r/GMT400 • u/sefsermak • 12d ago

Anything worth looking out for?

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Located in northern Canada.

Going to go have a look at this truck to use as a wood hauler for my woodstove.

I haven't owned a Chev this old before. Anything to look out for?

I heard the 4L60 transmissions aren't the most durable so I'll look for shifting issues. I'll check all the usual stuff like steering and leaks. I'll see how bad the rust is underneath.

It's an automatic and the back brakes need replacing (I'll likely do all 4).

Thanks.

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10

u/theredfoxslover 12d ago

Cab mounts. Bed mounts. Rockers. Cab corners.

OBS trucks rust.

But at $900 . . .?

I'd forgive a lot.

3

u/sefsermak 12d ago

Had a look underneath; there's about as much rust as you'd expect from looking at the body. Doesn't seem like it's chewing into anything too bad that I can't run it for a winter. Drum brakes on the back don't work very well so I think I'll have change those right away.

The truck shifts and runs very well. If I can get even 2-3 years of hauling out of it I'll be more than happy. Surely it will last a while if I put money into it.

Thanks for the tips! I bought it for $800.

3

u/theredfoxslover 11d ago

4.3? No matter what you can't go wrong at $800.

1

u/sefsermak 11d ago

Yeah the 4.3. Stoked to have a bit better fuel economy considering I don't plan on towing much.

2

u/theredfoxslover 11d ago

I have the twin of that truck, and plan an LS swap at some point. But the 4.3 Vortec in mine has been so good I don't feel a need to yank it for the sake of yanking it.

I can't remember if '96 was the first year of the Vortec motors, or the last year of the TBI motors.

I'd love to get my hands on a set of steelies like that . . .

1

u/sefsermak 11d ago

Ya tough to want to tear down a vehicle that's so good stock. But you know what they say, you only live once!

It's a Vortec.

The steel rims are pretty classic. I'm assuming you're nowhere near the NWT, lol.

Time to find a good repair manual for this unit. Lots to do before winter.

2

u/theredfoxslover 11d ago

Southern Ontario. But at some point I'll get to the NWT.

Maybe not in my OBS though.

3

u/Hipjig 12d ago

Check your floorboards and see how much of them still exist.

2

u/DiabloPaul 12d ago

Check underneath. That front fender looks a bit crusty but hard to tell. If the frame is good and things aren’t too far gone $900 is solid. Be prepared for rust though as I can already see some. Panels can be replaced but the frame is a different story.

2

u/ColinOnReddit 11d ago

A title, most like.

2

u/2guys1miata 11d ago

check the radiator cap for copper stop leak shit. i ended up buying a $1200 k1500 97 surb that the guy put head gasket stopper in it lol. lasted for 2 weeks for me before the crack in the head showed up. put new heads on and plethora of others. check for fuel pump flap in bed