Warden Posted March 5, 2011 Report Share Posted March 5, 2011 About 3 weeks ago I decided the ol 99 Silverado was looking a little rough and I needed a new ride.I started looking at some 99-2000 Silverados and Sierras.I found a couple that were very nice for around $5000.I found a 2003 Sierra 2 tone burgundy/silver that was mint and drove tight.$8000.I wanted a 5.3 RWD and that really narrowed the field.My GF woke me up and said "why are you looking at the old style"? She was right so I started to look at 2003 -2005.Still found some great deals.I considered some other brands just to get educated and even took out a Titan.I am a GM guy so I got back on track.While looking at some 03s I found a sSS.Most were more then I wanted to spend.I always thought these trucks were totally cosmetic until I did some research.I found one locally and I thought I'll just check it out for my own education.That was it.I was sold.the guy was asking 13.5K and it was a nice truck but high miles.133K.It also had a rust hole coming through on one of the front fenders.I got him down to 11.7K.I almost bought it but eventually passed on the deal.There were 4 in my area and were too much money.I found one at a GM dealer that was about 4 hours away.74K and they were asking 15.9K.It was red and I really wanted black.I called them up anyway.Small town dealer out in the country.I read people fairly well and the salesman sounded very honest.I acted stupid even though I am a part time mechanic.It was a one owner and the owner was over 60.The salesman even gave me the guys phone #.I asked what was the bottom dollar.I think he told me 14.5 and they needed to do $2000 worth of work to give me the GM warranty.I really wanted the warranty after all the horror stories I read about transfer cases and transmissions.I asked him how much as is no warranty.$13,330,taxes in.Taxes up here are 13%! I offered him 13K delivered.He said sure.Without taxes I was getting the truck for $11,535 and he told me if I found anything wrong that he didn't tell me then I could walk away when it was delivered.He was that confident in the truck.The owner had all his work done at this dealer.Everything.The truck was arriving at 11:30 this morning.Friday.I was excited but I was leary of the colour even though the history and price were perfect.My GF didn't like red either.You have to remember we are old. No flame to any of you red guys out there.The driver arrives at 11:15 and I go out to check out the truck.OMG!This thing is mint!Other then 3 nicks in the paint it's almost perfect.I go out for a test drive and it drives like new.I even like the red.I hand the guy the cheque and a $20 tip for lunch.Done. I've never owned a 4X4 and was concerned before I bought it about the ride.I have a bad back from all the trannys and BBC heads I have lifted out of an engine bay.I plug in a disc of Nickelback,crank it up and off I go.MY GF works about 30 miles away so I go to see her.She loves it.Again.She likes the red.If I ever drove my 99 without a pillow behind me I would be in lots of pain.I forgot the pillow and when I get out I feel great!I love this truck.Here are the only small things I don't like. I drove about 80 miles.1/4 tank to empty.When I got back and parked it the gauge said 1/4 which was were it was when I left.GREAT!When I come out later and start it up the low fuel light comes on and it reads empty.S#*t.Is GM ever going to figure out how to make a sender that lasts more then a couple of years?Plus.That was a lot of gas for 80 miles.I nailed it maybe 3 times for about 7 seconds.This thing is choppy over bumps.It feeels like the shocks are wrong for the truck even though it rides great on regular pavement.Steering clunk.I'll update the shaft soon.Coasting down hill with everything off you can hear a slight howl.Other people would not hear it but I do.The radio sounds great for factory but the reception is not the best.On the highway this thing is reving around 2500.I didn't think with the overdrive it would be that high.I'm gonna have to check to see if the lockup is working.Other then that I love this thing. Take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
f1ss Posted March 5, 2011 Report Share Posted March 5, 2011 As far as your gasoline guage, it could be the instrument cluster. I hade mine replaced twice (speedo was stuck at 120mph, and gasoline light would come on). Mine was under warranty at the time. You should look into a tune to help waken up your truck. LEP, Blackbear, Wheatley. Dynos are the best, or if their is a good GM tuner he can do a tune driving with you or order from the vendors above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueAKSSS Posted March 5, 2011 Report Share Posted March 5, 2011 Well first off, Congrats on the new to you SSS! There pretty awesome trucks. Like 03mass said its possibly your gauge cluster stepper motor that controls the gas gauge causing that problem with the low fuel light and such. I'm sure its going into lockup the check engine light would probably be on if it wasn't. Mine sits around 2400-2500 rpm at 70 mph so yours is just about right. When you get a chance post up some pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonycillo Posted March 5, 2011 Report Share Posted March 5, 2011 your reving the rpms you are is because of the 4:10's in the difs. congrats on the SSS, there is a lot of GREAT info on here for just about anything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted March 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 Thanks for the info guys.I am considering a tune.I'm really not looking for any big power gains right now.Later I will be looking for mid 13s as long as it doesn't affect my mileage or dependability.We do have some great tuners in my area.I wondering how big a difference a mail order tune will be compared to a hands on tune.Did anyone out there get a mail order tune on a dead