New Owner needs help

I just got the truck 5.3L Z71 2000 chevy silverado.
I have changed spark plugs, they came preset to .040 but the truck said .060 so I set them to that. I've changed the oil , oil filter , trans fluid and filter, and air filter.

I have to change the gear box oil and the frnt and rear axles box oils.

My fuel gauge on the dash is not working properly and reads intermitently. I was initailly told to replace the float but then the dealership told me I need a new fuel pump as well since on initial starts it seldom starts. Are there any recommendations as to the proper technique to do this? I am going to drop the gas tank?

Also underneath the truck the guy at the dealership showed me something he called a dampner? Does anyone know where I can get them and how hard are they to replace? and is there anywhere on the web I can get the owners manual for free?
Thanks in advance

I just got the truck 5.3L Z71 2000 chevy silverado.
I have changed spark plugs, they came preset to .040 but the truck said .060 so I set them to that. I've changed the oil , oil filter , trans fluid and filter, and air filter.

I have to change the gear box oil and the frnt and rear axles box oils.

My fuel gauge on the dash is not working properly and reads intermitently. I was initailly told to replace the float but then the dealership told me I need a new fuel pump as well since on initial starts it seldom starts. Are there any recommendations as to the proper technique to do this? I am going to drop the gas tank?

Also underneath the truck the guy at the dealership showed me something he called a dampner? Does anyone know where I can get them and how hard are they to replace? and is there anywhere on the web I can get the owners manual for free?
Thanks in advance

the spark plugs required are ac delco for this vehicle/engine ..the gap is set and should not be changed ..when checking be very careful because it is easy to damage the tip wires ...this engine is very picky on plugs ...not all plug manufactures work with this engine...the gap spec has changed !

the drive train fluids all should be changed. the transfercase included..transfercase uses tracII with the 4X4 wd ...


the fuel guage is a GM defect this sender has issues with fuel additives...replace when it no longer works , or when the fuel pump fails..

the sender is part of the fuel pump. use a delphi pump if its required to replace..keep fuel above 1/4 tank to avoid failures of the pump.


dont get what your refering to about a dampner..

2000 SILVERADO LT 4X4 ..........

the plug to use is the 41-110 or the 41-985 ..these are delco plugs gap is .040 this is now the correct gap GM changed this ...it was .060 used different plugs back in the old days ...


you coolant system requires dexcool and distilled water never use any non dexcool product...if it says GM approved dexcool then its dexcool...

only use distilled water in your coolant system no well/tap water ........

I use 65% dexcool...I have no corrosion going on 10 plus years now ...

If you want troubles use other coolants and tap water soon you will see what occurs...

Dex-col is the devil.....

He might be talking about a steering dampner? Is this truck lifted or have oversized tires?

I think he might be referring to a dampener that was on the fuel pump. It is replaced by a short piece of hose with the new pump.
Bob B

Thanks.. guys.
the dampner as I see it is located on each side under the axles. The guy told me that when you go off roading they are supposed to prevent metal to metal contact?

I have a bigger problem now though. I was installing a new fuel pump and I was careful and everything. How ever when I went to reinstall the new pump, there is a connecto between the male and female fittings. The middle one was missing and I can't find it anywhere. I have a pump with two electrical connectors. I am very dissappointed right now. I would have had it back up and running right now.. My chief told me not to supplement anything else as I had made the connection and was just going to try and secure it together some how. Are there any suggestion as to where I can find those little plastic pieces?

It appears that the truck is lifted but not by much..

Thanks again to all for helping me.. You just don't know how I really appreciate you time and direction..

What you are calling a dampner is actually a bump-stop. Mine on my 2000 25004wd rotted and I replaced them with polyurethane from checker-oreilly for about ten bucks. Good luck.