@Aidan McKean I agree, I've literally owned probably 100 of them... From the 3500 series to the 1500 series... Driving the 2005 Z71 L33 model currently... They are reliable, but beat to heck
Ok Hoovie, you asked at 1:51 Where I worked last for the Forest Service (Gila National Forest, Glenwood District), one of our Range Technicians had a RAM 2500 long wheelbase, manual, but 4x4 instead of 2wd. He used it to haul horse trailers with pack stock to travel into our two Congressionally designated wilderness areas, because motorized and mechanized equipment is forbidden in such places under the Wilderness Act of 1964. The manual transmission was necessary for engine braking...this part of New Mexico has a mountain range, and there are a fair amount of steep roads we used regularly. I would imagine that this vehicle was chosen for a permanent employee who had seasonal help and-or volunteers (hence the reason for the full cab), who used it to haul trailers as well as tools. And I bet he/she specifically requested a manual transmission, possibly due to traveling into a hilly or mountainous work environment. But the final decision goes to the fleet manager. It is likely that the individual wanted a 4x4, but couldn’t acquire one due to budget or lack of availability.
If your talking about compression release engine brakes gas engines dont have those, and all modern gm autos or dodge autos have a tow haul mode feature that locks the converter and downshifts sooner acting as an engine break. Manuals are always better for long heavy haul towing, no converter slip, no friction, no heat, no 48re go boom boom. Well Those are the reasons I can see from the knowledge I have. Probably wrong lol
My boss, who sadly passed away this year, always drove Yukons of that era. He would find one, drive it for a few years, sign the title over free of charge to someone in his life who needed it (the truck was always still in great shape!), then get himself another one. He made well into the six figures and could have afforded a new truck with no issue, but never saw the need to have one when the old Yukons served him so well and were perfect for taking on his frequent hunting/camping trips.
Yes TOWING! You always want the longest wheelbase you can get for towing. 4WD would also mean a lowered towing capacity. I guess you have to be a truck guy to know this?
George Adams they buy em “plain Jane” and they do get a fleet discount. Also they buy em 16-24 months out. but there are some exceptions to that rule :)
That generation Chevy truck was incredibly reliable. I bought an '05 brand new, and still have it and drive it all the time. And I still see these old Chevy trucks on the road every day, it seems they are everywhere and still going.
I got an 05 half ton with 200k..she a lil rusty..but man it runs like brand new..4x4 on the floor..love it..bought a 2000 gmc 2500 2wd ext cab today with 6.0 only 144 k on it...an also have a 97 z71 ext cab w a 350 runs cherry 4x4 doesnt work tho damn oush button..the 97 needs all the front end replaced tho but still druveable
I have an 02 Silverado 1500 I bought new. Just today I turned 600,000 miles on the engine. Rebuilt the rear end at 500,000 and am on my 3rd transmission I put in at 575,000. Always have a load or am towing with it.
@forgotten320 wow! I just got a 3500 dually with a 6.0L and 4.10 gears, 4L80 with just 57,500 miles. I hope it'll last me. My 2011 suburban 1500 LT died on me at 129k miles. Dropped a cylinder, rear end howl, and trans slipping real bad.
Yeah I was going to say the same when he said iron heads I was like ehh buddy I'm pretty sure they're aluminum but none the less I love my 03 suburban 300k and still purrs the only thing I'm not to impressed with is the transmission but what it looses in reliability it makes up for in ease of repair imo
My best friend had a dark blue one and unfortunately it flipped into a ditch when someone hit his trailer while he was driving. That truck was a beast.
@@shanali852 cuz it's such a douche move to destroy a nice vehicle for TH-cam views. I watched him for awhile but I started to get the vibe he really doesn't appreciate shit. I guess he'd be cool to watch if you hated cars and trucks.
@@cameltoast Ohh dude its even better when he pulls his moral high ground bullshit everytime he gets shit and has built his little cult of dumb kids with it
Sorry man, NOBODY buys this configuration, as they would build it. Nobody builds stuff for people who are tire kickers. Just say in manufacturer's ain't dumb.
The comfort of those seats is incredible. When they first came out I had customers wanting to buy just the seats to retrofit into their older pickup trucks.
STACKANE I’ve got the Active Multicontour Seat Package in my merc, if you ever swing by a dealership give it a try. Since i got these seats i never ever want something else, and i dont even bother with the massage function, just the seats alone are amazing.
Our GMC Sierra 2500HD with Duramax and 4x4 has been nearly flawless for 17 years, and I've towed cars on trailers across the country. Great old truck, modern "enough", and looking forward to putting another 200k miles on it. (But it's not a tow truck.)
@@gregkarch4673 is pretty good. If we're getting technical, we're really just 180k. So I'm jumping the gun again with my rounding. In other news, I'm nearly 7 feet tall! (hint: excessive rounding)
This hits close to home for me. Years ago, my friend's dad had a 2003-2005 era chevy 2500 HD duramax. I remember the thing that surprised me the most about it was how well it rode for being a 3/4 ton. Thick cushioned seats combined with nice tall sidewall tires equated to a ride that was shockingly smooth and surpasses that of modern cars. Also that pre-emissions duramax was reliable, and powerful, without any unnecessary garbage on it. By contrast, I had a 2008 sierra 1500 with a 5.3 vortec with cylinder deactivation. That thing had a nasty lifter tick that would come and go and was embarrassing. Also, the seats were certainly stiffer and less comfortable. Further complicating this was a leveling kit and some wheels and tires from a 2014+ era SLT / Denali. End result was a very rough riding and uncomfortable vehicle that was plagued with mechanical issues. One of the biggest generational downgrades in truck history.
I actually sold my 94 k1500 for an 04 yukon denali (needed a shorter wheel base). They're both great but I still think gmt400 is the better looking truck.
I was an engineer in the factory that launched the 800 (Pontiac East Assembly). It's funny to hear people rave about how well built these were since the guys at the plant complained about all the ways they watered it down from the 400. For example, the fitters hated the 800 because they used thinner steel that was more brittle. You can bend the 400 sheet metal any way you want. Also 800 had more plastic.
OMG I THOUGHT MY DAD HAD THE ONLY ONE. So my dad has a truck just like this expect it’s GMC he ordered it custom from the factory! It’s so cool to see there is another one out there!!!
They rust out pretty quick in the salt belt, but they do have a great motor/trans despite the notorious leaking exhaust manifolds. I’ve snapped a few driveshafts on these as well, they break at the weld at the yoke.
True, I was hauling heavy loads in the oilfields in North Dakota so they were definitely pushed harder than most. All the brands have their weak points, but if you don’t live in a salty area rust is no problem at all with these trucks.
Mike Acosta also true, the point I was trying to make is that the GM trucks of this era tended to rust quicker than the Ram and Fords we had. At least equipped from the factory, of course a quality applied undercoating can extend the life dramatically. Not knocking GM, all trucks have their weak points
Yea your absolutely right, the 2wd not really as plenty of forest service trucks have 4X4, but this one was probably used in an area where 4WD was not seen as needed. but the crank windows would be cheap and cheap to fix if they broke, the manual seems kinda odd as even the W/T spec of the truck was auto standard but who knows. the other stuff like vinyl seats and rubber floors, that was for ease of cleaning with things like muddy boots. and i miss when trucks where like this, no features at all just you, an engine and a truck who cares if you get dirt on the seat, or scratch the paint on a tree branch.
The issue is that the auto version came with a 4L80E 4 speed trans. If you are towing a 5th wheel, which this clearly was, you would like that extra gear that comes with the manual. Also, the 4L80E is trash for highway towing. I have one in my 2000 Suburban 2500.
@@keebler3074 No you really cant, not truly simple trucks. they all have over complicated engine management systems, even base trucks have stupid screen radios. also while cranky windows and power nothing is still around, i doubt very highly that manuals are still available. Edit i checked manuals are not available on the silverado anymore, auto only. so a simple make it work transmission is gone now
These are the last of the trucks where basic maintenance was designed for the owner. Headlights are super easy to access, enough room to access the spark plugs, basically more common items are easy to replace and access on these. The box sectioned frame is nice because it's easy to clean out and you can really oil it well to keep corrosion at bay. Not to mention how ridiculously simple the engines are. The transmissions do need to be rebuilt with better parts in order to make them drive/ shift better and not gear hunt so much.
I have a 96 Outback with a block heater, the wire is just tied to the grill, from the factory, nothing special about it, but it does have a rubber cover. It would be nice if there was a nice spring-loaded cover somewhere. I don't know of any car that anyone has that had a block heater outside of class 8 trucks. It gets freezing cold here but not cold enough to really need a heater most of the time. We hit 0 F sometimes but not often.
I'd assume this was specifically for towing stuff around, probably ATVs and mowers and stuff. Gooseneck for a big trailer they can fit a lot on, long box so they don't jackknife the cab corners. 2WD because they just needed to get there and not do any offroading (cheaper, lighter, less to break). 5 speed because cheaper and more reliable. Crew cab so they can fit everyone.
Because you don’t always need 4x4 even on dirt roads. The long bed is more utilitarian and the 5 speed is better on dirt when pulling in rough roads. The BLM used similar configuration for their wild horse program. My mom had a state spec 89 3/4 suburban stick shift with manual select hubs. 17 mpg with skinny mud terrain tires and never got stuck in mid or snow in the mountains. I’d buy it in a Heartbeat. 😜
@@yarikfreerunner1 That drivetrain is basically as reliable as gas vehicles go, idk why he would say that. Probably because he somehow believes that every gm vehicle made after 1960 was bad 😒
@@racingfreak1337 Yeah I heard the 4.8 V8 and 4 speed automatic(still the 4L60e???) were carryover from the previous gen trucks. AKA solid as a rock. None of that variable cylinder displacement that requires the cylinder heads to come off to the tune of $2000-3000 with the next gen of V8 engines from GM, any money you saved from the 1-2mpg bump is completely wiped out by this repair. Which is why I bought a Tundra, yeah the gas mileage sucks but I'm 100% certain I'm not going to need a $2000 engine repair or a total engine replacement before 200k miles like on a Chevrolet truck of similar vintage.
