2003-2006 Do's & Don'ts

[FMBL]

I am possibly looking to get a 2003-2006 1/2 ton extended or crew cab 2wd.

What should I look for? Stay away from or Run From?

[thelonerife]

If you are going to haul passengers often then I would get a crew cab. Its a tight squeeze getting in and out with the doors opening up like suicide doors. I don't haul passengers a lot but when we went to FL in it, getting in and out was a pain. Especially in a tight parking space.

I own an 05 extended cab and I like it. My cd player quit working so I bought a stock 6 disc player off of ebay. With these newer Delphi units you have to get the vin programmed into the new one.
I haven't had any problems with my gauges as of yet. I may have just jinxed myself. The gauge motors seem to be bad or go bad on 05 and down I think. I replaced them on my 05 Cavalier a couple years ago. But no problem so far on the truck.
I would also get a tow package truck. You never know when you'll need to pull something. If your going a custom look then I guess it doesn't matter.
Heres mine. I don't have those rims anymore. I have some Escalade rims on it now.

[hugger6933]

I rebuild these trucks [from wrecked] and have for a long time. The main thing I know of with them is the clusters. If your has not had the cluster rebuilt, it will need it sometime. The stepper moters that the General used in the clusters of the trucks just was not up to the quality we deserved. If you are gonna swap a radio out from another truck maybe a nicer unit, it will have to be programmed in at the dealer with the Tech2 or the BCM will not allow it to play. Enjoy Jim

[Gary]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

I rebuild these trucks [from wrecked] and have for a long time. The main thing I know of with them is the clusters. If your has not had the cluster rebuilt, it will need it sometime. The stepper moters that the General used in the clusters of the trucks just was not up to the quality we deserved.

What sorta cash are we talking for this rebuild of the cluster? Is this a weekend warrior type thing or a leave it to the pros and just write a check thing?

I'm looking at an 04 Tahoe and the battery gauge is wonky, he said he'd fix it but I figure I'm staring straight down the barrel of a cluster rebuild sooner than later knowing my luck if I grab that 04.

[BLK2K2SILVY]

Originally Posted by Gary

What sorta cash are we talking for this rebuild of the cluster? Is this a weekend warrior type thing or a leave it to the pros and just write a check thing?

I'm looking at an 04 Tahoe and the battery gauge is wonky, he said he'd fix it but I figure I'm staring straight down the barrel of a cluster rebuild sooner than later knowing my luck if I grab that 04.

You could upgade to a denali/escalade cluster at the same time and have the miles programmed.

[hugger6933]

I have a guy in TN [he is on E-bay] pm me if you want his contact info. He rebuilds the cluster with all the motors and bulbsfor 65 w/return shipping included.You send it to him and he builds it and turns it around in the mail the next day. I uasally have mine back from him in 3to 4 days cause we are so close. He has done like 6or 7 for me and all have been great. The clusters are very simple to pull out taking less than 15 min. Yes there are some guys that update the clusters to the denali or the Escalade or the SS type clusters but they run like 250 to have done. Jim

[kylep]

check the window motors they go out a lot.

[Gary]

Originally Posted by BLK2K2SILVY

You could upgade to a denali/escalade cluster at the same time and have the miles programmed.

Ended up buying an 03 Escalade. Man that thing is spoiling me already.