George_Pimpdaddy
1/2 ton status
So as the title goes im looking for a DD. I found a 1989 gmc 1500 4x4 step side short box for $1500. anything to watch out for on these trucks?
CK5
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looking at newer DD
- Thread starter George_Pimpdaddy
- Start date
George_Pimpdaddy
1/2 ton status
not sure yet im going to look at it tomorrow in the day. but even at say 300,000km i still think it would be a good deal.
I had an 89 once. That truck was the biggest pile of crap I've ever had the displeasure of owning and driving... I went through two engines, and three transmissions in under a year...
Check the steering, make sure it isn't loose, check the heating system to make sure that the step motors for the different selection valves etc work, check the stereo, and the A/C setup. Make sure the rear brakes are working, and that the e-brake works properly.
Make sure the engine runs properly, and that the transmission doesn't slip as well.
Check the steering, make sure it isn't loose, check the heating system to make sure that the step motors for the different selection valves etc work, check the stereo, and the A/C setup. Make sure the rear brakes are working, and that the e-brake works properly.
Make sure the engine runs properly, and that the transmission doesn't slip as well.
Randy92782
1 ton status
The big concern IMO is the tranny. Other than that make sure to check out the front end real good
habitatxskate
1/2 ton status
brakes, steering, trans, leaks, fluid level/color, maintenance intervals (look to see if there is an oil change sticker) inspection, front end such as wheel bearings, ball joints. etc. etc.
George_Pimpdaddy
1/2 ton status
anything else guys im going to look at it in a few hours
like said above, trans is the weakest link if its an auto.....smell the fluid. If it smells/looks burnt, be prepared to get it rebuilt soon.
George_Pimpdaddy
1/2 ton status
sounds good and im prepared to do another trans lol kinda getting used to helping out others lately.
George_Pimpdaddy
1/2 ton status
why would you pass?? got something against the 700R4?
I personally don't like em much in their stock form. After you have it rebuilt through Ross, I'd trust it, but not before then, lol
Everything in the front end has a high chance of being worn.
The 700R4 is my biggest concern (most rebuilt ones don't even last as long as a used trans would from what I have seen).
Randy92782
1 ton status
I have ALOT of experience in that area. That's why the only auto. i'll run is the 400 i have in my stepside. Other than that it'll be the 465 like in my Blazer and the truck i'm thinkin bout buyin.
People give those tranny's a lot of crap, and they deserve it, but give them some credit.
My 94 (4l60e) has one. I dd it, barely wheel it.....but tow and drive it hard on the street. Mine was slipping into 1st at 80k......and i drove it to 155k before i needed to have it rebuilt. So basically, be aware of it.....but if you are expecting it to crap out, and account for that cost, its not really a problem.
My 94 (4l60e) has one. I dd it, barely wheel it.....but tow and drive it hard on the street. Mine was slipping into 1st at 80k......and i drove it to 155k before i needed to have it rebuilt. So basically, be aware of it.....but if you are expecting it to crap out, and account for that cost, its not really a problem.
I've directly dealt with two 4L60E's in Suburbans that lasted 105K and 130K, both had exceptional maintanence (fluid/filter change every 30K). Not towing anything heavy.
IME I wouldn't trust a rebuilt 700R4 or 4L60E as far as I could throw it, unless it was rebuilt by GM.
A rebuilt 4L60E will cost at least as much as the truck.
My .02
IME I wouldn't trust a rebuilt 700R4 or 4L60E as far as I could throw it, unless it was rebuilt by GM.
A rebuilt 4L60E will cost at least as much as the truck.
My .02
pvfjr
1/2 ton status
I'd trust a 400 or a 4L80 in a street driven truck, wouldn't run any automatic on a trail or in a tow rig though. I just don't trust them. Seen them leave people high and dry WAY too many times, and it's never convenient.
But back to the original topic, definitely check out the front end/steering, heater controls, and tranny. Also, see if it's a 10 bolt rear end, or a 14bsf. I've seen 14bsf's in 1500 and 2500 trucks, so you never know. I definitely wouldn't want a 10-bolt though, if you plan on hauling stuff much.
But back to the original topic, definitely check out the front end/steering, heater controls, and tranny. Also, see if it's a 10 bolt rear end, or a 14bsf. I've seen 14bsf's in 1500 and 2500 trucks, so you never know. I definitely wouldn't want a 10-bolt though, if you plan on hauling stuff much.
A trail only rig is a whole different game and I would trust a 700R4 in that.
Autos have a tendancy to cavitate (i.e. starve the pump) at extreme angles but trail only rigs don't see many miles.
Randy92782
1 ton status
Yup that's what i was gettin at myself. Rebuilds SUCK unless you put alot of money in em IMO. Now my dad's in his truck is still going after 200K and i wouldn't be afraid to drive it anywhere. Seems to me that once it goes it's just never the same again...
George_Pimpdaddy
1/2 ton status
i dont know about you guys but when i get a tranny rebuilt its built lol and i love and stand behind my rebuilt 700r4 lol i would not be able to drive my blazer without the OD. so stop being so bitchy lol jk