@@AaronSmith-kr5yf I guess they were. I love mine. Super reliable and easy to work on! It's got some differences, like more computer modules, but its great
I've got 180K on my '05 with the V6 that I bought new. It still runs like new with no mechanical problems thus far. It was the simplicity that initially drew me in. They also have to best looking bodies. 15 years down and I'll try to get another 15 before getting a Toyota.
My dad worked around Coeur d’Alene for the forest service back in the 80’s seemed like a badass thing to do and beautiful land up there from the photos I’ve seen!
Yeah those green trucks are all over boise, all of them pull landscaping trailers. It’s like one dude that bought a ton awhile back, and they happen to still run.
I've had my 05 Silverado for 10 years and I'm NEVER getting rid of it, best vehicle I have ever owned at 250,000 miles and still running like a gem. There is a bezel that goes around the tailgate handle they break easy and make sure to get quality knock sensors, I removed the pad in the back where the intake manifold rests on to keep from backflooding the knock sensor ports and it has worked for me well.
Yeah my dad bought a used 2001 from an old lady in like 2003 so it was like new and the tail gate never got used often but the bezel did end up breaking but it’s an easy fix but nearly every one you see has it broken
My grandpa has an '02 Silverado 2500 single cab with manual everything except the transmission, no 4wd, nothing fancy. It has 260k now and it's all scratched up and he uses it as a farm truck. Off topic but my other grandpa has a 10th gen (not sure what year) F150 single cab with the V6, short bed manual everything with 315kish and still goes pretty good
I love that silverado. that's my favorite year model. I have never seen that color it looks amazing. Your honestly the only rich car guy I watch. You're not constantly bragging about how rich you are. you just share your love of automotive and express by buying crazy 20+ year old vehicles and showcasing them. I love it.
@@erebostd Then you wouldn't drive any car made before what...2003? (Or whenever they stopped recalling defective Takata airbags). If you're wearing your seatbelt your odds of walking away without a scratch are pretty good in one of these.
Gregory Merkle Yep, had a 91’ long bed, reg cab, work truck, I six with a stick. Was awesome. Traded it on an 05, 2500HD, 4x4, reg cab, long bed with the six liter. Brand new was less reliable than my F150. Mostly hubs and transfer case and abs issues.
That’s very true! Plus you can install a rear locker if you want more traction for light off-roading. For crawling of course you’ll want 4X4 but not everyone does that haha.
I just don't see the use for a full size, 2 wheel drive pickup. Granted, I do live in the NE and have to deal with snow and ice but, still. I dunno. I guess it depends on where you live and all. But even if I lived in a more temperate zone I think I'd still want/need 4x4. You just never know when you might need it - unless you buy pickups to look at or something.
It ticks all the boxes for my next sleeper project.. slap some turbos or a supercharger and you have one hell of a truck. Edit: he wants 9k for it... I might try to try some shrewd negotiations..
My 2010 Express 2500 had the 4.8, no vvt. I ran the truck at 7000 pounds, 25k a year, never needed anything more than routine maintenance. Traded it in with 200k on it. Engine would still run 80mph all day long, and no oil burning or leaking.
@@Waas I worked for Toyota. Our trucks are the hilux with a different name plate - BUT they DID get better engine options than the US. Namely the diesels.
Hilux is far from the greatest truck. Not available in the USA and it’s way too small and not nearly powerful enough for people that need a full size truck.
I bet it had those grey 5 spoke wheels factory. And yes you can get those rims that are on it on a gas 3/4 ton truck factory, lots came with those.. I had a gas 2500 2000 6.0 that had those rims.
My wife and ii have a 2006 rcsb half ton with the lm7 5.3, 4l60e, 4 wheel drive, 4.10 gears and we love our truck. And yes it a baby!, It has only 15,000 miles on it and is garage kept. We put the banks power pack on it and it is a hand full to drive. The power is amazing. We get 26 mpg on the highway, driving sensibly of course. The truck rides like a dream! Our dealership said it's extremely rare build that came from the factory as well. Our truck is victory red with dark charcoal velour interior all loaded out. Needless to say we get lots of attention when we are out in it. Thanks for sharing your video with us. It's nice to hear that others appreciate these trucks as much as we do. Keep up the great work.
Hoovie: "back then fuel was ridiculously expensive, 5$ a gallon..." Me, not having seen prices any lower than that over here in Germany for ~5 years, if not more... US and their cheap gas 🙄
@@rasklaat2 Eh, true, we should probably compare at least the same kind of fuel. As the cheapest you can get here is 95 octane, I wonder what that costs over in the US?
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH A clutch isn't a major service item. If you can float gears *properly* then your clutch could last 150k easily. If not, every 100k or so just slap in a new clutch. On a rwd only pickup, thats a 2 hour job. Easier than changing the brakes.
This is from before Detroit said, " Screw our workers and the Consumer." In hindsight. That memo should have either been kept hidden, or made less obvious.
they liked to think themselves as the kings of capitalism, liberalism or whatever.. their feelings of superiority got in the way of seeing what the rest of the world was doing
@@juki6377 Doing what the rest of the world was doing is what has ruined most of their products. Now they have globalized their product lines so you have rebranded Opels as Chevys and Buicks and Buicks that are designed by and built by the Chinese! I am sure it has made them money to streamline their products and open up markets around the world. But the American consumer has been the victim of inferior products because of it.
GM screwed over their workers way before this truck was built back in the 80s when they moved production of most of their vehicles to Mexico. The newer Silverados have the least domestic parts used in them. The friggin Honda Ridgeline has more parts made in America than it lol.
@@tyler2610 its not just relocating that hurt the american car industry, which i believed pushed for the nafta treaty) but for a long time american cars were only geared at the american market, size, fuel consumption and pretty low tech, low quality (watch a few sitcoms from the 90s and even then american cars are a laughing stock ie al bundy's dodge or the testica episode ; its not because there is a few good models but low quality is pretty much an american trademark on nearly anything - I'm trying to think of something well made... ). The way the auto industry tried to counter was also inefficient (regulations) which we all now know is very short term and in the case why foreign cars in the US have to adapt all sorts of weird lights here and there. I dont believe we can compare the situation in detroit 30-40 years ago to the current dynamics, and it is sad that nowadays all cars seem to be off the same platform
I just became the proud third owner of a 2000 Z71 Tahoe. You're assessment Hoovie is spot on. It's the most comfortabke vehicle, let alone truck I've ever been in. 2000 was a weird year, Z71 and limiteds were obs and made alongside the nbs. The brush guard, step rails, tail light guards, snd alcoa star rims were oem. The Proudly Made in Arlington Texas by Texans sticker on the door is cool. Mine has 169K. Most of the hallmarks have been addressed, brake lines, inst cluster. I fell in love first drive. It feels so good to have a quiet 350 again.
it cant tow shit, frames Rot like butter melts on a hot pan. I love Toyota, i have land cruiser 200, but That hilux/4runner Runs great, but they cant pull anything. Not even a racecar
@@rahiee If we're talking large trucks only - (and diesels) I've heard a lot of good things about 1997 F350 Diesel with the International Harvester motor.
@@rahiee i wouldnt have called a hilux a truck or compared it to one, i suppose its much smaller than this chevy that looks massive (and more likely to be a truck), so may as well compare with a hatchback. Never heard of frame issues, i suppose it depends where you live but good to know
@@Brad-ku9yu A 1997 F350 would not have the IDI 7.3, it would have the Powerstroke turbo 7.3. The IDI is simpler mechanically and tend to run a long time, but are boat anchors for power. A 7.3PSD is much more powerful but can be more finicky to maintain because its more complex. I love my 7.3psd, but then again I do most all the service work myself so it save a fortune on a shop.
@@99thpeanut59 they are most definitely syncronized but flat out refuse to shift quickly. plus GM stuffed an assload of torque management in these trucks so it wouldn't have been fun anyway. my LQ4 wont even do a burnout, maybe chirp the inner tire in a turn. I really need to get an HP tuner to wake it up. They have tons of potential.
Zac Price oh I got you. Yeah that’s kinda bull crap. Actually that’s really disappointing. Only reason I wrote that comment is because I used to have a 98 ram with the 360 and a 5 speed and that thing was fun as fuck despite only having 225 horsepower.
Until the frame folds in half from rust. This was a toyota problem until the 2018 trucks. They now have c channel frames from cab back. And lost 3 billion dollars replacing frames.
A guy I met had his frame replaced by Toyota said they told him it was due to the lower quality metallurgy used in the original frames. It was crazy to look at his truck, the body just looked like a semi worn truck but looking underneath it looked brand new.
@@MAGGOT_VOMIT yeah, I don't buy that. Yes, Ford Triton V8s have had an issue with plugs rattling then blowing out, but I've never seen one actually eject. And if it did, it would have to take out the plug wire or coil pack, and would probably hit the fuel rail on the way out. How many Ford Triton engines have you personally owned? Or do you base your negative opinion on conjecture you heard online? I've personally never seen a single blown plug on a truck that had actual routine maintenence done. 150k+ on the original plugs? Yeah, seen several spit out.
@@williamschwan207 I'll admit, if you cut me I bleed Ford blue. However, I'm basing my statement on 12 years of experience in the automotive repair industry, both as a mechanic and service advisor, working in independent shops where we work on every make and model. I am pretty objective in my viewpoints, which is why I will never argue that any Ford modular based engine is more robust than the GM LS based engine family. The simple truth is their are less issues with the GM engines when both are used (and abused) in similar ways. Neither are perfect, but both are really good when properly maintained.
