[jmbrad]

Kind of funny, most people consider the 07-13 to be a more reliable and simple truck comparative to the newer models.

Nothing wrong with 3.08s as long as you aren't expecting it to tow 9k lbs. If you're towing 9k lbs, a 1500 is the wrong truck anyways .

3.08s in stock application are just fine. How do I know? I have those . Is 3.43 a better choice? Yup. I guess crappy could be subjective. But my truck moves just fine, and has nice low highway RPMs .

Compared to my GMT 400s that I have had, Yes it is crappy. I've spent more in repairs on it in less than 3 years of ownership, then I did in 20 years of ownership of a '98 and a '99 GMT 400.

The GMT 900 has terrible interiors with no storage, The seats are hard as rocks, a 6L80 transmission is a ticking time bomb, The flex fuel system was designed by morons, ..... Shall I go on?

I accept the fact that maybe I just got a lemon. But my experience has been much different than others. I will never buy another 1500 GMT 900. I'm still on the fence about 3/4 tons from that generation.

The 4.3 l V6 that was referenced above is a 5.7 l vortec engine with two cylinders lopped off. I am not surprised he got 700,000 mi on it.

 

[PaleRider]

i was referring to the gear ratio as far as being crappy or not crappy, as you did. not the truck itself.

If your experience has been much different than others, than your experience is indeed an outlier. whether that means a lemon or not, who's to say. some trucks are built on a friday afternoon, some on a monday morning. all OEMs have examples of bad vehicles. Which can have problems originating from the base metallurgy or polymer mixes itself, irrespective of any mis-build variables that arise when the truck is put together, or any variables then introduced by the real world when it's driving around.

many stock vehicles have shortcomings, and many of us mod around those shortcomings so that we can otherwise enjoy the platform that we prefer.

The other truck brands from those years had their fair share of issues as well.

Seat backs - subjective.
Interior terribleness - subjective.
interior storage - what could be lacking in a pickup besides cup holders or an underseat bin? both of which are available.

all transmissions are ticking time bombs, as are all cars in general. luckily, the likely culprits for failure are known and can be mitigated to an extent. Cars built today are arguably a worse ticking time bomb than those from the late 90's through the later 2010's.

I have had 3 GMT900's. 2 1500's and 1 2500hd duramax.

The GMT900 Duramax in LMM trim is widely considered to be one of the top 2 most desirable models of duramax available.
i had one gmt900 2008 1500 5.3l/4L trans go to 263k before the AFM quit (2008).
I have one with the 2013 1500 5.3/6L still kicking as a farm truck, it sees no maintenance and has no issues after 123k of working beyond it's capacity on a daily basis.

What this is meant to say is. Many areas of a vehicle that people dislike is subjective, beyond that, as always, YMMV.

Owning a vehicle has never been a sure thing in regards to known cost of upkeep. This is why things like leasing and extended VSC's exist. Even with those, there is no guarantee that your vehicle will meet your subjective standards at all times and for all time. Most of here prefer the GM platform for a myriad of reasons.

It does suck that you've had a hard time. I think perspective helps a little

 

[JasonP1987]

I have a 2009 1500 WT with 740000 miles on it. Just took it off the road due to the 2nd transmission went out and the frame rusted out. 4.3 v6 4l60 transmission, always kept up on the maintenance full synthetic oil maintenance is a key factor to keeping a truck or any vehicle lasting a long time.

LOL it's always a GM vehicle that I hear about going bookoo miles like that

 

[JasonP1987]

i was referring to the gear ratio as far as being crappy or not crappy, as you did. not the truck itself.

If your experience has been much different than others, than your experience is indeed an outlier. whether that means a lemon or not, who's to say. some trucks are built on a friday afternoon, some on a monday morning. all OEMs have examples of bad vehicles. Which can have problems originating from the base metallurgy or polymer mixes itself, irrespective of any mis-build variables that arise when the truck is put together, or any variables then introduced by the real world when it's driving around.

many stock vehicles have shortcomings, and many of us mod around those shortcomings so that we can otherwise enjoy the platform that we prefer.

The other truck brands from those years had their fair share of issues as well.

Seat backs - subjective.
Interior terribleness - subjective.
interior storage - what could be lacking in a pickup besides cup holders or an underseat bin? both of which are available.

all transmissions are ticking time bombs, as are all cars in general. luckily, the likely culprits for failure are known and can be mitigated to an extent. Cars built today are arguably a worse ticking time bomb than those from the late 90's through the later 2010's.

