Its been a while since I've spent any money on the truck. Wife just bought a new 2014 Ram 2500 loaded out Laramie and has me thinking about upgrades, the gmc seems insignificant around this thing.

Has anyone done a/and have pics of touchscreen headunits. No bose, truck is a Tx Edition, want to keep factory USB, but looking for a clean as close to factory look. Want to keep bluetooth but not worried about satellite or on star necessarilly. New door speakers all around, haven't decided on if an amp/sub combo is in play. I have the factory rear ext cab underseat storage and would rather not mess with that.

Are these trucks pre-wired for factory remote start? Had it on my 07 Silverado, thinking about it again.

Then thinking 2"-2.5" front leveling kit, some larger AT tires, maybe taller block for the rear, considering new wheels. Maybe 2014 GMC Sierra all terrain wheels or the replicas 20"/maybe a blacked out wheel combo. Maybe 4.10's to help with the larger tires?

Strange request, i love the looks of the new 2014-15 gmc sierras with the factory black texture plastic wheelwell lips/trim. Anyone make something similar for the NNBS trucks? I've looked but haven't come up with any hits.

Any advice/pics/etc.... I'm Open to suggestions. Got some other ideas but the above is where i'd like to start out.

 

Remote start, I believe it requires the correct remote start fobs, with GM activation code. the Dealer has to call TAC, then the tech down loads a flash for the VIN with updated code. additional info... -->Thread LINK

not 100% but GM # 17801236 (remote start with code)

What interior do you have? Alpine makes a 8 inch nav unit/s that works very well with our trucks couple head units, including the new X009-GM (cost is higher than giraffe *****) ALPINE

Leveling, do a search everyone has their favorite brands, but IMO the Bilstein offers the best robust complete package.

I like the new K2xx trucks plastic fender liner trim as well, but I don't know of anyone that offers it for the NNBS style trucks.

 

Some additional remote start information

You must bring it to them because the truck requires a phone call for authorization to GM and a flash to the computer for your vehicle!

you MUST have the code "AP8". If you have AP3 well then why are we talking? That vehicle came with remote start already installed if you see AP3!

Lastly, NO! You cannot just buy remote start FOBS and have them reprogrammed. The part number you buy will include fobs and a "CODE". The code is the expensive part. So dont try and order some fobs

 

flashlogic makes a module part #FLRSGM10 remote start module that is plug and play. allows you to use your factory remote. you hit the lock button 3 times to remote start your truck. i use them at work, there simple to install and work great. they are also cheaper then going to the dealer, buying new key fobs, and then having your bcm reprogrammed

 

I did look and the truck is equipped with the AP8 code.

I spoke with the local dealer where I bought the truck about the factory remote start. Laughable! They want $650 for the factory and $525 for the aftermarket using the original key fobs and hit the lock button 3 times. I have read that you can purchase the remote start key fobs with the code. GM#22970855 and take it to the dealer for programming and will look into that and how much the dealer will charge for that service.

I will look into the flashlogic setup as well.

I assume that I would need to set my trucks tune back to stock with my autocal prior to having the remote start programmed in?

As far as interior, I just have the SLE interior. Split bench with the center fold down jump seat with the 3 cupholders. No center console, but I do have the auto dual climate control a/c. I love that Alpine setup, but that is a different interior than I have and really not looking to spend that much. I've been looking at some of the pioneer touch screens, but not sure about pioneer. Always been more of a kenwood or alpine guy myself. Not looking to break the bank, just wanting to spruce the truck up some.

I will look into the Bilstein leveling kit.

 

Amazon & ebay sale the remorte start kit for about $196 with the code, the dealer will likely charge 1-1.5 hours. so about $90-150ish.

low end about $300, high about $350 I looked into that flash logic, I would think there will be some canbus errors with that module.

I think they only flash the BCM, not sure about the ECU.

Alpine sales the 8" DIN 2 unit for your truck, the X009-GM is the nicest package but not needed nor will it fit your truck. You can always find a OEM nav unit, I like my so far, but has its limitations.

AP8 can be upgraded, to OEM remote start, best option in my option.

I had GM add the 3 sensors, tail gate theft sensor, wheel theft sensor, shock sensor. wooooo that set me back.

 

I've been pricing and researching all my options. Hoping to make some moves by Christmas.

Finally got pricing from local dealers on the remote starts. Best price is $365 but that is buying the parts and labor through the dealer. Never could get a price commit from them if i buy the remote start kit from say amazon.

Priced some audio equipment. Gound a new model pioneer 7" touchscreen that i really like, got pricing of that plus JL Audio 6.5 components up front & 6.5 coaxial in the rear doors. Little more than i was expecting for all the headunit stuff. Thinking i may be able to install myself, need to research what adapters i need though. I know i can find the speakers cheaper, like the jl's, but also looking at focals/alpine spr's/& maybe memphis audio.

As far as leveling kits, i'm still up in the air with this one. Got some good pricing, looked at the ready lift 2.25" kit but also considering the bllstein or rancho quick lift struts. My big hold up here is tire size. Wanna go something wider, 285-55-20/295-55-20/305-50 or55-20 but these tire sizes are way more $$$ and not many tire options. The one exception being 305-50-20, but that tire size is not much taller than stock.

Add in the recent cool weather we've had and my truck performing well has me also considering going the other way dropping the rear with shackles and pulling the block. Maybe doing a 1" front coil relocator and going with some better street/performance tires. Really lme the Nitto 420's.

So needless to say my indecision is kicking in right now, think i'm going to get the audio stuff done first and see where that leads me.

 

I had the pioneer in my truck of course to each his own. The NAV part is crap and sucks to use. If crap NAV is not a deal breaker for you then past that it's a great unit. I went with the kenwood excelon DNX-991HD it's got garmin NAV and is stellar the pioneer kicked the bucket at 1.5 years old and love it.

Go aftermarket on the remote start the factory remote start has un programmable run time and poor range compared to aftermarket stuff. anything DEI branded will get you a great alarm and or autostart with stellar range and options.

One other side note to ask your installer about is concerning the interface they use with the truck. I had a PAC OS4 on my pioneer and it was real slow with the steering wheel control button press VS radio response time and sometimes the thing would get confused once the truck was started and not turn the radio on for up to a minute after it was cranked.
The PAC RP5-GM 31 is the replacement for the OS4 and should have all the bugs worked out.

BUT when I went back with the new kenwood I was upset enough with PAC I tried a different interface. I put in a ADS Idatalink Maestro RR thus far everything about it is better and it's lightning fast. Now when I was installing car audio in college the shop I worked for and even I swore by PAC products this was the first one I was not happy with.

 

Honestly i'm not even planning on going Nav. I generally don't drive anywhere I'm not familiar. I just want a good operating touch screen and be able to retain factory operations. I do not have my xm or onstar currently active but want the ability if i choose to addback again. I have looked at the kenwood units and that would be my other choice, just liked the pioneer 7" as it fit the dash better and looked a little more factory.

As Far as remote start, not sure. I looked at the aftermarket stuff but seems like they nickle and dime you to death. Basic setup is in the price range but the shops i spoke with keep adding to the price for install. The truck is setup for the factory remote start, so figured that would be easy. I had the factory installed remote start in my 07 silverado and never had sny issues with the range or run time.

Good info on the head unit interface. Thats one area that i don't have a lot of knowledge. I've been researching and relying on crutchfield for wiring harness and interface connections.