@@Name-cy8ym Technically they were fabricated and assembled in multiple (Mexico, Indiana, St Thomas Ontario, Texas, Wisconsin and of course, Oshawa Ontario Canada) jurisdictions. The least of which being Flint. I believe Michigan's contribution was the mold for the rear ashtray. So I do stand corrected. Thanks for the reminder and thank you to beautifully toxic Flint, Michigan for contributing such an integral piece of automotive history! Give yourselves a huge pat on the back!
That must hurt given the huge tar sands project. It's not as if Canada doesn't have oil they can cheaply extract but just like in 'murica the companies want to export the stuff for maximum $$$. We made that illegal in the wake of the 1970s OPEC embargo but once shale oil was in full swing that was lobbied right out of existence.
@@bbrenddon After we got the tech to extract from ocean reserves and thicker oil (tar sands, fracking) the only argument for light crude was cost. When you factor in all of the opium poppies and child soldiers it generated that is sometimes difficult to swallow.
My brother in law had two, drives it back and forth from Maine to Florida, tows with it as well. Never left him stranded. For a 20 year old car getting beat on every day I’ll take that as a blessing.
Zachary Henderson funny my 02 avalanche being in michigan has only had brake lines rust out once and nothing he mentioned has an issue. Built on the gmt800 platform so pretty much same thing, some people just need to wash under the truck if they want things to not rust away in 5 years.
@@zacharyhenderson2902 The brake lines are just crap steel, doesn't matter where they are, they've basically all had brake lines replaced at this point.
We have a 2002 Silverado 2500HD W/T that was was a plow truck for a lawn care company. Previous owner was the “CEO” and it was his “personal work truck.” If it needed it, it got i, and it had very little rust for Wisconsin. We packed 2 little rust holes and repainted it because it was so nice. Oh and it had 275,800 miles on it. And it runs amazing. Not even lifter tick.
an 01 Chevy 2500HD 8.1 and the allison trans, 157,000 and only a crank sensor error, otherwise runs brilliant. also an 01 GMC yukon XL denali with the 6.0, 315,000 miles and still a total champ, even its AWD system is faultfree. love the older GM platforms, my daily truck is a 07 1500 not quite as bullet proff but decent. My partners daily is a Ford f150 from 2017 with the Ecoboost engine, been in the shop 3 times now for turbo issues, they drive the yukon more than that stinking crap boost truck.
Devon Tomkinson I have a 2003 crew cab Silverado 2wd quadrasteer . Can’t get rid of it . It’s fun to drive and watching people stare when I parallel park is neat.
The C3 Denali's are awesome. It is a shame GM sucks so bad at marketing, Quadrasteer was an awesome option and it would have been cool to see more of them. Basically turns a Suburban turning radius into a Tahoe turning radius (i have seen a few Yukon XL 2500 QS as well).
Wow, I'm not a truck guy but now I want this! I always liked the straighforward Chevy pickups from the squarebodies to the GMT400s. I don't like the front end on this one as it is too cartoonish looking to me, but this is a very well-presented video that had me learning some interesting information. Thanks, Tyler!!!
I never liked the avalanche front end on the 2003 either, but that was actually the most reliable year. I now own a 2003, because my buddy has a bunch of them with well over 300,000 miles and knows how to fix everything on them.
Eventually before a 1/4 million miles that engines gonna eat itself. All 5.4 are living on borrowed time those chains were not well thought out not to mention the phasers.
That's so true, I also see a lot more older GM trucks still running strong on the road today. Compared to Ford or Dodge on early 2000s there are noticeably a lot more Chevy and GMC trucks still being used and abused for work or personal driving. Even at that go back a few more years there are still lots of early 90s up to late 90s trucks still on the road today, that is impressive and says a lot.
Uhh ohh my power steering pump is going out welp time to take half of the engine apart to fix it and my shittly designed front suspension has decided to wear out again ohh and the Alison trans if equipped has went into limp again evap solenoid broke again as well. *edit* almost forgot who could forget the stepper motors in the dash breaking and the digital gear selector and mileage display going out and all of the actuators for the vent controls that love to break
Just had a replacement 6.0 put in my 05 2500hd. Good old work truck. Came from a fertilizer dealer who used it to pull anhydrous wagons to the field. So its not had an easy life, but its still ticking away. I like it for the reasons you mentioned. Simple and comfortable to drive.
I had one of these for 15 years. It was durable, smooth, reliable, and very comfortable for a truck. I see them all the time still, all over the place. I think only Toyotas can rival the reliability.
I was thinking that the whole time. In the rust belt, that era of GM basically rotted out long before there was any major mechanical failure. I loved both my S10s but the frames started getting penetrating rust and the cab corners all disappeared. If it wasnt for those issues, Id still be driving them. To me, a 1999 S10 manual is the perfect truck.
where I live in California there are way more old chevy 1500's and 2500's like seriously everywhere you look you rarely see the equivalent older ford trucks maby because shit don't rust in Cali lol 😂
There's a few of these around here but mostly it's the newer models. Chevy's and Dodge's that see gravel roads in our area are rusting out in 2-3 year unless they have rear fender wheel liners. ABS, airbag and evaporative emissions usually have the lights aglow in the ones I see and work on. Admittedly this is a rural area that mostly sees Fords as well, can't miss the tell tale rattle of a 5.4 3 valve engine... ( Mine included, finally time to fix it, driver side phaser is off now)
I bought a 99 GMC Suburban last February with 289k on it. The damn 350 in it just needed a set of plugs and a new cap and rotor and she pops off like a champ. The frame and body are in excellent condition as well, because the previous owners didn't fix any of the oil leaks. Up north, there are no such thing as oil leaks, just external lubrication distribution systems.
@@markm5234 hope it holds up. I use a sun shield in the windshield religiously since I bought the pickup in 2011, and I think that has helped to keep the temps down and stop the sag.
Had a few GMT800s, none have ever had a knock sensor issue...virtually all CEL issues in my case have been with the evap leaks. Current 2004 Sierra 1500 has intermittent airbag warnings but only when I have an adult passenger in the passenger front seat...never a child. These things will last forever...my last one had an engine fire about a year after I sold it, guy put it out, replaced some vacuum lines that melted and put another 20k hard farm/snow plow miles before he sold it...still in use today. Biggest problem with them are the rockers on extended cabs turn to swiss cheese.
Speaking from Southern Ontario where we use an absurd amount of salt on the roads in the winters.... the GMC/Chevy trucks are still on the road (albeit rusty), but you RARELY see the same generation ford and dodge trucks. If you see an old work truck, it's probably a GM product.
@@MOSHONAS01 GM sold more trucks up north then dodge and ford. That's why there's more of them. We have a healthy amount of all 3 in Iowa and the theres's far less 90s Gm pickups then there used to be. The frames are cheaper built then a dodge or a ford. and are still built the same way in 2020.
These are ubiquitous compared to the Fords in New England, the older Dodge trucks are mostly gone and the early Tundra and Sequoia all have massive frame rot issues
2003 2500 Duramax. Best and worst truck I ever had. Best truck on paper, best stats, most options, best stereo, most comfortable seats, most power, most room, supposedly best transmission available..... I loved it while it worked, but it was the LEAST DEPENDABLE vehicle I ever owned. Design flaw in transfer case (needs rebuild), worn wheel bearings, fuel injectors failed, injector pump failed, serpentine belt pulleys failed, abs control module failed, abs wheel sensors failed, brake lines rusted and failed, fuel line rusted, rust in fuel tank (pump?), and a few other odds and ends. Then the fuel injectors failed AGAIN! This is the truck that has made me swear off GM and generally any of the big 3 American companies for life. Oh, and of course a fist sized rust hole in the rear bottom corner of the cab on both sides. This was all before 150k miles.
Zach is correct about the Duramax. It was an Iszuzu GM collaborative effort with the diesel engine. Iszuzu was " told " to cut cost. So they did on the accessories. That body style was being made at 4 plants, Pontiac, MI; Indianapolis, IN; Oshawa ON; and Ramos Aripe, Mexico was being ramped up. Guess which one you got ? Possibly Pontiac, but more likely Mexico. The Texans always favored the Canadian built trucks, esp. in black. Sorry for your bad experience. Also not using NiCop for brake lines these days is inexcusable on any continent.
Lb7 injectors are located under the valve covers. Labor intensive to replace. 2004.5 Isuzu along with GM engineered the injectors outside of the valve covers. (Better design). As for the rest, hmmm
The ex-forest service truck is still for sale! wichita.craigslist.org/ctd/d/wichita-2003-chevrolet-2500hd-silverado/7171137612.html
Car and Bids?
I wish I was working, I'd totally buy that! 🤣😪
When is Car Issues gonna be renewed for series 2?
cool truck! edit: but no 4x4 :(
@Aidan McKean I agree, I've literally owned probably 100 of them... From the 3500 series to the 1500 series... Driving the 2005 Z71 L33 model currently... They are reliable, but beat to heck
That manual transmission tells the history. Total reliability and smart decision by the US Forest Service.
4L80E is tough as nails, would probably be just as good or better.
JCDC5R indeed but I guess a 5 speed was cheaper and you get the benefit of another extra gear.
*i will outlast that truck, mark my words*
@@JDMJAMES It is but the NV4500 is virtually bulletproof. Dodge even put them behind their 12v Cummins and they held up no problem.
Is the trans an nv4500?
Somewhere in Texas, Scotty Kilmer is losing his mind right now.
