BADASS of New England
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BADASS of New England

An automobile club for the enthusiast who enjoys the last of the big GM cars. The rear wheel drive B and D bodys. Chevrolet Impala SS, Caprice, 9C1, Buick Roadmaster, Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser, Cadillac Fleetwood
 
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 I am getting the itch for a newer truck

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toomanytoyz
bowtiepimp
No Moa
Pooge
mean ss
1984twodoor
Matt Trakker
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


Posts : 5093
Join date : 2009-07-30
Age : 42
Location : Reading, MA

I am getting the itch for a newer truck Empty
PostSubject: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon May 16, 2011 10:12 pm

I am being indecisive and annoyingly vacillating over trucks again. I suck.

Shocked

The Blazer has been running and driving nice (the noise in the 14 bolt I had complained about actually got a lot quieter, guess it really is just the ring and pinion being of high mileage reacting w/the new spider gears or something), but I've kinda gotten to the point where it's time to move on. I need a more modern looking vehicle for my own self-aggrandizement, I'm 29 now and shouldn't be dealing with all this crap! LOL
I have owned this truck since 2005 and have put a billion miles on it. It is going to need rust cut out and welded in several places, mostly the rear quarter on the pass. side, the A/C doesn't work, oil cooler lines leak and even when you put the new GM ones in, they leak anyway, it's almost 20 years old. It is downright reliable and I get a lot of compliments on how clean it is. I still don't know what to do for sure. I will be very sad if I don't have this truck anymore, it has been good to me.

That being said, I feel like if I sold the Blazer alone, I could handle the purchase of something in the 5-7K range upfront. Not bothering with loans.
I may have to sell the Caprice too and downsize to just the Impala for recreational use and the truck for daily and work duties. That way I'd just have 2 registrations, excise taxes, and insurance. I'm pretty sure my dad wants my truck OR the Caprice, too. Laughing

Anyway, I was thinking about Fords or GM, but I think I'm just going to concentrate on 99-02ish GM trucks, mainly a 2500 extended cab, and maybe consider a 1500 or Yukon/Tahoe/Suburban six lug of the same vintage.

My concern is every 2500 I see has 140K+ miles when they're in my price range. A lot even higher like 180K. Miles don't bother me at all if the truck's been maintained, but I don't know the history of the 99+ trucks because I've never had them, a whole bunch of my friends do however. I just saw a real nice 02 2500 HD LS 4wd with high miles that looked really clean that I think I could afford (I am probably going to wait until summertime to even look at trucks though) and it's driving me crazy.

I think I'd want the 6.0. I hear the 8.1 is the ultimate guzzler and the Allison tranny trucks worry me even though I'm sure they're a good transmission. I want something that's cheaper to fix if it breaks (hence no Ford). I know the truck isn't going to break 17MPG no matter what even if I go like 60MPH on the highway, so I'm worried about the gas too. My Blazer gets about 15MPG combined over a tank with the newer '09 wheels that have the Bridgestones on them. The old wheels and BFGs it gets like 13 over a tank...it also can barely get out of it's own way if you are going 70 and try to pass someone or whatever.

Anyway, I know Bill C. had his for a while, can anyone tell me the good or bad about these things? I know Doug said the frames rot near the rear wheels, is that on the 1500s mainly? I know the rockers go, but I also know you can get the whole rocker replacement panel. Fords rot all around the rear wheels so whatever. Any known mechanical problems with these trucks? I hear they have transfer case issues sometimes, the steering shafts make noise, that whole slip yoke clunk thing. Then again, 20 year old trucks have a ton more problems.

Are high mileage ones worth the premium you see them sell for? I notice they seem to have very good resale. Thing is I'd feel weird going from a 235K mile Blazer to another high mile truck after all the BS involved with switching cars. I know I'll get screwed on sales tax and title too.

I want to get a plow eventually as well but I think I might look for one of these trucks sans plow, every one I see with a plow already is beat to sh*t! The dealer my friend works for had to replace all the brake lines in their 2500HD when it had about 40K from employees not washing it down and plowing the hell out of it!


I know any used vehicle will eventually break or need work, and I know to expect the worst and hope for the best. I just need a general opinion of these trucks to keep my mind at ease if I am to switch vehicles...I for sure do not want to spend 5-7 grand on a truck then have to deal with the BS that comes with early 90s New England trucks, it's not worth it to me buying someone's filthy toilet of an ex-work truck with scrapes all over the dash and cig burns on the seat. High mileage or not if the truck has been kept clean and maintained, I'm interested. I also know that I said "I know" far too many times in this post...


