Just bought a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 stepside 5.3

[vjjack04]

Hey folks, I haven't been on this forum since 2015, since I sold my 1955 hot rod Chevy step-side. I miss that truck..but since, I have been working on a 67 Corvette which I still own...it does have and LS3 and a bunch of modifications....so anyway, I just bought this 2002 GMC Sierra Step-side (I had one similar 12 or so years ago) and I really want to tidy it up. It seems to be a nice truck with 64K or so original miles (we'll see). I want to start with "true" dual exhaust with and x-pipe and converting the hubs to 5 lugs...and it would be good to only lower it about and inch.....so my questions:
- Is there a complete kit to add headers and true duels? i weld (novice) but would like a relatively complete kit.
- What is the best way to convert to 5-lugs?
- As for lowering, who's cut a bit off of the coils to lower it about 1 or so inches...?
You might get the picture, my goal is to "hot rod" this little truck: slightly lowering it, 2.5 or better exhaust, 5-lugs for hot rod wheel like....performance enhancements and maybe cowl hood later....I will post pictures when I go get the truck...
Thanks.

[rustytruck50]

Definitely tuned in for this one....I just bought a '05 RCSB 2wd Sierra and I've been working up a list of to-do(wants in other words)...and a couple of needs, too

[vjjack04]

Rusty,
Cool. Here's the truck....was on eBay. Hope I don't regret it.
Other picture is my '67 Vette with LS3 and other stuff....still working on it...Truck will be a diversion....but I hope a good one...

[EVRLET]

Very difficult to do true duals when your gas tank rides on the driver side frame rail. There may be a kit or two but be prepared to shell out cash. It will have to be custom made and I seriously doubt you can pull off an x-pipe because of the tank.

One cut coil results in about 2-2.5” drop. Just do a drop spindle and be done. Do it right the first time.

As for converting to 5 lug, why. The 6x5.5 bolt pattern affords you more wheel selections. I have a 97 Silverado with the 5x5 and the wheel choices are slim compared to the 6x5.5. Plus there are a plethora of factory wheels in the 20 -22” diameter that you can put on to complete the look and still be custom looking.

[vjjack04]

EVRLET,
Thanks for the advice on the drop spindles. I may do that. I just want it down about 2 inches all the way around. As for exhaust, I can probably do that part myself. Regarding the rims. I want to go with a traditional hot rod wheel so I will see if there are six lug that work, but don't want a wheel bigger than 18 inch. My vette has 18 and 19 and for the 19 I can't get anything with more aspect ratio than 35 series....I don't like that small of a side wall. Would like 50s all the way around.

[vjjack04]

Also, looking at the Flowmaster video, it seems I can use their tail pipes, and cut after manifolds, maybe fit in an x-pipe and use to small round straight through mufflers (or none) and make "true duals"...

[1967GTO]

I have done a true dual kit on a 4WD. It goes down the RH side where the factory exhaust goes and then cross it over in front of the spare tire.

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by 1967GTO

I have done a true dual kit on a 4WD. It goes down the RH side where the factory exhaust goes and then cross it over in front of the spare tire.

Mr 67 GTO, thanks. Yep I think I can do it...I weld a little. I am thinking on using Kooks headers on the truck....I hope I an not getting too ahead of myself....I don't have it yet. But, i an excited to get this little short bed, step side truck... I like em...around here in Arizona, trucks are the "bomb"....these particular GM short beds, steps sides, are hard to find...this one has a 5.3....I am going for the low, hot rod look...not the high, 4WD look...but if I had a 4WD that is what I would do...

[rustytruck50]

Originally Posted by vjjack04

Rusty,
Cool. Here's the truck....was on eBay. Hope I don't regret it.
Other picture is my '67 Vette with LS3 and other stuff....still working on it...Truck will be a diversion....but I hope a good one...

Real nice combo!!! Looks like a real clean truck & you certainly dont see many stepsides from this era or 3rd gen Corvettes in everyone's garage , for that matter Good luck & keep us updated!!

[Palf70Step]

Very nice truck. I miss my 02 Silverado W/T. Personally I have not found one that wwas lowered that would match the quality ride that it came with.

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Very nice truck. I miss my 02 Silverado W/T. Personally I have not found one that wwas lowered that would match the quality ride that it came with.

Thanks i had actually been searching for one with the stepsides like this one. It a 5.3 with only 56k miles.

[fun in dirt]

Truck looks super clean - congrats on a find with that few miles! If you don't want to go really low, I've had good luck using drop shackles on the rear. The backend sits up so much higher from factory, I think it makes for alot more level stance, and lower look, without expense of front spindles.

[vjjack04]

Fun in Dirt. Thanks. Yes exactly how i want to do it. Would like to probably lower the truck only 2 inches. All the way around. That way i still have a little "rake" to it.

[vjjack04]

How about this set up? just need over axle tail pipes...

[vjjack04]

So, I received the truck. It is ok, I did overpay by probably $2k....but, really wanted one of these little, Regular Cab Short Bed Stepsides....with 5.3...and it does have less that 56k miles. Surprise was/is it has a locking 3.73 diff. The bad deal is that it has a duplicate title and I didn't get sent the most recent one....they are in the process of "working on it", getting me the right title. I did validate through CA DMV that the duplicate title was done as a lost title submission by the same owner. Submission was done a few months after the original title was transferred from father to son (he must have found the original and sent to me). Its really a one owner truck. I hope this gets settled soon. Also, original owner seems to have been a smoker, so I have started cleaning that out. I will post pictures later.

