New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

So I gave my car to my daughter and needed a new ride. I went out to look at this truck as I've been looking for a short bed regular cab to purchase and this one fit the bill. I tried to do as much research as I could but I needed a vehicle fast. It's got 77,000 and manual everything for the interior but it blows cold AC and is pretty good for acceleration. If I did my homework right, it has 355 HP and the traction control switched off makes it fun in a corner. I think it has electric steering. Not sure. I plan to lower it and maybe some 20" rims. Should be fun. I have the other trucks but this one I can leave at the boat launch without worrying the whole time I am on the water. Tell me I didn't waste my money... Anyone with ins and outs for these?

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Very Nice. It is super hard to find a short bed now days, especially equipped like yours.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Don't I know it. It took quite a while to find one with a V8. Thought I had one earlier this year but it turned out to be a 4.8 with 4 spd auto. This one was more expensive but I was able to get a loan for 2.75%.
I took a good look underneath it yesterday and was amazed by the large differential and huge u joints. Not sure of the ratio or if it is a one legger but it sure lets both tires loose pretty easy.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

If your SPID says G80 then it is a posi. Your ratio code will be a GT4, or something in that neighborhood, you can google it.

Greg

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

In MN it would be very tough to find a swb 2 wheel drive. All 4WD up here.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Well my wife would not agree to a Vette. She said "It's not practical". I have a decent 4X4 and I consider my Blazer the "convertible". I think the first thing I should do is look into purchasing the HP tuners and tune out the AFM. I need to get the HP tuners for my Blazer swap anyway. A couple more credits for this one and I am in business. Thanks for your comments folks.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

I found the RPO codes in the glove box. Hard to read but looks like GU6 and G80. I think this comes out to 3.42s and a locker? These did not have limited slip right?

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

That's what info my RPO code breaks down to also, 3.42 with limited slip

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

That is a nice truck. I would love a swb, but I have to haul faimly.

I did the 2.5/4 drop on my truck in a after noon. I got drop spindles, and rear shackles. Then removed the lift block.

The way my truck was set up with the ass end so high it felt twitchy at speed. After the mods it felt alot smoother on the highway, and more neutral in its handling.

I did the mods all at once, but maybe removing the block first would of helped by itself. My spindle caster was almost 3*, and after lowering was a bit over 7*. Measured through the ball joints centers. To low of caster, and the handling is too fast. Too much, and it is slower.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

SO if I get you right, there are pro's and con's to the lowering? Is your truck level now?

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

So from what I have read, this one has AFM/DOD. I have no indicators on the 3.5" minimal panel that tells me if it's active or not. I think I should get it tuned out asap. Thoughts?

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

From what I have heard of it, yes get rid of it. Most I know had to (failed) and rather than go back with the lifter things, they put in traditional 5.3 stuff. I didn't know you could just tune it out.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Yes. There are pros, and cons to the lowering job i have done. Also my truck sits pretty level with the back end up maybe 1".

My truck handles better due to increased effective caster. I think it rides better, and feels less jittery to me.

MPG seems to be slightly higher on the highway, but not much to write home about. But what highway mpg tracking I did before the mod seems I usually do slightly better on average.

My weight carrying has decreased by 500 pounds roughly before I am riding the bump stops. I always needed helper air bags, but its still there.

It handles 7500 pounds roughly towing better on the road as the trailer has less leverage on the hitch. Still hit bump stops often, and need helper air bags.

I can reach inside the bed now, and lifting things onto the tailgate is easier. Before I barely could load a sbc block into the bed, and now its easy enough for me.

My offroad activities are limited to dirt roads, and I scrape my lower lip often. Plus bending it to.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

On my V6 on flat level roads it gives me a roughly 1 mpg advantage at 65mph. At 75 it is practically the same mpg again. Also slower at 55 seems to make no difference due to lack of power unless I draft a semi. Then it seems to do very well. Although my patience level is typically not good enough for 55mph.

