2004 Silverado 1500 Z71 - project truck

[aka_darby]

I figured it would be best to start an Under Construction thread for my truck. The 1st two pics are from the day I rescued her. I was told it had 202k on it but the gauge cluster was so dirty I couldn't read the odometer..turns out she's got 292k and a bad 4l60e.

 

[aka_darby]

We got it home and cleaned it up. Pulled the old carpet and seats. Cleaned the seats and ordered some new carpet. Got the carpet in last night. Now I'm getting started on pulling the transmission.

 

[Cadillacmak]

Very nice, thank you for sharing!

 

[ORVietVet]

I think the 2 most noticeable things to do on an "Under Construction" truck, is the interior and lighting.

 

[aka_darby]

Got a new transmission cooler today. Pretty decent install kit came with it. I plan to install it Friday. I'll post install pics when I do.

 

[Cadillacmak]

Looking forward to seeing it.

 

[aka_darby]

Got it mounted today. I used the brackets supplied for the top mounts and then I notched and flipped the bottom bracket around so I had a flat surface mount for the bottom. I'm waiting on some fittings to come in and I'm using factory trans cooler lines (bending one to fit, just scooted the right side over an inch and it lined up) with factory connectors.

 

[aka_darby]

Got the transmission out today and sent it off for a rebuild this evening. Hope to have it back in a week or so.

 

[ORVietVet]

Got the transmission out today and sent it off for a rebuild this evening. Hope to have it back in a week or so.

When you go back together, do not get in a rush. Follow all instructions and read them twice. Check and double check everything.

When I do a bigger job, I step back at about 25% in and go over each step in my head and do a mental checklist. Then again at 50% and again at 75% and at 100% I do it twice. What is really weird to my girl and everyone that happens to be there at the time, I do this mental checklist OUT LOUD. Plus, if it is really an involved/multi step job, I make a list I check off as I go. I also have a bunch of smaller zip lock bags that as I do certain steps of disassembly, I bag and label the bolts/nuts/screws and what they are for and lay them out in the order I removed them.

 

[aka_darby]

Got the transmission back just gotta find some time to get it put back together

 

[aka_darby]

I broke the tabs off the shift linkage..do I have to replace the whole thing?

 

[aka_darby]

Replaced the back half of the cable. Got it all buttoned up and it shifts through all the gears nice and smooth. Had a few leaks..got them addresses. Now my heater hose just blew off..headed the parts store.

 

[aka_darby]

Back in business. Next project: Brakes
Got ABS and Brake warning light on and the pedal is soft, soft.

 

[aka_darby]

Ordered new calipers for the front. Got them installed and bled, then the rear caliper started dumping fluid..needless to say..I now have new brakes all around, as well as a new master cylinder. ABS and brake lights are gone. Picked up a tailgate at the local scrapyard and scored a set of stock 16" aluminum wheels.

 

[ORVietVet]

Ordered new calipers for the front. Got them installed and bled, then the rear caliper started dumping fluid..needless to say..I now have new brakes all around, as well as a new master cylinder. ABS and brake lights are gone. Picked up a tailgate at the local scrapyard and scored a set of stock 16" aluminum wheels.

It's only money....

 

[4silverado]

Wheels look decent. Most of what I see have worm holes, cracked or peeling clear coat.