Former Ford Driver

ronnieb · February 3, 2009

Hey guys, I was browsing around the forums here and figured I'd introduce myself. I'm a former F150 owner, and just recently bought an 03 Silverado Z71 LS. I just came from an 05 F150, and though it rode fairly smooth, I didn't care for the Ford modular OHC motors. Anyway, I still like Fords, but had to pick the Chevy over another F150, the 5.3 seems like a damn good engine.

I was doing some searching around here for the steering column clunk, and from what I've gathered I need to replace the intermediate shaft. Let me know if that sounds right. Thanks.

Ronnie

Outbacker · February 3, 2009

Welcome to the forum, and I hope that you are happy with your new truck. You are right, the 5.3 is a great engine. I have 2 Sierra's now both with the 5.3 and I have no complaints.

Regarding the steering shaft clunk, your may have been fixed at some point. I would take the VIN into a GMC dealership and ask them if it has been done. And I will be the first to ask: we need to see pics of your ride.

BuckFeverZ · February 3, 2009

Welcome to the bowtie world

ronnieb · February 3, 2009

Welcome to the forum, and I hope that you are happy with your new truck. You are right, the 5.3 is a great engine. I have 2 Sierra's now both with the 5.3 and I have no complaints.
Regarding the steering shaft clunk, your may have been fixed at some point. I would take the VIN into a GMC dealership and ask them if it has been done. And I will be the first to ask: we need to see pics of your ride.

Here are a few pics, I'll get better ones later. Also a pic of whats left of my F150 after an older lady T-boned me..

I'll check with the dealership tomorrow, I take it there's a recall for the steering noise?

MarkD · February 3, 2009

Not a recall. There is a TSB Technical Service Bulletin. These are communications to dealers on how to fix problems that are showing up in greater numbers.

What mileage did you get with the Ford?

Oh! Welcome to the site, and GM!

pwall · February 3, 2009

Welcome!

L29er · February 3, 2009

I'm a former F150 owner, and just recently bought an 03 Silverado Z71 LS.
Ronnie

Nice move with the truck! hope you enjoy it! looks good!

lvlagnum · February 3, 2009

Hello ronnieb.

Welcome to this forum and to the GM family. I just traded in a 2003 Chevy Silverado LS 5.3 Z-71 Extended Cab almost identical to the one you just bought. Mine looked the same as yours, colour and all, except it had the factory installed body coloured wheel well flares. When I look at yours, I get a little teary eyed and sentimental and wish I could have mine back. There was so much about that truck that I liked. By the way, you might want to level up your Silverado by tightening the adjusting bolts on the two front torsion bar keys to bring the front end up to the same height as the rear. This leveling adjustment not only makes the truck look and ride better but it provides an extra inch or two of ground clearance in the front for off roading and trail running.

Cheers, lvlagnum.

BillyMaxer · February 3, 2009

Hey guys, I was browsing around the forums here and figured I'd introduce myself. I'm a former F150 owner, and just recently bought an 03 Silverado Z71 LS.

Ronnie

Welcome and I see you are now on the right track or should that be the right truck

ronnieb · February 3, 2009

Not a recall. There is a TSB Technical Service Bulletin. These are communications to dealers on how to fix problems that are showing up in greater numbers.

What mileage did you get with the Ford?

Oh! Welcome to the site, and GM!

Yeah, I found what I think is the TSB number, I just don't have the details/instructions. Alldata.com charges a fee, I may stop by the dealer and get some details. I'd rather do the work myself if possible. And I just came from a Ford, so I'm pretty familiar with TSB's.

The F150 averaged about 13-14 city and 17-18 highway. That was with the 5.4 3V and 3.73's. Only mods were a magnaflow catback and drop in K&N.

THe Silverado has a few mods including Magnaflow SS catback, Outlaw CAI, paint to match door/tailgate handles, etc. Also a set of fender flares ready to be painted.

Zembonez · February 3, 2009

Well... we can see why you got rid of the Ford I hate it when they rip bumpers off of cars for no good reason.

I think you'll like the 5.3. Mileage should be about the same.

Welcome to the site.

rvsahs · February 3, 2009

Welcome aboard and enjoy the ride at GM-Trucks!

ronnieb · February 3, 2009

Called up the dealer today to run the vin, only recall was a tailgate cable that's already been done. He mentioned the lower intermediate shaft would cause the steering noise at low speeds and suggested I replace it.

bax467 · February 3, 2009

welcome to the dark side ronnieb. i too came from ford and for basically the same reason. i have vowed to never own a gas powered ford again! but on the other hand, when i am ready for a diesel heavy duty truck in a few years ford will again be in contention for my business. though i think a dirtymax might fit better in my garage......