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1984twodoor

1984twodoor


Posts : 4068
Join date : 2010-03-30
Age : 30
Location : Wilmington/Wakefield/Andover

I am getting the itch for a newer truck Empty
PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon May 16, 2011 11:17 pm

Matt you are the king of lengthy posts!

Also, I cant really say anything about the trucks because I haven't owned one etc. BUT They look awesome and the 6.0L that I drove once (an 05 2500) had PLENTY of power on tap and could really haul some ass, and I bet would plow with great ease. I think 130K miles is a good place to stop because you know you'll be racking up more and more miles as time goes on. Especially if those are plowing miles! I would definitely consider a duramax too though as the diesel would have more torque to push more snow. Your call on gas or diesel though, wither one is good in those trucks.

Maybe try looking for something on Ebay down in a dryer part of the country too. It's an excuse for a vacation to drive it home too. Arrow

Good luck finding your truck!
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mean ss

mean ss


Posts : 648
Join date : 2009-02-25
Age : 66
Location : Nashua NH.

I am getting the itch for a newer truck Empty
PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon May 16, 2011 11:32 pm

you won't like plowing with a diesel Surprised
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


Posts : 5093
Join date : 2009-07-30
Age : 42
Location : Reading, MA

I am getting the itch for a newer truck Empty
PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon May 16, 2011 11:51 pm

Haha yeah, I'm not looking for a diesel, my friend has a Duramax and it's cool but seems way out of my league, and I think even a beat to crap one is like 12 grand!

I really have to keep the price of whatever I get under 7 grand. Maybe 7500. I'ma keep my eyes peeled but I don't know if I'd find anything in my price range with 130K. That's the whole reason I was looking at the Fords before, you can get them cheaper with lower mileage it seems. My friend paid 10 grand for his 03 Super Duty XLT ext. cab 3 years ago with under 75K miles on it when the market was down because of the last gas price hike. But they seem to have more issues when stuff breaks as well.

I'm just unsure if these LSX trucks seem to run forever and are worth the price people ask when they've got higher miles on them, ya know?
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Pooge

Pooge


Posts : 1700
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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue May 17, 2011 12:04 am

Unless you NEED a 2500 don't bother with the 6.0. Most days i kick myself for buying a 2500, but the semi regular basis that I need it I'm glad I have it, but if you don't NEED the extra weight don't bother.

The 5.3 has more that enough balls. Unless you need the towing or payload the 2500 will be a waste of money, as the same truck goes for $2500 more.

They have all the same issues, frame rust and rocker rust. 6.0s are known for manifold stud issues.

17 mpg is a HUGE pipe dream for a 2500. You'll be lucky to get 12 on a 100k+ mile truck with a 6.0. With the 5.3 you could see 16 highway.

Either can be a great truck in high mileage if taken care of, or a total bag at 90,000 miles if neglected, this series of truck is the most prone to fall apart if not cared for, but last forever if cared for. The state auction LS trucks are sold off at around 200,000 to 250,000 miles. The LS motors do seem to last forever...I bought one with 150,000 miles without batting an eyelash because it was cared for, even if the guy was gonna spend the money on jap crap and the stereo was screwy.

Doug
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


Posts : 5093
Join date : 2009-07-30
Age : 42
Location : Reading, MA

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue May 17, 2011 12:31 am

Yea, I am considering a 1500 or a Yukon, etc. as well. My main concern with the half tons is I don't want anything with a 10 bolt in it, I hate them. Everyone I know who has had one has also had it explode at some point, me included. Laughing

I wanted the 2500 so if I wanted, I could do 5-10 driveway accounts plowing in the winter, I don't want to plow with a half ton. If they sold a 2500 with the 5.3 I would buy one! I have ridden in a bunch of these style trucks and the 5.3 compared to my current truck is ridiculous. I have driven a 2500 with the 6.0 on a few occasions and it didn't seem any different from the 5.3 half ton.
Also, I do tile work right now, and on two occasions I loaded a probably twice what my truck was rated for into the back of it, I had solid porcelain tiles from the tailgate to the front seats! Wasn't a pretty sight. I don't know how much longer I will be doing tile, if I will be trying to go back to school to take something else, go out and start my own tilesetting business, but it would be nice to have the truck with the bigger springs.

