Models:     Chevrolet Kodiak    Year:     2003
GMC Topkick    Year:     2003
Number Potentially Involved:  276
Dates of Manufacture:  August 2001 – July 2002
Defect:  Some trucks equipped with the optional Caterpillar diesel engine (LG5) were built with a misrouted battery cable that could come in contact with the exhaust pipe. The conduit and the nylon cable coating could degrade to the point where the copper wire strands of the cable are exposed. If the cable strands contacted the exhaust pipe, a short circuit could cause the battery cable coatings to ignite and possibly lead to an engine compartment fire.
Remedy:   Dealers will inspect the battery cable for proper routing and reroute the cable if necessary. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification began Oct. 25, 2002. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782
[NHTSA Recall No. 02V267/GM Recall No. 02040]

RBP Black 2pc RL Series Grille - Chevy Kodiak 254083 US $645.00 Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 23:15:47 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NEW FUEL PUMP Chevrolet Kodiak 99 00 01 02 US $59.98 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-04-2009 0:28:22 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

There’s no doubt that the President of the United States needs a safe vehicle to be transported in. Various assassination attempts prove that case rather easily. President-in-waiting Barack Obama will be getting a brand-new armored “car” that will look like a Cadillac, but will really be based on the positively gigantic medium-duty GMC Topkick chassis. Nobody is quite sure what kind of armament the First Car will be equipped with, but let’s just assume that there is plenty, including up to five inches of glass and ceramic ballistics materials. That should make this one heavy vehicle. In fact, a couple of heavy vehicles, as General Motors is likely building multiples so that decoys can be used. With all that weight to move around, we’d expect GM to use a version of its diesel engine (running perhaps on biodiesel? No?) and Allison transmission from its line of heavy-duty trucks. Alternatively, Obama could make a green splash by using GM’s 2-Mode hybrid system. Just a thought.

Barack Obama - Time Special Commemorative Edition US $15.00 Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 20:54:43 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Barack Obama NY Times Inaguration Collector Newspaper US $10.00 Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 20:55:45 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

GMC TopKick has consistently been a segment leader in the medium duty market because it delivers more of what customers demand from their medium duty trucks - durability, versatility and reliability. The 2009 model year is no exception, as TopKick enhancements include greater weight-carrying capacity, larger available wheels, revised air seats for even greater comfort and more vehicle diagnostics for additional peace of mind.

The TopKick 4500 and 5500 Series are available in Crew Cab, Regular and Commercial Cutaway Chassis Cabs, as well as vocational packages to cover motor home, school bus, fire and rescue, ambulance, shuttle bus, wrecker and snowplow requirements.

For larger tasks, the 6500, 7500 and 8500 Series (Class 6, 7, trucks offer Regular, Crew and Commercial Cutaway Chassis Cab offerings. The T-Series is a range of low cab forward trucks in GVW classes 6, 7 and 8 offering the widest range of product specifications in the segment.

The GMC TopKick medium-duty trucks are produced at the Flint Assembly Plant in Flint, Mich. The plant features state-of-the-art machinery and best practices, resulting in consistently high quality.

New for 2009: 21,500-lb. GVWR on 5500 4×4 models, 22.5-inch wheels available on 4500 / 5500 4×4 Regular Cab, Revised air seats available, Allison Prognostics on all Allison 3000 / 3500 Series transmissions.

Quebec ambulance workers have registered numerous complaints concerning vibration and shocks under specific driving conditions since the introduction of the GMC Top Kick ambulance. This project was undertaken to determine whether vibration exposure at various workstations in the ambulance was correlated to reported problems, and to evaluate the global behaviour of the ambulance’s rear suspension.

NEW FUEL PUMP GMC Topkick 99 00 01 02 US $59.98 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-04-2009 0:26:22 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

New Evaporator Core 2003 - 2009 GMC Topkick US $91.00 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-04-2009 10:07:07 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

As some of you may know my GMC Topkick 4×4 was purchased on Ebay. Some incredible deals can be had on Ebay.

