What are the suggested maintainance procedures for this steering system? Lubrication points, frequency, types of lube, etc...

Also how do you use your quadrasteer? Do you have it on all the time? Should you only switch it on while it's at a standstill? What are the rules and guidlines for operation?

I just bought my first qs truck, it's a 2003 GMC 1500HD Crew with 50K miles on it. I am impressed so far, but I'd like to treat it right.

You should change the rear end oil at least every 30,000 miles. You can't change it enough. Use only the GM Part #12378557 Quadrasteer gear oil. It takes almost three qt. There are no other lube points. All of the ball joints and wheel bearings are sealed.

I leave my truck in all steer or in the trailer mode if I have a trailer attached. If you get a wheel alignment or smog test on a dyno you will need to turn it off. Most GM dealers don't have a good knowage of these Quadsteer rear ends. Read the comments on this web site so you can explain to the dealer how to repair your truck.
I had to give my dealer my GM factory service books in order for them to service the rear end oil. I change it myself now that it is out of warranty.

I would guess it's never been done on this truck @ 50K miles, so I'll be doing that as one of the first items.

Mass, FYI: GM is using Dextron VI in all of their new and rebuilt transmissions and fluid changes. Like Mobil One in the motor this is much better. I just junked a factory rebuild in my 1993 Chevy 1/2 ton in Iowa last November. The GM dealer replaced it under warrenty and filled it with Dextron VI which is a full Synthetic. You should replace the extra factory Trans cooler behind the grill. It is way to small for pulling trailers. Hyden part number 1015 is a great choice. I had the dealer's Transmission guy tell me this. I talked with him to make sure that it was OK to use the Dextron VI in my 2005 1500HD crew cab. Have the trans power flushed. This is the only way to replace most of the Dextron III. The Dextron VI will blend with what is still in the trans. My local mechanic charged me $200.00 for the trans flush and $100.00 for the cooler. My temp is now under 200 Deg even in the hot summer with my 15 foot enclosed trailer. I also run a 180 Deg water thermastat.

I hope you enjoy your truck as much as I do. I bought mine used from a friend. He offered me his 2007 Lincon truck in exchange for his old one back last week. A new $50,000 truck for my 2005 with 60,000 miles is a thought. Sorry, I will keep the Qsteer.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bfrest,

Some good advice, thanks. I was thinking about going to the 180 degree thermostat, the truck seems to run over 200. I'll keep that in mind about the tranny cooler, I plan on replacing all the fluids in the truck shortly.

https://www.amsoil.com/dealer/techservicesbulletin/gm_rear_axles_07282004.pdf

Is every one using the GM fluid in the rear end? Is this a synthetic? I've heard of people using Mobil 1 or others with adding the friction modifier, I obviously don't want to cheap out, but is the GM part number the best fluid for the job?

The GM part number I gave you is the full synthetic with the modifier added. If you want to spend $2,000.00 or $3,000.00 for a new rear end then I would go cheap. The dealer charges about $80.00 for 3 qts. If you read some of the damages and problem information on when the dealer used the wrong gear oil then you will understand.
If you drive the truck 5 or 10 miles then pull the plug on the bottom of the rear end. This will drain the oil. I tip the rear from side to side so the oil in the shaft area drains also. There is a plug on the side about 1/2 way for the fill. Use a hose on the bottle tip and stick it in to the rear end to add the oil. At just about 3 qts it will start coming out of the fill hole. Replace the plug and drive it a couple of blocks to replace the oil in the shaft area. Remove the fill plug and recheck the level. It should between 0 to 1/4" below the fill acording to the factory books. You can tip the rear end so some of it comes out if you want the 1/4" amount. If you can change your oil then you can save by doing this yourself. This is a 30 min job.

Like I said I am not looking to cheap out. I've read through some of the history on the rear ends. I was just wondering if the factory stuff was the best thing to use. I guess you are of the opinion that it is, maybe that is the general consensus, in which case it answers my question. Thanks this has been very helpful, hopefully by the weekend I'll have everything changed out.

I'm also going to do the transfer case, I've read that Autotrac II from GM is the best thing to put in that because of similar reasons, I'm going to assume that's the BEST thing to use unless someone here can tell me otherwise.

Mobil 1 offers the Dextron VI for the tranny and I'll be putting Mobil 1 in the motor as well. I'm hoping that the synthetics will free up some power and increase mileage a little, has anyone seen gains going to synthetic through out the drivetrain?

What should I use in the front differential? Can I use the Mobil 1 Synthetic there or is there a better suited GM product?