If I drive from Temecula to Temple City "not Temple City to Temecula" when I visit family. Most of the freeway seems to be down hill for some reason. It does alot better.

But if you put load exhaust under your truck you will want it gone. As the V4 flutter is pretty bad. I have a V6 so I am leaving the stock exhaust since it sounds worse modified.

So depending on goals would be the determining factor on tuning the afm out combined with how you drive. So if you cruise the highways it can help, but if your in a hurry it likely does nothing.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Thank You for the feedback. I want to lower it because it would be easier to get in and out as well as for loading the bed and I just think it would look better and drive better. I want to get some 20" rims and tires first to make everything gels together. I am most likely not going to be running the highway much and my new job (yay! no,longer unemployed!) is only about ten min away no highway. I saw an inexpensive kit but I don't like the front setup as it moves the strut mount from on top of the control arm to below it. To me, this puts the entire front of the truck in the hands of four bolts holding it up. Me, the engine, etc all relying on four bolts. One pothole and I am on the side of the road or worse.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

You'll like it lowered, I'm going to lower my 08 about the same. Just like with the old trucks, buy a quality and thought out drop and it will give you comfort and security for many miles to come. As far as the DOD also see if you have VVT. DOD/AFM are acronyms for the same system, VVT a phaser on the front of the cam to advance or retard cam timing a few degrees while driving to gain better power/economy, think there's an extra sensor or the cam sensor has 5 wires vs 3 on vvt or non trucks. The DOD cuts out 4 cylinders at cruise. Yes you can tune out DOD, but it's typically the hard parts the cause issues, namely the DOD lifter. They get debirs in them and then dont pump with oil and bam, you've got a dead cylinder. The best thing you can do for an engine with DOD is be religious about your oil changes, and use a good paper filter, not a K&N or other cold air. GM released a TSB about air filters being a leading cause of DOD lifter failure. My 08 had 187k miles on it when I bought it, I deleted the DOD and put a cam in it, some long tubes and routed it back through the factory muffler and tail pipe. Has a nice little rumble at idle but nice and quiet at cruise, but there's definitely some more power there. That engine looked pretty clean inside, but I have a 2012 with 99k at work with a failed lifter, we're just sending that to auction, not worth us tearing into it on a fleet truck that the hybrid unit is about to fail on anyways.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Thank You for the reply! Good info for sure. I want to do the lowering first and I am guessing I am going to have to swap out the spindles to lower the front correctly. I am probably going to have to do a flip in the rear but I don't want a notch so I am thinking a small snubber on the frame and some air bag helpers for the occasional load. I am impressed with the 6 spd and acceleration is pretty good for a 5.3. I thought I had some nice Versanti 22" rims but I got there and saw a big egg on the inner hoop of one. The fellow said I would not even feel it. HAHA! Got to love dishonest CL.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

I don't think you'll need to do an axle flip unless you want a 7" rear drop, they look awesome like that, but have about no hauling capacity. My buddy has an 07 with a 5/7 drop and he hits the bump stops with little more than a few hundred pounds in the bed.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Did he cut the bump stop mounts off?

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

I'll have to ask

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

This is the drop I am looking at. Not a bad price for having all new struts and shocks which at 77,000 I am due for anyway. If you look at the last picture it has the bump stop removed and the snubber relocated to the rear axle.
https://www.suspensionshop.com/chevr...t-34170-34270/

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Does anyone have any suggestions for 20" or 22" wheels and tires? I would like stock as I hear some bad reviews on the finish not lasting long on aftermarket.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

If your lookingbfor big wheels. Check out offer up, and Craigslist. I have missed a couple of sets of 18's cheap, but they are out there.