stocker and notice a big difference?Did you pick up any mileage?I would like to see a little more responsiveness from this truck off the line.I was hoping it would be quicker off the line.I could see were a converter would really make a difference.If I ever go that far I think I will upgrade to a 4L80E.I only like to do things once. What options were available for these trucks in 03?Mine does not have fog lights,XL radio or dual climate control.Is anyone happy with their aftermarket fog lights?I have noticed the leather seats do not allow you to slide out very easily.I've never had leather in a truck before and it feels like your jeans will wear it down eventually.Are there any products which will help here?I bought some Zaino cleaner and conditioner.It didn't help even though it cleans well and smells great.Another thing I want to do is replace some or the radio buttons as they are worn right through to white plastic.Are the buttons available separate or do I need to touch them up myself?The pre sets and volume button on the steering wheel are the worse. Thanks As far as your gasoline guage, it could be the instrument cluster. I hade mine replaced twice (speedo was stuck at 120mph, and gasoline light would come on). Mine was under warranty at the time. You should look into a tune to help waken up your truck. LEP, Blackbear, Wheatley. Dynos are the best, or if their is a good GM tuner he can do a tune driving with you or order from the vendors above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted March 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 No pics yet.It's been raining and snowing the last couple of days. Here is the original add.Not very good shots. Thanks http://getchev.autotrader.ca/certified/Chevrolet/2003-Chevrolet-Silverado+1500-722f21150a0a006401565e9ddbe40ee6.htm Well first off, Congrats on the new to you SSS! There pretty awesome trucks. Like 03mass said its possibly your gauge cluster stepper motor that controls the gas gauge causing that problem with the low fuel light and such. I'm sure its going into lockup the check engine light would probably be on if it wasn't. Mine sits around 2400-2500 rpm at 70 mph so yours is just about right. When you get a chance post up some pics! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70chevy03ss Posted March 6, 2011 Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 Thanks for the info guys.I am considering a tune.I'm really not looking for any big power gains right now.Later I will be looking for mid 13s as long as it doesn't affect my mileage or dependability.We do have some great tuners in my area.I wondering how big a difference a mail order tune will be compared to a hands on tune.Did anyone out there get a mail order tune on a dead stocker and notice a big difference?Did you pick up any mileage?I would like to see a little more responsiveness from this truck off the line.I was hoping it would be quicker off the line.I could see were a converter would really make a difference.If I ever go that far I think I will upgrade to a 4L80E.I only like to do things once. What options were available for these trucks in 03?Mine does not have fog lights,XL radio or dual climate control.Is anyone happy with their aftermarket fog lights?I have noticed the leather seats do not allow you to slide out very easily.I've never had leather in a truck before and it feels like your jeans will wear it down eventually.Are there any products which will help here?I bought some Zaino cleaner and conditioner.It didn't help even though it cleans well and smells great.Another thing I want to do is replace some or the radio buttons as they are worn right through to white plastic.Are the buttons available separate or do I need to touch them up myself?The pre sets and volume button on the steering wheel are the worse. Thanks I have a black bear tune and love it It should have been the first thing that I did but I waited till i have 100K on it. But it woke the truck right up. Justin sat in the truck with me as I drove he tuned! Fog light were NEVER an option on these trucks. They are super easy to add also You should have dual climate control though. Do you mean digital control. That was an option as well. Ditch the Zaino cleaner and go to Adams Polishs. They have AWESOME cleaners and you will love there products.. As far a radio buttons i don't think you can replace them. Steering wheel buttons you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted March 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted March 6, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 6, 2011 I thought I read somewhere that the Canadian SSSs(can we get some more Ss in here;) ) had a few less or different options then the US trucks.I have a blank button just to the left of the headlight knob near the bottom.What is that for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eeekroar Posted March 7, 2011 Report Share Posted March 7, 2011 Congratulations on truck, I also had to have steering shaft, and speed-o replaced, its common. You will enjoy it around here for sure. If you would have posted that novel on the BMW forum they would of skinned you alive and threw your body in a ditch. The guys on this forum are 1000000000000 times nicer and all around good people compared to the BMW douches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70chevy03ss Posted March 7, 2011 Report Share Posted March 7, 2011 I thought I read somewhere that the Canadian SSSs(can we get some more Ss in here;) ) had a few less or different options then the US trucks.I have a blank button just to the left of the headlight knob near the bottom.What is that for? Its supposed to be where the fog light button would be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misterp Posted March 7, 2011 Report Share Posted March 7, 2011 I offered him 13K delivered.He said sure.Without taxes I was getting the