I have noticed that the SUVs seem to have way fewer rust issues than the pickups do. I have only seen one NBS Suburban before with rot over where the tailpipe came out the side of the truck, and a Tahoe once that had a rust bubble on the seam at the back of the rocker where it met the dogleg. Most of the ext. cab pickups I see have no damn rockers!



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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue May 17, 2011 5:21 am

I would stay away from 2500s. The trucks are monsters, but they guzzle gas. I was getting 11 mpg. And that was going down hill with the cruise on. A 1500 with a 5.3 is plenty and decent fuel mileage.
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No Moa

No Moa


Posts : 3893
Join date : 2009-02-21
Age : 51
Location : Midcoast Maine

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue May 17, 2011 6:49 am

mean ss wrote:
you won't like plowing with a diesel Surprised

I love plowing with mine
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http://www.collectorfbody.com
bowtiepimp

bowtiepimp


Posts : 1568
Join date : 2010-06-19
Age : 38
Location : working a corner near you

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue May 17, 2011 6:53 am

Go with the 1500. dependable. strong. and parts are everywhere.
yes the cab corners suck but your in NEW ENGLAND!

You can still plow with it, not like your going commercial? I use to plow with a 1500 @ the chevy dealership and I tried to blew'em up and couldn't, these were also 92 -95 pick up trucks.

And if you really wanted it wouldn't take much to convert the suspension over to 1 ton and do some tuning to get the extra power you need, Arrow



plus your reg. and insurance is cheaper for the 1500
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bowtiepimp

bowtiepimp


Posts : 1568
Join date : 2010-06-19
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Location : working a corner near you

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue May 17, 2011 6:53 am

No Moa wrote:
mean ss wrote:
you won't like plowing with a diesel Surprised

I love plowing with mine


dido..... I also use to plow with a 92 1500 diesel and i loved the truck, never let me down, until it got stolen ( no connection)
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toomanytoyz
Club President
toomanytoyz


Posts : 6876
Join date : 2009-01-20
Age : 47
Location : East Hampstead, NH USA

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue May 17, 2011 11:47 am

Jap Crap? Really??? Oh. Wait. Yeah, you're right. Razz

Yeah, if I were to do it over again (and I might), I'd got for a 5.3 truck, unless I was going to be doing a lot of towing. Which I'm not. So 1/2 ton it is.

But rocker panels, cab corners = rust on ALL of them. (except Al's) Boo.

Exhaust studs, water pump, on the 6 oh.

Steering box on all. Fuel pump, window regulators, and brakes, too.

Where's Al when ya need him? Wink
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http://impalass.uniquekind.net/
Cadet57

Cadet57


Posts : 4481
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Age : 36
Location : Chicopee, MA

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue May 17, 2011 12:12 pm

toomanytoyz wrote:

Where's Al when ya need him? Wink

Driving around in a truck thats not broken, apparently. Wink
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


Posts : 5093
Join date : 2009-07-30
Age : 42
Location : Reading, MA

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue May 17, 2011 10:39 pm

Ok, I'll look at the 1500s (I was anyway)... What I REALLY want to get aside from an 01-02 HD is a Z71 Tahoe (newer body style) that is in that metallic turquoise blue green color. I LOVE that color, that's what my Blazer is. I can also put my 2009 wheels on if I get a six lug.

I know they make a kit to cut off perches and weld new ones on, but you cannot just swap a 14 bolt into an NBS like you can an 88-98 OBS as there is no such thing as a six lug 14 bolt that was made for the 99+ spring perch width... Mad Those 88-95 era trucks are beasts! There are chintzy bits here and there like doorhandles that break and stuff, but they can't be killed! My father's 88, a first year of production vehicle as well which would have been expected to have problems, is still running with 320K+ miles on the original untouched engine. It's been abused to hell and back too!

If I bother getting another truck, I'm doing NOTHING to it other than maintenance and maybe tire and wheel swaps, I've had it with stuff like that. The Impala will be the car I mess around with from now on. Laughing

I will say I just prefer the look of the 2500, it has the proper ride height all the half ton Chevys lack, that's the one thing that pisses me off about them. I lifted my Blazer 2" all the way around because I hated how it looked.

I still want to find one without rotted rockers (I know they all do it), since that's what's wrong with my Blazer. I might as well just fix the Blazer if that's the case, from an objective standpoint I think any truck with cosmetic or worse rust on something other than the undercarriage, not even rot, is automatically worth no more than five grand.