Scotty is an old washed up drunk mechanic who cant work on anything that's not a 94 celica
@@matthannah4621 corolla* lol
@@matthannah4621 why you say he's drunk
@@frostbite1991 no it's a celica stupid..lol
@@matthannah4621 he actually made on video on how the old tahoe is a reliable car and new ones are not
Ok Hoovie, you asked at 1:51
Where I worked last for the Forest Service (Gila National Forest, Glenwood District), one of our Range Technicians had a RAM 2500 long wheelbase, manual, but 4x4 instead of 2wd. He used it to haul horse trailers with pack stock to travel into our two Congressionally designated wilderness areas, because motorized and mechanized equipment is forbidden in such places under the Wilderness Act of 1964. The manual transmission was necessary for engine braking...this part of New Mexico has a mountain range, and there are a fair amount of steep roads we used regularly. I would imagine that this vehicle was chosen for a permanent employee who had seasonal help and-or volunteers (hence the reason for the full cab), who used it to haul trailers as well as tools. And I bet he/she specifically requested a manual transmission, possibly due to traveling into a hilly or mountainous work environment. But the final decision goes to the fleet manager. It is likely that the individual wanted a 4x4, but couldn’t acquire one due to budget or lack of availability.
If your talking about compression release engine brakes gas engines dont have those, and all modern gm autos or dodge autos have a tow haul mode feature that locks the converter and downshifts sooner acting as an engine break. Manuals are always better for long heavy haul towing, no converter slip, no friction, no heat, no 48re go boom boom. Well Those are the reasons I can see from the knowledge I have. Probably wrong lol
@@julianboguski8104 I daresay you are correct. You explained it better than me lol
There are two people in my county with green trucks, both farmers. One is a ford f250 singlcab and the other is like this one
I learned a lot from this thank you
A high percent of USFS pickups are manual shift. Tommy Bickle rode one of my horses into the Gila on a regular basis (loaned).
Missing the tailgate handle bezel naturally, just like every other one on the road!
I hadn't noticed that. Not that I didn't see it, just that you sometimes forget they even existed in the first place.
@@CosRacecar exactly lol you just get used to never seeing them anymore
People like stealing those for some reason
dumb truck. dumb hoovie
@Weedman Probably
My boss, who sadly passed away this year, always drove Yukons of that era. He would find one, drive it for a few years, sign the title over free of charge to someone in his life who needed it (the truck was always still in great shape!), then get himself another one. He made well into the six figures and could have afforded a new truck with no issue, but never saw the need to have one when the old Yukons served him so well and were perfect for taking on his frequent hunting/camping trips.
And people around me always gotta say something about driving my older chevys. Its cuz theyre proven and not some “pray to god its not a lemon” bs
What good man your boss was, RIP.
Towing mowers. That’s what they use that for. In TN the Corp of engineers who mow all the dams are still using identical trucks but a different color.
Yes TOWING! You always want the longest wheelbase you can get for towing. 4WD would also mean a lowered towing capacity. I guess you have to be a truck guy to know this?
Yup, towing mowers/chipper w/crew...
Yeah the TN trucks are a much darker green....
Could it also be if it's a rarely bought spec then the govt could get a good deal on buying in bulk?
George Adams
they buy em “plain Jane” and they do get a fleet discount. Also they buy em 16-24 months out.
but there are some exceptions to that rule :)
As a Canadian, is always surprises me when I remember that block heaters are options in most places in the world
haha that's why you can tell them that Canada is the greenest country, we all have plug in hybrids. Even my 65 t-bird has 2 plugs
As someone who has lived in the south, I've never seen a block heater on a non diesel vehicle ever.
@@Tracert-mc1huthat's wild
There very common in the northern part of the country
That generation Chevy truck was incredibly reliable. I bought an '05 brand new, and still have it and drive it all the time. And I still see these old Chevy trucks on the road every day, it seems they are everywhere and still going.
I got an 05 half ton with 200k..she a lil rusty..but man it runs like brand new..4x4 on the floor..love it..bought a 2000 gmc 2500 2wd ext cab today with 6.0 only 144 k on it...an also have a 97 z71 ext cab w a 350 runs cherry 4x4 doesnt work tho damn oush button..the 97 needs all the front end replaced tho but still druveable
I have an 02 Silverado 1500 I bought new. Just today I turned 600,000 miles on the engine. Rebuilt the rear end at 500,000 and am on my 3rd transmission I put in at 575,000. Always have a load or am towing with it.
@forgotten320 wow! I just got a 3500 dually with a 6.0L and 4.10 gears, 4L80 with just 57,500 miles. I hope it'll last me. My 2011 suburban 1500 LT died on me at 129k miles. Dropped a cylinder, rear end howl, and trans slipping real bad.
Welcome to the return of Hoovie saying “It’s grEEEeeen”
Weird on this 4 door
It's MINT
adelkheir it’s not
adelkheir turquoise perhaps
@@adelkheir * grEEN?
2001+ 6.0 V8s started coming with aluminum heads. That is a really cool truck.
Yes and the 6.0 never had afm either all the way to its replacement in 2019
Yeah I was going to say the same when he said iron heads I was like ehh buddy I'm pretty sure they're aluminum but none the less I love my 03 suburban 300k and still purrs the only thing I'm not to impressed with is the transmission but what it looses in reliability it makes up for in ease of repair imo
Vortec max l76 had afm
I’ve got a 1999 2500 Lq4 with the iron heads and she has 342k and still running strong.
He should have gone to the wizard for this portion and said “Wizard.. I have no idea what I’m talking about.. tell us about this engine..”
We called them the “Green Fleet” in the day. Ours was just a two door bench seat auto type.
I've literally never seen a manual government vehicle like this lol
Every person I've personally known with this particular engine drove the truck or suv to 300k plus miles with very little issues.
I have 235k on my personal truck. The dealership I work at has a maintenance truck/parts runner truck that has over 600k.
Yeah I have a 03 6.0 Vortec in my 2500HD and it has 313K on it and it runs like a top, no check engine lights. No issues.
2002 5.3 vortec. 263k still runs great its shows the abs and brake light. Which idk how to turn off.
So go buy one LOL
Lol my parents had a 2004 Toyota Sienna lasted us 480k miles. NOTHING done to it! Only oil changes and air filter changes.
I'm honestly surprised that Hoovie hasn't bought a 8.1 manual 4x4, now THAT's a rare spec
Ive got a crew cab dually one
James Odegard I didn’t even know that existed
I live in Wisconsin and i flew to New York to go get it
My best friend had a dark blue one and unfortunately it flipped into a ditch when someone hit his trailer while he was driving. That truck was a beast.
@@RedRise91 damn that sucks!
I was an engineer on some of the Oshawa Canada plant's assembly line systems that was setup to make those "new" GMT800 trucks back then! Small world!
I have it on good authority that you fellas did a great job of tooling that up! One for the books, in fact.
Thank you for your service I still love my 2006 silverado SS
Thank you
“this truck won’t die”
*WHISTLIN DIESEL has entered that chat*
He’s a douche
@@shanali852 cuz it's such a douche move to destroy a nice vehicle for TH-cam views. I watched him for awhile but I started to get the vibe he really doesn't appreciate shit. I guess he'd be cool to watch if you hated cars and trucks.
There's a difference between a GM truck that wont die and a Toyota truck that won't die
Spoolin & Boolin well said
@@cameltoast Ohh dude its even better when he pulls his moral high ground bullshit everytime he gets shit and has built his little cult of dumb kids with it
Dude you found the truck configuration that pretty much everyone wants but the manufacturers will no make for us. Edit: needs 4x4
Sorry man, NOBODY buys this configuration, as they would build it. Nobody builds stuff for people who are tire kickers. Just say in manufacturer's ain't dumb.
My GA-PCG Sorry, what is a Tire Kicker?
Funny thing I own a 2005 gmc serria 2500hd crew cab long bed 4x4
You only need 4x4 if ya suck.
@@Storm10xx derp
The comfort of those seats is incredible. When they first came out I had customers wanting to buy just the seats to retrofit into their older pickup trucks.
yeah they are very comfortable. thats one of the reason i love my truck.
Oh my God, I have a set in my suburban, I absolutely love them.
I had a 2003 Sierra and now have a 2017. The first thing i noticed was how shitty the seats are in the 2017.
STACKANE I’ve got the Active Multicontour Seat Package in my merc, if you ever swing by a dealership give it a try. Since i got these seats i never ever want something else, and i dont even bother with the massage function, just the seats alone are amazing.
For many years my dad would buy fords from the electric company then take it home and put a chevy seat in it.
Our GMC Sierra 2500HD with Duramax and 4x4 has been nearly flawless for 17 years, and I've towed cars on trailers across the country. Great old truck, modern "enough", and looking forward to putting another 200k miles on it. (But it's not a tow truck.)
Good luck with that
How many miles does it currently have?
@@gregkarch4673 is pretty good. If we're getting technical, we're really just 180k. So I'm jumping the gun again with my rounding. In other news, I'm nearly 7 feet tall! (hint: excessive rounding)
GTOger we had an 03 tahoe, it was great
Yeah, my buddies 2003 duramax has almost 400,000 miles on it now. Replaces injectors every 150,000 when it experiences hard starting.
This hits close to home for me.
Years ago, my friend's dad had a 2003-2005 era chevy 2500 HD duramax. I remember the thing that surprised me the most about it was how well it rode for being a 3/4 ton. Thick cushioned seats combined with nice tall sidewall tires equated to a ride that was shockingly smooth and surpasses that of modern cars. Also that pre-emissions duramax was reliable, and powerful, without any unnecessary garbage on it.
By contrast, I had a 2008 sierra 1500 with a 5.3 vortec with cylinder deactivation. That thing had a nasty lifter tick that would come and go and was embarrassing. Also, the seats were certainly stiffer and less comfortable. Further complicating this was a leveling kit and some wheels and tires from a 2014+ era SLT / Denali. End result was a very rough riding and uncomfortable vehicle that was plagued with mechanical issues. One of the biggest generational downgrades in truck history.
