Rusty wrote:f9k9 wrote:Was being sarcastic but, that is what I am being told now. He wanted me to see how the two on the lot were set up and I merely asked for the specs on the ones on the lot. My evil step father was a used car salesman so, if it smells like BS, looks like BS...............
Sarcastic huh? Well, I sure fell for that one hook, line and sinker!
For a moment there, you really had me going. I was hunting around on the internet for more info and everything! [Sigh] It's been a long day.
Long Day? I have been battling frozen water pipes so you can imagine what a warm welcome Mr. Brown had!
What I have told you is what was relayed to me from Mr Jay Brown, the service manager at a large dealership (Tincher-Williams) in a small town. His call was only to document his response to my letter to appease GM. I am scheduled Wednesday AM for a compromise of a 4" Z height which is below their specs and to have my problem addressed without charge. We will never hear a word out of GM about out specs changed but, Jay now knows what he does is closely followed by over 200 other members. GM will keep this low key plan unless you guys wanna try to do something.
I suppose I can post or email my correspondence with JH so that concerned members can join in. It's in MS word but, am sure you all can convert it.
Here it is anyway
last letter to dealer and CC to GM
Reed L. Wetter
311 Silver Eagle Drive
London, Kentucky
40744
Home Ph (606) 862.8467
Cell Ph (606) 224-1555
Work Ph (606) 864-6993
f9k9@earthlink.net
December 17, 2004
To; Tincher-Williams Service Manager.
This past Monday, December 13, 2004, I hand delivered a letter to you, at the Tincher-Williams dealership, about a situation that I would like to have resolved and that I am willing to work with you on.
I called your department on Monday, December 6th concerning a continuing fuel gauge problem that I was having. I had the understanding that if I returned with the problem at one quarter fuel level that you would reevaluate the erratic problem. I also advised that I had a CV boot leaking grease. I requested a loaner vehicle and a member of your staff scheduled me on Wednesday the 8th.
My vehicle was dropped off before 9:30 AM on December 8th and a member of your staff attempted to retrieve a “loaner” vehicle for my use but, graciously determined that the available loaner was unfit for use and lined me up with Enterprise to use a rental. I greatly appreciated your dealership’s normal courtesy.
On December 9th I called to check the status of the vehicle and was told that a fuel sending unit was ordered and it should be done the following day.
On December 10th I called to determine if the vehicle was ready to be retrieved and was informed that it was ready.
I arrived at your dealership shortly after I returned the rental to Enterprise. I was informed that the fuel sending unit was replaced but, my CV boot was not. You advised me that my “Z” height was five inches and should be two and one half inches (see attached). You offered to show me a GM bulletin concerning the issue, which I declined. I accepted your word and decided I would correct the problem because I had a front end alignment performed when I had my tires replaced.
The following day I had an independent alignment specialist look at my truck’s alignment and I told I was at the maximum height of the Helm’s Chevrolet Manual which recommends 4.6-5.0 inch Z height, with the preferred height being 4.8 inches.
That same day, I spent three hours using an oversized hose clamp to try to keep the remaining grease and to assure that no contaminates would be introduced into the assembly. I researched all past GM bulletins concerning S-10 (non ZR2) four wheel drive trucks. I was unable to locate any references that differed with your GM Helm’s manual that suggested a Z height, of 2.5 inches was recommended for a 4 wheel drive truck
On December 13th, you called me, approximately 3 hours after I hand delivered my letter, and you apologized and informed me that you had placed two calls to a division of GM and that you were expecting a fax to show me what my correct Z height should be. You advised that you expected an answer from GM shortly.
This is the 17th of December and the holiday traveling is rapidly approaching but, still no word on what my “Z” height should be so, I that I may have repairs done on a vehicle that has less than six thousand miles on the odometer.
I sincerely want to work with you on this issue. I would have had the alignment corrected if; you would have mentioned the “Z” height issue when I had my first boot repaired. It would have saved us both a lot of time.
I have now spent almost $70.00, of my own, on alignments. All I am asking for is to see the alignment specifications that differ from 4.6”- 5.0” for a 2002 S-10 Crew Cab 4.3L four wheel drive.
Sincerely,
Attachments:
CC: Chevrolet
P.O. Box 33170
Detroit, MI 48232-5170
Original letter'
TO: Tincher-Williams Service Department
SUBJECT: “Z” Height measurement for a 2002 S-10 Crew Cab
Sir,
On December 10, 2004, I was advised that my 2002 Chevrolet S-10 Crew Cab was ready to be picked up from warranty service. I returned my rental vehicle to the Enterprise office, which GM had generously rented a loaner for me while they performed the requested warranty service.