A new set of takes offs in my area is about $1500

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

OK, so little update. I saw a rear exhaust bolt that looked to be loose. Nope. Broken. Passenger rear. ( of course ) So poo to that. It's not leaking yet but will soon I imagine or is and I can't hear it. I looked for one of those temporary fix type brackets but none of them list my vehicle. I am not ready to screw up my daily driver so I guess I will make my own bracket.
Update 2. I have a weird shifting issue that I thought was the engine turning on and off the AFM or DOD. Now I think it is actually something with the transmission. It works fine when driven hard but when I slow down for , say, railroad tracks and then give it light acceleration, a hard jerky condition makes me accelerate harder and the condition goes away. Trouble is that now I am speeding and in traffic it sucks. I have tried the method of keeping it in Manual #5 gear and it still happens. I have tried trailer mode too. So a big POO to that! I have looked into Trans-Go shift kits and they mention the issue. I may have to drop the pan and try that.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

I hope you don't have the problem I had with my six speed.

It started shifting rough so I made an appt to have it checked out, then it started getting really bad on the 60 something miles down to the shop. By the time I got there it wouldn't shift out of 1st. They said a planetary broke and chewed up the whole transmission.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Oh No! What year was the trans?

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

2016. 76K miles total, 73K when we bought it.

The first owner was a contractor with some sort of service body on it.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

So I purchased a Used set of stock 20" five spoke stock wheels with almost new Goodyear wranglers dated 2018. The ride Is much different. A ton better. I just have to swap out the pressure sensors. Unless someone has a better idea.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

If the new wheels have sensors in them you may be able to program them to your truck. You can get a tool like the one in this link, or some tire shops will do it for you.

https://www.amazon.com/VXDAS-EL-5044...9021731&sr=8-3

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Thanks. I am not sure if they have them or not. They are from a 2017 Chevy but you never know what happened as these are off of CL. I still have my old wheels and can remove them from those I guess. I have the means to remove tires from rims. It's just such a sweaty ordeal. The truck does not relearn the sensors?

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

You have to put the truck into learn mode. I'd pick up that 15 dollar tool posted above and have it in the tool box, comes in handy when you rotate the tires too so the position is known.

*Below is the how to from AllData*

Tire Pressure Sensors Learn Enable Methods

Ignition ON, initiate the Tire Pressure Sensors Learn Mode using one of the following procedures:
Using a scan tool, initiate the Tire Pressure Sensors Learn Mode. A double horn chirp will sound indicating the Learn Mode has been enabled. The left front turn signal will also be illuminated.

On vehicles equipped with keyless entry, simultaneously press the keyless entry transmitters lock and unlock buttons until a double horn chirp sounds indicating the Learn Mode has been enabled. The left front turn signal will also be illuminated.

On vehicles not equipped with keyless entry, press and release the driver information center (DIC) INFO button until the TIRE LEARN message appears on the DIC display. Press and hold the SET/RESET button until a double horn chirp sounds indicating the Learn Mode has been enabled. The left front turn signal will also be illuminated.

Starting with the left front tire, active the sensor by holding the antenna of the TPM special tool aimed upward against the tire sidewall close to the wheel rim at the valve stem location. Press and release the Activate button. Ensure that the transmit indicator on the special tool indicates that the sensor activation signal is being transmitted. Wait for a horn chirp. If the horn does not chirp, repeat the sensor activation sequence with the tool. Once the horn chirp has sounded, the sensor information is learned and the turn signal in the next location to be learned will illuminate.
After the horn chirp has sounded and the right front turn signal is illuminated, repeat step 2 for the remaining 3 sensors in the following order:
Right front
Right rear
Left rear
When the left rear sensor has been learned and a double horn chirp has sounded, the learn process is complete and the RCDLR exits the learn mode.

and here is a thread from GM-Truck about the same thing. https://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/top...earn-required/

I would pick up the tool, or hit up a buddy that might have a TPMS relearn tool and see if they can get what might be in the "new" wheels to train up. Otherwise you'll need to swap em or pick up 4 new ones.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

I just watched a you tube video that put the truck in learn mode and simply let the air out of the specified tire starting with the left front driver tire and the horn chirped etc. No tool needed just a re inflation of said tire. Has anyone tried that? I did just now but the fella I got the tires from said the TPMS units were needed for his new tires. I was just hoping they were in there. I suppose I could try it with my old tires that are still in my possession.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Yes, that will work it just takes forever and sometimes you have to do it that way several times. Also, your TPMS valve stems will look different than non-TPMS. I can't explain it, have to find some pics...