"This truck won't die"
GM electrical systems: "Who has summoned me?"
Can we just let it die? this episode was boring
What shocked me was no leaks.
That's nearly unseen in every gm vehicle I've been around.
HERPY DERPEDY my 03 leaks a really small amount of transmission fluid but it’s not bad.
I love my ‘05 but it’s plagued with electrical problems 😂
But my ‘07 Duramax had 240k and had no problems whatsoever so I guess you can get lucky
I still have my GMT 400. The GMT 800 really was the last good, well built GM truck.
I agree! The GMT400 and GMT800 are great! We have had 2 tahoes and still have our 2002. Still going strong!
Probably the last good thing GM will ever build
I love my 94 Suburban!
I actually sold my 94 k1500 for an 04 yukon denali (needed a shorter wheel base). They're both great but I still think gmt400 is the better looking truck.
I was an engineer in the factory that launched the 800 (Pontiac East Assembly). It's funny to hear people rave about how well built these were since the guys at the plant complained about all the ways they watered it down from the 400. For example, the fitters hated the 800 because they used thinner steel that was more brittle. You can bend the 400 sheet metal any way you want. Also 800 had more plastic.
OMG I THOUGHT MY DAD HAD THE ONLY ONE. So my dad has a truck just like this expect it’s GMC he ordered it custom from the factory! It’s so cool to see there is another one out there!!!
"The tailgate doesn't have a staircase or anything that pops out" ...... its sad that we even have to mention that. Welcome to 2020. 😞
If you can't climb into the bed of a truck, you shouldn't have a truck.
Why?
TBH you kinda need that these days since the beds are so high on new trucks.
@@birdcall2422 You clearly dont know about all the snowbird baby boomers whi buy these to tow their 5tth wheels they live in year round.
I mean tailgate steps basically replaced step side beds
Personally I have seen one of these GM trucks with almost 600,000 miles on it. But it was automatic and the transmission had been rebuilt once
They rust out pretty quick in the salt belt, but they do have a great motor/trans despite the notorious leaking exhaust manifolds.
I’ve snapped a few driveshafts on these as well, they break at the weld at the yoke.
We don't have seasons where I live. Is rust still an issue if the underside of the vehicle is coated?
Not all trucks had these problems just you did
Most older cars rust out in those areas. It's not specific to this truck.
True, I was hauling heavy loads in the oilfields in North Dakota so they were definitely pushed harder than most. All the brands have their weak points, but if you don’t live in a salty area rust is no problem at all with these trucks.
Mike Acosta also true, the point I was trying to make is that the GM trucks of this era tended to rust quicker than the Ram and Fords we had. At least equipped from the factory, of course a quality applied undercoating can extend the life dramatically. Not knocking GM, all trucks have their weak points
I'm gonna safely assume they got those specs for reasons of simplicity and cost (2wd, crank windows, manual)
Work truck spec
Yea your absolutely right, the 2wd not really as plenty of forest service trucks have 4X4, but this one was probably used in an area where 4WD was not seen as needed. but the crank windows would be cheap and cheap to fix if they broke, the manual seems kinda odd as even the W/T spec of the truck was auto standard but who knows. the other stuff like vinyl seats and rubber floors, that was for ease of cleaning with things like muddy boots. and i miss when trucks where like this, no features at all just you, an engine and a truck who cares if you get dirt on the seat, or scratch the paint on a tree branch.
zachary carlson you can still get trucks like that... there’s no need to miss them
The issue is that the auto version came with a 4L80E 4 speed trans. If you are towing a 5th wheel, which this clearly was, you would like that extra gear that comes with the manual. Also, the 4L80E is trash for highway towing. I have one in my 2000 Suburban 2500.
@@keebler3074 No you really cant, not truly simple trucks. they all have over complicated engine management systems, even base trucks have stupid screen radios. also while cranky windows and power nothing is still around, i doubt very highly that manuals are still available. Edit i checked manuals are not available on the silverado anymore, auto only. so a simple make it work transmission is gone now
Anyone else have an urge for an Andes mint?
Lol
Worst color ever.
You mean an Andes candies? Nobody has ever called them Andes mints.
Yes. After a plate of spaghetti..
It reminds me of the new mint kit kat bars.
These are the last of the trucks where basic maintenance was designed for the owner. Headlights are super easy to access, enough room to access the spark plugs, basically more common items are easy to replace and access on these. The box sectioned frame is nice because it's easy to clean out and you can really oil it well to keep corrosion at bay. Not to mention how ridiculously simple the engines are. The transmissions do need to be rebuilt with better parts in order to make them drive/ shift better and not gear hunt so much.
Whenever someone leaves the block heater plug dangling out, I think of the truck as having its fly open.
Is it a common thing down where you don't use block heaters often, that you let them dangle down below?
@@christianronn5301 Because the heavy majority of the cars in the United States don't have block warmers, so there's practically no need to hide it.
I have a 96 Outback with a block heater, the wire is just tied to the grill, from the factory, nothing special about it, but it does have a rubber cover. It would be nice if there was a nice spring-loaded cover somewhere. I don't know of any car that anyone has that had a block heater outside of class 8 trucks. It gets freezing cold here but not cold enough to really need a heater most of the time. We hit 0 F sometimes but not often.
I'd assume this was specifically for towing stuff around, probably ATVs and mowers and stuff. Gooseneck for a big trailer they can fit a lot on, long box so they don't jackknife the cab corners. 2WD because they just needed to get there and not do any offroading (cheaper, lighter, less to break). 5 speed because cheaper and more reliable. Crew cab so they can fit everyone.
Forestry Service means that there's a good chance you may leave the pavement... right?
4WD would make more sense.
“This is the most reliable truck ever made” Toyota is typing...
I mean look up million miles trucks and quite a few chevys pop up even more than Toyota
Ok, reliable and useful. What now Toyota?
Most reliable full sized for sure. Tundras were good but still 2nd place in the mid 2000s
Toyota doesn't make trucks... They make cars with beds. Cars have struts , so do tacomas. A toyota doesn't have torque either
@@nahlolurough Tundras don't make torque like a 6.0
Got 2 Duramaxs, a 03 and a 04, and I’ll keep them forever. Best trucks ever made, hands down.
I like how it’s a Silverado but with GMC wheel caps lol
yiyangcheng it’s the same thing just different badges
You do realize they are the same animal right? GMC is the "truck/van only" name plate for GM/Chevrolet.
Somebody has swapped those wheels. The originals would not have been polished. Probably found a cheap set with tires and “upgraded”
That would have had grey steel wheels. Someone dolled that truck up with new headlights too.
I got the gmc six spokes on my z71. I like it
Because you don’t always need 4x4 even on dirt roads. The long bed is more utilitarian and the 5 speed is better on dirt when pulling in rough roads. The BLM used similar configuration for their wild horse program. My mom had a state spec 89 3/4 suburban stick shift with manual select hubs. 17 mpg with skinny mud terrain tires and never got stuck in mid or snow in the mountains. I’d buy it in a Heartbeat. 😜
I had to watch this cause my 02 Chevy Silverado is still running like a beast
My last job we had 15 GMC savanas 4.8L all paired with a 4L80e, one of them had 700k on the clock original engine and trans.
Wow
Scotty Kilmer says it's one of the worst cars. Another lie from him....
@@yarikfreerunner1 yea
@@yarikfreerunner1 That drivetrain is basically as reliable as gas vehicles go, idk why he would say that. Probably because he somehow believes that every gm vehicle made after 1960 was bad 😒
@@danielparks9035 He is generalizing things and repeats the same stuff over and over again. I stopped watching him for the most part.
Actually it's Bureau of land management livery and spec. You see more than a few running around NV and Utah.
It's a US Forest Service color as well...
@@cle_roknn3742 USFS trucks at least here in Nevada are dark green for now
They last forever until you bring them up north and they hit salt and rust out on you.
kansas gets cold asf and they salt the roads too. same thing
@@MyKeeP81 the fact that this one lived on USFS land probably saved it from the salt.
Yeah especially in Quebec Canada my father has one and in a couple of weeks him and I are going to completely redo the body on it
Plastics and rust are the things that eat these trucks. Overall, strong as hell. Never a motor problem.
@UCwuQO-SMdynhsOISQvRVX9Q 🙄
The 6l in the HD’s didn’t have any of the active fuel management even in the next gen, and the 6.6l in the latest HD’s doesn’t either.
Yeah the government doesn't regulate fuel economy on 3/4 and 1 ton consumer pickup trucks, only 1/2 ton jobs are subject to CAFE regulation.
The 4.8 didn't either in the next gen. The 5.3 did, I'm not sure about the 4.3 v6
@@racingfreak1337 Yeah I heard the 4.8 V8 and 4 speed automatic(still the 4L60e???) were carryover from the previous gen trucks.
AKA solid as a rock.
None of that variable cylinder displacement that requires the cylinder heads to come off to the tune of $2000-3000 with the next gen of V8 engines from GM, any money you saved from the 1-2mpg bump is completely wiped out by this repair. Which is why I bought a Tundra, yeah the gas mileage sucks but I'm 100% certain I'm not going to need a $2000 engine repair or a total engine replacement before 200k miles like on a Chevrolet truck of similar vintage.
@@AaronSmith-kr5yf I guess they were. I love mine. Super reliable and easy to work on! It's got some differences, like more computer modules, but its great
I've got 180K on my '05 with the V6 that I bought new. It still runs like new with no mechanical problems thus far. It was the simplicity that initially drew me in. They also have to best looking bodies. 15 years down and I'll try to get another 15 before getting a Toyota.
