What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

School me on 89-98s Please

Stomis

Stomis

Professional Amateur
Joined
Nov 20, 2007
Posts
10,331
Reaction score
752
Location
Roseland VA/PtPleasant NJ
I'm entertaining the idea of purchasing an 89-98 Gen crew cab. I'm looking for something a little more comfortable than what the traditional 81-87/89 trucks offer interior wise and would also like something a little newer looking.

Basically the plans are to daily drive it. A build for it would be down the road which I'll generally outline for you guys in a few lines at the end.

I'm wondering about any common issues with specific years. What motor/trans combos have inherit problems. Any common rust spots, suspension flaws, or the like. Do this trucks come push button 4x4 or manual?

Most I've seen are 7.4/4l80e's which I have no problem with 12-15mpg and an auto the time around. I've heard that the 6.5 detroits have head gasket problems.

The future build plan would be to stay street and inspection legal:
Roughly 2-4in of lift
ORU bolt on SAS kit w/ 52in springs, crossover, and swaybar.
Either DRW axles either ford 60 or chevys with a vss 208
Ditch bed and build 4 foot utility bed with boxes and shorten wheel base
h1 wheels and 37in radial h1 tires.
 
12-15 MPG would be a stretch. We have a 95 standard cab long bed, 454/4l80e/14bff 3:73 gears. Highway we can sometimes get 10. Others I have heard the same. If you could get more out of a CC that would be awesome
 
The 1 ton CCs 88 thru 91 are the old style solid axle.

I do believe in 92 CCs 1t are the new body style with the IFS.

correct me if I am wrong
 
Doc Feel Good said:
The 1 ton CCs 88 thru 91 are the old style solid axle.

I do believe in 92 CCs 1t are the new body style with the IFS.

correct me if I am wrong
Click to expand...


Yes thats true. I'm looking for an IFS truck. Preferably a later model one too.

And yes I'm aware that TYPICAL mileage of a 7.4 is 8-10
 
Last edited:
My 96 standard cab got me 11-12 everyday, and 13 highway (@70)
That was the 7.4/4L80E 4.10 combo. I really like the interior design/layout of those trucks, especially with the fold down front center section. It makes for a great armrest, and handy cupholders too! Only thing I didn't like was a little short on knee room for me.
 
they are just as good as our body style. The only draw back is the IFS. switch that out and your good to go. I have a 89 2500 its my plow truck Trust me they take some serious abuse. If I had the money I would get a 96+ with vortec heads and nicer trim package. You really cant go wrong with other years though.
 
I have a 97 K1500 extended cab 350/4l60e and I love it. My 3.73's and 36's get me 10-12mpg. 454 from what I understand is just a normal 454 with fuel injection, nothing special or out of the ordinary. Common problems that I've noticed: Door hinges wear out quickly, some guys have front diff actuator problems others don't, interior door handles are made of pot metal and break easily but cost about $25 to replace, GM used crappy paint and the sun will cook the paint off the truck. My 1/2 ton feels more stout then my old 82 k20 felt. I think that these trucks are strong and well built. Even with the ecm and fuel injection, they are still Chevy's and still fairly simple. Aftermarket support for vortec motors is scarce but TBI engines have huge support.
 
I'm a little disappointed to see the lack of SRW crew cabs I've seen from these years.

Whats some good sites to search for used cars now other than ebay and CL?

O and are 3500s really still pulling $5000-$8000 with 120,000 to 160,000 miles?!
 
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom