Another Silverado

[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

I say "another" because the FM identifies as a Silverado.
The new one is an '03 2500 HD LS. 267,000 miles, which means it's already broken in.
The body is straight with no accidents on the Carfax.
It needs some repairs, but first it needs a title. I bought it with a bill of sale only. Good thing I don't need to use the truck right away. I'm planning to get a bonded title, but I'll have to call on Monday due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
The main reason for this 3/4 ton truck is to haul the camper on something more "Wendy-friendly" because her arthritis makes it hard for her to get in the FM. The FM is also not comfortable for long trips for most anyone beside myself.
The other big reason is to haul the ski boat AND the family to the lake.
It might even haul the camper AND the boat. Maybe.


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[zachcrosby [Veteran Member]]

My first thought was “he’s gonna haul the camper AND the boat at the same time with that thing”


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[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

Another reason for this is because technically, the FM is at its rated maximum GVWR as it is without anything in the bed. Let's face it, it COULD attract the attention of a DOT checkpoint. There's no telling how they would react to the FM/Camper/tag axle rig.

It doesn't matter to DOT how well engineered it may be if it is not re-certified to a new GVWR with updated ratings for each of the three axles.
I figure I'm fine in Mississippi, but I sweat a little whey I breeze by the weigh stations along the interstates.
I suppose if they wanted to, they could fine me and make me flatbed it. I don't need that in the back of my mind.
So in the National Forest, I would use the FM. But traveling with Wendy, or any real distance, I would use the 2500. I need to modify the front camper jack mounts, but I plan to do it in a way that it will work for both trucks.

[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

Still waiting on the title bond, but it HAS been issued.  Once that arrives in the mail, I should be able to get my plate and start driving it.
In the meantime, I fixed several issues including valve cover gaskets.

I looked up all the codes on this thing.  It's a strong hauler.  Should have no problem hauling my little camper and boat.












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[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

Got my tag. Should be all good to go, now.
I have been fixing and replacing things at a pretty good pace. I keep finding problems and have a steady stream of parts showing up. Mostly small items, but I also just ordered four Firestone HT2 all season radials in the correct load range. Going with the stock size.

Still need to find and fix another oil leak. I went through this with the FM, so it's just a matter of working through all of it.
I really feel like this will be a solid truck once I whip it back into shape.

I had an entire smashed window in the bottom of the left rear door. Had to vacuum that out, gut the door, and put all new stuff in it. Went well, though.

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[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

Parts have been arriving and I've been steadily making repairs as well as cleaning. This is really turning out to be a nice truck.
I worked on it all day Friday (Christmas eve) including a thorough wash, and then later took Wendy and her mother out to see Christmas lights. The weather was nice enough to roll the windows down and really enjoy it.

I'm still chasing a bad oil leak even after replacing the faulty oil pressure sensor. It's coming from up top. The only other thing it can be is the valley cover. Not really that awful to do, but the cheapest brand name gaskets added up to $80. Intake and valley.
But, it's no different than the FM, so it's not my first time.

You don't really see the difference between the 1500 and this 2500 HD until you slide underneath. The frame is 2" taller and the exhaust is downright massive. The rear axle and suspension is beefy, too.

Looking forward to actually hauling with it.


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[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

So my green truck is actually Dark Spiral Grey Metallic. Weird.

More work and more parts including new running boards.



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[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

Out with the old running boards. In with the new.
Both are Westin brand, but I wanted some with more step area for safety. I'm really happy with these.

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[Reserector [Veteran Member]]

HUGE improvements today on the greyeen truck.
New taillights.
I repaired the loose edges on the headliner.
Upgraded the rear axle to Redline oil.  The old oil looked pretty good, in happy to say.
Next came some major plastic surgery.  I made the shattered dash into one piece again.  I used a Hot Stapler.    Check out the video, below. 
https://youtu.be/cedBXd21ZPM


The dash still has visible cracks,  but it won't rattle and it will support a dash cover, so I'm happy.

[81 CJ5]

That's a nice truck. I think my 05 k1500 has about the same miles or very close to it.