My 97 3/4 ton 454... anything else i need or should do ?

stutaeng said:

Just a trans. temp. gauge and 10 ply tires. Mostly everything else you have listed is cosmetic or is not needed. If the truck is working fine, just run it. Maybe consider new brake and power steering fluid change, as these never get changed in spite of recommended change intervals.

Any name brand tire should work.

There are a few threads on adding the temp. gauge to 4L80e. I have that on my list on my truck in the near future.

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Get a mag-hytech extended capacity oil pan. They’ll have a built in temp plug


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Jermaine Smith said:

How much of a difference will the tune make ?

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As far as power, it’s not gonna do much. But a handheld tuner or blackbear tune will make it more driveable and feel like you got a boost in power. But ultimately it’s not much.


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run96k3500 said:

Shocks do Bilstien 5100. You won’t regret it. Breaks are hard. The best options is a Nbs 2500 non-HD break upgrade. Otherwise, I’d just got with lifetime pads and rotors from autozone. There’s just not enough surface area on the factory stuff to make a difference with higher end parts.


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5100 is for a 4-6" lift. If he's stock height, he wants yellow and blue 4600.

Tune makes a significant difference in torque and driveability. Truck will jump with less input, downshift less, and accelerate harder.

I agree, I would get the 4600's. 4600's is what these trucks came with from the factory with Z71 package, or at least something similar to the 4600's. They are good quality shocks, plus they look kinda cool.

Jermaine Smith said:

How much of a difference will the tune make ?

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run96k3500 said:

As far as power, it’s not gonna do much. But a handheld tuner or blackbear tune will make it more driveable and feel like you got a boost in power. But ultimately it’s not much.


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A tune does make a decent difference. It won't do what a Whipple will but it helps. Factory timing table sucks and the PE is delayed for eternity. Transmission tuning has some room for improvement too.

98chevy2500SS said:

-Headlights/Parking Lights - clear lens, chrome reflectors. Anzo brand - only brand worth getting.
https://www.amazon.com/USA-111136-C...-----------1&vehicleName=1997+Chevrolet+K2500
https://www.amazon.com/USA-511032-C...------------&vehicleName=1997+Chevrolet+K2500

-Tail lights - red SPPC LED tails
https://www.amazon.com/SPPC-Tail-Li...sr_1_1?keywords=sppc+g2&qid=1572580985&sr=8-1
Or these if you don't want to mess with LEDs: https://www.amazon.com/USA-211140-C...------------&vehicleName=1997+Chevrolet+K2500

-Grille - factory chrome w/ billet grille (if you have Chevy). Stainless steel billet grille (if you have GMC).
https://www.amazon.com/1994-1999-Pi...-----------1&vehicleName=1997+Chevrolet+K2500
https://www.amazon.com/APS-1994-199...8-458------------2&vehicleName=1997+GMC+K2500

-Tires - Falken WildPeaks AT3W (They come in a LT, E rated 10 ply tire). Not sure what your tire size is, but an LT265/75r16 tire is currently $143 on Amazon. I will be getting some for my 97's summer tires soon.
https://www.amazon.com/Falken-Wildpeak-Terrain-Radial-Tire-265/dp/B01C8Z7NJA/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=falken+wildpeak+at3w+lt265/75r16&qid=1572581169&s=automotive&sr=1-1

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Thanks for the links. I think I am going to order the head, parking, and non-led tail lights for my truck soon.

I ordered some towing mirrors from boost auto. Hope they do well aswell.

Good choice on getting tow mirrors from Boost Auto.

I purchased a 1996 c2500 with the 7.4 a month or two ago for just about the same use. I use mine to tow a chassis dyno and enclosed trailer to events, 5000 lb total weight. I put on KYB MonoMax shocks. Much better than the 110 thousand mile stockers. I also put a few Sonnax parts in the transmission when I did a service and opened up the holes in the valve body plate. It's not harsh, but in the lower gears you can feel the shift now, 3rd and 4th are still soft unless you really jump on it. I found these sizes recommended on another forum. Starting drill hole sizes for towing with stock converter and 4l80e LB1 boost valve .085, .093, .085 - 1996 C2500 L29 4l80e sizes stock 2nd .070 3rd .076 4th .050 I tig welded in a bung for a temp sensor when I had the transmission pan off. The gauge is in the mail. I also put in a 180 AC delco thermostat, that just ended up being a reboxed motorad with a higher price. I did a flush of the cooling system at the same time.

I wouldn’t waste any money on anything unless it’s needed. I pers8nally dint waste money in wheels. I may buy a set of upgraded factory take off wheel but that’s about it.

Tires....as long as you stick to a good premium brand you should be ok. I have used Hankook, Nitto, Michelin, and a long time ago BFG At. Other than a nail or some road crap taking out the tire I never had issues. Rotate, keep up on air, balance and suspension and steering and you’ll get the mileage out of them.

I would make sure the suspension brakes and steering is 100%. I’ve had great luck with a Bilstein shocks. In fact if they make them for any vehicle I drive...that’s what goes on. If the shock isn’t available I’ll go factory or Monroe.

Fir brakes I like Wagner. Never had a issue. I use semi metallic not ceramic.