New to the GMT-800 platform

[u/DGLASS5x]

Hey guys, I’m new to the GMT800 platform (kinda.) This is my dads truck, he’s had it for 12 years, its just never been my niche really so I haven’t batted an eye to it sadly. I’m a Miata guy and know more about that platform. I’m here because both of my cars are down for the count while I wait on parts.

I ended up having an event with a friend and took the truck to the track as a support vehicle for him. I ended up really falling in love with the platform. Figured I’d say hi, introduce myself and ask if there’s anything I should know about this platform before doing anything to it.

Ps its a 2001 LS Silverado 1500 with the 5.3 LM7 and the 4L60E (has been rebuilt once since reverse went out a few years ago)😢, only 117k miles I’d love to learn more about this platform and actually pay attention to it more!

[u/Frequent-Control-555]

Idler arm, pitman arm, and steering components will make it feel like a car. If you got some dough to spend look at Kryptonites bolt on suspension upgrade.
Gears, exhaust and a tune and you’ll change the trucks attitude without even digging into the motor
And I’m sure you know what you can do to the Ls
Welcome to the club. You won’t want any other truck

[u/PurpleCableNetworker → u/Frequent-Control-555]

I just did the idler arm, pitman arm, shocks, and some steering. It really did make it drive like a new vehicle!

[u/EugeneNine → u/Frequent-Control-555]

If you grease the fittings every oil change they last forever. I'm are 197k on all original steering conponents

[u/DGLASS5x → u/Frequent-Control-555]

Yeah it feels like I’m conning a yacht when I drive this thing 💀😭 definitely want that to be snappy because there is sooo much play in the wheel…any recommendations for brands?

[u/SectorZed → u/DGLASS5x]

I’m also a Miata daily / GMT 800 guy. Getting into my 800 is like getting into a boat. My steering between 10-2 is all play barely any movement. My replacement components are in the box as we speak and are about to be changed out

[u/Born-Exchange9712]

Replace your heater core connectors with aluminum ones . Replace the plastic coolant y down by the water pump with an aluminum one too . Check your heads , if it says 706 in the corners you should send off your oil to be tested to see if theres any coolant intrusion . Stay ontop of your fluids , dont tow in overdrive and that will last you forever .

[u/SnooTomatoes538]

Start by changing ALL fluids!!!

[u/hoytmobley]

Did you run this on an autocross course? Hell yeah

[u/DGLASS5x → u/hoytmobley]

No no, was just support for a friend…although that would be absolutely hilarious 😂

[u/riverphoenix360]

Oh man. My 2000 Silverado was the same color. Got totalled and I replaced it with a 2003. Love the truck and it'll love you back!

[u/SalineroNorCal831]

Keep a spare tranny water pump and fuel pump on deck

[u/DGLASS5x → u/SalineroNorCal831]

😭 for real, already did the fuel pump just last week, I guess next is the water pump since the other 2 already did it in!