They were used to pull hose trailers, they even had them up here in N. Idaho
Yup! and commercial landscaping trailers by the look of the "green"
I'm from North idaho too. My grandpa had these and Broncos in the forest service
My dad worked around Coeur d’Alene for the forest service back in the 80’s seemed like a badass thing to do and beautiful land up there from the photos I’ve seen!
Hose trailers?
Yeah those green trucks are all over boise, all of them pull landscaping trailers. It’s like one dude that bought a ton awhile back, and they happen to still run.
I've had my 05 Silverado for 10 years and I'm NEVER getting rid of it, best vehicle I have ever owned at 250,000 miles and still running like a gem. There is a bezel that goes around the tailgate handle they break easy and make sure to get quality knock sensors, I removed the pad in the back where the intake manifold rests on to keep from backflooding the knock sensor ports and it has worked for me well.
Yeah my dad bought a used 2001 from an old lady in like 2003 so it was like new and the tail gate never got used often but the bezel did end up breaking but it’s an easy fix but nearly every one you see has it broken
My dad still has his 01 step side 4.8 with 300K and it still runs perfect. Silverado.
My grandpa has an '02 Silverado 2500 single cab with manual everything except the transmission, no 4wd, nothing fancy. It has 260k now and it's all scratched up and he uses it as a farm truck.
Off topic but my other grandpa has a 10th gen (not sure what year) F150 single cab with the V6, short bed manual everything with 315kish and still goes pretty good
250000 miles is not saying much for a truck now when you start to get up to 500,000 miles that's when the true bragging rights start
@@Ziyoblader yeah I know, but he put it through hell so I'm surprised
Only Hoovie would make a bare bone crewcab pickup truck sound like it's something special!
I love that silverado. that's my favorite year model. I have never seen that color it looks amazing. Your honestly the only rich car guy I watch. You're not constantly bragging about how rich you are. you just share your love of automotive and express by buying crazy 20+ year old vehicles and showcasing them. I love it.
Tyler: “most reliable truck in the world”
Tyler 5 minutes later: “All of them have their check engine lights on”
But they still run perfect . I have several just ignore that light
mitzvah golem i wouldn’t drive a car with a defective airbag system, that counts to reliability in my book...
@@erebostd So, no Asian vehicles or big three vehicles then, or most European vehicles then. It's a great idea, but poor in execution.
@@erebostd we didn't have air bags for decades...It's a work truck not a baby carriage.
Get the little light fixed then or buy a Volvo..
@@erebostd Then you wouldn't drive any car made before what...2003? (Or whenever they stopped recalling defective Takata airbags). If you're wearing your seatbelt your odds of walking away without a scratch are pretty good in one of these.
A mid 90's 2WD F150 with a 300 i6 and manual transmission: "Am I a joke to you!?"
And he also forgot about Toyota
Gregory Merkle Yep, had a 91’ long bed, reg cab, work truck, I six with a stick. Was awesome. Traded it on an 05, 2500HD, 4x4, reg cab, long bed with the six liter. Brand new was less reliable than my F150. Mostly hubs and transfer case and abs issues.
Amen. 95 XLT standard cab long bed 2wd with the I6 and 5 speed. Best truck ever. Absolutely unkillable.
Everyone is forgetting the First Gen Cummins. You don't see i6 Ford's with 300,000 miles on them hahahaha
@@MAGGOT_VOMIT my '97 V10 service truck with 270K would argue with that. Never spit a plug once.
I’m still wondering when he’ll show off his M Coupè to us all.
He's done a video with a friend's M coupe awhile back. Maybe that's why he hasn't bothered
Paul Carmi yeah that’s true I remember that.
@@paulcarmi8130 Yup, thats why he wont. He usually doesnt repeat the same car.
Josh Ruiz you guys are such investigators! The coupe in the carage is not his. Its his friends and he is just letting him to storage it in there.
@@Anonymous-ss6ur Investigating? lol. The other M wasnt his either and still made a video dummy. He usually doesnt repeat showing the same car.
I’m not a Chevy guy. But this is around the time that I was into Chevys. I wanted the Avalanche in a stick shift. Impossible to find! Great video!
Those are some of my favorite OEM wheels.
If a truck is doing highway towing you don’t need 4x4 this was just a haul truck
snow doesn’t land on highways? picking up the trailer in the mud?
Well hoovies in kansas, it doesnt snow there much. I could imagine more 4 wheel feel in the northern territories
Also towing with an automatic is just horrific
That’s very true! Plus you can install a rear locker if you want more traction for light off-roading. For crawling of course you’ll want 4X4 but not everyone does that haha.
I just don't see the use for a full size, 2 wheel drive pickup. Granted, I do live in the NE and have to deal with snow and ice but, still. I dunno. I guess it depends on where you live and all. But even if I lived in a more temperate zone I think I'd still want/need 4x4. You just never know when you might need it - unless you buy pickups to look at or something.
WOW! I really like this style of segment video. Something different and telling us something we don't already know about cars. Keep it up!
Well said Hoovie! In my area the 1999-2006 GM 2500 4x4's all have about 360,000 miles and are mostly still on the road.
I really like that truck for some reason.
It ticks all the boxes for my next sleeper project.. slap some turbos or a supercharger and you have one hell of a truck.
Edit: he wants 9k for it... I might try to try some shrewd negotiations..
I do love it other than the ugly color
Cat eye Chevy's will do that to a man
The cast iron truck 6.0 has never had cylinder deactivation, the 4.8, 5.3 and 6.2 does.
*Some. Not all. My 6.2 does not have it.
They didn’t have iron heads either.
My 2010 Express 2500 had the 4.8, no vvt. I ran the truck at 7000 pounds, 25k a year, never needed anything more than routine maintenance. Traded it in with 200k on it. Engine would still run 80mph all day long, and no oil burning or leaking.
Dan & Keira Norman early 1999 6.0’s has iron heads.
Is it the Chad I was referring to the one in the video
Hoovie: Greatest truck ever made...
Hilux: Am I a joke to you?
I just posted the link to Top Gear 😁
THIS. I've got a toyota I've been trying to murder for 20 years.
@@Waas I worked for Toyota. Our trucks are the hilux with a different name plate - BUT they DID get better engine options than the US. Namely the diesels.
Hilux is far from the greatest truck. Not available in the USA and it’s way too small and not nearly powerful enough for people that need a full size truck.
@@Waas it's a Toyota, less the Diesel options.
My 2000 silverado 2500 has got 275,000 miles on the original motor and it's been three most reliable truck I have ever owned.
Hoovie: most reliable truck
jeremy clarkson: hold my hilux
Hilux. LOL. Not Even In The Same League
@@danhillman4523 You have a lot to learn young grasshopper
@@chriskelly9361 OMG LOL. I'm older than your dad.
@@danhillman4523 You are true gangsta. "OMG LOL look how old I am".
Yes, 10yo using old Grandpa's account, because "above 13yo" statement scared you.
@@KretinoSantino They don't call you guys fanbois for nothing! Boys in a man's world. LOL.
I love how it was gmc hub caps
@Gear Jammer no, they're heavy duty wheels lol
I bet it had those grey 5 spoke wheels factory. And yes you can get those rims that are on it on a gas 3/4 ton truck factory, lots came with those.. I had a gas 2500 2000 6.0 that had those rims.
"If it were 4 wheel drive it'd be in my drive way right now."
*motions to truck currently sitting in his driveway*
Can't fool us! :)
My wife and ii have a 2006 rcsb half ton with the lm7 5.3, 4l60e, 4 wheel drive, 4.10 gears and we love our truck. And yes it a baby!, It has only 15,000 miles on it and is garage kept. We put the banks power pack on it and it is a hand full to drive. The power is amazing. We get 26 mpg on the highway, driving sensibly of course. The truck rides like a dream! Our dealership said it's extremely rare build that came from the factory as well. Our truck is victory red with dark charcoal velour interior all loaded out. Needless to say we get lots of attention when we are out in it. Thanks for sharing your video with us. It's nice to hear that others appreciate these trucks as much as we do. Keep up the great work.
Hoovie: "back then fuel was ridiculously expensive, 5$ a gallon..."
Me, not having seen prices any lower than that over here in Germany for ~5 years, if not more...
US and their cheap gas 🙄
It's down to $1.60 a gallon where I'm at lmfao
@@darthdarthbinkss same
US and their cheap 84 octane gas indeed
@@rasklaat2 Eh, true, we should probably compare at least the same kind of fuel. As the cheapest you can get here is 95 octane, I wonder what that costs over in the US?
The Fuel in the Netherlands is $ 7,- a gallon , August 2020.
My air condition guy had one of these with 600k on the odometer. He showed me. Said the only major service he did was have the heads redone.
The clutch lasted 600k? Nope.
A clutch is routine maintenance on a manual
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH A clutch isn't a major service item. If you can float gears *properly* then your clutch could last 150k easily. If not, every 100k or so just slap in a new clutch. On a rwd only pickup, thats a 2 hour job. Easier than changing the brakes.
This is from before Detroit said, " Screw our workers and the Consumer."
In hindsight. That memo should have either been kept hidden, or made less obvious.
they liked to think themselves as the kings of capitalism, liberalism or whatever.. their feelings of superiority got in the way of seeing what the rest of the world was doing
@@juki6377 Doing what the rest of the world was doing is what has ruined most of their products. Now they have globalized their product lines so you have rebranded Opels as Chevys and Buicks and Buicks that are designed by and built by the Chinese! I am sure it has made them money to streamline their products and open up markets around the world. But the American consumer has been the victim of inferior products because of it.
GM screwed over their workers way before this truck was built back in the 80s when they moved production of most of their vehicles to Mexico. The newer Silverados have the least domestic parts used in them. The friggin Honda Ridgeline has more parts made in America than it lol.