[biketopia]

Look into Speed Engineering for your headers and true dual set up. You'll obviously need to tune it since you'll be deleting the cats. I have the SE long tubes and y pipe on my 08 5.3 and the fit and finish for a bargain priced stainless header is very very good! I'd recommend them to anyone. Just get a set of factory GM MLS manifold gaskets or equivalent after market, don't bother with the pressed fiber ones. I have long tubes, the y pipe and mated it back to my factory muffler on my 08. That, the tune, and the sound of my Texas Speed low lift truck cam is awesome. A lil idle noticeable, nothing obnoxious and best of all no annoying drone while cruising down the highway.

[jjzepplin]

In for this one. That is the truck I have been looking for too. I don't want to settle. Looks like I may have to...

[70cst]

Originally Posted by vjjack04

Rusty,
Cool. Here's the truck....was on eBay. Hope I don't regret it.
Other picture is my '67 Vette with LS3 and other stuff....still working on it...Truck will be a diversion....but I hope a good one...

Very nice truck!!!

[Harleys 4 You]

Are you selling it on E-Bay

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

In for this one. That is the truck I have been looking for too. I don't want to settle. Looks like I may have to...

I found a 14 shorty Sierra with 5.3 6l80 3.42 locker 77k. Haven't touched it yet but I really like your exhaust pics! I am thinking 20" wheels and 3-5 drop DOD delete. It's pretty darn fun driving the way it is though.

[vjjack04]

Well folks, this was a "no-go". Bought the truck on e-bay and the guy sent me a "duplicate title" I didn't really know what that was until now. It meant someone had a newer title than mine...except for the bill of sale, I didn't really own the truck. I did, however, protest the transaction with e-bay and after 2 1/2 months, finally go them to agree to send my money back, plus pay for shipping. Its now done, but I don't have that neat little '02 GMC...I overpaid for it anyway. So, I just decided to do a 2/3 drop on my '17 Ram sport, heck is has 395HP from the factory. So, I guess, for now, I will stick with the Ram....I think, in a while, my next project will be a late '60 or early '70's step side....prices are crazy though.

[jjzepplin]

Well that is a sad story with a happy ending. I found my truck due to your post. I bought from a dealer as opposed to Ebay or CL for this reason. I paid the going rate and maybe a little more than I should have but I got 2.7% int on my loan. I just wish I had power windows. Oh well. I guess I could fix that. Sorry things did not turn out. You have inspired me though and I hope you find another one if you are still looking. At least you got your money back but what a hassle.

[hatzie]

Originally Posted by vjjack04

Well folks, this was a "no-go". Bought the truck on e-bay and the guy sent me a "duplicate title" I didn't really know what that was until now. It meant someone had a newer title than mine...except for the bill of sale, I didn't really own the truck. I did, however, protest the transaction with e-bay and after 2 1/2 months, finally go them to agree to send my money back, plus pay for shipping. Its now done, but I don't have that neat little '02 GMC...I overpaid for it anyway. So, I just decided to do a 2/3 drop on my '17 Ram sport, heck is has 395HP from the factory. So, I guess, for now, I will stick with the Ram....I think, in a while, my next project will be a late '60 or early '70's step side....prices are crazy though.

Duplicate title usually means the title was lost, destroyed, or badly damaged and that's a replacement for the original document.
Titles have serial numbers. At least in this state. Older should equal lower serial number.
The duplicate should supercede the older original title with a lower serial number.

When I filled out the paperwork for the one, and only, replacement title I've gotten it had some verbiage about requirement to turn in the lost title if found...
It also mentioned the word felony in some verbiage about trying to use the lost original title to sell the vehicle. My lost title was destroyed in a fire so no danger of it showing up at some later date.

[vjjack04]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

Well that is a sad story with a happy ending. I found my truck due to your post. I bought from a dealer as opposed to Ebay or CL for this reason. I paid the going rate and maybe a little more than I should have but I got 2.7% int on my loan. I just wish I had power windows. Oh well. I guess I could fix that. Sorry things did not turn out. You have inspired me though and I hope you find another one if you are still looking. At least you got your money back but what a hassle.

jjzepplin, yeah, I like those 2001-20something short bed regular cabs...and especially the step-sides. I also like the 5.3 but the 4.8 isn't a bad platform to start with. Post a pic or two of yours. Have a good day.

[vjjack04]

hatzie,
Yep, the first title was lost, or so the guy thought. When he sold the truck, he must have grabbed the previous title and not the latest one. Regardless, no one could find it so he had to apply for a new one (which would have been the 3rd title). That was taking to long and the dealer who sold it advertised it as a "clean title". So I was able, through Ebay insurance to get all my money back. It was a shame to. That little truck was relatively nice for an 18 year old truck. 5.3 with 3.73 positrac....would have been a good project...But since I lowered my Ram 1500 sport which is a regular cab short bed, and will be adding a magnaflow cat back this week, I am in less of a hurry to get once. Need to finish my '67 corvette anyway.