2008 Sierra New Delivery Questions

[smccann]

I recently (Monday) took delivery of my 2008 1500 Sierra WT(4.3). It's a Great truck, but at about 1500rpm / between 50-55mph there is a weird rumble noise from under the truck which quickly stops when + - that range. Also, it feels like the dealer left a sticky film from the shipping wrap on the hood and roof. After a waxed it, you can feel grit..

What can I expect for MPG from the 4.3 once the break in period is up ?

Is it worth purchasing the factory bed rail protectors, or go to the after market ?

Can the factory DIC be installed in the WT ?

 

Thanks in advance for your help...

[Zembonez]

I recently (Monday) took delivery of my 2008 1500 Sierra WT(4.3). It's a Great truck, but at about 1500rpm / between 50-55mph there is a weird rumble noise from under the truck which quickly stops when + - that range. Also, it feels like the dealer left a sticky film from the shipping wrap on the hood and roof. After a waxed it, you can feel grit..

What can I expect for MPG from the 4.3 once the break in period is up ?

Is it worth purchasing the factory bed rail protectors, or go to the after market ?

Can the factory DIC be installed in the WT ?

 

Thanks in advance for your help...

The DIC is a simple plug in part. Takes 5 minutes. I did it to mine... Really cool! I recommend it. The factory bedrail covers seem to fit best. 16-18 mpg is probably to be expected. Maybe a tad more.

 

I'm no help on the noise... but congrats on your new truck!

[smccann]

I recently (Monday) took delivery of my 2008 1500 Sierra WT(4.3). It's a Great truck, but at about 1500rpm / between 50-55mph there is a weird rumble noise from under the truck which quickly stops when + - that range. Also, it feels like the dealer left a sticky film from the shipping wrap on the hood and roof. After a waxed it, you can feel grit..

What can I expect for MPG from the 4.3 once the break in period is up ?

Is it worth purchasing the factory bed rail protectors, or go to the after market ?

Can the factory DIC be installed in the WT ?

 

Thanks in advance for your help...

The DIC is a simple plug in part. Takes 5 minutes. I did it to mine... Really cool! I recommend it. The factory bedrail covers seem to fit best. 16-18 mpg is probably to be expected. Maybe a tad more.

 

I'm no help on the noise... but congrats on your new truck!

 

 

Thanks Zembonez, even at the WT level w/ a couple options, the 08 Sierra is an awesome truck @ an affordable price. I think I have located info on the rattle noise in another "topic" column (Exhaust pipe/Muffler rumble, rattle. moan, etc.). This is an awesome web site with loads of info including the DIC option reccommendation.

[Bostonsfavson]

I'd recommend forefoing the bed rail protectors all together and getting an over the rail spray in bedliner. Congrats on the truck though!

[Zembonez]

the 4.3 is a little noisier than the other engines but a great powerplant. I had an exhaust rattle on my truck when I got it. It was the heat shield on the muffler popping and I tightened the clamps and fixed it. Not sure if that is your issue or not. I really like my 07 Sierra so far. It drives better than any truck I have ever owned.

 

BY THE WAY... Welcome to the site!

[caddycruiser]

For the sticky/grit (i.e. just surface contaminants, rail dust, etc.), you need to clay bar it. This is a common issue on new cars, and then also everyday cars that are just out in the environment.

 

The clay removes the crap from the paint, and things will be glass smooth after, just follow with a proper wax/sealant and light polish before if needed.

[Heysdad]

Take it back to the dealer and have them send it thru the make ready shop again. Why should you need to pay or labor over a clay bar session.

 

They have a polish that removes that stuff. I had the same issue and I watched then do it. It came out perfect.....

[unit731]

1990 1500 4.3 2WD Regular Cab Long Bed.

 

139,500 miles.

 

Runs like a top. No leaks. Engine never been taken apart or worked on. All original.

 

Alternator replaced @ 80,000 miles.

 

Original starter replaced last year.

 

Original clutch lasted 15 years.

 

Replaced plugs and wires only once.

 

And some may scream at me. Original anti-freeze and original brake fluid. Master cylinder never touched.

 

Really no major work other than routine muffler/brakes/shocks.

 

Up north, we have a procedure called oil undercoating. Legal here. Specialized shop sprays all inside panels and under carriage with oil. I think it is bar and chain oil or something similiar. Therefore no rust on truck.

 

Good Luck and Welcome. Nice to see another with a real Work Truck. I got a new GMT900 2008 Work Truck also:

 

 

[smitty1938]

I also just took delivery of a new 08 GMC WT regular cab standard bed. After 400 miles checked the mileage and was getting 18.68 MPG. It has the 4.3 engine.I too have a slight rumble at that speed. It has not been bad enough to worry about. Paint on mine is fine. Fire Red. Over all very satisfied with the truck. I also have a 99 Silvarado EC that has been a super truck.

[smccann]

Thanks guys, great forum and really infomative.. I took the truck back to the salesman I purchased it from, he had the cat heat shield tightened and the pre-delivery service guys clay bared the hood, no big deal. (maybe should have done that in the first place)..

After 360 miles, I'm averaging about 16MPG with the 4.3, hopefully this will increase after break in.. I have ordered the DIC, it sounds like a great upgrade...

 

Thanks again...

[pm26]

Take it back to the dealer and have them send it thru the make ready shop again. Why should you need to pay or labor over a clay bar session.

 

They have a polish that removes that stuff. I had the same issue and I watched then do it. It came out perfect.....

 

WD 40 might be just the stuff to use on this.

[smccann]

Update...

The local GMC Dealer clay bared the hood and roof, smooth as silk now. Installed a flex pipe to cure the drone / moan from the exhaust and h the wheel well liners and bed rail caps installed. Weird though, the MPG dropped from 16 to 14 this fill up, same driving, still treating the gas pedal "kindly" ...

 

*Daddy.. thanks for the "heads up" on the DIC, I ordered one ...