Thinking of getting a new truck, could use some opinions.

[79bonanza]

Ive been thinking about getting a newer truck once i finsh school and start working. I'm really starting to like the newer body style chevy trucks.

Ive already looked at a few diffrent trucks and i think im set on a 2009 silverado LT or LTZ. I havent decided if i want black or dark gray just depends on avalibility.

The only thing that im really looking to get is a solid nice looking 4x4 with a decent interior and plenty of power ( meaning it will have the 6.2L) for hauling the occasional trailor.

Im just wondering what you guys think of the new truck, how they ride, pull, tow , comfort while driving, etc......

Any advice or anything to look out for on the newer trucks would be much appreciated.

 

[RIPPEDK5]

I can tell you that my Boss got a beautiful one

and then had the plow put on it, and it constantly rides on the bumpstops and its rack and pinion steering (i dont know why) and the rack and pump already have needed to be replaced...

Just remember even through out the new years chevy's front end parts are always an issue because its IFS..for some reason they cant build a solid front end, even after all these years.

My boss tells be he would have rather kept his early 90's stepside shortbed

 

[79bonanza]

Yea i know about GM's crappy IFS, trust me i know lol i have a 99 sierra on 35's and just cruise around it burns up ball joints tie rod ends and wheel bearings.

I wasent really worried about it on a newer truck because it will be stock atleast until its paid off. And for the life of me i dont think i could put a plow on such a pretty new truck lol

 

[RIPPEDK5]

Well the front ends are just as soft as they were before, and you might want to check if they still have the issues as previous years.

Rack and pinion steering and trucks dont mix, it is such a flimsy setup even in stock form.

make sure the engine has improved head design (not from castech)

the rear end hasnt been beat on (the G-bomb center block in the differential cracks under hard use and towing)

and make sure the dash doesnt go screwy with the gauges (known for that)

 

[Deuling]

My grandpas 2009 silverado had the computer go out on it 6 months after he bought it brand new off the lot. It was covered by warranty, but still... Really????

 

[79bonanza]

RIPPEDK5- i didnt know they switched to rack and pinion on the newer chevys, that does seem kinda cheap. Im looking to get the lastest generation LS engine that comes in them. the VVT AFM 6.2L so hopefully its the better casted heads.

Deuling- thats strange that a pcm would go out so soon without any other previous issues, but i guess quality control lets a bad one out every once in awhile

 

[RIPPEDK5]

surprising what these vehicles are made out of.....not just Chevy...The new Fords (and Fords in General) are just built with the cheapest material and are plain junk..

Just remember KISS ---Keep It Simple S*****

I know everyone wants all the gizmos (heated seats, compasses, read outs, i pod widgets, talk texting etc. etc.)

but that is just more to break and expensive and trust me nothings free..under warranty or not

 

[79bonanza]

Yea isnt that the truth. i know all the gismos are more prone to breaking but they sure are cool while they work lol

Do you know anyone that has one of the 6.2L in there truck. i drove one at a dealer and it was pretty rowdy i wont lie

 

[RIPPEDK5]

They do have great power and is still an LS motor,

Double check the brake lines for premature rust (prone to it)

and look at the steering shaft (they start having play at about 50k+ miles)

and the exhaust manifolds tend to rust.

the motor is a big version of the 5.3L

have the intake gaskest been done? there not hard to do just annoying

does it have a 4L60E or the 4L80E? the later being the better, but my friends tranny popped at 85k miles

none of these may be an issue for you but something to look into

LS motors are a great platform. The corvette intake bolts right on because intake ports are simmetrical

 

[79bonanza]

well im from ky and we really dont have to much problem with premature rusting issues but ill keep a eye out for it.

ive done a few steering shafts in the newer chevy trucks and they arent to bad to do, only took about 35 40 minutes.

the 6.2 that ive been looking at all come with the 6l80 in them and ill be honest thats really what i want, i like the new six speeds personally.


well i guess with besides what all newer chevys suffer from there really isnt any other problems with them.