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RE: Got stuck.....
I often referred to my '04 2500 HD 2WD as the 'One Wheeled Wonder'. It came from the factory with an open differential and I can honestly say I feel the OP's pain. I have been stuck on boat ramps, wet grass, and snow/ice were a real treat.
In 2009 I finally found a fantastic deal on an Eaton Posi LSD unit. I thoroughly researched the merits of limited slip and locking differentials and finally decided I wanted the greater 'road worthiness' of the LSD as opposed to the locking diff.
I've been very happy with my decision and can say the Eaton Posi got me through many situations that would have previously left me spinning one wheel in a helpless truck. That's not to say I haven't been stuck even with the posi. But, when I have been stuck I still got out with a tow.
I have made the truck work and I won't be trading just to get a 4X4. The truck is paid off and with low miles, so I'll be using it for a long time unless something drastic happens. But, I do believe my next truck will be 4X4 just so I have greater confidence in getting out of poor driving conditions.
As a side note, I've done a little searching and I think I could possibly retrofit my truck with a manual transfer case, and front differential from a wrecked truck. As best I can tell, the 2WD 2500HD's are totally identical to the 4X4 trucks minus the extra driveline components. Unfortunately I don't have an abundance of time and it's really not important enough for me to search high and low until I find all the components. So, I guess it will just have to remain a pipe dream.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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05/21/13 09:14pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: synthetic trans fluid
I switched my '04 4L80E over to Decron VI. I used the drain + filter replacement, fill, drive, drain, and fill method. I have noticed towing temps are about 15 degrees cooler. Also, shifts through all gears feel much firmer. Each gear hits with very little lag.
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LIKE2BUILD
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05/14/13 03:22pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: "Little things to know" about 2500 series Suburbans/Yukons?
That evokes a spinoff question: in what model year did the 4L80 get fortified & renamed the 4L85E?
I believe the 4L80E was introduced when the HD trucks debuted circa 2001. The 4L85E was the beefed up version used only behind the 8.1L and Duramax engines in van applications. The Allison went in trucks but not vans due to body height/shape limitations.
Also, in the van application the Duramax is detuned. I'm not sure to what extent, but they do not have the same power output as the pickups.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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05/05/13 08:04pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Getting 2013 1500 Silverado Today, oil consumption questions
To my knowledge the only GM engine with known oil consumption issues was the 8.1L used in the HD trucks. The 5.3 and 6.0 engines I have don't use any between oil changes.
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LIKE2BUILD
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04/13/13 11:13am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: 2000 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab Opinion
Those were solid trucks. It could be a 6.5L diesel, 7.4 gas or 5.7 gas.
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LIKE2BUILD
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04/12/13 05:55pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Rear suspension support for 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
Thanks for all the advise, it has been very informative. The truck does have a towing package, hemi, and I do use a good quality weight distributing hitch. I wanted to see if I was on the right track.
Yep, sounds like you have some work ahead of you getting the hitch dialed in. Read the sticky in the towing forum to help with this process.
Link to hitch setup sticky: click here
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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03/28/13 08:28pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Shady or inept dealership?
:S Dahyum
That is a very common thing on the 99 era
Exactly. I've never owned nor worked on a PSD, bug I've spent enough time around here to be aware of the more common problems. It is that very rudimentary knowledge that had me surprised the techs at that dealership could not solve the problem.
Honestly, it seems this situation boils down to one of these explanations:
1). They just didn't care
2) The diesel tech can't troubleshoot a paper clip.
3) The dealership knows the value of used trucks and was trying to push him into trading for a new one.
Here's the worst part. On the way home the flatbed trailer had a tire go down. They opened the tool box on the F350 to get a pressure gauge and found all his tools had been stolen while it sat at the dealer.
It's really too bad there is a dwindling number of technicians that can diagnose a problem. Maybe it's a testament to our automated, throwaway mindset these days?
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LIKE2BUILD
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03/25/13 06:38pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Shady or inept dealership?
My buddy had to make a road trip to NM for a rescue mission. His friend was pulling his 5er in the southwest when his '99 F350 PSD just suddenly quit. He was near Carlsbad, NM so he had it towed to a nearby Ford dealer. The truck was there for 5 weeks and the dealer said they couldn't find the problem. This is when the guy called my buddy and asked for help.
I originally told my buddy it sure sounded like a CPS issue. Apparently the dealership had changed out the computer thinking it was the problem, but turned out the original was fine and they basically gave up. The guy (at my request) asked the dealer about the CPS. They responded "oh we're sure it's already been changed". So, it sounds at minimum this is a very inept dealership.
