My first post...

KFXSierra · August 27, 2004

First time posting, long time surfing this website. I currently own a 01'GMC 2500HD w/ 6.0L and NV4500 5-speed. Single cab / LB. I bought it with 18,000 miles in Oct. 02 and has about 36,400mi now. Ok, let me get straight to the point and vent a little. I have been GM faithful ever since my first car (85 Celebrity) an Astro van, even a 96'ImpalaSS...with a Saturn thrown in the mix:)

So I move to Alaska and trade in my 98' GMC 1500 EX/SB w/5.0L and 5-speed for this...truck. Ahh yes, such a wonderful day when one can upgrade vehicles. I installed a couple of Flowmaster 40 series and went with 3in duals in the back. Ahh yes, even more wonderful, the sound of a kick ass exhaust. The fun stops here.

So much for "straight to the point".... 11 months go by, it's Sep 03. I have noticed through this board (thank you) of all the little things that go wrong or fail with this truck. Most are annoying and cause mild irritation to the brain while others (piston slap) are pretty major. I happened to have a major. My clutch blew. Ok, now just because I have 3in duals in the back dosen't mean I drive like an idiot. I also find it odd with only 25,000mi for this to happen but.. I suck it up and pay $1200 to get it repaired. (I see the insults coming already) with "quality" replacement GM parts via the GMC dealership. Ahh yes, truck moves under it's own power again.

Three months later, I have this coffee grinding noise coming through the tranny...ok, it still shifts smooth in every gear, good pressure on the clutch, but this mild irritation to the brain noise. (Note to self: Should have had this looked at right away). So no big deal, right? I can live with the noise.

Last week on a camping/fishing trip, about a mile from my house a really terrible grinding / groaning sound comes from the left front. Great! I figure the left front hub just went bad at 36,400mi (perfect timing) So I have it towed to the dealership almost exactly one year later. Service Advisor..advises me to rent a car or take a shuttle back home while the problem is being checked.

Back home....I whip out the "extended service contract" I so graciously paid $1250 for...ahhh yes...the hub should be covered with a $50 ded. I notify the "Automotive Warranty Services, Inc" of my hardship and wait for the dealership estimate to get approval.

3 days pass, I give the dealership and ring and check the status.

BTW I mentioned to him the coffee grinding noise with the tranny. This is what he tells me -

-BOTH front hubs need replacement

-Transmission needs a complete rebuild - better off with new transmission

-Major leaks from oil seals on all major parts..ie all transmission parts and engine

-All ball joints bad on front end - needs alignment

-Driveshaft twisted

-Looks like major vehicle abuse

BTW there were a couple more things he said, but I was in shock at that point.

Well, I'm at a loss of words - no quote yet but he says (and I believe him) it's gonna be real expensive.

Now some questions - My truck tracked straight and true and didn't seem to need an alignment done nor do the tires show evidence - any other reason the dealer would say this

Can the twisted drive shaft cause any of these problems? I already knew it was there and its more of a dent then a twist. BTW There were no vibrations in the driveline or "shudders" at any speed.

The dealership was the last one to work on my truck with the clutch - wouldn't they notice any of the leaky seals when removing all the major components for the clutch replacement?

I use my truck to hual a 400lb quad and to travel work.

Sorry about the extremely long post but what it comes down to is I don't think the extended warranty people are gonna cover any of the costs.. Ohh well I did keep all my maintenece records. So I'll keep you guys posted on whats up. Thanks for the replies in advance.

XTOAK · August 27, 2004

I don't know if you're allowed to answer this on the board, but who is the dealer here in Alaska...I might have an insight for you. Also, if you bought it here in Alaska...from what dealership?

KFXSierra · August 28, 2004

Ok, after searching the archives for the past hour, I have an update.

The dealer called and said the warranty people sent out an "adjuster" to look at the problems. They are repairing everything so far except the transmission which I had to give authorization to "break" it down and let them find the problem. I feel a lot better now. Thanks for the tip XTOAK.

One last question, I have driven stick shift for the past 8 years, the dealership is still unsure what the problem is about the "coffee grinding noise" in every gear but it is subdued...has anyone else had this type of problem? Or what it might be.. Thanks a lot.

Again, sorry about the lengthly and boring first post. - Josh