1999 Chevrolet Sivlerado 4X4

Since 1918, Chevrolet has been making pickup trucks - that’s 81 years of engineering feats and accomplishments and the 1999 Silverado is one of those feats. The ’99 Silverado marks the first change in the Chevy pick up truck in nearly a decade.

Chevy started their “Bigger, Faster, Smarter and Stronger” marketing campaign in hopes to draw attention to the vast changes the lineup went through. Aside from the obvious body style changes, Chevrolet has introduced a number of others including the frame design, steering and suspension, the engine, the transmission and much more.

 

Exterior
The exterior redesign lifts the truck higher off the ground giving it greater ground clearance and opening up the wheel wells some more (Bigger). The redesign also gives it a sleek, yet assertive look. The front clip with its softer lines rounds out a majority of the noticeable changes. Chevy owners reportedly did not want a “soft ” look like that of the Ford, they wanted to retain the square, truck like body styling, hence, no massive makeovers for the pick ups.
The frame of the vehicle has now been split into 3 major sections with the front section being completely shaped by a process called “Hydroforming”. Hydroforming is the process of shaping and forming tubular metal by capping one end and pressurizing the interior portion with a liquid. This process allows for the bending, shaping and forming of a tubular metal while retaining more of its inherent strengths (Stronger). Additionally, the front and rear sections of the frame can be removed to reduce the repair costs associated with front or rear end collisions.

Interior
Interior fit and finish rated a perfect ten. Its spacious interior allows for the largest of people and provides more than ample leg, hip, shoulder and head  room. Standard illuminated entry feature keeps the dome light on for 20 seconds (40 seconds for vehicles equipped with Remote Keyless Entry system) and turns on when the vehicle is unlocked with the remote keyless entry system. Two standard 12-volt auxiliary “cigarette” plugs are handy, along with the self-dimming inside rearview mirror. The mirror self-dims when headlight from behind, at nighttime shine on it.

The dash is extremely well laid out and all controls are well within reach. The stereo system has a clear and crisp sound, but lacks somewhat in bass and distorts at high volume. Additionally, the dash now sports the Driver’s Message Center which informs the driver with any of the 18 types of problems that may occur.
The turn signal reminder is one of those things that you can only find out about when driving a vehicle for a week or so. No more driving down the freeway with your turn signal on, the vehicle will automatically chime if you leave it on while driving for more than 3/4 of a mile (Smarter).

Transmission
The 4L60E (M30) 4-Speed automatic transmission sports a new deep transmission oil pan that allows for cooler running and more fluid. Additionally, a larger, redesigned torque converter produces 15 to 20% less heat than the previous model, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces the overall transmission temperature for greater durability and life expectancy.
The slush box also has a Tow/Haul mode that can be activated by depressing a switch on the end of the shift lever. This mode reduces frequency of transmission shifting and improves predictability of shifts when pulling a heavy load. It also allows for towing/hauling while in overdrive which is a real treat when your making long highway trips.
In either mode, we found the M30 to respond quickly and effectively to throttle inputs in a variety of situations.

Engine
Sharing the same platform as the all-new LS1 Corvette motor introduced in the 5th generation Corvettes, our Silverado came with the new Vortec 5300 V8. The new Vortec, although smaller than its 44 year old brother, produces 15 more horsepower (270 bhp @ 5000 rpm). It did lose 15 lb-ft or torque, but it’s hardly noticeable as the torque range is much broader than last years Vortec V8. The new generation small V8 provides the driver with a real “wake me up” when you snap the throttle at a stop light. (Faster)
Most of the major changes to the new generation V8’s are due to the upper half of the motor, comprising of the cylinder heads and the intake manifold. The intake ports are now identical (Not to be mistaken with previous Vortec’s “Siamese” ports, which prevented each port from being the same as the next), providing identical air flow and making performance more predictable. The cylinder heads are now cast aluminum which keeps the mill running cooler and the valve train aligns the pushrods and valves in a parallel plane which reduces stress. Interesting enough, Chevrolet even changed the firing order (1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3) so that they could better balance the forces exerted on the crankshaft.
One of the most innovative features, making the Silverado smarter, is the coolant loss protection system. Excitingly, this system, in the event of the total loss of engine coolant will allow the driver to continue at a reduced rate of speed (computer controlled) allowing the engine to run as an air-cooled system.

