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Graystone Metallic 06 Sierra SLT

34K views 145 replies 21 participants last post by  06GMC5.3L  
#1 ·
Well, I have been a member on here a while, but never got around to doing one of these, so here it goes. The truck is an 06 Sierra XCSB SLT with the L33 5.3. It had 84000 on it when I bought it in May 2011. Ended up paying $15000 for it with all new brakes, and tires. It now has 106000 and I haven't had any mechanical issues, just routine maintenance. This year I have changed almost all the front end parts to lifetime warranty including CVs, BJs, Pitman, Idler, and the drive side hub, as well as put 5100s on the four corners. I have also changed the front and rear diff fluid to Amsoil, and am switching motor oil to Amsoil on my next change.

When I bought it it already had the full RC leveling kit with an AAL so there was still a significant amount of rake. Shortly after buying it I put on some esky handles (which were a pain to get a hold of because they are discontinued), and color matched the mirror caps, front emblem, and tailgate bezel myself. I installed Bushwhacker rail caps, and a Lund Genesis Tri Fold tonneau cover which came with a free bug deflector which I put on as well.

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I ended up trading a member on here my 3" RC block for a factory 2" block which gave a much better stance. I also added a set of 1.5" spacers in front to even out the track. Installed DDM HIDs in lows and fogs, and HIRs in high beams with the 6 hi mod, and a 3 piece eBay billet grille set. Drove it around like this for a year.

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Last fall/winter I bought a set of NNBS Z71 18s from a member on here and later found a set of 33/12.5 Toyo MTs to replace the cheap ATs I had.

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This spring I picked up some eBay clear corners and finally got around to clearing my headlights. It's surprising what such a small change makes such a big difference in appearance. Along with this, I removed the bug deflector and added an Airaid MIT.

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Last weekend I finally got around to putting on the new rims and tires. The tires for fine with minimal trimming of the mud flaps and bumper.

Right after putting them on:

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New pics from last week, fenders sitting at around 40" on all four corners:

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Did a quick wash today, it really needs a good clay and wax, but there are a few rust spots behind the mud flaps and rockers that I want to fix first. The calcium they put on the roads in the winter here in Maine is not forgiving.

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Here are a few of said spots:

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I hate the flaps because of this, but any really do without them. I plan on taking them off, sanding down, and probably painting up to the body line. As for the rockers I picked up some Eastwood interior frame coating I think it's called that I will try and spray inside, and I have some Rubberized Rust Encapsulator to do the outside. As you can see from the pictures, the precious owner had done some before. I am going to sand it all down and do it again. Hopefully this prolongs their life for a while.

Future plans are to fix behind flaps and rockers as mentioned, and do a complete exterior detail using Adams products.

Enjoy!! And feel free to comment.



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#127 ·
Changed the alternator, plugs, and wires today. Plugs still looked perfect at 110k, as far as I know they were original.

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#130 ·
Truck looks good! Which Amsoil are you running? I've been wanting to switch over to Amsoil from Mobil1


The Signature Series 5w-30.
 
#131 ·
Finally got around to changing the pump/oring/timing chain. Started at 9:00 PM (Yes I know, I am crazy). Teardown wasn't bad, and old timing chain didn't have any more play than the new one. Putting the new pump on is a pain in the arse. Must have spent close to two hours with that alone, getting the splines in the pump to mate those on the crank...Had the timing cover RTVed and back on around 4:00 AM. Got up the next morning, and finished buttoning everything up, refilled coolant etc. Now for the disapointing part, no real noticable increase in pressure at warm idle. Upon first startup it was significantly higher than before (around 55), but warm idle is still right back around 25 or so. Timing cover/area was clean, so I don't think it's a sludge/pickup tube problem, so I am not sure what the deal is, maybe just normal wear? Weird thing is, no excessive wear showed up on the oil analysis.

Oh well, I guess its a good upgrade regardless.
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#133 ·
love the progress on your truck, just read through the entire build, you did some very nice work along the way! keep it up!
Thanks, I appreciate it.
 
#134 ·
Changed out the pressure sensor last night with no change. Then went ahead and replaced the filter (3500 miles on it), cold start jumped up to like 60 psi, crusing is around 45-50, and hot idle is around 35. Looks like I found my problem!
 
#135 ·
Changed out the pressure sensor last night with no change. Then went ahead and replaced the filter (3500 miles on it), cold start jumped up to like 60 psi, crusing is around 45-50, and hot idle is around 35. Looks like I found my problem!
Very good! No offense, I prob woulda changed an oil filter before tearing down the motor! Lol
 
#136 ·
Very good! No offense, I prob woulda changed an oil filter before tearing down the motor! Lol

Sure rub it in haha. I probably should have too but. I had thought about it but. I guess it wasn't all for nothing.

Haven't cut the filter apart yet but I suspect it's is partly plugged.


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#139 ·
New winter shoes. 285/70/17 Hankook ATMs.
2 balanced fine but 2 took a ton of weight. They zeroed out but it just doesn't seem right. Haven't driven with them yet to identify if there are any vibrations or anything
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#141 ·
Nice looking truck. Give me them handles, I'll still need 2 more :crazy:
Thanks Kyle. Haha I think I will keep them. Have you had any luck finding some?
 
#143 ·
#146 ·