Speaking of rotted rockers, I'm in Syracuse right now for work, you guys would not believe how many ROTTED TO DEATH vehicles I have seen today. It's unbelievable. I saw a 94 Suburban with literally no body left from the front door jamb all the way to the back bumper, front fender lips GONE, tons of trucks like that. Saw an 03+ GM truck with no rockers for the first time, a Ford with the wheelwells gone 8" above where the wheel well lip would have been, it's just incredible. Is there no safety inspection for body rust in NY state???


I keep going back and forth on this because I have several friends telling me to get a new truck, then a lot of other people saying never to sell my Blazer and it's in great shape and all that. I just don't know what to do and it's freaking me out, even though I know it should be my decision!
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyFri Jun 03, 2011 8:19 pm

I am going to look at a 2003 Tahoe Z71 tomorrow for the hell of it. It seems to be pretty clean, and the owner seems like a nice guy who isn't trying to flip a lemon. The Z71s have teh 5.3 and 3.73s standard, so I guess it would be a nice balance between half ton and heavier duty. And the Tahoes don't seem to have as bad of rot problems on the rockers. Cool

I know that since it has the painted bumpers there is a little rust starting on both from the exterior, and the leather driver's seat is worn on the edge, but I was expecting both issues before I even asked about the truck. It is a one owner and has a new transfer case as well as all the maintenance records for it. We'll see.
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bowtiepimp

bowtiepimp


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyFri Jun 03, 2011 8:51 pm

Matt Trakker wrote:
I am going to look at a 2003 Tahoe Z71 tomorrow for the hell of it. It seems to be pretty clean, and the owner seems like a nice guy who isn't trying to flip a lemon. The Z71s have teh 5.3 and 3.73s standard, so I guess it would be a nice balance between half ton and heavier duty. And the Tahoes don't seem to have as bad of rot problems on the rockers. Cool

I know that since it has the painted bumpers there is a little rust starting on both from the exterior, and the leather driver's seat is worn on the edge, but I was expecting both issues before I even asked about the truck. It is a one owner and has a new transfer case as well as all the maintenance records for it. We'll see.

.... Tahoes are dam near bullet proof. hands down Chevys most dependable truck.
Built in wisconsin not texas mexico or canada. Arrow
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


Posts : 5093
Join date : 2009-07-30
Age : 42
Location : Reading, MA

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 04, 2011 1:55 am

bowtiepimp wrote:
Matt Trakker wrote:
I am going to look at a 2003 Tahoe Z71 tomorrow for the hell of it. It seems to be pretty clean, and the owner seems like a nice guy who isn't trying to flip a lemon. The Z71s have teh 5.3 and 3.73s standard, so I guess it would be a nice balance between half ton and heavier duty. And the Tahoes don't seem to have as bad of rot problems on the rockers. Cool

I know that since it has the painted bumpers there is a little rust starting on both from the exterior, and the leather driver's seat is worn on the edge, but I was expecting both issues before I even asked about the truck. It is a one owner and has a new transfer case as well as all the maintenance records for it. We'll see.

.... Tahoes are dam near bullet proof. hands down Chevys most dependable truck.
Built in wisconsin not texas mexico or canada. Arrow

My Blazer was built at Janesville and that thing has been very good! The Canadian ones aren't that bad in my experience but the Mexican built ones are shatboxes. I've heard more instances of things breaking on them...avoid the VIN that starts with a 3, heh
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


Posts : 5093
Join date : 2009-07-30
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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 04, 2011 4:49 pm

Just went to look at that truck-

Kinda split on it...I know I can get the thing for half what an 03 Z71 Tahoe would be worth, but I'm not sure if I want to deal any issues, then again, in this range of used vehicles I don't think I'd ever find perfection...lol

It's nice overall, black with tan leather interior...the interior isn't actually "dirty" as in french fries and trash with bark mulch all over the floor, but the leather seats need a good cleaning with some sort of product, it almost looks like they have armor all on them with stains under that IN the leather, here and there. The carpet should clean up. Driver's seat has a tear. The headliner isn't ripped or anything but does have some dirt that needs to be cleaned out. I'd be afraid to clean it and have it all fall down as a result, hahaha.
The radio buttons are worn (seen that before) and the bezel around the radio and inst. cluster has some wear marks (seen that happen too).

The liftgate works and the struts are good, but the glass doesn't open and apparently needs a hinge, and the glass has to come out to fix? Either way, the liftgate works fine.

