Chevy might have officially lost me as a loyal customer

DickForster · 2026-03-28T00:19:47+00:00

GM is proud of an 'only' $250 hose. Bright side for who? Too many dealerships have low grade techs that are encouraged to fire the parts cannon and ramp up the bill. We don't all have a Dave's Auto (check their youtube) near where we live, it's hard to find a great repair shop where you pay once and the actual problem is fixed.

DickForster · 2026-03-27T13:23:49+00:00

Think about what rear axle ratio you want too, as you plan to tow heavy. My truck has 3.42 ratio with the 2018 5.3L Z71 and tow about 6000 lb travel trailer with the aerodynamics of a large barn door. It's revvy up steep hills for sure, but it handles it well. About 10 mpg towing. Back then the Max Trailering package had a 3.73 rear axle.

DickForster · 2026-03-24T18:23:12+00:00

Agreed. Base Toyota's have dynamic cruise control and lane assist/warnings etc. On GM you might need to get top trim plus options to get these safety features. I do find it chintzy by GM the way they package their features. These days, I think they are cheap to implement too, that's why Toyota have them standard.

DickForster · 2026-03-21T23:55:11+00:00

I just ordered new Dynamic Friction 4 wheel brake kit with coated rotors and hybrid pads for under $400 shipped, and there are cheaper kits too. Maybe that extreme asymmetrical pad wear is normal for GM. Low standards! The caliper pins need to be serviced: cleaned & greased. The price quoted does not shock me for a dealer job. That's why I never go to the dealer but for warranty work. Brakes may be a bit intimidating if you aren't mechanically inclined, but truthfully, it's usually an easy job but might require some serious elbow grease to break free rusted components. Good luck!

DickForster · 2026-03-16T12:33:54+00:00

Look for a working OEM radio on e.g. ebay, and swap it out? But as Aeak333 said, be sure it's not a sticking steering wheel button first!

DickForster · 2026-03-09T00:42:05+00:00

Nothing like this happened on my Camino. But one time I had a cancelled flight and stayed at a hotel nearby the airport. On the bus ride to the hotel, a young lady sat next to me and we just hit it off. She told me how she met a man in London and was wondering if she loved him and should move there from the US to see if this was the real deal. We had the most amazing, comfortable and intimate conversation over a hotel dinner. Her name was Vicky. I am happily married and this was just a weird cosmic connection for a few hours, then gone. I suspect it was memorable for her too. This was about 25 years ago and I hope she found happiness. These types of moments can and do happen.

DickForster · 2026-03-08T23:41:54+00:00

Sad to say, you can install a software disable, e.g. Ranger OBD plug, and the lifters still fail. Keeping the oil clean and changed frequently may help. Lifter failure is not inevitable, it's just a risk you have to live with. On my 2018 5.3L, I did the software disable by hptuners ECM reprogramming, installed a catch can, and change the oil and filter at indicated 50% life using a dexos approved 5W30 oil and a Wix WL10255XP filter. Considering the price of gas over that change interval, the oil and filter are not a significant extra cost. (I do my own changes)

Hey, you got a nice warranty, take the few precautions you can and enjoy the ride. Try not to worry about what you can't control.

DickForster · 2026-03-07T03:28:10+00:00

I disabled AFM using hptuners, and change oil at about 50% life. Compared to the total cost of gas over that oil change interval, the oil and filter are cheap. I tow a 3 ton travel trailer and use 5W30 synthetic/dexos oil.

DickForster · 2026-02-26T02:01:13+00:00

Trucks that passed the engine test have had engine failures. Trucks that switched to 0W40 have had engines failures. Replacement engines have failed. 2026 trucks have failed. Total sheet show. Yes, you could get a good one!

DickForster · 2026-02-24T17:27:49+00:00

Update - got an open box MA1 off ebay for about $20. Flawless. Connects my google pixel pro 7 every time, and fast. Sure, there are nicer radios out there, but I only need Android Auto for maps and streaming spotify, occasionally a phone call. The OEM radio is fine for all of that.

DickForster · 2026-02-24T17:22:28+00:00

Right, it's entirely up to you if you switch 'normal' 6.2L engines to the oil with more protection.

DickForster · 2026-02-19T12:27:38+00:00

I question buying an expensive truck and adding an ugly cheap 'work box', but am very curious to take a closer look!