 

Off the beaten path, the Silverado’s suspension did surprisingly well. Though purist off-roaders would like a live front axle, the SLA (Short-Long Arm) Independent Front Suspension does well and provides a bit more travel and stability than it’s previous version.

Chevrolet also introduces the new Auto-Trac System. This system integrates two features allowing the driver to venture  off-road without much thought. The first of these two features, which is available on just about any four-wheel drive, is the “Shift-on-the-fly” feature allowing the driver to put the vehicle into four-wheel drive while in motion. The second feature, optional on the LS model and standard on the LT model, makes the system capable of automatically engaging four-wheel drive for maximum traction. This system is not all-wheel drive, but more accurately termed a standby four-wheel-drive system. Autotrac provides 100 percent rear-wheel drive until road conditions warrant a change. When extra traction is needed, an electronic control module activates an electronic motor to transfer the torque between the front and rear wheels — all within a time frame that can be measured in fractions of a second. Once the speeds of the front and rear prop shafts are equalized (traction is regained), the transfer case returns to its standby mode until another speed differential occurs. If multiple, large slip events are detected for a sustained time, the system locks into the 4HI (four-wheel-drive high) mode to protect the system’s electric actuator motor. After a time, the system returns to the automatic 4WD standby mode. Autotrac also features a transfer case neutral position for easy towing behind a recreational vehicle.
The standard 2 front recovery hooks are placed well and allow for the largest of straps, although the large P265/75R-15 tires grip well in most conditions and the hooks shouldn’t be needed.

On the road, the Silverado handled and performed admirably. It gives the driver a surefooted feeling and phenomenal acceralation and braking. Quick stops are covered by 4 wheel, anti-lock disc brakes. Additional safety features include dual air bags, daytime running lamps, automatic headlamps and improved visibility.

 

PROS More interior room New V8 Stronger Frame Better on-road handling

CONS Poor “off-the-shoulder” vision No 4th door Improved, yet still limited, front-end articulation

Final Impressions
We found that the Silverado performed admirably off-road and did well in a variety of difficult situations including hi-speed washboard road driving, steep and loose inclines and climbing obstacles such as large rocks. Better handling, acceleration and braking are welcome, along with a roomier cockpit.

 

Model Availability
	C/K1500 Regular Cab	C/K2500 Extended Cab	C/K3500 Regular Cab	C/K3500 Extended Cab
Passengers	2-3	5-6	2-3	5-6
Class	Full-size pickup	Full-size pickup	Full-size pickup	Full-size pickup
Assembly Plants	Pontiac, Mich. (long box) Fort Wayne, Ind. (short box)	Pontiac, Mich. (4×4 short box, 2WD and 4×4 long box) Fort Wayne, Ind. (short box) Oshawa, Ont. (short box)	Pontiac, Mich. (long box) Fort Wayne, Ind. (short box)	Pontiac, Mich. (Short and long box) Fort Wayne, Ind. (short box)
Primary Structure	Three-piece modular steel frame	Three-piece modular steel frame	Three-piece modular steel frame	Three-piece modular steel frame
Body Material	Two-sided galvanized steel (except roof)	Two-sided galvanized steel (except roof)	Two-sided galvanized steel (except roof)	Two-sided galvanized steel (except roof)

