Looking For Problems

[Lotsa_Faith]

Well im now really interested in buying the truck i mentioned in my last post, so i need some pointers. where do i need to look on the frame for cracks? and if i was to find any, how would i know if they're fixable or not? how much should i drop in price if i find them? any places yall know to look for bad things on the truck i would take into extreme consideration. and for anyone who didnt see what kinda rig it is, its a '83 K-5 w/ a 6" superlift, 3" body, 38.5x14.5x16.5 Swamper SX's on 12" wide eagle 589's. its got 1 ton running gear, all new interior, and a 305.

 

[ftn96]

Ok, #1 look on the back side of the rear fender wells adn look for rust. Also take a kitchen magnet like you would use on the fridge or like one of those football team magnets adn walk around adn stick it all over adn where ever it wont stick, you got BONDO!!! Signs of rust.
#2 Check the oil to see if it is sticky feeling.
#3 check the tranny fluid to see the color adn smell. Orange,brown and burnt smelling is a bad sign.
#4 try to pull up some of the carpet or floor liner if it has it and look for rust.

Beer!!!! Its not just for breakfast anymore!!.

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[Pugsley]

There are two easy ways to check for frame cracks - One is to scrape a razor blade across the frame and listen/feel for it to catch. Another is to take a handful of talcum powder and rub it around the frame, then blow off the excess - any cracks will still have a nice white line in them.

You will definitely decide to axe the 305, no questions about it, especially running 38's.

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[Executioner]

Could you please elaborate on # 2 ?
TIA

 

[Espen88k5]

Buying used is allways fun !

Take one of the wheels off and check the treads on the bolts.

Ask to keep it for 3-4 hours and drive it for that long cheking the oil level before and after. Look for blue smoke after coasting down long hills and then accelerating.

Ask about repairs/modifications the prev. owner did and listen to him explain why he did it that way or this way. It will tell you something about how picky he was.

[censored], it's always a gamble. Bring someone that doesn't care about K5 's and let them look it over. That way you wont be so influential and see everything through the "I want this one" sunglasses.

Hope I helped some.


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[ftn96]

Man Executioner, dont even start today. Oil additives make for a sticky feel to the oil. Im surprised thats not in your "FACTS" book!

Beer!!!! Its not just for breakfast anymore!!.

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[Executioner]

It is I just have not read that chapter ! he he..
Thanks for the reponse.
TGIF even if it's the 13th

 

[tRustyK5]

Notorious spots for rust are the tailpan area and where the seat belt anchor is up front. Stick yer head right in the rear wheelwell and shine a flashlight towards the front of the truck. You'll see whether or not there's any bad rust where the anchor is without having to pull any interior pieces.

To check the tailpan lift the rear carpet and examine it very carefully. K5's love to rust there and sometimes even major rot can be hard to notice there.

Ask for reciepts for the mods, check the body lift carefully...hockey pucks are bad. A 3" body lift requires various linkages to be extended, the fan shroud to be modified etc. Look for the workmanship in these areas.

Check the front end closely...if it truly is a one ton it will be a Dana 60. There should be 4 bolts on the steering arm...a 10 bolt or Dana 44 will have 3 bolts in a row. Some people intentionally or not claim its a one ton...and when you look closely you find a dana 44 or a 10 bolt with 8 lug outers.

Good luck!

Rene

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