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Newbie looking for first K5... thoughts on this one

bjr34bass

bjr34bass

1/2 ton status
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Feb 14, 2014
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Location
Yuma, AZ
Just moved to AZ and loving the off road options. Sold my motorcycle to buy a off road vehicle.....

Looked at this: 1989, not rusty (so-cal) 173k miles on original motor, rebuilt trans a year ago. replaced np208 with NP241 transfer at some point in the past. It's been in the family from new (grandfather to father to son for what that's worth). Front drive shaft removed. Apparently 4Hi works but won't shift to neutral. He mentioned might have been an issue with the changeover/adaptation? Broken rear shock mount. 3.73 gear. 3 inch body lift. Steering is loose. Hedman headers and dual exhaust (sounds good for what that's worth)

Runs good. In good shape. one decent size dent and the paint is shot. Needs 3 new tires. One is new because of blowout. The interior is not great.

I will be using for off roading in the AZ desert (rocks not dunes). Not a daily driver, but wouldn't mind cruising around. I don't care what it looks like. I will start of on pretty tame trails but who knows from there.

Here's what I think I know from the site: body lifts sucks, broken shock mount is not a deal breaker. Tires are expensive. Transfer cases are cheap. 3.73 won't last long on trails, but at least I can get decent mileage if I want to drive on road. TBI is better than carb?

Questions: What's the likely and or worst case issue with the transfer case?
Can a newb replace the transfer case?

Is 173k miles getting to rebuild time? I don't think this was off road much/abused.

Does this sound like a reasonable use of $2300? I'd really like a 73-75 for the full removable top, but I'm thinking a 89 would be a better bet for a very novice mechanic. Is that a fair assumption?

Any feedback is appreciated. :popcorn:
 
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$2300 isn't terrible, but shoot for $2k or lower, based on the fact that the 4WD system is currently inop. Cash in hand often talks.

Shock mount isn't a big deal. Its a curious situation that they threw a 241 in instead of another 208. I'm guessing that they had the 241 on hand. One isn't necessarily better than the other for general light duty wheeling. Check the linkage for the shifter and go from there. Worst case you need to put another Tcase in, and used 208s in the spline count for your tranny are dirt cheap. Replacing a transfer case is a pretty straight forward proposition that does not require advanced knowledge.

TBI is arguably better than a carb. Yes, there are sensors involved, but as long as they and the computer are good, TBI will be a more reliable system overall. Carbs are great if you like to tinker and tune. TBI provides a "set it and forget it" situation and will generally provide better mileage and drive ability for the non-carburetor savvy.

173K probably means it needs valve seals at a minimum. You won't know if it is rebuild time until you can do a compression/leakdown test on it. If you don't have emission testing in your area, you can run a "tired" engine for quite a long time with preventative maintenance.

A 73-75 isn't any worse for a novice mechanic than the 89, there are just some different skills you will need to develop for the fuel delivery and electronics. 73-75 you will need to become a carb master. 87 up you will need to develop more electronic diagnostic knowledge. But the electronics involved in the 87 up TBI system are very simplistic compared to "modern" cars and trucks. Every other basic mechanical apparatus will be similar.

Good luck with your decision, and if you get it, I am sure you can get all the advice/info you need from this board.
 
Post pics. Seems like a fair-ish price.

A 1989 comes from the factory with an NP241, so if it had an NP208 in it, it was the second transfer case, not the factory one.

TBI is much better than a carb.

What size if tires are you thinking? Because 3.73's are a good gear unless you are going with bigger tires.

Martin
 
Check for signs of it being in an accident on the passenger side. Notice the body molding missing on the right front fender? Take a fridge magnet to check for bondo.
 
bjr34bass said:
I'm new so I can't post the pics. Here's the CL listing w/ pics....

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/4360838888.html


THanks for the feedback so far. I'm thinking I can get it for a bit less. He just bought a house and his wife wants it out of the driveway.
Click to expand...

I would be more interested if it just needs to be smoged or won't pass smog.:eek1: Sounds like it may have the cat removes and running duels. If you don't need to have smog inspections where you are. then not a problem.. Calif state law says the seller is to prove a smog cert.:whistle:
 
Being in AZ, i bet you can do better for that money.

Seems like a lot of "odd" issues, having to do with inexperienced repairs.

I'd look for one less molested. Lots in your part of the country, or farther west.
 
Yeah...way better out there for same money. That thing has been for sale for months for the reasons stated.
Look in AZ or up near SF. Better deals on trucks that haven't been into the ground. Not sure on your budget but if your patient you can score a decent one mostly original for $2-2.5k
 
dhcomp said:
Being in AZ, i bet you can do better for that money.

Seems like a lot of "odd" issues, having to do with inexperienced repairs.

I'd look for one less molested. Lots in your part of the country, or farther west.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Try to find one that is all orginal or at least stock. In my experience 9 times out of 10 if a K5 is lifted, that generally means it's been abused or redneckified in some fashion.
 
I'm not sure that any of those three are any better than the one he posted.

Martin
 
Thank u all for the feedback. Maybe a stock truck is a better option. I can lift and add some 33s and be where i want to be.
 
Thanks for all the feedback guys. I am going to keep looking. I'll post my ride once I settle on one!
 
Feel free to keep posting ones you're looking at. We'd be happy to pick them apart for you.

Martin
 
I've scoured craigslist within 500 miles and found a handful that I might go check out. This is the one I think is most promising under $3k. I like the full convertible and recent rebuild motor/trans/transfer case. THe rebuilds are within last 3yrs, but the blazer's been sitting for a year.

THere are 2 listings for it that reference slightly different details that I cobbled together for a better idea. I am awaiting a response from him about the "minor work" it needs. I didn't see that right away.

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/4391669947.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/4387472011.html

Thoughts?
 
I'd jump on that 1975 for that price...if it isn't eat up with rust under all that shiny paint...shoot...I'd still jump on it if it has light to moderate rust areas that can be patched...it looks just like mine when I bought it and I paid $4200
 
Ok, so here is the latest one catching my eye. below is a the description and a link to a youtube video!

I know buying a k5 thats already built is dicey, but this seems like a decent deal. It's been for sale for awhile. Started at $3500, now 3000, I think I could squeeze him a bit more. Plus he's in CA and I'm in Yuma AZ so I don't have the emissions issues and I think I'll avoid any associated registration costs.


The motor is original and mileage is unknown, so that is a red flag. The drivelines have not been modified which I think is another red flag. Does the transmission work make sense? I'm a mechanical newb. When I asked why he is selling, he said he has a built 454 that he wants to put in a pre-smog vehicle. That sounds reasonable.

Anyway, take a look at the description below and the video and let me know what you think!

thanks,


Selling my 1990 gmc jimmy 4x4. Runs excellent. Has a fuel injected 350 motor and 700R4 overdrive transmission. Transmission was recently rebuilt with bigger planetary and thicker planetary shell installed. Well built with a warranty still in effect. I have the receipts as well. Also has fairly new 35" Grabber allterain ties. New 7 inch lift which includes new springs all the way around, shocks and steering dampners. Motor is completely stock and has all smog equipment. New alternator and new battery. Two into one flowmaster muffler. Interior is complete and comes with a newer Kenwood cd player with remote. Plus has a Sirius radio setup. Just needs to be activated. Body is in ok condition. Has dents and dings but this machine is a wheeler. Not a trailer queen. Registration just expired in march. You smog and register. All smog equipment is hooked up from that cat to the original air cleaner. Pink slip in hand. Was smogged about 7 months ago. Heres a youtube link to see this badboy in action! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Dfql-FMM8
 
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