I have had 3 GMT900's. 2 1500's and 1 2500hd duramax.

The GMT900 Duramax in LMM trim is widely considered to be one of the top 2 most desirable models of duramax available.
i had one gmt900 2008 1500 5.3l/4L trans go to 263k before the AFM quit (2008).
I have one with the 2013 1500 5.3/6L still kicking as a farm truck, it sees no maintenance and has no issues after 123k of working beyond it's capacity on a daily basis.

What this is meant to say is. Many areas of a vehicle that people dislike is subjective, beyond that, as always, YMMV.

Owning a vehicle has never been a sure thing in regards to known cost of upkeep. This is why things like leasing and extended VSC's exist. Even with those, there is no guarantee that your vehicle will meet your subjective standards at all times and for all time. Most of here prefer the GM platform for a myriad of reasons.

It does suck that you've had a hard time. I think perspective helps a little

This is one of the best comments I have seen on a veh forum in a very long time

 

[PaleRider]

This is one of the best comments I have seen on a veh forum in a very long time

haha! im honored!

glad you figured out the reply w/ quote hehe

 

[Pierre009]

Compared to my GMT 400s that I have had, Yes it is crappy. I've spent more in repairs on it in less than 3 years of ownership, then I did in 20 years of ownership of a '98 and a '99 GMT 400.

The GMT 900 has terrible interiors with no storage, The seats are hard as rocks, a 6L80 transmission is a ticking time bomb, The flex fuel system was designed by morons, ..... Shall I go on?

I accept the fact that maybe I just got a lemon. But my experience has been much different than others. I will never buy another 1500 GMT 900. I'm still on the fence about 3/4 tons from that generation.

The 4.3 l V6 that was referenced above is a 5.7 l vortec engine with two cylinders lopped off. I am not surprised he got 700,000 mi on it.

Concur just got back from Massachusetts...22 hour dr. That seat on the 2014 1500 is worse or just like sitting on a hard pan in a military cockpit. My butt is still sore and someplace between Massachusetts and Florida. OUCH...

 

[JasonP1987]

haha! im honored!

glad you figured out the reply w/ quote hehe

someone explained it

also the first couple times that it actually worked, I didn't have to insert. That was the problem

The comment is doubly impressive considering you are a retired Crayon eater

 

[PaleRider]

someone explained it

also the first couple times that it actually worked, I didn't have to insert. That was the problem

The comment is doubly impressive considering you are a retired Crayon eater

hahahah roger that.

i prefer orange crayons for the extra vitamin c

 

[JasonP1987]

hahahah roger that.

i prefer orange crayons for the extra vitamin c

The Army never gave us Crayons. It was real human food of questionable origin, quality, nutritional value, and taste

 

[PaleRider]

Concur just got back from Massachusetts...22 hour dr. That seat on the 2014 1500 is worse or just like sitting on a hard pan in a military cockpit. My butt is still sore and someplace between Massachusetts and Florida. OUCH...

funny, my 2014 and now 2018 have had the most comfortable seats out of any car/truck ive owned or driven (hundreds, as I work in the auto world), with the singular exception of a 1999 V70 wagon. Those seats were cloud tier.

this just highlights what is objective, and what is subjective.

Seats, comfort, etc. are all subjective.

 

[JasonP1987]

funny, my 2014 and now 2018 have had the most comfortable seats out of any car/truck ive owned or driven (hundreds, as I work in the auto world), with the singular exception of a 1999 V70 wagon. Those seats were cloud tier.

this just highlights what is objective, and what is subjective.

Seats, comfort, etc. are all subjective.

whats a v70?

 

[PaleRider]

whats a v70?

Volvo wagon. V is the wagon variant of the S sedan models

 

[handiman]

Still kinda new here, wasn't sure where to post this. Starting to consider trading up to a newer truck. Preferably something about $15-25K and under 100k miles.

I just don't have the time or the energy to work on a project like this and I want something I can just get in and go. Y'all know how it is when your baby has problems and you're not always sure if she's gonna get you to work today or not.

I think I'll stick to gasoline. I don't want the higher fuel and maintenance costs with diesel.

I left the dealerships in 2014 so I don't know if the newer trucks are all as good as the old ones were. Are there any years that I should avoid?

