Which Silverado Options Would You Recommend?

[Rammer500]

The Autotrac transfer case is a geat option, towing package for the hitch and remote tranny cooler, buckets with the console to get the BOSE sound system. These are my best bets.

[flht]

I have a 06 LT3, Z71 option 4 door short box, bed cover, bed liner, running lights power seats, 6 pack CD player, step bars and bed rails, mirror covers, grill inserts, engine heater, heated seats, steering wheel controls and tow package Just about all the crap I could get (I know I am forgetting a ton of crap) . Yea I did have them remove the cd from the head rest, for almost 2 grand I already have one with dual screens for the rug rats. As for cloth over leather I guess the guys who have cloth do not have kids. I will never go back to cloth and my kids range from 2 to 26. Just my 2 cents.

[who fan]

Cat`s a$$ is a yes vote for the Autotrac.

[silverado122775]

Originally Posted by flht

I have a 06 LT3, Z71 option 4 door short box, bed cover, bed liner, running lights power seats, 6 pack CD player, step bars and bed rails, mirror covers, grill inserts, engine heater, heated seats, steering wheel controls and tow package Just about all the crap I could get (I know I am forgetting a ton of crap) . Yea I did have them remove the cd from the head rest, for almost 2 grand I already have one with dual screens for the rug rats. As for cloth over leather I guess the guys who have cloth do not have kids. I will never go back to cloth and my kids range from 2 to 26. Just my 2 cents.

Well I do have kids and there is no way I would get leather.. My ex-wife got leather in her Grandam.. the leather got all scratched up and has got holes in it because of shoes and toys and all that crap they take with them.. I got the cloth and it still looks new.. Cloth all the way!!!! Leather is nice if you are single and have the time to clean it all the time..

[flht]

Well sorry I have leather in a 97 burban and a 2006 Silverado Z71 LT3 package. I also have 6 kids (age 2 up to 26 with 2 grandchildren and a new one on the way) and will disagree, As for the grandam, my last one had pleather (plastic leather) and I have cloth in my 2000 Grandam because there so called leather does not hold up as good as my suburban does. I would rather clean gummi bears, crackers and juice box overflows off of leather then try and keep the cloth clean and dry. That being said the question is what we like on and in our trucks.

[jeep_cj4x4]

ok, are you buying the truck to use it and take your family places or are you buying it to sit in the driveway and look pretty?

Leather or cloth, pick one and have fun with the truck. It will only be new until something happens. I personally like cloth because leather tends to be cold in the winter and hot and sticky in the summer.

Back on topic, I have the base LS model and am happy with the basics (p/w,p/l, single cd, etc). Most every one else has posted some good ideas for add-ons. Towing package, tranny cooler/engine oil cooler would be the big ones I'd recommend. They will help your drivetrain last longer. Everything else is just what you like for comfort and are happy with. I personally dont need mirrors that tilt when put in reverse (I didnt even know they could do that). I just move them as needed. Personal opinion is all. As for exterior, there are all sorts of aftermarket parts you can add later as you see what others have and like. Lots of times, parts are cheaper than the dealer also. Good luck.

[BlenderWizard]

Originally Posted by JBent9610

Thanks for all of the suggestion so far.

It will mostly be used for normal driving/hauling, no pulling except for maybe the occasional small trailer, but nothing like a boat or fifth wheel.

I definitely want the power seats, but with cloth (never really liked leather). I never thought about the power folding mirrors, but it would help with parking in the garage. Probably will go for the engine heater since it gets pretty cold here (NE Ohio).

Thanks again and any other thoughts/ideas are more than welcome, I appreciate it!

If most (or all) of your driving will be

normal driving/hauling

then WTF do you want with 4wd? You looking to burn more gas and have ANOTHER mechanical problem in the future?

[pkbfree]

If you're not worried about paying for a loaded truck, I will never drive another truck without the leather heated seats!!! Man, they are NICE on a cold morning.
Go for broke on the engine. Agree that no one on this post can claim better economy for a smaller engine. Mine - 2000 5.3 4x4 with the 3.73 axle. Great go and good towing for the occasional project.

[JBent9610]

Originally Posted by BlenderWizard

If most (or all) of your driving will be then WTF do you want with 4wd? You looking to burn more gas and have ANOTHER mechanical problem in the future?

I used to drive a 76 Chevy truck without 4 wheel drive and that thing was horrible in the winter as far as traction goes. You don't think getting 4wd is worth it for the winter months (remember, I don't live in a warm climate state, snow/ice season can run from Nov-Apr)? Who do you think should get 4wd then? Do the 4wd models have a lot of mechanical problems? If so, then why do people get the 4wd option?

Thanks to everyone else for their suggestions. I've narrowed it down to:
Silver Birch for color (used to want Graystone)
5.3L, Ext Cab, SB LT2 4wd (unless BW convinces me it's not worth it)
Silverado Limited (trailering, 3.73 rear end, steering wheel radio controls, 20" wheels but a 17" inch spare??)
Power folding mirrors
The LT2 comes with cloth bucket seats. You guys made good points about the leather, but I don't have kids and I hate burning my legs in the summer.

My only problem is that I want a 2006, since there are $3,500 in incentives, but I can no longer order one the way I want. So I may not be able to find the exact options or color I want.

[jethro_3]

Make them look for you...... They want your business they have to work for it

[BlenderWizard]

Originally Posted by JBent9610

I used to drive a 76 Chevy truck without 4 wheel drive and that thing was horrible in the winter as far as traction goes. You don't think getting 4wd is worth it for the winter months (remember, I don't live in a warm climate state, snow/ice season can run from Nov-Apr)? Who do you think should get 4wd then? Do the 4wd models have a lot of mechanical problems? If so, then why do people get the 4wd option?