This truck is LOADED. LOOOOOOOOOADED. Holy christ. The power options all work incl. the moonroof, but the power seat goes backward when you move the button forward, and vice versa. Laughing It has the Bose sound system in it. The mirrors fold in, AC works, all that stuff.

It has new 17" Goodyear Wrangler white letter tires. It has new e-brake cables, the new transfer case, and a new spare tire holder mechanism.

The bumpers are rusty and need to be blasted/repainted. Rear was already replaced at 30K miles he told me but it rusted again. LOL.
There is a paint chip on the driver's rear door, couple very small dings, the body itself is in nice shape. For a black truck, I have to say it's not all swirled and with a buff would look great. The pass. side nerf bar has a loose mount up front from a snowbank or something I'll bet.

Driving, it started right up and it's a powerful damn truck compared to my TBI. Holy crap. I did notice the slightest vibration driving it on back roads at like 35, but not bad. I took it on 495 and some other highways, the brakes are nice and the truck handles real good. The steering wheel is off center for some reason though, even though the truck seemed to drive pretty straight.


At first I was worried because while I half expected some crappiness, I was hoping it would be nicer. But then the guy said he'd take like a grand less than he was asking. So I may call back and offer a few hundred under that. All in all, I think it's a decent truck for the money that looks cool and just needs some detailing and light paintwork done.
Cool
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 04, 2011 5:11 pm

I am getting the itch for a newer truck IMG_0388

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Surprised You can just buy the seat bottom leather though online, owner doesn't know this but I do...lol

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Mad

I am getting the itch for a newer truck IMG_0400

Brake lines worry me, but the brakes worked nice...
I am getting the itch for a newer truck IMG_0401
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Machine-De-Zine

Machine-De-Zine


Posts : 512
Join date : 2010-11-16
Age : 67
Location : Wrentham

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 04, 2011 7:53 pm

.

That black Z71 looks very nice.

I can see that the brake lines are definitely on their way out. Mine looked just like that last year on my 2002 Silverado. They failed last summer.

The good news is that they can all be replaced for low money in perfectly pre-bent stainless steel (with stainless steel nuts) from Inline-Tube.

You would be well advised to use the obviousness of a forthcoming & imminent failure of those lines as a price lowering bargaining point.

BTW, the lines are no longer available from OEM sources.

I compared making my own lines up in S.S. or standard double wrap mild steel, and found the cost and ease of just ordering pre-bent S.S. was a no-brainer.

When you do the R&R, you will also need to open all your bleeders. Replace the old ones with new S.S. Speed Bleeders from www.speedbleeder.com

I did my 1996 9C1 and my white 1988 LS Brougham also. On that Z71 they may be 10mm x 1.5, but call them @ (815) 736-6296 to get confirmation.

PS. The only difficult brake line to change will be the one from the under driver's seat ABS unit going back to the cross member over the rear axle.
Reason: (because that line runs on top of the frame rail next to & behind the gas tank)

All these trucks have issues with the brittle 8mm Ex manifold studs snapping off in the head. 14 of 16 did when I installed Gibson S.S. headers last summer.

I drilled them out from the head and replaced them ALL with ARP #400-8034 S.S. broached stud kit (M8 X 1.25 X 51MM)

I can also see that the bumper chrome is on its way out.

Otherwise, the drive train, reliability, looks, power, comfort & ride on these trucks are excellent though.

.


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Pooge

Pooge


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 04, 2011 9:28 pm

Not a bad looking ride, a few obvious things need, but sounds like a good deal...

YOU have a link for the seat bottom? I could use one.

Doug
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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Location : Reading, MA

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySun Jun 05, 2011 1:02 am

Oh believe me, that is my exact plan, heh. All of my friends told me to buy it (that own 99+ body style trucks) and my buddy who was a Chevy tech for a few years says it's a great deal. I guess the rear hatch glass hinge problem is extremely common on these...and some people actually glue the hinge back onto the glass with JB Weld after cleaning both surfaces with acetone. Prob, better than paying a grand to fix the window with a replacement from GM. The 2005-06 Tahoe used a different hatch that can be retrofitted.

Is a steering wheel not being centered just an alignment issue? It didn't seem to pull really...I wonder how that happened...it's off only a few degrees.