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Yeah I thought so too. I guess the fact that the valve caps are the same aluminum type, I thought they might still have the sensors.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

They don't always look different, the OE's use a rubber stem on most of them now. Also believe right about 14' GM changed the procedure to needing the relearn tool, my 08 you can do with the inflation/deflation technique, but not the newer ones.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

So I swapped out the sensors. The newer wheels had the right valve stem but sensors were gone. I took the sensors out of the old wheels and drove a round a bit without relearning the. I had tried to relearn the truck to the new wheels not knowing if they had the sensors so I was skeptical of this all working out easily. To my surprise, the truck recognized the old sensors without me doing anything other than installing them. What a relief. If anyone wants to hear about the "sweaty" ordeal of doing this in your driveway, just let me know. I must say that without a tire machine and a healthy compressor and in 90 degree humid weather... I am not going to do this again. I even had a very powerful fan blowing on me. HAHA!

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

So I think I want to put some headers on Blanco before I lower it. I am looking at these. Has anyone tried them on this year or similar truck? https://www.ebay.com/itm/26468395360...wAAOSw1EhZigtd I have to go after that broken bolt and I don't want to rig things so I might as well upgrade to these at the same time.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

I had speed engineering on my 08, and I'm getting a set for my new to me 07 classic. The fit and finish is quite nice. For the price, they are damn hard to beat. When you replace them get the MLS manifold gaskets like stock, the felpro fiber ones will leak. Dorman sells a replacement bolt kit too. I installed the headers and y pipe on my 08 while I was doing a cam swap but slid them in with the heads on, was quite easy, and the y bolted up well and I was able to hook it into my stock exhaust system very easily. Gave a nice idle rumble but nothing annoying at cruise speed. You will need a tune to turn off the engine light for deleting the cats and rear o2's. It will run just fine, just have the annoying light if you don't tune. The nice thing is these trucks respond well to a tune with no other modifications too.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

Thank you for your response! I was thinking of using Percy's Seal 4 Good gaskets as I have had great luck with them on SBC's. The bolts stay tight and have had no leaks for years. My Speed Engineering long tubes on my Blazer came with gaskets but I don't want to use them. I just Bought HP tuners kit with 4 credits to tune my Blazer and Blanco. Hopefully I will be good at it. Are you happy with your 08 DOD Delete? I was thinking of doing that before this 5.3 grenades. For now I will delete the AFM through HP tuners.

Re: New 2 ME 14 Sierra SWB 5.3-6spd Hope I didn't blow it...
 

I was super happy with it. I sold the truck about 2 months ago after I found a smoking deal on a super clean 07 classic 2500HD. I did the cam swap/delete myself on the 08, wasn't hard at all could easily be done in a weekend. I did a small cam, a Texas Speed low lift stage 2 truck cam. Had nice power under the curve, a small idle note that was nice, but then through the stock exhaust it was super pleasant to drive down the highway. Mahle MS16124 worked great for me on the headers, and they are only 18 bucks for the pair on Amazon, I'll be using them again. Only think about the SE headers people complain about is the clamps, I got some band clamps from Napa ahead of time but ended up using some of the supplied ones too, just changed out the bolt and they seemed to hold tight for the year I drove the truck. The biggest thing that kills the DOD lifters is poor service practices, change the oil and change the air filter. GM issued a TSB years ago stating poor air filter service was a huge contributing factor in DOD lifter failure.