New Owner, New to Board

[Chubbs]

New owner of a '03 Yukon 4x4. First things, first, draining all of the fluids and refill with new filters as needed. Going to begin with the engine & trans this weekend. I ran the VIN check but it doesn't declare any specs for trans/xcase/diffs. From what I gather within depths of GM website it's a 4L60e code 3kcd (4WD) requiring 5-qts Dex6, NP8 case -2Lts autotrak2, 6-qts engine oil (VIN 'z')
Is it best to roll with Delco trans filter? Is it the shallow pan model or reg? I was driving and self-maintaining a LR Discovery2 past 2 years and I ran with 15w-40 Dino oil for diesel eng. I have never been big on 5w- oils; I live in TX and it's hotter than hell down here. I will do some legwork but I would like to get other's opinion/suggestions on hot climate motor oils for these 5.3 flex fuel engines. I assume Delco manufactures any & all filters for these trucks; i can get a fuel/trans/eng unless there is something I should be aware of. I would think OE can't hurt until I fully verse myself with the GM product. If anybody has time or patience to read this and hook me up with some feedback I will gladly accept it.
Few other things to note: I haven't been able to pop the hood; called seller and asked about it only to receive a smart a$$ response. Hell, I pulled the latch wise guy. I don't want to break the cable first week I own the truck. I have more important things on my list which involve having that hood open, thank you. Is this common? There is no tension and it just bottoms out. No sense in tugging any harder. Any pointers? Oil pressure gauge is either '0' or '80' So when I go to replace the sensor should I be looking for a filter/screen on this model? I read couple threads and never reached any facts on the subject. It can be done without removing anything on the top end, correct? The seat and door panel are junk, will be replacing after powertrain service. Can I get some sources for wide selection of used/recycled parts?? I could also use a rear bumper moulding, factory stereo, etc, so I would like to have a few different guys that I can contact in order to get what I want, when I want it. Look forward to chatting with you all.

Joe in Dallas

 

[RED TAHOE LS]

Joe, welcome to the forum, sounds like a plan to me going over all the fluid levels. As for the hood cable, it probably has popped out of the latch, too bad about Previous Owner being an ass....e. You also may try to unlatch the hood from underneath, or even take the bolts out of the latch, hope it works for you. Post some pics when you can. JMHO and good luck.
David g...........

 

[Chubbs]

There it is; nothing to write home about BUT paid for in cash and hopefully lower cost to maintain than the %*#+ Land Rover. It has nearly 130k miles on it (according to odometer but I wouldn't bet $$ on that low #) and I propose to do all fluid/filter changes next 2 weeks then maybe some cosmetic replacements. Steering feels a wee bit sloppy but undercarriage passed a visual check. I'm hoping parts are robust enough in that I can take my time searching for deals thereby stockpiling parts for when replacement (pads/rotors/hubs/CA/TRE) becomes necessary. I can not start turning wrenches on it any time soon or I will have to listen to my wife nag me about how paranoid and obsessed I am. I hate that.

 

[Chubbs]

I put something else down but changed my mind. Still looking for 'delete' in edit function.

 

[oldchev]

I look a lot at Ebay for used parts where cosmetic stuff is abundant. Lots of salvage yards use Ebay. You just need to know what it is you want.
Going for fluid changes is (in my opinion) mandatory for recently acquired used vehicles. Delco filters are made by various manufactures using Delco specs so I would say use quality filters. A little research helps here. I use NAPA Gold for oil. Trans, I looked at Amazon for filter and gasket as a kit (with Delco name). Gauge problem could also be the stepper motor that moves the needle or an unwanted intermittent ground.
By now I suppose you have the hood open... Let us (Forum) know what it was as info helps others.