haynes vs chilton - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

keithh999 · 03-23-2011, 08:34 PM

out of the two best known repair manuals which one would be the best for an 88 GMC Suburban 5.7L 4x4?? or is there an alternate that would beat them??

BLE 'BURBAN · 03-23-2011, 10:18 PM

Go to www.helminc.com and order the factory service manual It'll include the factory wiring/vacuum diagram. I've got all three brands and personaly I love the factory one the most.

68Timber · 03-25-2011, 10:58 AM

The factory repair manuals are sold on ebay in dvd format.

4pilgrim4 · 03-28-2011, 08:56 AM

I'd choose the Haynes over the Chiltons as they seem to get into a bit more depth, but the factory manual is best.

One of the best reasons to use the factory is the pictures and diagrams are much better. OTOH, sometimes the factory manual relies on factory special tooling and jigs that the average guy has no access to.

Also OTOH often the aftermarket manuals call out these same jigs with a poorer photo or diagram -- so I guess this again points to the factory manual.

jumbo · 03-28-2011, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLE 'BURBAN

Go to www.helminc.com and order the factory service manual It'll include the factory wiring/vacuum diagram. I've got all three brands and personaly I love the factory one the most.

i just checked that site and all they have is the owners manuals. Do i need to pick a different year? I have an 89 burb, i know from 88-91 they kept the square body style but the 88-96 (or so) motor and stuff...

**special-K** · 03-29-2011, 07:42 AM

I ordered a Helm book when my '90 Blazer was new. They sent me three!! It took three books to cover schematics and such. Chilton and Haynes are like a cheap flashlight. When you try to use them they work a little then leave you hanging. Just enough to make you think you have something and end up aggrevating you.

motornut · 03-29-2011, 11:35 PM

couldn't find my old Haynes books
and well i had to call around just to find a Haynes manual in a Canadian tire store up here
was told it was a special order,why one store didn't have it...BS
25$ well spent insurance i feel (bought one for every car i've had,big stack of them now lol)
sure a factory one is very detailed (i have some for others $$)but most of us will get by without them
and the newer one is a lot better then i remember the old one.....pictures not pencil drawings
On the side of the road with no start......that 25 buck book could be your best friend lol.

03-23-2011, 08:34 PM	#1
keithh999 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Richmond VA Posts: 12	haynes vs chilton out of the two best known repair manuals which one would be the best for an 88 GMC Suburban 5.7L 4x4?? or is there an alternate that would beat them??

03-23-2011, 10:18 PM	#2
BLE 'BURBAN In the Forgotten far North. Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 2,627	Re: haynes vs chilton Go to www.helminc.com and order the factory service manual It'll include the factory wiring/vacuum diagram. I've got all three brands and personaly I love the factory one the most. __________________ 1987 R3500 CREW CAB DUALLY (BIG RED)Acquired 06/12/2015 1990 chevy suburban V2500 5.7L My cluster Mods-Nov 2007 overhead console Stereo install Round 2 Aug 2009 Heated/turn signal mirror upgrade

03-25-2011, 10:58 AM	#3
68Timber I know the pieces fit Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MONTGOMERY, AL Posts: 5,523	Re: haynes vs chilton The factory repair manuals are sold on ebay in dvd format. __________________ John 79 2wd Blazer (Bruiser) 85 M1009 Blazer (Sarge) build 74 Honda Z50 build

03-28-2011, 08:56 AM	#4
4pilgrim4 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Silverdale, WA Posts: 59	Re: haynes vs chilton I'd choose the Haynes over the Chiltons as they seem to get into a bit more depth, but the factory manual is best. One of the best reasons to use the factory is the pictures and diagrams are much better. OTOH, sometimes the factory manual relies on factory special tooling and jigs that the average guy has no access to. Also OTOH often the aftermarket manuals call out these same jigs with a poorer photo or diagram -- so I guess this again points to the factory manual.

03-29-2011, 07:42 AM	#6
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: haynes vs chilton I ordered a Helm book when my '90 Blazer was new. They sent me three!! It took three books to cover schematics and such. Chilton and Haynes are like a cheap flashlight. When you try to use them they work a little then leave you hanging. Just enough to make you think you have something and end up aggrevating you. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

03-29-2011, 11:35 PM	#7
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: haynes vs chilton couldn't find my old Haynes books and well i had to call around just to find a Haynes manual in a Canadian tire store up here was told it was a special order,why one store didn't have it...BS 25$ well spent insurance i feel (bought one for every car i've had,big stack of them now lol) sure a factory one is very detailed (i have some for others $$)but most of us will get by without them and the newer one is a lot better then i remember the old one.....pictures not pencil drawings On the side of the road with no start......that 25 buck book could be your best friend lol. __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

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