Any years are considered the best for Chevy-MC?

[70cst]

Hi Guys & Gals ...

I am mostly on the 67-72 forum as I have a 70cst.

I am considering the purchase another truck (4x4) as a second driver ...

Looking at 88 and up which is why I am also over here.

Are there certain models or years that is more desirable or better built?

Trim packages? Motor?

I am not familiar with these years of trucks but I like the looks of these years.

Thanks in advance.

[Palf70Step]

I like the looks of the 99-02 the best for the Chevy. The GMCs stay about the same look all the way thru. I know electrical changed in the 03 year and it had a lot more gadget to the interior. Most all of mine were V6 works truck models (reg cab short bed) which I liked alot. I had 1 with a 4.8 V8 and it was very nice. Same to slighter better MPG that the V6 and way more oomph. I would look at 5.3 if I was looking at extended cab or crew cab.

Things to look for

Heater cores tend to clog (dexcool stuff) if not serviced well. The connectors at the firewall also tend to leak. Had to change the ones on my 02 twice in the 10 years I had it. I never had any major electronic issues, but the dash gauges tended to be an issue on these years. The 1500 series have rack and pinion steering which I like a lot better than the traditional steering box. Felt way smoother and just had a better feel to me.

The 99-02 had 4-wheel disc brakes. Again I like this and never had any issues. I have heard some folks had issues with the parking brake feature of the rear discs. Starting with the 03 year it went back to being a drum rear brake. Brakes on these are way better than the 88-98 years.

The cloth seats in my work trucks were very comfortable and supportive , but I did not care for the leather seats my friends had in their trucks. They seemed to wear out quicker and were less supportive.

Fuel pumps go out normally in the 120K-140K range. Always replace it with good GM ones or it will go out quicker.

That's all I can remember or think of right now.

[70cst]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I like the looks of the 99-02 the best for the Chevy. The GMCs stay about the same look all the way thru. I know electrical changed in the 03 year and it had a lot more gadget to the interior. Most all of mine were V6 works truck models (reg cab short bed) which I liked alot. I had 1 with a 4.8 V8 and it was very nice. Same to slighter better MPG that the V6 and way more oomph. I would look at 5.3 if I was looking at extended cab or crew cab.

Things to look for

Heater cores tend to clog (dexcool stuff) if not serviced well. The connectors at the firewall also tend to leak. Had to change the ones on my 02 twice in the 10 years I had it. I never had any major electronic issues, but the dash gauges tended to be an issue on these years. The 1500 series have rack and pinion steering which I like a lot better than the traditional steering box. Felt way smoother and just had a better feel to me.

The 99-02 had 4-wheel disc brakes. Again I like this and never had any issues. I have heard some folks had issues with the parking brake feature of the rear discs. Starting with the 03 year it went back to being a drum rear brake. Brakes on these are way better than the 88-98 years.

The cloth seats in my work trucks were very comfortable and supportive , but I did not care for the leather seats my friends had in their trucks. They seemed to wear out quicker and were less supportive.

Fuel pumps go out normally in the 120K-140K range. Always replace it with good GM ones or it will go out quicker.

That's all I can remember or think of right now.

Thanks for the info ...

[hatzie]

The 3/4 tons and probably the 1 tons had 4w Disc brakes at least through MY 2005. Mine has em.
The 03-07 front seats and foams seem to hang together a little better than the 99-02.
The electric seat motors gearboxes strip out and GM didn't make the motors available individually so you can end up buying the whole lower seat frame $$$$ or a whole seat when they aren't working.

[Greg58]

If you are considering a diesel, the 2006 and 2007 Classic has the LBZ engine, which is the most desirable non-DEF Duramax.
However they are pricey.
Stay away from Displacement on Demand engines, my experience is they are oil users and expensive to repair. Those may not have started till 07.
Can't go wrong with a 6.0 3/4 ton, strong transmission, engine is pretty bulletproof and reliable.
Greg

[Greg58]

A couple other things to consider, the 4 wheel disc brakes last a long time before needing new pads. The 4wd transfer case in some of the early 2000s had failure from pump rub. (google it) I know because I had to change one out in the middle of winter on our 2000 3/4 ton 4x4 Suburban. My wife came home and said her transmission made a funny noise! I went out and looked under it and there was a large piece of the transfer case missing. Funny thing is I was able to drive it into the shop. Wasn't a terrible job, I bought a reman that had a fix done to prevent that from happening again.

[hatzie]

I don't believe GM put DOD/AFM in the pickup trucks til 2007. It's something to steer clear of if you can.

[70cst]

Found a 2006 GMC Sierra Denali about 15 miles from my house,

160,000 miles but it looks very clean ...

[hatzie]

Look at the rear frame crossmember tubes and the fuel and brake lines. If it spent time in the salt it'll show there.