@@tyler2610 its not just relocating that hurt the american car industry, which i believed pushed for the nafta treaty) but for a long time american cars were only geared at the american market, size, fuel consumption and pretty low tech, low quality (watch a few sitcoms from the 90s and even then american cars are a laughing stock ie al bundy's dodge or the testica episode ; its not because there is a few good models but low quality is pretty much an american trademark on nearly anything - I'm trying to think of something well made... ). The way the auto industry tried to counter was also inefficient (regulations) which we all now know is very short term and in the case why foreign cars in the US have to adapt all sorts of weird lights here and there. I dont believe we can compare the situation in detroit 30-40 years ago to the current dynamics, and it is sad that nowadays all cars seem to be off the same platform
@@TSL73 haha dont get me started on american worker related laws - how some people can sleep peacefully at night is beyond me
I just became the proud third owner of a 2000 Z71 Tahoe. You're assessment Hoovie is spot on. It's the most comfortabke vehicle, let alone truck I've ever been in. 2000 was a weird year, Z71 and limiteds were obs and made alongside the nbs. The brush guard, step rails, tail light guards, snd alcoa star rims were oem. The Proudly Made in Arlington Texas by Texans sticker on the door is cool. Mine has 169K. Most of the hallmarks have been addressed, brake lines, inst cluster. I fell in love first drive. It feels so good to have a quiet 350 again.
Most reliable truck ever created?
1980s Toyota Hilux : Hold my beer.
it cant tow shit, frames Rot like butter melts on a hot pan. I love Toyota, i have land cruiser 200, but That hilux/4runner Runs great, but they cant pull anything. Not even a racecar
@@rahiee If we're talking large trucks only - (and diesels) I've heard a lot of good things about 1997 F350 Diesel with the International Harvester motor.
@@rahiee i wouldnt have called a hilux a truck or compared it to one, i suppose its much smaller than this chevy that looks massive (and more likely to be a truck), so may as well compare with a hatchback. Never heard of frame issues, i suppose it depends where you live but good to know
Brad nah man. Those trucks are plagued with glowplug issues that cause it not to start. An F150 with a 300i6 is more reliable than that.
@@Brad-ku9yu A 1997 F350 would not have the IDI 7.3, it would have the Powerstroke turbo 7.3. The IDI is simpler mechanically and tend to run a long time, but are boat anchors for power. A 7.3PSD is much more powerful but can be more finicky to maintain because its more complex. I love my 7.3psd, but then again I do most all the service work myself so it save a fortune on a shop.
this channel has become one of my favorites over the past months, keep it up
Aw hoovie you totally let me down on this one. How could you take a seat in a 6.0 5 speed and not do a hard launch 0-60 run???? Let me down man!!
The nv4500 does not like being shifted like that, at all. I have a 2003 2500hd 6.0 with the 5 speed. It would have been unimpressive.
matthewkam05 wait those things are NV4500’s??! Aren’t they unsynchronized?
Its not his truck and that would have been a shitty thing to do.
@@99thpeanut59 they are most definitely syncronized but flat out refuse to shift quickly. plus GM stuffed an assload of torque management in these trucks so it wouldn't have been fun anyway. my LQ4 wont even do a burnout, maybe chirp the inner tire in a turn. I really need to get an HP tuner to wake it up. They have tons of potential.
Zac Price oh I got you. Yeah that’s kinda bull crap. Actually that’s really disappointing. Only reason I wrote that comment is because I used to have a 98 ram with the 360 and a 5 speed and that thing was fun as fuck despite only having 225 horsepower.
Funny how many people don’t talk about tires. You’re spot on about the tires, they matter so much.
“This is arguably the greatest truck ever made, the most reliable and best built-“
Until the frame folds in half from rust. This was a toyota problem until the 2018 trucks. They now have c channel frames from cab back. And lost 3 billion dollars replacing frames.
@@emanuelnamseth1469 uh, no. No C-channel frame on the Hilux
@@Torvikholm that is why they rust out, due to box frame.
Emanuel Namseth might so be, but the frame is still boxed all the way back
A guy I met had his frame replaced by Toyota said they told him it was due to the lower quality metallurgy used in the original frames. It was crazy to look at his truck, the body just looked like a semi worn truck but looking underneath it looked brand new.
Im a simple man, I see a forest service green silverado on the thumbnail so I click it
Not pictured: the truck-sized rust stain it left on on Hoovie's driveway.
Trust me that’s Kansas there won’t be any rust
@@MAGGOT_VOMIT yeah, I don't buy that. Yes, Ford Triton V8s have had an issue with plugs rattling then blowing out, but I've never seen one actually eject. And if it did, it would have to take out the plug wire or coil pack, and would probably hit the fuel rail on the way out. How many Ford Triton engines have you personally owned? Or do you base your negative opinion on conjecture you heard online? I've personally never seen a single blown plug on a truck that had actual routine maintenence done. 150k+ on the original plugs? Yeah, seen several spit out.
Adam and Korey West sounds like someone’s a Ford fan
It's not a ram
@@williamschwan207 I'll admit, if you cut me I bleed Ford blue. However, I'm basing my statement on 12 years of experience in the automotive repair industry, both as a mechanic and service advisor, working in independent shops where we work on every make and model. I am pretty objective in my viewpoints, which is why I will never argue that any Ford modular based engine is more robust than the GM LS based engine family. The simple truth is their are less issues with the GM engines when both are used (and abused) in similar ways. Neither are perfect, but both are really good when properly maintained.
Arguably the greatest truck ever built in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Sad that they couldn't continue to be built in Oshawa.
I love the GM diesel MILCOTs we have in the Canadian Armed Forces.
@@Kenster1025 or anything for that matter. The plant is now officially closed after 112 years!
My 2000 silverado was built in Canada. 293k miles 2 owner most reliable truck I've ever seen
The larger trucks were made in Flint Michigan, not in Oshawa Ontario
@@Name-cy8ym Technically they were fabricated and assembled in multiple (Mexico, Indiana, St Thomas Ontario, Texas, Wisconsin and of course, Oshawa Ontario Canada) jurisdictions. The least of which being Flint. I believe Michigan's contribution was the mold for the rear ashtray.
So I do stand corrected.
Thanks for the reminder and thank you to beautifully toxic Flint, Michigan for contributing such an integral piece of automotive history! Give yourselves a huge pat on the back!
"Here's why the GMT 800..."
DOUG???
It's daddy Doug!
THIIIISSS
Scotty Kilmer
A great great truck. With a manual transmission. Amazing.
Pickup trucks with manual transmissions🤮🤮🤮🤮😠😡☹️
@@anthony_rivera4735 Go to hell.
That is exactly the configuration I’ve been looking for except 4wd. These old forest and fire truck configuration are awesome.
love when he says 5$ a gallon is rough that just a normal every day here in Canada haha
That must hurt given the huge tar sands project. It's not as if Canada doesn't have oil they can cheaply extract but just like in 'murica the companies want to export the stuff for maximum $$$. We made that illegal in the wake of the 1970s OPEC embargo but once shale oil was in full swing that was lobbied right out of existence.
Yeah well Cali sucks so
Maybe if y’all invaded more oil producing countries it would be cheaper for ya, aye?
*laughs in texan* 1.79 a gallon for 87 octane
@@bbrenddon After we got the tech to extract from ocean reserves and thicker oil (tar sands, fracking) the only argument for light crude was cost. When you factor in all of the opium poppies and child soldiers it generated that is sometimes difficult to swallow.
We have a 2004 - yeah lets talk about those brake lines, the gauges on the dash, and steering...
Don't forget down in Kansas they don't have as much snow and therefore the use less salt on the road, and brake lines won't rot as quickly down there
My brother in law had two, drives it back and forth from Maine to Florida, tows with it as well. Never left him stranded. For a 20 year old car getting beat on every day I’ll take that as a blessing.
Zachary Henderson funny my 02 avalanche being in michigan has only had brake lines rust out once and nothing he mentioned has an issue. Built on the gmt800 platform so pretty much same thing, some people just need to wash under the truck if they want things to not rust away in 5 years.
@@zacharyhenderson2902 The brake lines are just crap steel, doesn't matter where they are, they've basically all had brake lines replaced at this point.
I can confirm about brake lines (04 2500hd)
Toyota: am I a joke to you?
Yeah
lol yup. they are in 2 big piece up here in Canada. and shit to work on vs these.
you mean the pot-metal taco frames, that literally taco? yup.
The day Toyota makes a true 3/4 or 1 ton truck is the day I will "consider" trading in my big Chevy.
Highly overrated by their fanboys. Cramped, dated, harsh riding.
My 2002 hd 2500 is still running like a champ
koala guy nerd my 06 2500hd manual also running like a champ
We have a 2002 Silverado 2500HD W/T that was was a plow truck for a lawn care company. Previous owner was the “CEO” and it was his “personal work truck.” If it needed it, it got i, and it had very little rust for Wisconsin. We packed 2 little rust holes and repainted it because it was so nice. Oh and it had 275,800 miles on it. And it runs amazing. Not even lifter tick.
Two weeks from now you'll burn your rings out ;) haha
pinedac2001 mine won’t
@@thisguytrucksoldtrailer6875 just did your buring oil!! I can smell it lol
5:23 Hoovie sounds like Mickey Mouse in South Park lol
He is a giggly little lad at times!
My grandpa has an 03 Silverado 2500 HD with 95,000 miles on the clock and it still runs absolutely amazing.
