Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Engine Mechanical:
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Engine assembly, disassembly, rebuild procedures, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system.
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Engine Performance:
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Fuel injection system (MPI), ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control systems (OBD-II diagnostics).
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Transmission Manual:
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Manual transmission (e.g., NV1500, NV3500) service, rebuild, clutch operation, and driveline components.
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Transmission Automatic:
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Automatic transmission (e.g., 4L60E, 4L70E, 4L80E) service, overhaul, diagnostics, torque converter, electronic controls.
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Drivetrain:
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Four-wheel drive system operation, transfer case service, driveshafts, U-joints, differentials (front and rear), axle shafts.
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Suspension:
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Front suspension (independent), rear suspension (leaf spring), shock absorbers, ball joints, control arms, steering knuckles, wheel bearings.
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Steering:
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Power steering system, steering gear/rack, tie rods, steering column, intermediate shaft, wheel alignment specifications.
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Brakes:
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Front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, ABS system, hydraulic lines, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake.
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Electrical System:
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Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, lighting systems.
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Body And Interior:
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Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, interior trim, seats, HVAC system components, dashboard, instrumentation.
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HVAC:
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Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant, diagnostic procedures.
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Safety Systems:
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Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, pre-tensioners, diagnostic and service procedures for safety components.
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Procedures Included
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Routine Maintenance:
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Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
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Troubleshooting:
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Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, identification of common failures, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation.
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Repair And Rebuild:
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Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation.
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Diagnostics:
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Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major vehicle systems, including electrical schematics and connector pinouts.
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Technical Specifications:
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Torque specifications for fasteners, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic tool usage.
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Wiring Diagrams:
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Complete electrical system wiring diagrams for all circuits, including color codes and connector information.
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Body And Frame:
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Body panel removal/installation, door and window regulator repair, chassis and frame inspection, collision repair basics.
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Technical Depth
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Depth Of Coverage:
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Complete mechanical and electrical repair, from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes advanced diagnostics and component-level repair.
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Diagnostic Tools:
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Covers the use of diagnostic scan tools (like GM's Tech 2, the standard at the time) for retrieving trouble codes, reading live data, and performing actuator tests.
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Engine Specifications
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Primary Engine
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Base Engine:
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4.3L V6 'Vortec 4300' (L33/LV3 variations)
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Available Engines
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V8 Engines:
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4.8L V8 (LY2), 5.3L V8 (LMF7/LH6/LY5 - with Active Fuel Management), 6.0L V8 (L76/L96)
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Performance 4.8L
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Horsepower 4.8L:
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Approx. 295 hp @ 5600 rpm
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Torque 4.8L:
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Approx. 305 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
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Performance 5.3L
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Horsepower 5.3L:
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Approx. 315 hp @ 5200 rpm (non-AFM), 315 hp @ 5200 rpm (AFM)
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Torque 5.3L:
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Approx. 338 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (non-AFM), 335 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (AFM)
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Performance 6.0L
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Horsepower 6.0L:
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Approx. 355 hp @ 5400 rpm
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Torque 6.0L:
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Approx. 380 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
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Fuel System
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Fuel Delivery:
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Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
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Fuel Type
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Recommended Fuel:
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87 Octane Unleaded (higher octane recommended for optimal performance, especially for heavy towing)
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Engine Codes
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Engine Identification:
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V6: L33/LV3; 4.8L: LY2; 5.3L: LMF7/LH6/LY5; 6.0L: L76/L96
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Engine Features
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Active Fuel Management Afm:
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The 5.3L V8 engine featured Active Fuel Management (AFM) on many 2008 models, which deactivates cylinders under light load to improve fuel economy. The manual provides specific service procedures and potential failure points related to AFM.
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Dimensions
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Exterior Dimensions
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Wheelbase Options:
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Varied based on cab and bed configuration (e.g., 119.6", 133.0", 143.5")
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Bed Length Options:
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Short (6'3"), Standard (7' 7"), Long (8' 1")
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Interior Dimensions
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Cab Configurations:
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Regular Cab, Extended Cab (2-door with rear-opening doors), Crew Cab (4-door with front-opening doors)
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Cargo
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Maximum Towing Capacity:
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Up to 10,500 lbs (depending on engine, axle ratio, and configuration)
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Maximum Payload Capacity:
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Up to 1,900 lbs (depending on configuration)
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Weights
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Curb Weight:
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Approx. 4,700 - 5,500 lbs (varies significantly by configuration)
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Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
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Varies by model (e.g., 7,000 - 8,600 lbs for 1500 series)
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals General
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Oil Change Interval:
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Typically 7,500 miles or 6 months for synthetic blend oil, or as indicated by the Oil Life Monitoring System (OLMS). Check manual for specific engine and oil type recommendations.
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Tire Rotation Interval:
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Every 7,500 miles.
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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100,000 miles for platinum or iridium tipped plugs (specifics depend on engine).
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Engine Air Filter Replacement:
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15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Specification:
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SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend or Full Synthetic (check owner's manual for specific engine and climate recommendations). Dexos is not applicable for this model year, but a high-quality API SN or newer rated oil is recommended.
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Coolant Specification:
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GM P/N 12346490 (Orange) or equivalent Dex-Cool compatible coolant (long-life OAT).
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Transmission Fluid Automatic:
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Dexron VI (for 4L60-E, 4L70-E, 4L80-E, and 6-speed 6L80/90 if applicable, though 2008 typically uses 4-speeds). Check manual for specific transmission type.
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Transmission Fluid Manual:
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GM P/N 12346172 (or equivalent) for manual transmissions.
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Brake Fluid Specification:
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DOT 3.
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Power Steering Fluid:
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GM P/N 89021183 (or equivalent Dexron III/VI compatible fluid).
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Differentials And Transfer Case:
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Specifications for front/rear differential fluid (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-5 synthetic) and transfer case fluid (e.g., GM P/N 12345348 or equivalent).
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Known Issues
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Common Issues Text:
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Examples include AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter issues (ticking noise), potential transmission problems (especially 4L60E/4L70E under heavy use), exhaust manifold leaks (cracked manifolds or broken bolts), and minor electrical glitches. Active Fuel Management system requires specific maintenance considerations.
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