Need truck advise

lateapex911 · 02-24-2006, 08:48 PM

Hey guys, I'm not sure if this is the ideal area, but I hope it's ok to ask if anyone has good sources for upgrades to my truck.

It's a 2001 GMC Sierra 2WD Stepside that I use for towing my enclosed trailer with either my 911 or my racecar inside, and daily driving. It's the 350 V8. 80K on the odo.

First, my pads went to the rotors today, so I will likely need pads and most likely rotors.....so, I was toying with the idea of upgrading the front brakes. But I like the stock wheels so things need to fit in the 16" diameter.

Second, its lacking grunt when towing...a supercharger might help that. ANy ideas on a brand or model??

Finally, the headlights blow..esp the his. Is there a HID swap that includes the proper projector for the HID lows that anyone has seen?

thanks in advance!

schamp · 02-25-2006, 04:01 AM

On the headlights there is a kit you can purchase which gives you better wires, heavy relay, all four on with brights, and alternator voltage at your headlights instead of the 10-11 volts you have now. I have used the kit on two suburbans and the difference is amazing. Do a search for Kennedy Diesel. I am pretty sure John has them and a good guy to. It is what GM should have done in the first place.

schamp · 04:18 AM

You don't say if your truck is a 1500 or 2500. Regarding towing, I would suggest you not tow in overdrive unless your load and trailer is very light. A L460E transmission will not last long towing in OD. A L480E will last a little longer. Tow in 3. Change your trans fluid every 25K. On your brakes good luck. I have spent thousands trying to get really good brakes on my suburbans. If you have the 1500 truck then you can get a kit made for the Secret Service and the Feds which is really just a bigger caliper. Rotor stays the same but it makes a hugh difference. At least it did on my 96 suburban. Pads and rotors are usable items. I have not found slotted or drilled or frozen rotors to be worth the money. I have found that there are difference grades of pads. You don't want the racing pads but the next grade down. They don't last as long but will make the thing stop. If you have a 2500 then good luck. If you find something please let me know. Spent a grand on a kit putting disk on the back, no real help. With the lack of weight on the rears your really working with the fronts, only about 10% going to rears anyway. As far as hp, in the long run the best thing might be a crate motor from GM. You can get one pushing 300 HP for around 1800.00. I am sure someone will tell you to get a ford F-250 diesel. Good luck

VINMAN · 02-25-2006, 04:17 AM

I'd go with a cam change, to give you a little more torque. Crane and Edelbrock both make nice cam kits for truck and towing applications.

VINMAN · 02-25-2006, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by schamp
I am sure someone will tell you to get a ford F-250 diesel. Good luck

Yeah get rid of that GM!

5axis · 02-25-2006, 11:20 AM

quote:
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Originally posted by schamp
I am sure someone will tell you to get a ford F-250 diesel. Good luck
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Or get a F350. Funny thing, in the used market there is no obvious price difference between them.

Our 24' weighs in about 4K without all the fun stuff inside. I would not want to pull it with one of those "small" trucks

fuelie600 · 02-25-2006, 03:52 PM

I recently replaced the pads and rotors on my 2002 suburban (K1500 4x4.) I used the most agressive pad from autozone and was amazed at the improvement in braking. I've owned the suburban from new and always hated the brakes. After the change and a fluid flush its a different animal.

As far as tow braking, are your trailer brakes working well?