Need input on '05 Chevrolet

[Dimebag]

Hi,

I am currently considering a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado Sportside. It has the 5.3L/5.4L? gasoline engine, and automatic transmission.

How is the fuel economy on this car? I am considering it to use from home, to the mountain, wih the sled on the bed. Thats a 250 km drive each weekend.

Are there any known problems with these cars, or is it a safe buy?

Just want some opinions, and I guess someone on here should have some experience with it.

Any info appreciated.

 

[kirkswim]

I had a 2003 exited with 8 foot box with the 5.3l and 3.73 rear ends. it was better on gas hauling/towing up to 100km/h than my 2009 silver ado with a 4.8l and 3.42 rear ends .

As for issues, rear disc brakes to require periodic matinance(i cleaned a lubed the slide pins every 15000km's, this was probity a little to much maintenance but if you don't do it every once and awhile they seize and the brake wear unevenly) People had issues with the waterpump gaskets(stock are metal with a silicon oring) I replaced mine with old school felpro gaskets and when doing the oil change re torqued the 4 bolts. The truck is still going with 380,000kms on it so far with the last 80,000 as a delivery truck for my brothers company.

 

[Dimebag]

How are the reliability on GMC trucks compared to a Dodge Ram?

 

[sledneck22]

I had an 04 Silverado same as you speak but it had big 35" tires and 6" lift. I went through a CV joint because of the Lift and Tires. Other than that it got about 14-15 mpg with the lift and tires. My buddies with similar trucks got about 17. My 04 Avalanche with the same engine and rear end was great. That got about 18 mpg and towed 2 sleds without much issue. I had 130000 miles on that. Only ever changed the oil and tranny fluid. They are know to go through a transmission in high mileage but mine never needed it. I did change the transmission fluid at 100000 and 125000 just to be safe. A local guy bought it and it is still on the road after selling 1.5 years ago.

 

[IBABAD1]

It may get 14 mpg with the 5.3l. They are well noted for brake rotors rusted and pitted. Also the rear backing plates rust out.

 

[snobill]

No problems with my 04 I've only changed oil, brakes, trany oil rear end and oya need a new radio the cds dont want to come out no more .

 

[Dimebag]

I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Magnum on hand right now, any info on that truck?

 

[Viper_Dave]

I own an 02 Escalade, an 05 Suburban, and an 03 Ram. Ram has 256,000 miles on it. No major repairs until 180,000. Front wheel bearings and most steering components replaced before it got to 200,000. Suburban is 4wd with a 5.3. Excellent fuel mileage, generally over 20 mpg on the highway. Pulling my 2 place enclosed, 14-15. It has around 190,000 on it and is the family hauler. The Escalade is a 6.0 AWD and is great. Power,ride, and decent fuel mileage. All in all, I have more money spent on the 2 GM products than the Ram for repairs

 

[Dimebag]

Thanks for your replies. Im gonna go take a look at the ram some day after new years eve.

 

[Dr. FeeLGooD]

Ram trucks are very dependable and around here cheaper to buy than Ford or Chev. Main issue is balljoints on the 4x4s. go out every 50,000 miles. I have a 2007 5.7 hemi .
In the end it will boil down to Yamaha, Cat, Skidoo or Polaris.
Yamaha of course. lol

 

[Dimebag]

2007 4.7 RAM. Picking it up next friday. Whats the best way to load the sled on the bed? What kind of ramp system should i get?

 

[Sasquatch]

Get a trifolding alluminum four wheeler ramp put plastic slides on outsides. Cut up truck liner works perfect if the ramp does not come made for sleds ski carbides to run on. Trifold is nice because it can be thrown in beside the sled. Course you need a liner in the truck bed. Hauled this way for years.

Got my ramp from Princess Auto but I have seen folding ramps sold everywhere.

http://www.cabelas.com/category/Ramps-T ... 524380.uts

 

[Dimebag]

Yeah, thats the kind of ramp I have been looking for. Im gonna get som sort of liner in the truck bed before i load the sled the first time

I wonder how the fuel consumption on this car is gonna be.. Im guessing a little more than my Volkswagon Passat Turbodiesel..