'nother newbie - Hi All, Things automotive around my house are changing. I'm the new (second) owner of a 2006 Sierra SLE extended cab pickup. This new model will be ...

Hi All,

Things automotive around my house are changing. I'm the new (second) owner of a 2006 Sierra SLE extended cab pickup. This "new" model will be replacing my trusty '98 Sierra SL regular cab short bed ....in addition to a 4WD '00 Jeep Cherokee. I will miss my old Sierra ....she's one of the old or "classic style" GM pickups ...the boxy clean styling with the big square grill up front ...I'll always like that style; they looked cool with the GMC's looking way better than the Chevys IMHO. It's amazing how big full-size pickups have become. My '98 feels like a Toyota next to the latest domestic models. In an arrangement only a wife could author, I needed to simplify; in short I have to sell two vehicles to get my new truck ....and truth be told, she's right. I just don't have the time to keep our stable of aging autos running. Besides, it'll give me more time to work on my '67 Pontiac

My new Sierra is a sweet machine ...a worthy replacement for my well cared for '98. Showing 72k on the odo this truck looks like it was never driven; the previous owner must have been meticulous in caring for it because it barely looks used ...and he apparently wasn't a 350 pound lard butt 'cause the seat isn't all sacked out and crushed (like a *lot* of trucks I'd looked at). The Sierra's have come a long way in the eight years since my '98 ...rack an pinion steering, towing upgrades to the 4L60E and an engine without a fan(!). The interior is a nice evolution and an upgrade for me over the bench seat digs of my '98; it feels familiar but better ....a lot better.

I love the engine; 5.3L and *so* easy to work on ....especially without the engine driven fan. I did my homework when considering a replacement for my trusty '98 ....looked at all the domestic competition and the '06 Sierra won out. It's got good reliability ratings (a banner year apparently for GMC/Chevy) and the engine can be wrenched on just like my '98. I read about the F-150 and the spark plug dilemma and how they are a bit piggy (overweight). The '08 Ram 1500's have the nicely updated 4.7L and 5 speed auto ...but they look cheap inside and the look and feel of the switches/knobs/levers remind me of the cheesy interior of the '00 Cherokee I'm getting rid of.

First mod will be a Gibson Catback exhaust (it's sitting in the bed in pieces as I write) ...had one on the '98 and they are great. Looking at a Lund Genesis tonneau and maybe a spray in bed liner. I'll be poking about ...see what all I can find around here and hopefully be able contribute a bit too.

Later,

Mike

Welcome aboard!

You'll like the Gibson system. Got one myself. One helluvan intro btw...

I agree with WingNut. Great intro...except where are the pics?
WELCOME to the site! We are happy you joined us!

welcome to the ss crew great place great people and u do need some pictures

Thanks gents ....

Guess I'll have to break out the camera. Most other forums I've been part of kinda put you in a little "probation" period before you can post pics. I'll try and get some up.

Mike

I finished a cup of coffee while reading that intro... zoinks! Welcome to the crew Mike.

Jim

Welcome to the site Mike, I can't wait to see the pictures after that great intro

Welcome to the site! Great truck, too.

welcome to the site