. May want to get that looked at asap, too.

Thanks for the info! Yeah, I said "belt" but meant "chain." Shouldn't the timing chain and gears need checking/replacing at 150K miles?

Guess I forgot to mention it is a 6.0L gas engine.

davzog · January 17, 2008

At 150,000, a timing chain is probably a good thing to change...I agree that at that mileage is it a maintenance item....and it is not all that hard to do. Every Chevy small block I ever torn down had a stretched timing chain and those with the fiber gears usually had teeth missing or chewed up....

I think I would also change the fluid in both rear ends....If the front differential is wining, a change to a synthetic fluid may help, and I would recommend a bottle of GM friction modifier, like that used in the positraction rear ends...I had a C4 corvette that wined until I did this...

Don't ask about MPG....just pay the bill...ha

Enjoy your new-to-you truck....I love mine.

dietz4ibanez · January 17, 2008

Sounds like you got a nice truck! Tune ups are always fun to do on new vehicles. Hopefully you can get rid of that whining sound in diff.

Welcome to the site and congratulations on the new truck!

pwall · January 17, 2008

Welcome to

MadConan · January 17, 2008

At 150,000, a timing chain is probably a good thing to change...I agree that at that mileage is it a maintenance item....and it is not all that hard to do. Every Chevy small block I ever torn down had a stretched timing chain and those with the fiber gears usually had teeth missing or chewed up....

Thanks! Good to know it's relatively easy. I usually do all the

maintenance on my cars (brakes, shocks, radiator, clutch, etc), with

the exception of engine work. Maybe I'll try it.

I think I would also change the fluid in both rear ends....If the front differential is wining, a change to a synthetic fluid may help, and I would recommend a bottle of GM friction modifier, like that used in the positraction rear ends...I had a C4 corvette that wined until I did this...

Well the good news is that it had the rear diff oil changed just before I bought it, so that's at least one I don't have to worry about. I'll make sure to do the others (front and trx case) soon.

Don't ask about MPG....just pay the bill...ha

Heh. I knew about the MPG going in, so no surprises there.

Enjoy your new-to-you truck....I love mine.

Thanks!

Here are a couple of pics I took a few minutes ago.....

Nice rig · January 17, 2008

Very nice truck!!! Wish I had a crew cab.

ws6_guy · January 17, 2008

nice looking truck you have

davzog · January 18, 2008

I agree, a very nice looking truck. I have always liked that body style, too. I am aslo jeasous that I did not get the crew cab!!!

wellinghurst · January 18, 2008

Welcome. I like the black flares on the white truck!

MadConan · January 18, 2008

Thanks, guys!

I'm still trying to get used to it. It feels so ponderous compared to my other cars, but I sure like the torque and 4WD in the snow !

Question: I was looking at www.gmpartsdirect.com and noticed when selecting my model, they have a listing of two 2001 2500 HD's (see image): One "new style" and one not. How can I tell which I have? Or does it really matter?

Draenor · January 18, 2008

I thought only the 8.1L and Duramax had the high hoods in that year?

*Or is the bug deflector throwing things off*

davzog · January 18, 2008

I'll offer my two cents....

When I bought my 2007 HD2500, I got the "classic" body style rather than the NBS (new body style) that is also on the 2008's. I figure that GM had a bunch of old fenders made and did not want to throw them away, so they called it the classic....actually, I got a $3000 bigger rebate on the OBS, and mine happens to have a lot of the NBS parts (frame, exhaust, locker rear end, etc)...

I THINK that 2000-2001 was sthe last body change, so they had TWO different body styles availabele that year, also. There are probably differences, but I have no idea how great they might be....

I have found that mine is very unique....I had to buy three flowmaster mufflers berofe it was determined that I have the NBS exhaust...an be quite confusing...ugh!!!

Hopefully someone else will chime in that went through the change....