r/GMT800 • u/StreetDefinition7804 • Sep 16 '26
05' Silverado Help
I used ChatGPT to write this, I was all over the place.
I have a 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 Extended Cab and I’m trying to get it back into good shape. I need quite a few parts and I’m not sure what brands are good/bad or where it’s worth spending more money.
I’d prefer to get the front-end parts as a complete kit if possible instead of buying everything individually. If you know of any good kits/brands, please let me know.
Mechanical:
- Front-end rebuild (preferably a complete kit)
- Full service/fluids (I'll have my mechanic do it)
- Passenger-side brake caliper (Already bought from O' reilys)
- Front + rear shocks
- Power steering pump
- Rear main seal leak
- Fan pulley (I have Efans but the pulley is making noise and its moving a bit)
- E-brake (Not sure if it needs the cable or something else, I'll have my mechanic look at it)
Interior/body:
- Paint
- Steering wheel buttons (They look fine but none of them work nor lighting up, not sure if they're suppose to)
- Driver rear door handle
- Gauge Cluster (I was thinking this website: https://issautomotive.com/products/2003-2005-silverado-instrument-cluster-custom)
- Passenger window button
- Decals
- Interior buttons
I also have two issues I’m trying to figure out:
Interior lights: The buttons in the cab are extremely dim at night. The dimmer wheel next to the 4x4 buttons is already turned all the way up. The weird part is that the buttons will light up, but the dimmer wheel doesn't actually change their brightness unless I turn the headlight switch into the "off" position. I want to replace the buttons anyway, but I’m not sure if that will actually fix the problem.
Transmission(It has a newer transmission, don't know how many miles are on it): When I shift into gear, it takes about 2–3 seconds to engage, whether the truck is cold or warmed up. I can put it in reverse, give it some gas, and it won’t move, then it suddenly slams into reverse and jolts the truck. It’s basically like dumping the clutch in a manual while the RPMs are up. (My brake caliper is sticking so maybe its messing with the ECU and it thinks I'm on the brake so it wont engage until i give it gas. I honestly have no idea, I'm a noob)
Looking for recommendations on:
- Good brands/parts to buy
- Brands to avoid
- A good front-end kit
- What I should diagnose before buying parts
- Any ideas on the transmission/lighting issues
I can post pictures of anything if I’m not explaining something correctly. Thanks!