Dimensions & Capacities
	short box Regular Cab		long box Regular Cab		short box Extended Cab		long box Extended Cab
Exterior Dimensions (in./mm)	U. S. Standard	Metric	U. S. Standard	Metric	U. S. Standard	Metric	U. S. Standard	Metric
Wheelbase	119.0 in.	3023mm	133 in.	3378mm	143.5 in.	3644mm	157.5 in.	4001mm
Overall length	203.3 in.	5164mm	222 in.	5644mm	227.5 in.	5779mm	246.7 in.	6266mm
Overall height 1500 (2WD/4×4)	71.2/73.8 in.	1808/1875mm	71.0/73.7 in.	1803/1872	71.2/73.9 in.	1809/1877.1mm	70.8/73.7 in.	1798/1872mm
Overall height 2500 (2WD/4×4)	-/-	-/-	73.7/74.5	1872/1892mm	74.0/74.4 in.	1880/1889.8	74.1/74.5 in.	1882/1892mm
Max. width	78.5 in.	1994mm	78.5 in.	1994mm	78.5 in.	1994mm	78.5 in.	1994mm
Ground clearance, min	10.0 in.	254.0mm	10.0 in.	254mm	10.0 in.	254mm	10.0 in.	254mm
Interior Dimensions (in./mm)
Headroom (front/rear)	41.0/- in.	1041/-mm	41.0/- in.	1041/-mm	41.0/38.4 in.	1041/975mm	41.0/38.4 in.	1041.4/975mm
Legroom (front/rear)	41.3/- in.	1049/-mm	41.3/- in.	1049/-mm	41.3/33.7 in.	1049/856mm	41.3/33.7 in.	1049/856mm
Shoulder room (front/rear)	65.2/- in.	1656/-mm	65.2/- in.	1656/-mm	65.2/66.3 in.	1656/1684mm	65.2/66.3 in.	1656/1684mm
Hip room (front/rear)	61.4/- in.	1560/-mm	61.4/- in.	1560/-mm	61.4/61.5 in.	1560/1562mm	61.4/61.5 in.	1560/1562mm
1500 Series capacities (lbs.)
Est. curb weight (2WD/4×4)	3923/4248	1779/1927	4023/4365	1829/1980	4235/4621	1921/2096	4442/4748	2015/2154
GVWR, standard (2WD/4×4)	6100/6100	2767/2767 kg	6400/6400	2903/2903 kg	6200/6400	2813/2903 kg	6200/6400 lbs.	2813/2903 kg
GVWR, maximum	6100/6100 lbs.	2767/2767 kg	6400/6400 lbs.	2903/2903 kg	6200/6400 lbs.	2813/2903 kg	6200/6400 lbs.	2813/2903 kg
Base payload (2WD/4×4)	2177/1852	988/840	2368/2035	1074/923	1965/1779	1757/1652	797/747
Maximum trailer capacity (2WD/4×4)	8200/8000	3720/3629 kg	8200/8000	3720/3629 kg	8200/8000	3720/3629 kg	8200/8000	3720/3629 kg
Fuel tank capacity (approx.)	26 gallons	98.4 liters	34 gallons	128.7 liters	26 gallons	98.4 liters	34 gallons	128.7 liters

Dimensions & Capacities
	short box Regular Cab		long box Regular Cab		short box Extended Cab		long box Extended Cab
2500 Series Capacities (lbs.)
Est. curb weight (2WD/4×4)	–	–	4586/5266	2080/2389	4766/5485	2162/2488	5318/5523	2412/2505
GVWR, standard (2WD/4×4)	–	–	7200/8600	3266/3901 kg	7200/8600	3266/3901 kg	8600/8600	3901/3901 kg
GVWR, maximum (2WD/4×4)	–	–	8600/8600	3901/3901 kg	7200/8600	3266/3901 kg	8600/8600	3901/3901 kg
Base payload (2WD/4×4)	–	–	2614/3334	1186/1512 kg	2434/1716	1104/778 kg	1883/3077	854/1396
Maximum trailer capacity (2WD/4×4)	–	–	11,000/10,500	4990/4763 kg	10,500/10,500	4763/4763 kg	11,000/10,500	4990/4763 kg

Steering
	C1500 (2WD	C/K2500	C/K3500	C/K2500 Crew-Cab
Type	Power rack and pinion	Integral EVO power 670 Series	Integral EVO power 670 Series*	Integral EVO power 708 Series
Steering ratio	NA	NA	NA	NA
Turning diameter range: curb-to-curb (ft./m.)	43.8-50.4 / 13.3-15.4m	44.5-51.1 / 13.6-15.6m	45.3-NA / 13.8-NA m	45.2-NA / 13.8 – NA m
NA — Not available at time of publication. *At 7200 lbs. GVWR. On 8600 lbs. GVWR, 708 Series system is used.

