I found a sharp looking 2003 SS AWD that has 150,000 miles. What are the known problems and quirks about these trucks from you guys that have them and know them well. I'm new to them, but really like the way they look. Is the AWD a headache? I had a friend that had one and didn't like it. Please tell me what I need to know. Are these 6.0 engines good for these kind of miles? The truck has had regular oil changes. Just anything you guys could help me with, pro's and con's. What kind of mileage do you get with the 6.0's.? Is the AWD all the time? Does it have a high and low?

 

How many owners and what age were they? It's hard to buy a performance vehicle with that kind of mileage because you never know how many people have ragged on it and ran it low on oil or ran it hot, etc.

But as long as it was driven relatively normal, it should be fine (except for normal maintenance such as suspension/steering stuff that is designed to wear out). I'd also make sure the tranny isnt toast. Is the title clear? Any wrecks?

Are there any mods on it? Any signs of being tampered with? Is the interior alright?

Whats the price on it?


To answer your other questions, the mileage will be around 13 mpg I'd say, and yes the AWD is full time, no high or low

 

The truck is totally stock, clean and good interior. Stock exhaust.

What's the benefit of the AWD? Do they handle good on curvy roads? Do they stay in limited slip all the time and only kick in 4 wheel if the wheels are slipping? Is the AWD just like a normal transfer case?

How much will it cost to lower this truck? I'd imagine with the AWD up front it might be a little costly, I'm not wanting a slammed truck, just something to make it sit right and take the gap out of the fenders?

Are there any problems with the AWD? What kind of gearing do these trucks have? I've found quite a few of these trucks around 100,000 miles for around $12,000 which I think is still a bargain if you don't get one that has been hot rodded.

 

One other place you can check out is silveradoss.com im on that forum also and there is a ton of good info there. use the search and you can find tons of info.

 

Check out www.silveradoss.com

 

Some answers for you....

Gearing - 4.10s front and rear, full time AWD transfer case, 62% power to the rear wheels, 38% to the front wheels, Eaton G80 Automatic locker out back.

The 6.0 LQ9 - A stout motor even with 150k+ as long as regular oil changes were performed.

Problem areas to check on - The front diffs are known for having bearings go south, usually they start to growl as the first sign. The transmissions are somewhat weak, some have lasted over 100k, many have not been as fortunate...slipping is the first sign of a problem. The guage clusters are recalled by GM, the stepper motors in the guages can go bad. The steering shafts are also recalled by GM, since they have the ability to create an annoying "knock."

Aside from these common problems, have the truck checked out(including those problem areas) by an experienced independent mechanic of your choice. Also inquire about the service/maintenance history if available. Don't let mileage discourage you.

Good luck with your search, and like stated already, check out SilveradoSS.com.

 

I believe the g80 is a 14-bolt, right?I just ask because the 2003's have a 10 bolt. I believe the G80's came when Chevy started making the SS in 2wd, but I am not positive.

And definitely check out silveradoss.com

 

no the G80 is the limited slip, so to speak

 

The G80 is available for a few different GM rears, the 10 bolt under the AWD SSS has a G80 also.

 

Drive it. If you like it ALOT, buy it but make sure you get it checked out and have a little stash of cash sitting in the drawer for repairs or mods. I love my AWD. If you are really worried about mileage, probably not the truck for you.