Good to know the SS lines are available, thanks for that info. The exhaust didn't seem to tick or anything at all, the truck sounded fine to me. After looking at some autopia.org threads and such I think I might be able to clean up most of the interior problems on my own for next to nothing, I am a neat freak anyway and even if it didn't look that way, I'd be going crazy cleaning it. And it could be worse. I am worried most about the headliner, I'd have to blot with a towel or something and then gently wipe it. I'd like to clean that engine bay up too, but I'm afraid of all the coil packs and other newfangled gadgetry under the hood that TBIs don't have. I must be so used to seeing pics of Dougs 5.3 that I assumed they would all have that amount of dirt/grease, or lack thereof, on them.

Doug:
http://z71tahoe-suburban.com/iboard/index.php?showtopic=28435

http://store.theseatshoponline.com/

There might be others on eBay and such as well...my friend told me he had to replace a few of those seat covers for people at the dealership.


I still think I should be getting a pickup truck, but I think that this will be fine to drive for a while barring any catastrophic mechanical disasters. If it winds up being restrictive for what I need, I'll sell it and find a pickup. lol

Like I said, even though it's time for a change, I still don't want to sell my car and truck, even though there is no way I would be able to keep them and then budget insurance and the veritable rape by Deval Patrick and his goons, I mean, paying pointless sales and excise tax, on this truck, no matter how cheap it is. It pisses me off thinking about it. I will probably sell the SS grille and wheels from my Caprice, sell that car to my dad, or if he doesn't want it, make it available here. I just don't want to see it get all dirty inside and I'd be livid if my father did that. Same for my Blazer. But I'd still like them to be around. I'm really torn up over this.


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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySun Jun 05, 2011 8:27 pm

I put 100 bucks down as a deposit on this truck today. I got the price lower to where I wanted because of the brake lines and a possible future wheel bearing replacement up front, it sounded like it might be just starting to make noise. Not bad at all though.
Took it for another ride w/my brother and decided in spite of it's blemishes, it's still a nice truck. I took it to a parking lot and checked the 4wd, it worked, left it running and did a walk around, didn't hear any funny noises other than the muffler expanding from the heat (it had only been running a few minutes). The tires aren't worn funny up front and the truck tracks straight on the highway at 70, just have to get the steering wheel centered I guess. Weird.
Played with more of the options, this is going to be like studying the owner's manual for the EM-50 Urban Assault Vehicle from "Stripes". All the windows work, signal mirrors work, I guess the dual-zone HVAC does (but I have to figure it out), fog lights work, I think the DRLs may have a burned out bulb, I would put the orange bulbs in those anyway, I like how that looks.

I am going to Syracuse for work tomorrow morning until Friday, and the guy needed the truck to get to work until Tuesday when his other truck, a similar vintage Silverado, gets the brake lines done (LOL), so I didn't take it home today even though I brought plates and cash just in case. Probably go get it this weekend! First order of business will cleaning the hell out of it, ceiling, the seats, etc...I am decent at this stuff but if I can't get it done in time I may take it to a place in Wakefield I know that's pretty crazy: http://www.autopia.org/forum/pro-details-before-after/124957-mustang-gt-nightmare-unique-car-care-enter-your-own-risk.html
Then I'd grind down and paint the receiver hitch and touch up the rear frame rails/body mounts/axle. They're not rotted but the truck is all black and since they have some surface rust it looks crappy. THEN order that seat bottom.

I think my dad is taking the Blazer, we still have to work it out when I get back. I MIGHT try to keep my Caprice around for it's MPG, put the skinny tires back on, sell the wheels/tires/grille, maybe bump it down to basic insurance, etc. I just don't know if I can afford it!
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon Jun 06, 2011 7:54 pm

Killing time investigating for parts, oddly enough found this:

http://replacementradios.com/product_info.php?cPath=290_320_512&products_id=1034

That's the faceplate this truck has, you can swap it when the buttons get worn out. Turns out the truck has a 6 disc CD changer in the dash. Laughing Shows how much I know.
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boojum




Posts : 2182
Join date : 2009-01-21
Age : 36
Location : NH

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon Jun 06, 2011 8:07 pm

Will there be a plate name contest?

I'll bet the pitman arm was replaced. Don't ask. Smile
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon Jun 06, 2011 8:44 pm

One of my friends said "BGBKHO", LOL

Dude I didn't even think of that. The guy did tell me he always had it serviced and such, said he was going to get all the records out for when I come get the truck.
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Cadet57

Cadet57


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon Jun 06, 2011 8:45 pm

Matt Trakker wrote:
One of my friends said "BGBKHO", LOL


LOL thats a good one.
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon Jun 06, 2011 8:50 pm

I ought to move to NH just to get that one LOL
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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon Jun 06, 2011 9:38 pm

sweet ass ride.