Brakes
	C/K1500		C/K2500		C/K2500 w/C6P
Type	Power-assist, 4-wheel disc w/4-wheel ABS		Power-assist, 4-wheel disc w/4-wheel ABS		Power-assist, 4-wheel disc w/4-wheel ABS
	STANDARD	METRIC	STANDARD	METRIC	STANDARD	METRIC
Front disc size (in.)	12.01 x 1.14 in.	305 x 29mm	12.80 x 1.50 in.	325 x 39mm	12.80 x 1.50 in.	325 x 39mm
Rear disc size (in.)	12.80 x .78 in.	325 x 20mm	12.99 x 1.14 in.	330 x29mm	12.99 x 1.54 in.	330 x 39mm
Booster diameter (in.)	9.5/tandem in.	241mm	9.5/tandem in.	241mm	9.5/hydraulic boost	241mm
Parking brake actuation	Cable to rear wheels, drum-in-hat		Cable to rearwheels, drum-in-hat		Cable to rear wheels, drum-in-hat

Gasoline Engines
	L35	LR4	LM7	LQ4
Type	Vortec 4300 V6 SFI	Vortec 4800 V8 SFI	Vortec 5300 V8 SFI	Vortec 6000 V8 SFI
Block material	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron	Cast iron
Cylinder head material	Cast iron	Aluminum	Aluminum	Cast iron
Bore & stroke (in.) (mm)	4.00 x 3.48 101.6 x 88.4	3.78 x 3.27 96.0 x 83.0	3.78 x 3.62 96.0 x 92.0	4.00 x 3.62 101.6 x 92.0
Displacement (cu. in./cc)	262/4293	292/4792	317/5292	365/5990
Compression ratio	9.4:1	9.5:1	9.5:1	9.4:1
Induction system	SFI	SFI	SFI	SFI
Valves/cylinder	2	2	2	2
Lifters	Hydraulic roller	Hydraulic roller	Hydraulic roller	Hydraulic roller
Cam Drive	Chain	Chain	Chain	Chain
Horsepower/kW @ rpm (SAE net)	200 @ 4600/149 kW @ 4600	255 @ 5200/190 kW @ 4600	270 @ 5000/201 kW @ 5000	300 @ 4800/224 kW @ 5000
Torque/N-m @ rpm (SAE net)	260 @ 2800/352 N-m @ 2800	285 @ 4000/386 N-m @ 4000	315 @ 4000/427 N-m @ 4000	355 @ 4000/481 N-m @ 4000
Recommended fuel (min.)	87 Octane	87 Octane	87 Octane	87 Octane
Engine availability
C/K1500	Standard1	Optional2	Optional2	–
C/K2500	–	–	Standard3	Optional4
Transmission availability
5-Speed OD manual5	Standard	Standard	–	Standard4
4-Speed OD automatic5	Optional	Optional	Standard	Optional
1 Vortec 4800 V8 is standard on 2WD Extended Cab long box and 4×4 Extended Cab models. 2 Standard with LT Decor. Requires automatic transmission. 3 Models under 8600 lb. GVWR only. 4 Standard on models with 8,600 lbs. GVWR. Models under 8,600 lb. GVWR require automatic transmission. 5 Heavy duty on models with 8,600 lbs. GVWR.