So, my buddy and another guy drove out with one truck pulling another on a flat bed. They put the dead F350 on the flat bed and towed it back while the other pickup towed the 5er.
They got home and my buddy started going through the troubleshooting process. Just to try the obvious possibility they swapped in a CPS but it had no effect. Okay, now they try the code scanner and it gets no power or signal from the PCM. The dealership said the PCM tested okay, so why is there no power? They check the fuse panel and find the main 30amp fuse is blown. They changed it, turned they key, and IT STARTS!!!! After a short run the fuse popped again. A little more troubleshooting revealed the fuel heater was shorting out causing the main fuse to blow. They unplugged the fuel heater circuit and the truck has run with no troubles for the past 2 weeks.
So, how can a factory repair shop not find such a simple problem? They didn't think to check the fuse panel when the PCM had no power? Really, they can't check something that simple?
I tend to think they didn't want to fix it. My guess is the dealer hoped the guy would get fed up and just trade for a new truck so he could get home. With his old truck 'dead' they would probably have given him nothing for trade value. Then they would have fixed the truck for about $250 and then put it on the used lot for about $12K. Or they could have just been that inept and didn't know how to solve a simple (and seemingly common) problem.
The morale of the story? Check the simple things first!
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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03/25/13 08:06am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Good video demo of the G80 locker in action
My 2500HD came stock with an open differential. The one wheeled wonder got stuck all the time. I finally installed an Eaton Posi LSD and have MUCH better traction. I still have times I wish I had 4X4 but at least I can through simple conditions (wet grass) without getting stuck.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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02/28/13 09:44pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Differential Explanation
My 2500HD came stock with an open differential. That thing was a one wheeled spinning machine on any slick surface. I found a great deal on an Eaton Posi LSD and it has been great. Still not quite as effective as 4X4, but I can get around better in wet conditions (boat ramps, grass. Etc) and snow. I know it can potentially reduce torque to both wheels, but certainly does the job.
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LIKE2BUILD
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01/04/13 11:18am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Differential Explanation
The G80 is pretty reliable bug you're right, it takes a 100 RPM difference between the 2 axle shafts before it locks. So yeah, it can be a little odd.
I really liked the 1930's illustration. The use of the wood wheels and spokes was a great way to show the spider gear operation. Oddly enough, I think that did a better job of showing differentiation than CGI or some other artificial means.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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01/03/13 08:54pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Differential Explanation
I was searching some topics and came across a couple of Youtube videos that do a good job of explaining how differentials work.
The first video is actually from the 1930's. It's a little corny, but gives a fantastic illustration of how spider gears work to allow for differntial wheel speeds.
Link to 1930's video
The other video is more modern, doesn't go into as much detail, and is centered on Toyota axles, but is still pretty informative.
Link to modern video.
Enjoy!
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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01/02/13 11:54pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Problem with TV while camping! Any ideas?
parking brake and service brakes are two seperate things on this truck. the parking brake is a drum brake inside the rotor and the shoes have a tendency to come apart. i would say 99.9% not related. if you have the automatic 4x4 it uses the wheel speed sensors to determine if your slipping and need 4wheel drive engaged. the service 4x4 light means that there is an electronic failure in the system. if you have a wheel speed sensor failure it will shut down the electronic systems that rely on them for input to prevent erent activity. you will have to have a real shop look at it to determine what is failed.
Very good advice here. The ABS wheel speed sensors are a known problem on GM's of this era. See my thread on 2004 Silverado brake issues.
In my case, I was able to pull the speed sensors, clean the rust, paint the surface, and reinstall. However, if the wheel bearing is going bad, it can have slop in the tone ring and exhibit the same problems.
Unfortunately for the OP, this is not a campground fix and it will have to be done in a shop.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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10/03/12 12:25pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: GM rear axles weight ratings
Evidently there are two models of 14-bolt, one has a 10.5 inch ring gear, and one has a 11.5 inch ring gear.
That is correct. In GM 2500HD trucks, the 6.0L gas models got the 10.5" ring gear axle. The Duramax and 8.1L trucks got the 11.5" axle.
And yes, AAM rates the 10.5" axle for 8600# and the 11.5" for 10,000#
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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09/07/12 08:53am |
Tow Vehicles
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GM brakes surge under 10MPH
Hey folks. I wanted to post this in case anyone is having an issue with their brakes. The symptoms of the problem occur at low speeds. Basically, you apply the brakes and slow down normally and then around 10 MPH the pedal feels soft and the truck feels like it lurches forward.