So without reading the whole story, did you trade your blazer for it? I really liked that truck.
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyMon Jun 06, 2011 9:53 pm

Nope! I am selling that to my father for now, and will probably wind up with it again somewhere down the road. He needs a truck, and I want it to stick around. I MAY sell the Caprice, I just can't decide. I will have a better idea once I figure out the cost of keeping it on the road in addition to this Tahoe plus all the expenses of cleaning it up...
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1984twodoor

1984twodoor


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptyTue Jun 07, 2011 12:28 am

Matt Trakker wrote:
Nope! I am selling that to my father for now, and will probably wind up with it again somewhere down the road. He needs a truck, and I want it to stick around. I MAY sell the Caprice, I just can't decide. I will have a better idea once I figure out the cost of keeping it on the road in addition to this Tahoe plus all the expenses of cleaning it up...

Keep that caprice as long as it takes until I can buy it LOL Laughing

In all honesty though I hope you can keep that car, it really is a nice one.
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 11, 2011 3:24 pm

Truck is in my driveway! I'm still worried about possible issues with registering/getting it inspected as with any vehicle transfer, and I haven't checked the e-brake yet although it supposedly has all new cables. lol

This is going to take some getting used to, I chirped the tires twice on the way home pulling away from a stop. I need to pretend the gas pedal is an egg.

The guy gave me a pile of records for it, I have the original title with the odometer reading of six miles, and the window sticker showing the sticker price of over 45 grand in 2003. Shocked

I'm gonna start cleaning it tomorrow!
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sdstick

sdstick


Posts : 4292
Join date : 2009-03-20
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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 11, 2011 5:28 pm

Nice, congrats.
How far up 28 are you?
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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 11, 2011 6:17 pm

I'm actually on 129, you gonna spy on me?
lol
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Cadet57

Cadet57


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 11, 2011 6:39 pm

My two cents on cleaning: Mr Clean Magic Eraser on the headliner. Lexol for the seats.

And back off Matt, I want the Caprice, I need a matching set. Wink

(that or another wagon, either or Laughing )
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Machine-De-Zine

Machine-De-Zine


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Location : Wrentham

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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySat Jun 11, 2011 6:43 pm

Matt Trakker wrote:
Truck is in my driveway! I'm still worried about possible issues with registering/getting it inspected as with any vehicle transfer, and I haven't checked the e-brake yet although it supposedly has all new cables. lol
"Oh, happy day!"

Good luck with your new truck! Drive it in good health.

I hope your E-Brakes are better than in my dually. When it was brand new, it could BARELY hold the truck on a mild up or downgrade with the P-Brake pedal firmly buried almost in the floor-mat.

On flat ground, with the parking brake hard applied, if I put the truck in gear in Low range 4x4, it would roll through freely as if no brakes were on at all.

A reminder: If your truck has Hi & Lo range 4x4, when in low range, press your service brake pedal HARD when shifting into Park because even at engine idle, the torque multiplication through 1st gear multiplied by nearly 3:1 transfer low range will make your truck creep & "buzz" the parking pawl.

When I did my first total brake overhaul, I bought ALL new parts, Brembo rotors, GM hardware, EBC Yellow pads etc., but the one piece E-Brake shoe inside the rear rotor hat is TINY, and looks the same as those on the Corvetts & SS Impalas.

Your truck's P-Brakes should be easy to adjust, but on my dually, the tall spring-pack & hardware makes getting to the star-wheel impossible. I adjusted it with the rotor off & on by trial & error until it gave me a firm high pedal.



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Matt Trakker

Matt Trakker


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PostSubject: Re: I am getting the itch for a newer truck   I am getting the itch for a newer truck EmptySun Jun 12, 2011 12:33 am

Hah, thankfully, the e-brake worked great when I tried it, it even held in reverse! It works smoothly too compared to other vehicles I've owned.

For the seats I was going to try diluted Woolite as per Autopia.org since they're pretty filth-laden, and a foaming cleaner on the headliner so I can try blotting it to get the bulk of the dirt out. It's pretty bad, but mostly because it's such a bright color. I bet if this had a black interior, there'd be no issues!
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