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Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra 4x4 Questions

233 messages,  Last post on Nov 08, 2009 at 11:21 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Chevrolet Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, GMC Sierra 2500, GMC Sierra 3500, Truck

#179 of 233 Re: 4x4 service. [jbeyhi] by alan1818 May 17, 2009 (11:19 am)
Replying to: jbeyhi (May 15, 2009 7:51 pm) My experience is limited; however, I did recently experience the loss of 4WD on my '96 Sierra that was resolved by replacing the front differential actuator. I had the same flashing 4WD indicator as you did before replacing it. I don't mean to ask a dumb question, but when you say you still have low range, are you sure the front wheels also are engaged? The transfer case shifts separately from the front differential, so you can be in low range, but not in 4WD. Happened to me, I thought I still had 4WD in low range, but it wasn't until I was on a grassy slope that I found I was wrong. If you want to avoid the dealer, the front actuator is a cinch to change, and was at a good price at autopartsdirecttoyou dot com. My '96 was the older style, but was only $73; I think the later years are still under $100. Replies to this message: jbeyhi (May 17, 2009 12:41 pm) alan1818 (May 17, 2009 8:49 pm)
#180 of 233 Re: 4x4 service. [alan1818] by jbeyhi May 17, 2009 (12:41 pm)
Replying to: alan1818 (May 17, 2009 11:19 am) You are probably correct but I don't know where to begin, normally I have it serviced by qualified mechanics but the dealer is about the only one here for this problem. I'm too cheap to take it in since the truck drives/runs well otherwise. What books do you use for referrence? Do they have good graphics/pictures? Thanks. Replies to this message: alan1818 (May 17, 2009 8:49 pm)
#181 of 233 Re: 4x4 service. [jbeyhi] by alan1818 May 17, 2009 (8:49 pm)
Replying to: jbeyhi (May 17, 2009 12:41 pm) Actually, I don't have any manuals for this truck, so I generally only tackle the mechanical stuff. Like with the actuator, this forum was great, a little research into what others have done, and the most likely diagnosis, and then the link to the parts supplier showed a picture of what the actuator looks like. I could see where the actuator was screwed in on the differential. The actuator is mechanical, operated through an electrical connection. The only little issue with mine was that the electrical connector wasn't compatible, and I had to splice the old one onto the new part. It's always bit of a chance, just buying a new part, when it could be switches or something else, but the actuator reportedly fails after a period of time, and I knew the low range switches, lights and gears worked. Simple things first. And I guess I was lucky.
#182 of 233 Re: 4x4 service. [jbeyhi] by surrfurtom May 31, 2009 (5:35 pm)
Replying to: jbeyhi (May 15, 2009 7:51 pm) That's why GM is going bankrupt. They rarely if ever concern themselves with a design fix or a manufacturing defect during a model run.....i.e. 1999 to 2007. The internet is full of the same usually expensive electrical / electronic problems that GM knew about since the late 1999 model that existed on this switch and transfer case motor and also a cable connector as well as many other similar problems (heater actuator, etc).   I have a 2000 GMC Sierra with very low mileage which just today started the same 4wd symptoms as yours.   If GM would have attempted to make every vehicle model continually better each model year they would have ended up with super reliability and quality and they could have Americans lining up to buy their products. Instead they continued to do the same thing they've done for 50 years and never make product adjustments or improvements during the 5 or more years of a model run. The customers are forced to deal with the expense and and inconvenience and poor resale.   The CEO (Wagner, etc) only worried about his jets, bonuses and bennies, not making the best car. Sorry for the rant but every time I think about tax payers bailing them out it ticks me off but not as much as when I think of their incompetent executive management and lack of priorities .
#183 of 233 2000 Silverado 1500 4x4 what's wrong? by krazyk22 Jun 23, 2009 (2:28 pm)
I own a 2000 Silverado 1500 4x4 with 125K miles. Here recently when I accelerate, the truck often revs up into the 3000 rpms, and and sounds like it's going, but the truck doesn't move. I have been assuming it must be the transmission, but could this be something else? Replies to this message: obyone (Jun 23, 2009 11:36 pm)
#184 of 233 Re: 2000 Silverado 1500 4x4 what's wrong? [krazyk22] by obyone Jun 23, 2009 (11:36 pm)
Replying to: krazyk22 (Jun 23, 2009 2:28 pm) You're correct. It's the transmission.
#185 of 233 2008 chevy silverado z71 by krazy08 Jun 26, 2009 (2:06 pm)
since it has no torsion bars, is there any way to level front end without lift? Replies to this message: havatoker (Jul 26, 2009 5:22 pm)
#186 of 233 Re: 4x4 basics [ognend] by lsabourin Jun 27, 2009 (12:11 pm)
Replying to: ognend (Mar 31, 2009 3:02 pm) Hey there Ognen, First of all, to shift into/out of 4Lo you have to be stopped and put the transmission in neutral. And I would recommend to back up several feet after you shift out of 4Lo if you are able to to ensure that the front end is completely disengaged. When ever you are in 4X4 mode and you are have the wheel cranked all the way right or left, your front end will feel like it is binding or "skipping" if you prefer, which is perfectly normal. It will not feel like a 2wd because it a 2wd has no drive line up front.
#187 of 233 trouble with front seal and noise by longtimegmfan Jul 25, 2009 (12:01 pm)
I recently replaced a front seal on my 2002 Silverado. When I went to a parts dealer to buy it, he said he had 60 in stock due to the number he had to sell for replacement. Now it makes some nice extra noise. Anyone else having the same problem?
#188 of 233 Re: 2008 chevy silverado z71 [krazy08] by havatoker Jul 26, 2009 (5:22 pm)
Replying to: krazy08 (Jun 26, 2009 2:06 pm) Order you some heavy duty springs, that will raise it up.

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