1984 GMC diesel 3/4 4x4 pickup

[1980]

Found one for sale, $2000, Pic looks fairly nice.
I have no experiance with diesel, but thinking this might be a candidate for my DD. I've heard mpg should be around 20.
I don't know what questions to ask about this engine, besides the obvious (mileage, leaks, basic ?s).
Doesn't say auto or manual, one better than the other with the 6.2?
So,,What should ask before I travel 150 miles for a look? Then if I decide to go see, What should I look for?
Are these money pits or an opportunity for a good DD?
I won't be towing anything more than a one horse trailer once in a while.

My '80 k20 350/465/205 gets 10,mpg,
My '79 k1500 350/465/205 gets 10-12 mpg, Will I really gain much with a diesel?

 

[shady]

My 6.2 burb had 195,000 on the clock before I sold it, with no work beyond normal maintenance. It ran fine while I had it and when I sold it. Had a best recorded 27mpg on the interstate(2wd) and an average of 24mpg on the highway. I'd say take a look either way. Its only a couple hours one way. Just a little road trip

 

[1980]

Called and here's the additional info.
The older lady didn't know alot, Hubby was out, but 158000 miles, manual, didn't know about hubs, leaks a little, didn't know from where.

Pic

 

[shady]

I'd go look at it. It looks like a pretty good deal.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

No way you'll get 20mpg without OD. mid-high teens might be possible though. Probably guaranteed 15mpg and likely better if you drive it sensibly and keep it happy in the rpm range.

 

[COCHEV]

They all leak a little, its a chevy thing.

Go check it out for sure

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL

 

[1980]

Well, went and checked it out. Not as nice as the pic appears. 259,000 miles, but engine felt strong and the leak wasn't that much.
Not sure what the transmission was, L,1,2,3,R not like my 465, kinda felt cheap.
The transfer case, 2h 4h N 4L. 4L didn't seem right. In L and first it would move, but as you pressed the pedal the engine would rev up like a slipping clutch and didn't grab anything. Seemed right in 3 gear.(This was only in 4L) Again felt cheap and weak compared to my 205.
Needs brakes and soon a clutch and tires.
I did kinda wanted to try a diesel so I offered $900, but He declined, as he said could get that for scrap.

So the search goes on, I think I want a 1/2 ton, 5 speed, 4x4.

 

[DokWatson]

Well, went and checked it out. Not as nice as the pic appears. 259,000 miles, but engine felt strong and the leak wasn't that much.
Not sure what the transmission was, L,1,2,3,R not like my 465, kinda felt cheap.
The transfer case, 2h 4h N 4L. 4L didn't seem right. In L and first it would move, but as you pressed the pedal the engine would rev up like a slipping clutch and didn't grab anything. Seemed right in 3 gear.(This was only in 4L) Again felt cheap and weak compared to my 205.
Needs brakes and soon a clutch and tires.
I did kinda wanted to try a diesel so I offered $900, but He declined, as he said could get that for scrap.

So the search goes on, I think I want a 1/2 ton, 5 speed, 4x4.

Yeah that doesn't sound right. 4 low 1st gear in a 6.2 diesel on stock tires shoulda picked up and went. Probably a good call, don't give up on the 6.2 though... I average 13mpg on 42's with a th400 and 4.56 gears

 

[chulisohombre]

Well, went and checked it out. Not as nice as the pic appears. 259,000 miles, but engine felt strong and the leak wasn't that much.
Not sure what the transmission was, L,1,2,3,R not like my 465, kinda felt cheap.
The transfer case, 2h 4h N 4L. 4L didn't seem right. In L and first it would move, but as you pressed the pedal the engine would rev up like a slipping clutch and didn't grab anything. Seemed right in 3 gear.(This was only in 4L) Again felt cheap and weak compared to my 205.
Needs brakes and soon a clutch and tires.
I did kinda wanted to try a diesel so I offered $900, but He declined, as he said could get that for scrap.

So the search goes on, I think I want a 1/2 ton, 5 speed, 4x4.

something definitely wasnt right.if it wasnt grabbin and goin in 4l and 1st its gonna need some more work than you wanna do for a new dd.the 6.2 isnt a race engine but itll do pretty good and get at least 15 to 20 mpg.i was on my way last summer to look at one for the same price as the one you were lookin at and was sold the day before i could go look at it.