Thanks to everyone else for their suggestions. I've narrowed it down to:
Silver Birch for color (used to want Graystone)
5.3L, Ext Cab, SB LT2 4wd (unless BW convinces me it's not worth it)
Silverado Limited (trailering, 3.73 rear end, steering wheel radio controls, 20" wheels but a 17" inch spare??)
Power folding mirrors
The LT2 comes with cloth bucket seats. You guys made good points about the leather, but I don't have kids and I hate burning my legs in the summer.

My only problem is that I want a 2006, since there are $3,500 in incentives, but I can no longer order one the way I want. So I may not be able to find the exact options or color I want.

No, I don't think it is worth it for the winter months. Ask White Lightening, and he will tell you the same as I am about to GET A LOCKING DIFF.

And yes, do some research 4wd models have more mechanical problems than 2wd models. It's a no brainer - more mechanical parts = more mechanical parts to break

[JBent9610]

Originally Posted by BlenderWizard

No, I don't think it is worth it for the winter months. Ask White Lightening, and he will tell you the same as I am about to GET A LOCKING DIFF.

And yes, do some research 4wd models have more mechanical problems than 2wd models. It's a no brainer - more mechanical parts = more mechanical parts to break

You bring up a good point. I did some searches (although it won't search terms like 4x4, 4wd, etc) and I do remember White Lightning's reply about 2wd doing well in Wisconsin's winter (and I'm sure his are as bad, if not worse, than mine). I still want to do some more searches, if I can figure out some other terms to use, just to make sure, but I think I am going to go with the 2wd with the locking differential (G80?).


Thanks for the suggestion, it will save me a couple thousand on the price and quite a bit on gas. Sorry I didn't listen to you when you said it White Lightning.

[guumbah]

Yes, G80 is the locking diff. And GT4 is the 3.73. That's what I have.

Also, I agree - the dealer will work for it for the business. My dad wanted bench seats in his Toyota Avalon (he's old, doesn't understand bucket seats ) and two salesmen drove to a dealership 50 miles away to get him one.

[White Lightening]

Originally Posted by JBent9610

You bring up a good point. I did some searches (although it won't search terms like 4x4, 4wd, etc) and I do remember White Lightning's reply about 2wd doing well in Wisconsin's winter (and I'm sure his are as bad, if not worse, than mine). I still want to do some more searches, if I can figure out some other terms to use, just to make sure, but I think I am going to go with the 2wd with the locking differential (G80?).
Thanks for the suggestion, it will save me a couple thousand on the price and quite a bit on gas. Sorry I didn't listen to you when you said it White Lightning.

Greetings JBent,

There are actually a number of benefits to having 2wd - if you are so inclined.

A 2wd (rear wheel drive) truck will not only give you better mileage/fuel economy - but its some of the reasons you get better economy that are just as important. My particular 2004 truck is identical to an SS in every way except I'm 2wd instead of awd. Because of that - I'm 250 pounds lighter in truck weight - meaning my engine works less hard to get the truck going - and meaning whether its dragstrip, highway, lumber carrying, or pleasure driving - less weight to move and carry with me. Then if you look at what comprises that 250 pounds - its mechancial linkages and drive components that can wear out, need adjustment, or become loose/out of alighnment/sloppy as times goes along. Chevy's engine concept for years has been - to keep it simple and it stays reliable. I think that is the same for transmissions and power transfer systems. So to me 2WD is not only simpler - but more reliable. And another benefit for me - 4wd and awd trucks sit higher and in some cases are not as quiet (because of more moving parts/components.

Wisconsin winters are icy, snowy, and lots of wind and freeze thaw cycles. We often have 25 below zero temps for week/weeks at a time. But we have far more 36 to 20 degree swings which make for more hazardous continuing cycles of traction. My 2wd with locking differential and 200 pounds of flat patio blocks in the back is still lighter than an SS - and more controlable to steer out of slides if one should come. My Goodyear 20's are not snow tires - but I've had little problem with them in winter - and have even done better than some 4wd trucks of friends.

Over the last 7 months I've been involved with building a new home - and if I were doing this as a continous activity (this is a one time only thing for me ) - I'd consider 4wd or different tires instead. Backing up a long inclined driveway made of clay and sand is challenging during wet soggy icy conditions. But the important thing - is I've been able to back trailers up this long turning driveway with a trailer - in the harshest conditions possible - each time.

Some like the taller stance of 4 wd. Some haul big huge trailers or houseboats or large RV campers. Some pull massive weight. Some are in near off road conditions for work or play. Some have good reasons for 4WD. But I will point out - that if sheer pulling/hauling on streets and highways is an issue - most farmers and haulers use 2wd.

Its all up to your desires and needs. Recently I was highway driving going in both east and west directions (so no wind benefit). I AVERAGED 23.3 mpg with my 6 liter full sized pickup. Just a thought

[JBent9610]

OK, just another question or two and I swear I'll let this thread go away. However, I really do appreciate all the help as I'm close to getting the truck I want.

The only downside to the one I found is that it doesn't have power folding mirrors. It does have the power/heated mirrors and the steering wheel controls/information center. I know it's probably stupid to ponder over one option, but we have a single car garage and the power folding would come in very handy. While I will most likely get this truck, I would still like to know:

Will I be able to get power folding mirrors installed later on if I decide I just can't live without them?

Has anyone had power folding mirrors installed after buying their truck? If so, can you give an approximate cost?