K&N 77 Series Air Intake, Kodiak/Topkick CK4500/CK5500 US $428.29 Auction Ends: Friday Jul-03-2009 21:47:08 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

NEW FUEL PUMP GMC Topkick 99 00 01 02 US $59.98 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-04-2009 0:26:22 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

K&N 77 Series Air Intake, Kodiak/Topkick CK4500/CK5500 US $428.29 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-04-2009 7:46:04 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Topkick Kodiak Cluster Speedometer New 5500 6500 4500 US $299.00 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-04-2009 9:22:29 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

Topkick Kodiak Cluster Speedometer New 5500 6500 4500 US $299.00 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-04-2009 9:24:54 PDT Buy this Item   | Watch this Item

GMC Topkick Ironhide vs Barn

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The GMC Topkick are one of the best heavy duty trucks available in many markets across the world today. However before you finalize one of the many models available under the Topkick brand you should find out the exact purpose for which you will be using the vehicle.For example, if you want a dependable medium duty truck then you can go for the C4500 model or the C5500 model. These two models can be used for several types of jobs such as delivering material to landscape sites and light construction jobs. The customized models under these categories include crew cab models, fire and rescue cutaways and also school bus operations. The engine is normally the Vortec 8100 V8 gasoline engine which lead to decreased transportation costs in spite of carrying heavy payloads. The gasoline powered engines are quiet and easier to start and their working is known by most operators. The engine provides excellent fuel efficiency though the initial costs of buying an engine are high.      

In case you want to use the trucks for carrying heavy equipment, then the C6500/C7500 and the C8500 should be a better option. These trucks are known as the heavy haulers in the GMC lineup. Latest models such as the C8500 have a GVWR up to 27,660 kgs. These Topkick models have an automatic transmission system which proves to be a great help for drivers who are not experienced. Also the automatic transmission system helps in efficient consumption of fuel. The torque converter also helps to maximize the power output of the engine and also helps to prevent shock loading that can result on increasing the life of the drivetrain component. The transmission temperature gauge can prevent the vehicle from overheating.      

General Motors offers a warranty of two years on any of the Topkick Models for unlimited kilometer use in that two year period. Warranty is extended to five years for components like frame rail, cross members and sheet metal rust. The 6.6L Duramax diesel engine has a warranty of 5 years or 1,60,000 kms, whichever is less. The 7.8L Duramax diesel engine has a warranty of 3 years for unlimited kms during that period.

GMC C4500

The GMC C4500 is a heavy duty truck that is equipped with a powerful Vortec 8.1L V8 engine. The model costs anywhere between $29,490 and $49,494. The 8.1L engine is capable of delivering 325 hp while the 6.6L engine delivers 300 hp. The 8.1L engine has 450 lb-ft of torque while the 6.6L engine has 620 lb.-ft. of torque. The C4500 can be customized for a variety of purposes such as ambulances for clinics and hospitals. They can also be customized to suit a variety of business requirements. The truck is capable of holding heavy duty workload.

GMC C5500

The GMC 5500 is again a heavy duty truck with the same engine as that of the C4500. The price of the truck ranges from $38,325 to $60,079. The truck is used for several purposes such as an ambulance and also for removal of snow. The truck can be customized according to the commercial requirements of the organization.

GMC C6500

The GMC C6500 has a Vortec 8.1L V8 engine that is capable of generating 295 hp and has a 440 lb-ft torque. There is also the Isuzu 6H diesel engine that generates 260 hp and up to 660 lb-ft torque. Next in line is the Cat C7 diesel engine that generates 250 hp and up to 660 lb-ft of torque. The truck can be customized for various commercial requirements.