I have been dealing with this issue for over a year. My friend told me it takes replacement of both front wheel hubs to correct the issue because the bearings or counter ring get sloppy and cause the sensor to lose count. I couldn't afford the nearly $600 just in parts to replace both hubs!
While researching the problem I found GM issued a recall for this condition. The recall only covers trucks from 1999-2002 and only in 'salt and corrosion prone' states. However, the description of the problem was identical to what I have been experiencing.
Here is a link to the PDF of GM recall #05068C WHEEL SPEED SENSOR CORROSION.
What happens is large flaky rust forms under the sensor and raises it up. This causes the sensor to tone ring distance to increase thus throwing then sensor out of calibration. When you get to lower speeds there is not enough AC voltage generated in the sensor and the ABS controller interprets that as wheel spin.
The recall simply calls for removing the sensor, scraping out the rust, applying an anticorrosive coating, grease the sensor, and reinstall. I just performed the procedure yesterday and can verify it works. My 10MPH lunge is completely gone. I did have to replace one sensor because it was broken due to corrosion around the hole.
If you are experiencing this issue please do 2 things:
1) Follow the procedure and fix your truck. I nearly rear ended someone recently because the truck lurched forward when I had to make an abrupt stop
2) File a complaint with NHTSA. I have Filed a complaint with the Office of Defects Investigations. Partially in hopes of being reimbursed for the work and cost of the sensor. But also, to make GM stand up and take care of the problem. ABS systems were designed to improve safety. This situation could actually cause accidents if the wrong conditions come together.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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07/04/12 08:44am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Yukon XL ABS controller shot
Just a heads-up: Rockauto lists a Delco module (PN ABS560325) for $390.
I am so glad my Cherokee does NOT have ABS.
Wow, very cool.
They show a core charge of $60, so I wonder if the unit they are selling is a reman?
That's good info though. I think Brandon at ABSFixer.com will get me set up, but if something weird happens I can use this as a fallback.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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07/04/12 08:30am |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Yukon XL ABS controller shot
Local salvage yard quoted $125 for the complete pump, motor, and EBCM. I thought about going that route but I just thought if this one failed why pay that much for one that could also fail? For $25 more I can get mine refurb'd and be back on business. As far as I know my abs motor and pump are fine.
Another place in Idaho called ModuleMaster.com also does these repairs.
ABSfixer.com also offers units that are already repaired for $250 and they give a $50 credit when you return your core.
The screws are a total pain. I can't believe they used tiny Torx screws in a location prone to corrosion. Some idiot didn't really think that one through when they spec'd out that component list. Actually there was no corrosion on the threads at all. Only the heads were corroded and the tiny ridges just rounded off as soon as my bit was evenly slightly off square.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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07/02/12 10:31pm |
Tow Vehicles
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Yukon XL ABS controller shot
My wife's '03 Yukon XL showed an ABS light. When we stopped and shut off the vehicle I could hear the ABS pump running continuously. I used the code reader at O'Reilly's and it showed code C0267. I've been talking with Brandon at ABSfixer.com and he has confirmed the ABS control module needs repair.
If I were to replace the unit it would cost $750 just for the part. Brandon can fix the unit for $150 so I'll he sending mine to him. The biggest pain is the 4 little screws that hold the EBCM to the pump body. They have a Torx T20 head and of course the most difficult to reach is the one that stripped on me. That meant I had to remove the complete pump assembly to get to it. What a total pain!!!!!
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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07/02/12 09:13pm |
Tow Vehicles
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RE: Tell me to stop worrying
My camper got totaled due to a hail storm. It was 31' and 6500lbs loaded.
The new TT is 34' and will weigh about 7600lbs loaded. The tow vehicle is a 2011 Chevy 2500hd with the 6.0L and 3.73 rear. Tell me the setup will be fine for my trip to Colorado and that handling the extra three feet of camper is no big deal. Thanks.
Don't even think twice about it. Get the hitch set properly and take off. That truck will handle the new trailer just fine.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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06/18/12 10:13pm |
Towing
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RE: Leaving for cross country trip on Thursday and van no good!
Fuel filter
Uh huh. A plugged fuel filter can give no engine codes yet produce a no power condition. If it needed a 'tune up' you'd probably have engine codes for misfires or other issues. At 145K miles, if the fuel filter hasn't been changed it really needs to be done.
KJ
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LIKE2BUILD
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06/18/12 10:04pm |
Tow Vehicles
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