truck for $11,535 WELL BOUGHT. The driver arrives at 11:15 and I go out to check out the truck.OMG!This thing is mint! Awesome! Told ya shopping around would pay! S#*t.Is GM ever going to figure out how to make a sender that lasts more then a couple of years? Not a common complaint but I feeel your pain! That was a lot of gas for 80 miles. Freeway mileage on that truck with a performance tune should be 15+ MPG; if it's not that high plus add in the other 'evidence' of 2500+ RPM in top gear I would agree the converter could suspect. Unless you are driving 85 on the freeway. One other thing I remembered, the PCM will add tons of enrichment fuel after about 75-mph, for catalyst overtemp protection (COT); the truck's factory MPG just plummets after about 78-MPH and COTS is a part of it, the factory VE tune is also to blame (GM runs it pretty fat). This thing is choppy over bumps. Yup it is. It feeels like the shocks are wrong for the truck even though it rides great on regular pavement. Yup the OE shocks are cheap POS crap. Steering clunk.I'll update the shaft soon. Yup we piss and moan about the steering shaft too! Coasting down hill with everything off you can hear a slight howl.Other people would not hear it but I do. I have the same noise in my truck. I have not been able to isolate the component yet. On the highway this thing is reving around 2500. What MPH were you driving? It's been forever since my truck had stock-sized tires (32") but if I remember correctly the engine ran at 2100-RPM at 70-MPH. Sounds like overall you found a real peach. Let us know what you find on the converter. Mr. P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warden Posted March 7, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 7, 2011 Yes.I'm glad I did listen to you and glad I found this forum before I dropped.The guy with the black one called me back and said when he took the truck in to be certified that it needed $800 worth of work.He wanted me to pay that on top of the $11,700.I told him not a chance.Some people just have no idea what vehicles are worth.I'm fairly sure I was doing 65 when the tach read 2500.Even for 4.10s it still seemed high.I'm going to check it again.I know with GNs if you hold a steady speed on the highway and just touch the brake the RPMs will go up about 200 which shows the converter is locking up.I don't know if that test will work on the SSS.Coming home today around 60MPH the dash readout was saying 11-13MPG.Time for plugs wires and a tune.I should also check the O2 sensors to see that they are working ok. Thanks I offered him 13K delivered.He said sure.Without taxes I was getting the truck for $11,535 WELL BOUGHT. The driver arrives at 11:15 and I go out to check out the truck.OMG!This thing is mint! Awesome! Told ya shopping around would pay! S#*t.Is GM ever going to figure out how to make a sender that lasts more then a couple of years? Not a common complaint but I feeel your pain! That was a lot of gas for 80 miles. Freeway mileage on that truck with a performance tune should be 15+ MPG; if it's not that high plus add in the other 'evidence' of 2500+ RPM in top gear I would agree the converter could suspect. Unless you are driving 85 on the freeway. One other thing I remembered, the PCM will add tons of enrichment fuel after about 75-mph, for catalyst overtemp protection (COT); the truck's factory MPG just plummets after about 78-MPH and COTS is a part of it, the factory VE tune is also to blame (GM runs it pretty fat). This thing is choppy over bumps. Yup it is. It feeels like the shocks are wrong for the truck even though it rides great on regular pavement. Yup the OE shocks are cheap POS crap. Steering clunk.I'll update the shaft soon. Yup we piss and moan about the steering shaft too! Coasting down hill with everything off you can hear a slight howl.Other people would not hear it but I do. I have the same noise in my truck. I have not been able to isolate the component yet. On the highway this thing is reving around 2500. What MPH were you driving? It's been forever since my truck had stock-sized tires (32") but if I remember correctly the engine ran at 2100-RPM at 70-MPH. Sounds like overall you found a real peach. Let us know what you find on the converter. Mr. P. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weehousz Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 Its supposed to be where the fog light button would be. Button to the left of the headlight switch would be the dome light off or on button. To the right of the headlight switch is the dimmer then to the right of that on the top is the cargo light. The fog light button would be under that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weehousz Posted March 8, 2011 Report Share Posted March 8, 2011 Coasting down hill with everything off you can hear a slight howl.Other people would not hear it but I do. I have the same noise in my truck. I have not been able to isolate the component yet. I have been told by my mechanic, who also owns a SS and checks the site from time to time, that a slight faint howl is normal and it comes from the front diff. When it becomes louder it is an issue. The front diff has been an issue with these trucks from the beginning, its poorly designed. But thats besides the point. From what I have heard and what I have been doing for the two years I have owned mine is servicing the front diff fluid every 15000 or so. When I bought it the guy who had it before me had it rebuilt and when they rebuilt it they re used the retainers in the housing, needless to say the retainers broke loose which allowed my bearings to spin in the housing. So 2300 bucks later, I change the fluid every 15000 to keep an eye on things. But congrats on joining the SS club, its a great truck and I love every second in mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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