GMC C7500

The C7500 costs between $46,840 and $68,536. The engine is a Vortec V8 with 295 hp and 440 lb-ft. of torque. There is also the Isuzu 6H diesel engine with 300 hp and 860 lb-ft. of torque. The CAT C7 diesel engine is capable of generating 250 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. The truck can be used as an ambulance and also in handling cases related to fire.

GMC C8500

The C8500 is available in the range of $73,459 and $78,534. The heavy duty truck is normally equipped with an Isuzu 6H diesel engine capable of generating 300 hp and up to 860 lb-ft. of torque. You can also go for the Vortec 8.1L V8 gasoline engine which has up to 295 hp and 440 lb-ft. of torque.

All the versions of Gmc Topkick trucks c4500 c5500 c6500 c7500 c8500 are extremely good. All the versions have excellent chassis configurations. Today we discuss and compare the chassis configurations of the different versions of the Topkick.

Chassis highlights of C4500/C5500

1) There is an option between regular cab, crew cab, commercial cutaway and motor home cutaway configurations.

2) The GVWRs of the trucks range between 7,258 kgs and 11,794 kgs.

3) The trucks have an automatic transmission that is controlled electronically.

4) The wheel bases range from 3251 mm to 5689 mm.

5) There is a set back front axle for better weight distribution and the truck can also turn sharply as it has a tight turning diameter of just 10.76 m.

6) The windshield is larger for extra visibility and the hood is also sloped downwards.

7) The trucks are equipped with an ABS hydraulic brake system.

The transmission is automatically controlled through electronic components.

9) There is a choice between the Duramax 6.6L V8 diesel engine or the Vortec 8.1L V8 gasoline engine.

Chassis highlights of C4500/C5500

1) There is an option between regular cab, crew cab and commercial cutaway configurations.

2) The GVWRs of the trucks range between 9,520 kgs and 27,660 kgs.

3) There is a choice of Allison, Spicer or Eaton-Fuller engines.

4) The wheel bases range from 7823 mm (for C8500 models) to 7518 mm (for C6500/C7500 models).

5) There is a tandem rear axle for C8500 model.

6) The windshield is larger for extra visibility and the hood is also sloped downwards.

7) The trucks are equipped with an ABS hydraulic brake system (for C6500 and C7500) and “S” cam air brakes for C8500 model.

The transmission is automatically controlled through electronic components.

9) There is a choice between the Vortec 8.1L V8 gasoline engine or Isuzu 7800 and Caterpillar C7 diesel engines.

The GMC Topkick is one of the best mid sized pickup trucks available in the market today. The trucks have some great features that have contributed to its success. Topkick has one of the best maneuverability features in its segment which allows it to turn easily and also park in narrow spaces. The GMC Topkick has retractable mirrors for better rear view. The windshield is also very large providing the driver with a panoramic view. The truck has been designed keeping in mind the demands of commercial organizations. Let’s see in detail the different features of Topkick

Engine – The engine is available in different ranges such as Duramax 7800, Duramax 6600, Vortec 8100MD and Caterpillar C7. All these engines are renowned for their power, performance and long life. Engines like the Vortec 8100 MD is available in only some models such as class 6,7 and 8 trucks. All the engines are equipped with special coolant that lasts for five years on an average. There are automatic shutdown engines also available that turn off in case the engine gets overheated or there is low oil pressure.        

Weight – The different models of the GMC Topkick have different weights and different load carrying capacities.

Visibility – The windshield is quite large, thereby improving the visibility of the surroundings. The hood is also sloped and the driver’s seat is higher than compared to other trucks.         

Interiors – The extra noise and the vibration have been reduced. The sterring whell has been kept at 16” and all the seats are done up in leather with individual airbags for extra passenger safety. The other options include seats that can be tilted, CD/DVD player as well as power windows and doors. 

Seats – The seats have a backrest and there is an option available for bucket seats. There is an option for ashtray near the handle of the door. The center console has a cup holder. 

Tires – The wheels are made of steel disc and are painted in white color. The standard tires used are Goodyear.