2000 Z71....Where does it end?

Just got word from the dealer about my groaning noise. The rear end is shot and needs to be rebuilt. There goes $1400.00. This truck has 96,000 miles on it and now has its second major problem since I bought it new. 63,000 miles the head gaskets failed ($1300.00). Dealer told me at that time that it's just one of those things. Nothing I did or didn't do. Can't wait to here about the rear end as they just replaced fluids in it last year. I could understand if I took this truck off road or did heavy hauling, failures can occur....but this is the family vehicle.

Oh and buy the way....the dealer noticed a clunking noise in the steering when he drove it. I told him that I knew it was there but didn't want a new steering shaft because I would have to pay for it this time. It was replaced once already by them under warranty. He told my that they don't replace them now but install a "Lube Kit" to address the problem. There goes another $100.00.

Service 4WD message also came on the other day. There goes another $100.00 for a new switch.

Both U joints last fall was another $400.00.

Luckily I can do some of the repairs myself and was able to save big money buy doing the brakes. Had to replace all of the rotors though as I have never seen rotors (rear) chip and flake apart like that before. Oh here is more..... left rear parking brake hung up and became no more a year ago. Disconnected the cable. Gurgling noise under dash....I just get used to it and pretend it doesn't exist.

Am I just unlucky or do I really own a piece of s__t.

My head gaskets failed at 75K and the oil it let into the water caused my main and rod bearings to fail, leaving me no other choice but to replace my engine last week.

My heart is with you....I read your post last week. It just sucks to think that you do everything right, perform all required PM's, take care of your vehicle and it continues to kick you where it hurts. The worst is trying to figure out what I need to do to make sure it never happens again.

That really sucks. I have a 2000 Z71 LT Sportside. Bought it used off Ebay with 88,000 miles on it. But the previous owner really babied it, so it was almost like new.

Now it has over 104,000 miles. This thing runs great. The only problems I've had was a dead battery (loose cable), and the Service Engine Soon light coming on (leaking gas cap) ... nothing with the truck itself.

I think these are well-engineered, quality trucks. But it disturbs me to hear of the apparent disparity among truck owners in terms of quality. Could this a Quality Control problem? With manufacturing processes the way they are today, there should be more consistency in parts quality.

My Z71 is my daily driver and I take it offroad once in a while. So I don't baby it like the previous owner seems to have. But do I watch a few simple things things to make sure everything lasts as long as possible is:

(1) Keeping the RPMs low. I tend to think high RPMs are a real engine stressor. Fortunately, the 5.3 can cruise 65 MPH or so on less than 2,000 RPM.
(2) Not accelerating rapidly - again, an engine stressor.
(3) When changing motor oil, filling the new oil filter with oil before putting it on - so the engine isn't dry when when starting it up right after an oil change.
(4) Changing the air filter more frequently as a result of the offroad dust the engine inhales.
(5) Going easy on the suspension whether offroad or not.
(6) Keeping all fluids fresh and clean.

Anyway, I know this doesn't apply to your particular situation. I hope your recent set of problems is an anomoly and doesn't become a pattern.

Both U joints last fall was another $400.00.


woah thats expensive. I had one go bad about 2 months ago. Took a few hrs, a large vise, and 2 U-Joints. Cost was about $40 and some of my time.

maybe cost would be much lower if you stop going to the dealer.

Dealers are like Vampires, they suck you dry $$$$$