Hi all. I recently purchased a 2001 Silverado 1500LT ECSB Z71. So far, I've been diggin' it quite a bit. I do have a couple of questions, though. When started from a dead stop, there's sort of a squeak/clunk that seems to be coming from somewhere in the rear. I've read in a few places that something similar to this is fairly common in these trucks. However, often the noise and associated "clunk" feeling are pretty pronounced. How noticable is the "common" problem? Is it something that a passenger might feel or hear (as they can in my truck from time to time)?

I don't have a lot of extensive modifications planned, but will probably go with a few cosmetics and at least an air intake and cat back. The OEM p/n thread has been pretty helpful in locating certain things. One thing I'd like to get is a black grille (15770033). The normal parts outlets don't seem to carry them. Any vendors that might have this type of thing? I'll be watching eBay and the local junk yards.

I'm going to be searching around for info on intakes, but any advice on what would work well for a basically stock 5.3 would be great. Same on exhausts. I'm partial to the split dual side exit look, but haven't had much luck in that department. Flowmaster has an American Thunder system in this configuration, but it doesn't look like too many people around here are that fond of them. Most people seem to like Magnaflow performance-wise. I'm wondering if it would really make much of a difference on an unmodded engine, though. I've got B&B PRTs on my Vette and like them quite a bit. Anybody know anything about these in a truck application?

Sorry for the novel and thanks for the help. Lots of awesome trucks on here.

 

The clunk you hear is the yoke sticking on the output shaft.
GM will tell you that a nickle plated yoke will fix the problem,
but it comes at a cost. Around $300.00
I think the problem is the pinion angle, if you take the blocks out
between the rear leafs and the rear end it will go away, so this tells
me the angle is wrong for the lift on Z71's
I have not heard of anyone breaking the output shaft on transfer case
but it has probably been done.

As far as exhaust I bought mine from Jegs. It was a dynomax cat back
for $246.00 shipped to my house. Although I should have put the oval
muffler on. I put the welded muffler on. It is not very loud but has a deep
tone to it.

If you not gonna drag race an exhaust, K&N filter, and a custom tune is
all you will need plus your truck will be more fun to drive.
I bought a Hpp3 tuner and I wish I would have gone with a custom tune.
A hand held tuner is better than nothing..........

 

www.gmpartsdirect.com is a good source for hard-to-find parts.....but they kind of bend you over on the shipping

 

Thanks for the replies, guys.