The two warranty issues I had concerned erratic fuel gauge readings after reaching one quarter tank of fuel (my second visit concerning the issue) and an inner CV joint boot slinging grease. The service department promptly ordered a sending unit and replaced it to address the fuel gauge issue which I appreciate. When I called on the afternoon of December 10, 2004, I was informed the vehicle was ready and I could return my rental to retrieve my truck.
I previously had warranty work performed at Tincher-William’s concerning another CV “boot” throwing grease which they replaced promptly. My “Z” height was not an issue at that time and I have had no adjustments performed between the first and second visit for replacement of the defective parts.
Arriving at your dealership I was advised that the CV boot issue was not resolved. I was advised that the “Z” height of my truck was 5 inches and unless it was reduced to 2.5”, warranty work would not be provided.
On December 11, 2004, I took it to an alignment specialist who provided me with proper “Z” measurements quoted from the Helm’s GM Manual. They are as follows:
Trim Height Inspection Procedure
Trim Height Measurements
Trim height is a predetermined measurement relating to vehicle ride height. Incorrect trim heights can cause bottoming out over bumps, damage to the suspension components and symptoms similar to wheel alignment problems. Check the trim heights when diagnosing suspension concerns and before checking the wheel alignment.
Perform the following before measuring the trim heights:
• Make sure the vehicle is on a level surface, such as an alignment rack.
• Remove alignment rack floating plate pins.
• Set the tire pressures to specifications. Refer to Label - Vehicle Certification in General Information.
• Check the fuel level. Add additional weight if necessary to simulate a full tank.
• To ensure proper weight distribution make sure the rear storage compartment is empty.
• Close the doors and hood.
Z Height Measurement
The Z height measurement determines the proper ride height for the front end of the vehicle. Vehicles equipped with torsion bars use an adjusting arm to adjust the Z height. Vehicles without torsion bars have no adjustment and could require replacement of suspension components.
Important
All dimensions are measured vertical to the ground. Cross vehicle Z heights should be within 12 mm (0.47 in) for all vehicles except pickups with options ZQ8 and V4A to be considered correct. Pickups with options ZQ8 and V4A should be 0 mm to be considered correct.
1. Place hand on the front bumper and jounce the front of the vehicle. Make sure that there is at least 38 mm (1.5 in) of movement while jouncing.
2. Allow the vehicle to settle into position.
3. Measure from the pivot bolt center line down to the lower corner of the steering knuckle in order to obtain the Z height measurement.
4. Repeat the jouncing operation 2 more times for a total of 3 times.
5. Use the highest and lowest measurements to calculate the average height.
6. The true Z height dimension number is the average of the highest and lowest measurements.
Trim Height Specifications
Drive Type/Model Service Allowed Service Preferred
Z Trim Height
• 4WD (except ZR2) 116-128 mm (4.6-5 in) 122 mm (4.8 in)
I spent 3 hours replacing the faulty CV boot clamp with a make shift replacement, using a large hose clamp, because I did not want to damage the CV joint by operating it with insufficient lubrication, or the introduction of contaminants.
Your Service Manager stated that there was a service bulletin concerning this issue. In hind sight I wish that I had requested a copy of the document.
He has never failed to be honest, in the past, and I trusted the gentleman explicitly.
However, to the best of my knowledge, my “Z” height is within GM's specifications.
I respectfully request a copy of any new specifications that override the 4.6”-5” specifications listed. Just call and I will stop by and pick up the copy.
Please feel free to call anytime to correct any misunderstandings, I may have.
Sincerely,
Reed L. Wetter
311 Silver Eagle Drive
London, KY 40744
HM PH # 862-8437
WK PH # 864-6993
CELL PH # 224-1555
Me hold a grudge? Naw, never:) Already have $80 bucks in for Barch's handgun down payment.[size=75][b]"For those who have fought for it, [i][color=red]FR[/color][color=white]EE[/color][color=blue]DOM[/color][/i] has a taste that the protected will never know."
[url=http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=73349]GUIDE TO SEARCHING. [i] (Some of the forum software is different but, it has helped me a lot.)[/i][/url][/b]
[b]"Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it." Edmund Burke[/b][/size]
Dropped my crew off at the dealer with a quarter tank this morning. They dad 2 other CCs in there with the same problem and I was told that they are replacing the gauges. 
My Impala SS had this problem once and I replaced a resistor on the fuel gauge with a different one. It works fine now. 
GM needs to actually fix this problem instead of just replacing good parts and reflashing. If they would just fix it right they would probably save some money on parts and make their customers happy. 
Hmm. I wonder what's different? I thought the Crews shared all the same suspension and running gear parts and frame (with slight changes - body mounts) as the Extended cabs. 
) 
