Hey all

I am finally looking to purchase a used crew cab 2wd Chevy or GMC. 2001 - 2003. Is there anything I need to watch out for when looking at these trucks? I have always been a GM guy, but have not spent a lot of time on the new generation trucks. I currently have a 97 Silverado.

I know some of the early 6.0 engines had cast iron heads. Was this only in 2000 or did some 2001 have them as well? I do want the aluminum heads.

Any advise is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Micah Bennett
Pleasant View TN
66 Chevy Caprice (Hot Rod under contruction)
01 Tahoe LT - (She drives it, I wash it)
97 Silverado Ext Cab (190000 miles and going strong)

 

Just your basic thing that you look for in any vehicle used. There really is no one particular thing. Except excessive engine noise.

 

I believe 2000 was last of iron heads, I might be wrong. I just got a 03 ex cab 2500 HD! I love it, it is a great truck.
Good luck.

 

You have to watchout for engine knock. When you go shopping, make sure you go early in the morning on a cold day so you can see if you are getting a knocker. Those 6.0 are the worse knockers.

 

They fixed alot of the knock in 01-02 didnt they?
I know GM is offering 100,000 mile engine warenties if you complain about it, That is a good thing.

 

You are correct, 99 & 00 have iron heads, 01+ have aluminum.

About the only things I can tell you to look out for is to be sure to check out the front steering & suspension. The tie-rods aren't exactly the strongest in the world. Also, check the bed rails for cracks. If the previous owner had a heavy toolbox sitting on the rails there is a chance of cracks in the front corners of the bed. I've seen this on a few oilfield trucks and it ain't pretty. If it has a receiver hitch, check it and where it bolts to the frame for excessive wear. Check the tailgate cables too, alot of them have been snapping lately.

That's about all I can think of right now, besides the normal wear & tear stuff, overspray on the frame from a possible accident, etc.

 

I got one of those pos warranties for my ticking 01 EC. Chances are, nothing is going to happen to the knocking engine but you are still stuck with 30k truck with loud embarassaing metal to metal knocking 6.0. I am not trying to keep you from buying a HD, I am merely pounting something to watchout for.

 

It isnt just the 6.0. My old 5.3 was very bad, I uded moble 1 and everything. Didnt help.
It isnt bad for the motor they say, It is just a bit annoying.
Good luck.

 

True, all engines were affected even the 8.1. It's just more common on the 6.0.

 

Mine is ok so fare, i hope it stays like that!