My brother lives north of Seattle. He was driving down I-5 at the speed limit and a County Mountie had someone pulled over. Between the two of them pulling into traffic, they managed to total at least 4 vehicles, including my brother's 2004 Silverado 1500 4wd extended cab with a 5.3l V8. Entire side is mashed. It was a great truck that required next to no maintenance over the 200K+ miles he drove it.
Since the 2004 was his work truck, he needs a replacement ASAP. A friend has a 2014 Silverado 4wd double cab, also with a 5.3l V8 - 70K miles. Work Truck version. His thinking is that the Vortec 5300 (?) 5.3l in his totaled truck was bulletproof and the EcoTec3 (?) 5.3l in the new truck will be as well. Both trucks are automatic trans.
Assuming the 2014 has been / will be properly taken care of, are there areas of concern for these trucks? Does the direct injection cause problems?
I have no relevant experience. All I can offer is sympathy. 
Moderators should probably move this to GRM section instead of Off Topic.
The 04 is good as it's before they started implementing DoD. I think it's 2016? And newer that the issues got resolved.
AFM on the '14 should be dealt with.
2016 Silverado 5.3 x 158,000 miles
"that's a common problem with Silverados"
- Radiator cracks - bracket supposedly reinforced
- Engine oil cooler lines leak at fitting crimp - 75,000 and need again at 150,000.
- Wheel bearings but you already knew that
- Trans rebuilt @ 105,000 - shudder issue
- air conditioning condenser- run air to check
- Six years ownership and I can always tell when it shifts from V8 to V4.
- Maybe Cat Converter bad? CEL on.
In reply to A 401 CJ :
So does taking care of the AFM mean installing this kit that removes it, or something else?
buzzboy
SuperDork
3/29/23 9:46 p.m.
It was mentioned a few days ago on here that deleting the AFM with software is equally effective and much easier.
2016 Silverado WT. Its got 180k something on it. Got it about 20k ago and two years ago. No issues other than a recent DOD failure to the tune of about $5k for non DOD cam, new lifters etc. It appeared to have a recent trans when I bought it.
Despite looking like hell from being a concrete truck on an interstate project where they apparently drove by braile it really does drive and tow nicely. Obviously the price reflected the condition so I am still relatively happy with the purchase. If I had dropped $20+k on a nice one and had the DOD fail I probably would have a different opinion.
The DOD shut off devices may help but dont eliminate the risk of failure. I had been driving in M5 instead of drive since I got it to avoid it going into V4 mode which essentially accomplishes the same thing as the devices at the cost of not shifting into 6th gear. Still had a lifter failure.
If you get rid of the hardware for the DOD / AFM, you can get a Truck Norris cam. I still can't believe they actually named it that.
Well, looks like he is going to buy the friend's truck. Brother has a couple of professional mechanic type friends who are going to beat the bushes for someone with HP Tuners to disable the AFM / DOD.
We'll see what happens.
Thanks for all of your help.
A 401 CJ said:
If you get rid of the hardware for the DOD / AFM, you can get a Truck Norris cam. I still can't believe they actually named it that.
Why? It's the cam in John McCann?, hot rod magazine editor, c10 truck of the same name.
Ranger50 said:
A 401 CJ said:
If you get rid of the hardware for the DOD / AFM, you can get a Truck Norris cam. I still can't believe they actually named it that.
Why? It's the cam in John McCann?, hot rod magazine editor, c10 truck of the same name.
I'm not against them naming it that, I think it's hilarious. However, im surprised that Chuck Norris hasn't sued since they are profiting from his likeness. Am I overthinking it?
