I recently purchased a 2014 silverado z71 ltz 5.3l with the 6spd automatic transmission. I took it into the service department and told them that it was shifting hard, has a flutter when accelerating, and clunks when downshifting. They told me that it is "normal operations." From all my experience with vehicles those issues means that there is something wrong. So I guess my question would be is that really normal operation? If it is I guess I must've expected better quality from gm.

Whenever someone says that is normal, then tell them you want to go for a ride in another vehicle on the lot, to see if it is normal....

Did they even scan for codes? Certain codes cause full line pressure and hard shifts....

Did they go for a test ride with you?

yes they drove it they were able to duplicate everything I mentioned and they scanned for codes. No codes so they said it'* normal operation. I did get a loaner truck the last time my truck was in the shop and i told them that the loaner shifted way smoother didn't clunk no flutter. I am scheduled to take it in again Monday.

Did they look at the driveshaft, u-joints, etc.,?

I couldn't tell ya. What I do know is that they try to do the least as possible. But I highly doubt it is a u-joint or in the differentials. Definitely seems like transmission issues to me but what do I know I'm just a backyard mechanic.

Not speaking from experience but from what I've read in some of the Chevy truck forums I belong to is this is not an uncommon experience with the 6 and 8 speeds. Some members in those forums swear by the Black Bear tune, not only for increased engine performance but for eliminating transmission problems like you describe. It'* not an inexpensive fix but might be worth you checking out.

I've driven a bunch of these six-speeds. Most of them have been on rental cars, and a couple on well-beaten Penske moving vans. All of them have been smooth-shifting transmissions. Yes I could occasionally catch them off guard and get a bit of harshness while it catches up with my desires, but none of them have done what you are describing. The rental cars have almost always been 5300 v8'* in various forms of 1500 pickups, Suburbans, Yukons (+/- XL), and Tahoes mostly with 4WD and odometers varying from a few hundred miles to over 40,000 . One of the pickups had been well beaten and the transmission had a bad growl through first and second gear (and a bunch of drywall demo jammed between the bed and cab). The Penskes nowhere near new and were the largest single-rear-wheel GMC Savana cab and chassis model and had 4800 V8s, one of which I drove loaded from Chicago to Denver. All shifted smoothly and predictably.

I do understand that it happens in the world as there have been a lot of reports. That doesn't make it "normal operations" unless you are confusing it by practicing your Riverdance routine on the gas pedal.

The claim of "normal operations" appears to be avoiding expensive repairs that I'm guessing the dealer is supposed to cover on warranty. I'd ask them to show you even one other vehicle of similar driveline that has this behavior and is acceptable to the owner.