Right now, all the trucks are having problems. I thought buying my 2018 LTZ silverado was my last truck ( all my chevys did not have any problems until 165,000 miles) now at 118,000 miles I am investing $8000 into a new motor. I think $8000 is cheaping than buying someone else's problems. This is on all trucks.

 

[mbsbbowers]

I have had a 2014, 3/4 ton, extended cab, it was a good truck and yes it had highway vibration, but heck it was a 3/4 ton, but it wasn't as notice able when pulling my 23' bumper pull trailer. I sold it to a buddy for 10k in 2020, with 160k on it, after health reasons and we got tired on pulling a camper, the guy that bought it and the camper, says he has had no issues, and it had 200k in it.
I bought a 2008 trailblazer with only 45k for traveling pleasure. Decided in 2021 I wanted a truck again bought a 2016, 1/2 ton with 61k crewcab with the V6 in it. Paid 30k for it and love the truck, gets great mileage and very comfortable to ride in. I haul stuff all the time and sometimes pull a 12 foot box trailer for my Scouts Boy Scout Troop.

 

[wildbill5942]

Do you still have the DOD system on that engine??? Is it a 5.3???

It is a 4.3 v6 and I bought a 2013 1500 WT to replace it same engine and transmission

 

[jmbrad]

i was referring to the gear ratio as far as being crappy or not crappy, as you did. not the truck itself.

If your experience has been much different than others, than your experience is indeed an outlier. whether that means a lemon or not, who's to say. some trucks are built on a friday afternoon, some on a monday morning. all OEMs have examples of bad vehicles. Which can have problems originating from the base metallurgy or polymer mixes itself, irrespective of any mis-build variables that arise when the truck is put together, or any variables then introduced by the real world when it's driving around.

many stock vehicles have shortcomings, and many of us mod around those shortcomings so that we can otherwise enjoy the platform that we prefer.

The other truck brands from those years had their fair share of issues as well.

Seat backs - subjective.
Interior terribleness - subjective.
interior storage - what could be lacking in a pickup besides cup holders or an underseat bin? both of which are available.

all transmissions are ticking time bombs, as are all cars in general. luckily, the likely culprits for failure are known and can be mitigated to an extent. Cars built today are arguably a worse ticking time bomb than those from the late 90's through the later 2010's.

I have had 3 GMT900's. 2 1500's and 1 2500hd duramax.

The GMT900 Duramax in LMM trim is widely considered to be one of the top 2 most desirable models of duramax available.
i had one gmt900 2008 1500 5.3l/4L trans go to 263k before the AFM quit (2008).
I have one with the 2013 1500 5.3/6L still kicking as a farm truck, it sees no maintenance and has no issues after 123k of working beyond it's capacity on a daily basis.

What this is meant to say is. Many areas of a vehicle that people dislike is subjective, beyond that, as always, YMMV.

Owning a vehicle has never been a sure thing in regards to known cost of upkeep. This is why things like leasing and extended VSC's exist. Even with those, there is no guarantee that your vehicle will meet your subjective standards at all times and for all time. Most of here prefer the GM platform for a myriad of reasons.

It does suck that you've had a hard time. I think perspective helps a little

I agree perspective makes all the difference. I know my experience is different. Just something simple like a dedicated eyeglass compartment in the ceiling mounted console of my GMT400 is one example of how lacking the GMT 900 platform is.

My family has always been GM owners. Dad owned his 77 square body for 38 years. I have owned 5 GM trucks from 1986 to 2011. And the 2011 is by far the least reliable. I accept I may have gotten a lemon, but the fact remains, it's still not as comfortable to ME as my previous trucks.

 

[PaleRider]

I agree perspective makes all the difference. I know my experience is different. Just something simple like a dedicated eyeglass compartment in the ceiling mounted console of my GMT400 is one example of how lacking the GMT 900 platform is.

My family has always been GM owners. Dad owned his 77 square body for 38 years. I have owned 5 GM trucks from 1986 to 2011. And the 2011 is by far the least reliable. I accept I may have gotten a lemon, but the fact remains, it's still not as comfortable to ME as my previous trucks.

well said.

FYI the 14-18 1500s brought back the eyeglass holder! haha

 

[jmbrad]

well said.

FYI the 14-18 1500s brought back the eyeglass holder! haha

When the time comes, I'll give GM another chance, but it will be a 3/4. My first truck, the 1986, was a 3/4 ton.

 

[PaleRider]

this is the way

 

[jmbrad]

this is the way

OK Mando