I agree with you about the cheapening of these trucks. I have a 21 XLT 302a that has quite a few more options than newer models. I like the truck but I would buy a GMC in a heartbeat if they had dependable motors. Cylinder de-activation is a definite no with me.
I take my truck to the dealer only for recalls. And there are PLENTY of recalls. When my truck needs other work like oil changes, brakes etc, I take it to a local shop that also works on a lot of muscle cars. These guys do a great job at a reasonable price and I've never had a problem with...
It's most likely that one of the robots in the paint booth sneezed and left a gob of snot on the roof and then proceeded to paint over it. That's my guess.
I know someone who let their daughter drive his truck. She drove it about 150 miles in four low. Needless to say she ruined the transmission and I don't what else. So those people are out there.
Here in Minnesota when I ice fish during the winter I hear the ice cracking when I drive on it. The best solution for that is to turn up the radio and the cracking sound just goes away like magic.
There are four subjects I avoid talking to strangers about because I don't like conflict.
1 Guns
2 Religion
3 Politics
4 Oil change intervals and oil brand/type