We had an 03 tahoe, racked up 287K before we traded it in for an Acadia. It was an amazing piece of our family for nearly 18 years
2003 Silverado 1500HD 6.0 320k runs strong original engine and trans. Best truck we’ve ever owned, just keeps going and going.
an 01 Chevy 2500HD 8.1 and the allison trans, 157,000 and only a crank sensor error, otherwise runs brilliant. also an 01 GMC yukon XL denali with the 6.0, 315,000 miles and still a total champ, even its AWD system is faultfree. love the older GM platforms, my daily truck is a 07 1500 not quite as bullet proff but decent. My partners daily is a Ford f150 from 2017 with the Ecoboost engine, been in the shop 3 times now for turbo issues, they drive the yukon more than that stinking crap boost truck.
Love my GMT 800s, I've had 3 already, currently have an 02 Denali 6.0 AWD Quadrasteer
The other 2 broke down? Sorry to hear about that
Savage Sebby no they didn't both were sold to new owners, one had over 570000kms 🤣
Devon Tomkinson lol he’s just a troll, he’s too stupid
Devon Tomkinson I have a 2003 crew cab Silverado 2wd quadrasteer . Can’t get rid of it . It’s fun to drive and watching people stare when I parallel park is neat.
The C3 Denali's are awesome. It is a shame GM sucks so bad at marketing, Quadrasteer was an awesome option and it would have been cool to see more of them. Basically turns a Suburban turning radius into a Tahoe turning radius (i have seen a few Yukon XL 2500 QS as well).
Wow, I'm not a truck guy but now I want this! I always liked the straighforward Chevy pickups from the squarebodies to the GMT400s. I don't like the front end on this one as it is too cartoonish looking to me, but this is a very well-presented video that had me learning some interesting information. Thanks, Tyler!!!
I never liked the avalanche front end on the 2003 either, but that was actually the most reliable year. I now own a 2003, because my buddy has a bunch of them with well over 300,000 miles and knows how to fix everything on them.
That’s why I love my 2003 F-150 5.4. It’s the old 5.4. It keeps going and going only 120k on it and the seats are so comfortable
Eventually before a 1/4 million miles that engines gonna eat itself. All 5.4 are living on borrowed time those chains were not well thought out not to mention the phasers.
5.4 is an absolutely horrible engine. Many lawsuits over that heavy junk.
The 5.4 triton was a joke compared to a Vortec. My 6.0 gasser vortec has 320k original engine and trans.
That's so true, I also see a lot more older GM trucks still running strong on the road today. Compared to Ford or Dodge on early 2000s there are noticeably a lot more Chevy and GMC trucks still being used and abused for work or personal driving. Even at that go back a few more years there are still lots of early 90s up to late 90s trucks still on the road today, that is impressive and says a lot.
It’s also a scrapper’s dream truck
“This Chevy won’t die”
Tie rods: ITS SHOW TIME
Uhh ohh my power steering pump is going out welp time to take half of the engine apart to fix it and my shittly designed front suspension has decided to wear out again ohh and the Alison trans if equipped has went into limp again evap solenoid broke again as well.
*edit* almost forgot who could forget the stepper motors in the dash breaking and the digital gear selector and mileage display going out and all of the actuators for the vent controls that love to break
Kryptonite tie rods
@@hastysun439 Well yeah aftermarket fixes the problem as per usual just like the 6.0 powerstroke and its many issues and dodge auto transmissions
Just had a replacement 6.0 put in my 05 2500hd. Good old work truck. Came from a fertilizer dealer who used it to pull anhydrous wagons to the field. So its not had an easy life, but its still ticking away. I like it for the reasons you mentioned. Simple and comfortable to drive.
I had one of these for 15 years. It was durable, smooth, reliable, and very comfortable for a truck. I see them all the time still, all over the place. I think only Toyotas can rival the reliability.
Stradman,Burlacher,L.O.P,Summit Life: Buying Raptors
Hoovie : Hold my beer
Where I live I rarely see any of those, I see a billion F-150's running around, what few Silverados I see are rusted relics.
I was thinking that the whole time. In the rust belt, that era of GM basically rotted out long before there was any major mechanical failure. I loved both my S10s but the frames started getting penetrating rust and the cab corners all disappeared. If it wasnt for those issues, Id still be driving them. To me, a 1999 S10 manual is the perfect truck.
where I live in California there are way more old chevy 1500's and 2500's like seriously everywhere you look you rarely see the equivalent older ford trucks maby because shit don't rust in Cali lol 😂
@@SweetLou0523 Where do you live? Ilive in Cali and none of them are rusted most of them are actually pretty mint and out live the older fords
There's a few of these around here but mostly it's the newer models.
Chevy's and Dodge's that see gravel roads in our area are rusting out in 2-3 year unless they have rear fender wheel liners. ABS, airbag and evaporative emissions usually have the lights aglow in the ones I see and work on.
Admittedly this is a rural area that mostly sees Fords as well, can't miss the tell tale rattle of a 5.4 3 valve engine... ( Mine included, finally time to fix it, driver side phaser is off now)
Here in S. Carolina it's a mixed bag, but for sure overall more old Ford F-150's, and F-250's.
I bought a 99 GMC Suburban last February with 289k on it. The damn 350 in it just needed a set of plugs and a new cap and rotor and she pops off like a champ. The frame and body are in excellent condition as well, because the previous owners didn't fix any of the oil leaks. Up north, there are no such thing as oil leaks, just external lubrication distribution systems.
Standard on every European car too
“This truck won’t die” WhistlinDiesel: hold my beer
Duramax*
like beating the shit out of a truck is a special skill.
01V70T5 4LIFE right? Any idiot can kill a truck
Under normal circumstances.
Oh, look...a GMT800 with a janky headliner. (Every one I've ever seen, including mine, has it.)
Mine too! Oh, and I have a broken A pillar cover. Don't care, I love it!
My headliner has been sagging by the door for 100,000 miles. Don't care, and if it's getting worse it's not by much.
@@daniels2761 You're lucky. Mine is over both doors, across the windshield & sunroof opening, and the sunroof cover.
It's getting redone in two weeks.
@@markm5234 hope it holds up. I use a sun shield in the windshield religiously since I bought the pickup in 2011, and I think that has helped to keep the temps down and stop the sag.
Must've been a GM thing in those years; my 2005 TopKick has the same problem
Dang I didn’t realize you were over a million subs! Congratulations dude!
Dan, we don't notice because we're getting our frequent dose of automotive masochism....lol
Nice SRT4 in your profile picture.
A Z thanks I sold it unfortunately but trying to buy it back! Miss it
Had a few GMT800s, none have ever had a knock sensor issue...virtually all CEL issues in my case have been with the evap leaks. Current 2004 Sierra 1500 has intermittent airbag warnings but only when I have an adult passenger in the passenger front seat...never a child. These things will last forever...my last one had an engine fire about a year after I sold it, guy put it out, replaced some vacuum lines that melted and put another 20k hard farm/snow plow miles before he sold it...still in use today. Biggest problem with them are the rockers on extended cabs turn to swiss cheese.
I'll believe they're reliable but not well built, most GMT800s I've seen have Swiss cheese rusted rocker panels
Speaking from Southern Ontario where we use an absurd amount of salt on the roads in the winters.... the GMC/Chevy trucks are still on the road (albeit rusty), but you RARELY see the same generation ford and dodge trucks. If you see an old work truck, it's probably a GM product.
The engine will keep turning long after the wheels stop.
@@MOSHONAS01 I totally agree, the bodies are falling apart but they're still out there, unlike the Fords and Dodges
@@MOSHONAS01 GM sold more trucks up north then dodge and ford. That's why there's more of them. We have a healthy amount of all 3 in Iowa and the theres's far less 90s Gm pickups then there used to be. The frames are cheaper built then a dodge or a ford. and are still built the same way in 2020.
These are ubiquitous compared to the Fords in New England, the older Dodge trucks are mostly gone and the early Tundra and Sequoia all have massive frame rot issues
0:17 *DeBoss Garage has entered the chat*
That truck scares me. 2wd, long bed, standard shift in green. I’d be curious on what vauto says about that truck.
2003 2500 Duramax. Best and worst truck I ever had. Best truck on paper, best stats, most options, best stereo, most comfortable seats, most power, most room, supposedly best transmission available..... I loved it while it worked, but it was the LEAST DEPENDABLE vehicle I ever owned. Design flaw in transfer case (needs rebuild), worn wheel bearings, fuel injectors failed, injector pump failed, serpentine belt pulleys failed, abs control module failed, abs wheel sensors failed, brake lines rusted and failed, fuel line rusted, rust in fuel tank (pump?), and a few other odds and ends. Then the fuel injectors failed AGAIN! This is the truck that has made me swear off GM and generally any of the big 3 American companies for life. Oh, and of course a fist sized rust hole in the rear bottom corner of the cab on both sides. This was all before 150k miles.
It's because it was an LB7 Duramax it was the first Duramax so you've gotta cut them some slack with engine issues
@@zachsteele6964 true, but I dont forgive them for the rust, particularly NOT using stainless brake lines when many others were at the time.
@@BaltimoreAndOhioRR oh yeah that's true, I think GM was struggling at that time that's why there's cheap stuff, I'm not sure though.
Zach is correct about the Duramax. It was an Iszuzu GM collaborative effort with the diesel engine. Iszuzu was " told " to cut cost. So they did on the accessories. That body style was being made at 4 plants, Pontiac, MI; Indianapolis, IN; Oshawa ON; and Ramos Aripe, Mexico was being ramped up. Guess which one you got ? Possibly Pontiac, but more likely Mexico. The Texans always favored the Canadian built trucks, esp. in black. Sorry for your bad experience. Also not using NiCop for brake lines these days is inexcusable on any continent.
Lb7 injectors are located under the valve covers. Labor intensive to replace. 2004.5 Isuzu along with GM engineered the injectors outside of the valve covers. (Better design). As for the rest, hmmm