[biketopia]

Dex cool got a really bad rep in the beginning because people would let it get low, add whatever to the system and it would react. They saw 100k 5 year service interval and assumed lifetime. If you keep it full, and fresh it will serve you very very well. My duramax has dex in it and it has 180k on the clock and no cooling or antifreeze issues. The engine and cooling system is designed for Dex i'd stick with it, just flush it and get the pre-mixed if you don't want to mess with distilled water.

You're going to be very happy with that truck, my ex and I had an 04 that is still kicking with well over 200 on it. My big thing would be to check the brake lines, if they haven't been done, get prepared for them, it's common on that generation GM truck and SUV. Get a set from the dealer or find the part # and get them on amazon. The pre bent coated lines will last forever and A LOT easier to work with vs the Dorman stainless kits, plus they are half the price.