1999 Chevy Silverado C3500 Still Running Strong After 600,000 Miles: Readers’ Rides
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While some folks only see cars and trucks as tools for transportation, the enthusiasts among us can’t help but form a bond with our vehicles. And why not – after years of service and hundreds of thousands of miles, it’s hard not to consider a car or truck more than just a machine. Troy Case from Brea, California can attest to this. You see, Case owns this 1999 Chevy Silverado C3500, which is still running strong after an impressive 600,000 miles.
Before we launch into this, it is worth clarifying a few things. This particular vehicle is a fourth-generation Chevrolet C/K pickup, and was sold for the 1999 model year, a transitionary period during which General Motors introduced the GMT800 generation and singular Chevy Silverado nameplate, the latter of which is still in use today. However, during this time, GM continued to sell units of the fourth-gen C/K until its discontinuation following the 2000 model year, and although the truck featured here is technically a 1999 Chevy C3500, we’ll call it a Chevy Silverado for the sake of simplicity.
With that covered, let’s talk about the story behind this high-mile pickup. Case originally bought it for work, needing something that could go anywhere and everywhere, and do anything and everything.
“I’m a photographer for the LA Country Fire Department and go up on the fire roads,” Case explains.
With enough space inside to hold five passengers and an eight-foot bed in back to haul everything else, the Chevy Silverado was the perfect choice. Frequently used off-road, the pickup is powered by a 5.7L V8 engine, which connects to a 4L80 E transmission feeding the rear wheels.
Case also upgraded his Chevy Silverado with a two-inch lift, with new front spindles and rear blocks. The truck now runs a set of newer Chevy wheels finished in black, plus heavy limo tint for the glass. Further modifications include a black-painted front grille insert, and deleted chrome moldings. The gorgeous paint is called Indigo Blue.
Overall, this Chevy Silverado looks great, especially for a daily driver that lives outdoors and has covered 600,000 miles.
Despite the high mileage, Case’s pickup is still running strong. Even the A/C continues to blow cold in the hot Southern California summers.
“The brake pads only last about 15,000 to 18,000 miles, but everything else is great,” Case tells us. He adds that he does all his own maintenance, unless special tools are needed, at which point he brings it to a local shop.
Unsurprisingly, Case has owned several other GM vehicles in the past, including a 1993 C2500 with an extended cab and eight-foot bed. His first car was a 1971 Chevy Camaro SS.
At this point, Case has no plans to sell his Chevy Silverado.
“If I get a new truck, I plan to keep this as it runs great and no problems, and I can’t sell it for what it’s worth to me,” Case tells GM Authority. “Not many people have this much mileage on a vehicle and still drive it daily.”
Here’s to another 600,000 miles.
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UPDATE (3/18/2021): Troy Case has provided us with more information on the originality of his pickup. According to Case, the truck had a random misfire at 408,000 miles and would not pass smog. The issue turned out to be the valve guides. Rather than put on new heads or do a valve job for an engine with 408,000 miles on it, Case elected to instead install a new GM crate motor long block. Case also replaced the transmission at 79,000 miles after a misdiagnosed noise (turned out it was actually the rear end, not the transmission). The transmission now has 524,000 miles on it.
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Something to strive for. My 2000 2500 Silverado only has 148,000 on it
600,000 miles that is great. I would like to see if the new inline 2.7 turbo 4cyl that will be going into the 2022 gm pickups get even close to 100,000 miles on it. Only time will tell.
That new 2.7 turbo 4cyl is built to last there’s no question it can go 300k easy before needing major work
R U A powertrain engineer and tore one down and do a metallurgic analysis of all the parts and pieces?
I highly doubt the motor and trans have not been rebuilt at least once
I have a 1993 Chevy Silverado 2500 and it has over 370,000 miles on it and it still looks and runs great. We’ve had it since it came off the line. My husband passed away 3 years ago. We love that truck. I keep up with everything. As long as you take care of them, it will run and drive like a new truck.
I thought getting 320,000 out of my ’98 K1500 ext. cab was good…
Of course, mine didn’t look anywhere near as good as this – Midwest winters and salty roads don’t mix well with any body.
California 🌞…..
Original engine and trans??
I’m close. Every day driver and have a 2000 Chevy C2500, regular cab, long bed. 5.7 and 4L80E transmission. Uses about 1/2 quart oil between changes. Oil changes every 3000 miles. Do all the work myself. Has 565342 on it now. Not thinking of getting rid of it either. New trucks are to expensive.
I own a 1992 chevy 1500 pick up 350 v8 w a 5 speed manual with 665000 miles and runs good. Original motor.
I also own and drive every day a 2008 chevy express 1 ton cargo van with 944,200 on it. It has a 6.6 turbo diesel duramax. I have no doubt it will turn 1 million
It will. O5 LLY hit 1 million St Patrick’s Day of 2020. Started in 2015 with 190,000
My 1999 chevy silverado had 401,000 on it before I put a new transmission in it and it still runs great .. I’ve always drove a chevrolet and will never change my mind about it being the best company to purchase your vehicle from. Go Chevy!
For what kind of work is this car being used?
It drives through fire fed by the souls of the damned…
Nuff said.
I have a 1990 K2500. Am 3rd owner. Has 175,000 miles and seems to run as well as the day it left the dealership. Just feels solid and reliable; I’d rather an old truck than a new one anyday.
I have a 04 ford expedition 5.4 liter with 435000. Still running strong
Hell Yeah, I gave that old Ford a thumbs up!
Timing chains will snap tomorrow
I got a 94 GMC 1500 reg cab 374965 new tranny at 300 4l60E runs an drives great my dad got a 94 f150 with 320000 all org. Dont abuse it as much as me but the older ones are great chevy an the fords bad as i hate to say go GM
I had a 94gmc 2500 die on me a couple of years ago….made it to 427k it had the 454TBI
I now have a 2008 gmc 2500hd 6.0l gasoline with 325k gpt.it 2 years ago with 115k.
2001 Silverado, 5.3 liter Motor, 4×4. Have over 230K plus miles. Original motor and transmission.
2006 Chevy Silverado 2500 Duramax- 402,000 miles. All original engine and transmission. Still runs like new!
2007 Silverado new body style 1500 just turned over 300k with original engine and transmission.
One modification is I deleted AFM. No more oil burning issues.
Too bad. The last really good truck GM made. We have an 84 C3500 and 96 k2500. Both run well, solid trucks easy and inexpensive to maintain. Reliable and capable
My 99 2500 has 467000. All original. Changed the plugs and wires for the 1st time at 400000. 1 oil change per year. Approximately 24000 miles a year. Some years, I just topped it off and kept driving. Not for sale at any price!
I change my oil every 25k also and I know that mill will go 750k.
My 99 2500 has 467000. All original. Changed the plugs and wires for the 1st time at 400000. 1 oil change per year. Approximately 24000 miles a year. Some years, I just topped it off and kept driving. Not for sale at any price!