2003 Silverado

Hi all,
I just bought a new truck last night. Yeah, I am nervous as heck, having a new vehicle and a payment again. Call me frugal or whatever, but it was nice to have something paid off for a bit !

Looking to hear all the ‘good’ stories from GM owners. I did my research before buying, but it would be really nice to hear from guys that have owned these trucks and put some major miles on them. I am sure this vehicle will be in my possession until about 120K, so longevity is a concern.

Thank you very much.

nubbinbuck,

Congrats on your purchase! I am assuming you bought a half ton pick up? What engine did you decide on? 5.3L, 6.0L?

I own a 2001 GMC 3/4 ton crew cab. THis truck has been a great truck for pulling my rig around various parts of the country in search of walleyes. I have the 6.0L engine with a 4:10 rear end gear ratio. I currently have 44,000 miles on it now.
THe only problem I have had with the vehicle is that I had the front differential completely replaced this past winter. Kind of a hefty bill and of course out of warranty. I called GMC customer assistance and they helped me out a bit with the bill. They did not have to at all, but wanted my business. I have been real happy with the vehicle overall.

Congrat again.

Dee Zee,
I went with the Z71, towing package, and 5.3 engine (3.73 rear end).

Have you owned any other like trucks, and put higher mileage on it? I haven’t heard too many bad things on the 5.3 – some still prefer the 5.7. Since that engine had been put back into these trucks in 99, I feel the ‘bugs’ should have been all worked out by now. The largest boat I will be towing would be a 1850 FH, so I don’t see this as being an issue for wear/tear on the drivetrain.

I have owned nothing but GM pickups and they all have been pretty good to me. My longest running vehicle was a 1/2 ton e-cab with a 5.7 liter and that one ran 250,000 miles and still runnning as far as I know. These motors as well as the new engines have been pretty bullet proof.
As I mentioned, I have the 6.0 liter in my truck now and that one has had an engine knock since the day I pulled it of fthe lot. I have contacted GMC many times abou the issue and they have said every time that this is not an issue of concern and even backed it up with a free 100,000 warranty on the motor. Again, a very pleasant experience with GMC. I will buy another one some day.

Hey nubbinbuck,

I own a 1991 GMC Jimmy(full size)4×4 with a EFI 350…80,000 miles on it and she has been a great vehicle for me….

I have a 95 GMC Sierra 305 with 140,000mi and its been a great truck other than it’s a deer magnet. No engine or power train problems to speak of. Congrats on the new ride.

We just turned over 80K on our 99 GMC Sierra 1500. We had to put in a new fuel pressure regulator at about 50K, it’s a known problem for that year. My service 4WD light started coming on this week, so I have take it in and get it checked out. Over-all, I’m very happy with the truck(considering I’m a ford guy, wife brought the truck to the marriage). We get 18.5 mpg when traveling to SD, and no speeding of course.

Could someone recommend a place in the cities to take it to install one of those spray in bed liners? Also, looking for one of those ‘fabric’ type bed covers that snap down.

Don’t know about the bedliner but you made a good choice on thre truck. I have 3 Chevy’s in the driveway and only one of them has less than 175K. I have a ’92 Siverado with 178K that is still going strong. My 2 older ones have the 350 but my 2001 has the 5.3. I was worried about pulling power but it has exceeded all my expectations. I wouldn’t get rid of it at 120K, it will just be broken in then.

I’m running a ’94 Olds Bravadac coming up to 105,000 miles. Just regular maintanance plus one set of new tires in 9 years. Only minor problem is gas caps. I’m on my 8th one because I keep forgetting to put them back on when I gas up.

Reply on the bedliner;
I bought the same truck in 2001 and brought it immediately to to a place in Savage called Line-X. Couldn’t be happier with it. The liner is tougher than nails and if it chips (which it hasn’t) they will fix it for free. Need to be careful throwing stuff in the back because it will still dent the whell wells etc if you care about that sort of thing.

Hey nubbinbuck. I have a 2001 GMC and no problems at all. I only have 13,000 on it though. Are you set as far as a spray in liner?? I have an extra bed liner if you have the extended cab it should fit. Give ARM 25 bucks and it’s yours. Steve

Leineman,
I sent you a PM.. thanks.

Yep and I sent one back. Steve

I have the 2003 GMC crew cab,3/4 ton with the Duramax in it.I have about 4,000 miles so far and get 17-18mph pulling a 20ft ranger across the country.The little woman says she gets 18-20 on the highway with no load.So far I coudnt be happier with the truck.The power this Duramax has is unreal,passing with a 20fter behind you is nice.

Ditto for me Nubbin! I got a new ext cab Z-71 4X4 Silverado w a 5.3 V-8 2 months ago. LOVE IT!!!!
I had a 2001 reg cab Sport and it was great too. I just needed the extra room for guiding. They threw in a Duraliner for me and it seems fine.