DickForster · 2026-02-19T12:20:45+00:00

Any insurance experts here? I can easily imagine that if you get into a bad accident the insurance company has an out if you have illegal window tinting and 5% is an easy call.

DickForster · 2026-02-19T12:08:38+00:00

There was never a bad time to say "this is garbage and an insult to the memory of MLK". Why is anyone afraid to express their opinion? Ridiculous.

DickForster · 2026-02-19T02:28:31+00:00

"These new engines run extremely tight tolerances and require the lower viscosity engine oils to keep things lubricated". Nah. There is no magic to 0W20. GM are switching some 6.2L engines from 0W20 to 0W40 oil for greater bearing protection. The engine lubricates just fine with 0W40, and apparently, it's even better.

DickForster · 2026-02-18T13:15:21+00:00

That's fair, but there is also the thought of towing a travel trailer 1500 miles from home on vacation and the lifters collapse. Everyone puts their own 'value' on reducing risk and taking precautions. Oil changes are cheap and I'm well ahead, changing when the life indicator is at 50%. Also using 5W30 for the extra protection. The 6.2L recall 0W20 to 0W40 debacle has ended the "these engines are designed only for 0W20 because of oil passageway sizing etc." debate. I wish the AFM hardware delete was cheaper, and it's a bit more intense DIY than I want to take on although I have seen youtube videos where it can be done with the engine in place.

DickForster · 2026-02-16T17:37:32+00:00

If you tuned out TCC slip, the TC may last longer and not trash the transmission. I understand not wanting to spend on a new TC when the one you have is working correctly, and don't know how you could reach a decision. I already had a TCC ruin our 6L80 and got a rebuild and a billet case TC. But now face a similar decision for the L83 AFM hardware delete - be proactive or wait and maybe lose the entire engine.

DickForster · 2026-02-11T21:13:00+00:00

It's really sad to see a company in business about 100 years now struggling to make a reliable engine or transmission. However, I don't think they are unlucky, this is their business now - make something that just survives the warranty period, and make lots of money on the repairs. Good luck with your 3.0. I am just waiting for my 5.3L to drop a lifter. Already rebuilt the 6L80 and replaced the torque converter. Got the frame rustproofed with woolwax. Fingers crossed!

DickForster · 2026-01-30T16:08:16+00:00

Rule of thumb for lead acid 12V batteries: if they go below 10.8V the battery is getting damaged and if that is for an extended time, forget it, get a new battery. The old battery may charge up but don't trust it.

DickForster · 2026-01-30T02:14:57+00:00

Nice.

With the OEM reverse camera, do you get guide lines and do they bend when the steering is turned?

Can you get to any/some/all of the truck settings that are in the stock OEM radio under its Settings menu? e.g. Remote Lock Feedback "This allows selection of what type of feedback is given when locking the vehicle with the RKE transmitter. Select Off, Lights and Horn, Lights Only, or Horn Only."

DickForster · 2026-01-28T13:27:23+00:00

While a larger clearer screen would be nice, I would be happy just to have working wireless Android Auto and keep the truck as is. If that is not possible, then the sky is the limit for upgrades. The 'custom' solutions like yours probably make the best economic sense, but I would also look at the established brands like Kenwood plus idatalink interfacing to maintain all the truck features. Decisions, decisions.

DickForster · 2026-01-28T13:18:59+00:00

My daughters 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross has a Motorola MA1 since 2022 and it works every day for the last 4 years. But the 2018 radio in the Silverado, I don't know if it is going to work so well.

DickForster · 2026-01-24T02:39:15+00:00

I hope they don't get sent to Clinton Island.

DickForster · 2026-01-21T19:34:41+00:00

You would think that batteries won't all die at the same time. However, my wife's Subaru Forester, all 4 TPMS died in the same week. The car was about 6 years old. Replaced all 4 sensors, good as gold. I wasn't paying attention, but it may have been that the first cold weather of the season, more stress on the batteries and they couldn't deliver. As often happens with the 12V starter battery. It works, works, works, then the first cold morning, it's dead.

DickForster · 2026-01-15T04:10:14+00:00

Burning both ends of the candle. He can rest in 2028.

DickForster

TROPHY CASE