Transmissions (manual)
	C/K1500	C/K2500
Type	Manual 5-speed with overdrive (MG5)	Heavy-duty manual 5-speed with deep low (MW3)
1st	4.02	5.61
2nd	2.32	3.04
3rd	1.40	1.67
4th	1.00	1.00
5th	0.73	0.75
Reverse 3.55	5.61

Transmissions (automatic)
	C/K1500 and C/K2500
Type	Electronically controlled automatic 4-speed w/OD and torque conv. (M30)
1st	3.06
2nd	1.63
3rd	1.00
4th	0.70
Reverse	2.29
At 8,600 lbs. GVWR:	C/K2500
Type	Heavy duty electronically controlled automatic 4-speed w/OD and torque conv. (MT1)
1st	2.48
2nd	1.48
3rd	1.00
4th	0.75
Reverse	2.08
Suspension
	C/K1500, C/K2500
Frame	All-welded, ladder-type, channel design w/box front section
Front (2WD)	Independent, with computer-selected coil springs
Front (4WD)	Independent, with computer-selected torsion bars
Rear (2WD/4WD)	Hypoid drive, semi-elliptic, 2-stage multi-leaf springs
Shocks, front (mm)	25(C/K1500), 32(C/K2500), 35(C/K2500 w/C6P)
Shocks, rear (mm)	25(C/K1500), 32(C/K2500), 32(C/K2500 w/C6P)
Stabilizer bar, front
(2WD/4×4) (mm)	32/30
Rear axle (std.)	Semi-floating (C/K1500 and C/K2500)

Wheels & Tires
	C/K1500	C/K2500	C/K2500 w/C6P
Wheel size (in.) — 2WD	16.0 x 6.5	16.0 x 6.5	16.0 x 6.5
Wheel size (in.) — 4×4	16.0 x 6.5	–	16.0 x 6.5
Standard tires — All-Season Radials
Standard tire — 2WD	P235/75R-16	LT225/75R-16	LT245/75R-16E
Standard tire — 4×4	P245/75R-16	–	LT245/75R-16E

Trailering Information (2WD/4×4)
	Vortec 4300 V6		Vortec 4800 V8		Vortec 5300 V8		Vortec 6000 V8
Trailer Classification	Medium		Medium		Medium		Heavy
	Standard	Metric	Standard	Metric	Standard	Metric	Standard	Metric
Max. Trailer Weight* (lbs., 1500 Series)	5000/4500	2286/2042 kg	7000/7500	3176/3402 kg	8200/8000	3720/3629 kg	–	–
Max. Trailer Weight* (lbs., 2500 Series)	–	–	–	–	8500/-	3856 kg	10,500/ 10,000	4763/4536 kg
Note: Trailer tongue weight should be 10 to 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight up to 1,000 lbs. on C/K1500 models and up to 1,00 lbs. on C/K2500 models.
*Additional equipment may be required. Maximum trailer weight is calculated assuming the driver and one passenger are in the tow vehicle and it has all required trailering equipment. The weight of additional equipment, passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle must be subtracted from the the maximum trailer weight. Some models, when loaded with driver, passengers and maximum tongue load, may exceed the minimum GVWR rating for that vehicle. NA — Not available at time of publication.

 

NOTE: All ratings on a scale of 1 to 4 with flat tires equal to a half.
Description	Notes	Rating
On-Road Performance	Offering a soft, yet firm ride, the Silverado handled well on the pavement.
Off-Road Performance	Approach and departure angles leave something to be desired, but the rig provided a stable ride in various off-road situations.
Comfort	Very comfortable rig to drive. Large windshield, lots of amenities and a huge cockpit made for a comfortable ride. Fit and finish both inside and out was awesome to say the least.
Appearance	Soft lines and smooth geometry united with good color schemes makes the appearance very appealing.
Price in comparison to related vehicles	Compared to its competitors, the Silverado rang in a few grand higher. Price as tested $30,847
Editors Notes	The ’99 Silverado has more innovations, redesigns and remodelings than can be listed and is a welcome change. The new drivetrain and suspension gives a feeling of command and conquer. The tailgate even has integrated cup holders!…RW