Checking out a truck...

[jdlmkviii]

Hey guys, I'm pretty new to trucks and I'm lookin at a '94 Silverado Z71 with 86k miles here it is: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=en&cardist=14

Just wondering what everyone thinks, and what are some things I should check when I test drive and check the truck out? And are there some common clicks the car has that occasionally goes wrong or anything like that?

[broughy84]

It has a body lift???? Yuck! It doesn't look to be in bad shape. I would check all the wear areas, ball joints, steering linkage, etc... Also to see if it has been really hard off roading, check the skid plates for damage.

[FearlessFoe]

Thats a bit pricy.. but not too bad. I'd check everything for rust.. chassis misalignment.. ask why the person is selling it.. Things like that. I definitely agree with checking out the skidplates and such for any kind of dents or dings. Overall, looks nice

[heavyredchevy]

Originally Posted by broughy84

It has a body lift???? Yuck! It doesn't look to be in bad shape. I would check all the wear areas, ball joints, steering linkage, etc... Also to see if it has been really hard off roading, check the skid plates for damage.

What’s wrong a body lift? I have a 3” on my 89 k1500 and I love it. I can fit 285 75r16 BFGoodrich all terrains on it with no problems. If it’s the gaps, you can order gap guards from Performance Accessories to cover over them.

[broughy84]

the body lift doesn't help your ground clearance any, and If it isn't done right there are big gaps and it just doesn't look right. It raises the center of gravity off the frame, I guess it's just personal preference though.

[2500HD4x4]

I'm not a big fan of body lifts either. Generally they are just a cheap way to fit slightly bigger tires. However, they do indirectly increase ground clearance by a slight amount if you aim to lift the body to fit taller tires (since the taller tires will give you more ground clearance).

[heavyredchevy]

True, it all depends on the person. But, you would not be able to the difference between my truck with a 3" body lift, gap guards, bumper raising kit, and another truck with a 3" suspension lift by standing back and looking at it. The only way you would be able to tell is if you were to physically crawl under my truck and see the blocks or the unmodified suspension.
My point:
3” body lift $190
3” suspension lift $600-$800
Same Effect

[broughy84]

not quite the same to me, but for the sake of the argument, a body if it ok IF it is done right. Sounds like yours is right. Some around town here do not raise the bumper, they dont put gap covers in and they look like crap.

[heavyredchevy]

Originally Posted by broughy84

not quite the same to me, but for the sake of the argument, a body if it ok IF it is done right. Sounds like yours is right. Some around town here do not raise the bumper, they dont put gap covers in and they look like crap.

I agree. If not done right, it can look like a complete mess.
Examples:
Cab does not line up with bed
Huge gaps between frame and body w/o gap guards
Huge gap between bumper and body w/o bumper raising kit
Exhaust hangs real low if not adjusted to new body height (that really looks bad)

[v10_viper]

Pro's: It's a Chevy, with a 350, and 86,135 miles.

Con's: Body Lift, and Pro Comp Tires.

10 grand is a bit pricey, I know a kid bought a Black extended cab 196 Z71 with a 6 inch lift and 35 inch BFG M/T's on it for that much, but I bet it had higher mileage.

I'd just check the body, look from the front down the side's to make sure it's straight, test drive it and make sure four wheel works, ac works, things like that. It's a real nice looking truck, if you took off that silly ass visor and the shit right behind the cab. If you can, talk him into 9500 or so.

[heavyredchevy]

Hey broughy84, what did u do with the grille on your 88, it looks really good, im considering doin it on my 89. Did u take the chrome off, and paint it to match?

Thanks,
Ryan

[broughy84]

No I bought it off of www.mrtaillight.com I got it for 100. It's a grill for a 94-98 silverado sport. it was black to begin with, and when I painted the truck I painted it too. I still have the 88 grill.

[cbongo247]

please dont pay 10,000 for that truck! unless it has a 4000$ stereo, maybe. yeah it has low miles and some fancy add ons, im not sure about the stereo, but all the add ons are maybe about 1000$ rims and tirs maybe 1500$. Main thing though, its 12 years old. go to kellybluebook.com find out what its worth there and make that offer. i know for sure its not worth 10,000!

however it does look nice! how old is the owner? a young kid with that truck could easily put that body lift on it and wheeled the crap out of it. totally washed the fram and spraypanted it black. easily cleaned it up. to find out if its been taken off road, get under the truck and look at the top of all the frame crossmembers and torsion bar cross member. these are the places where mud easily goes but not easily washed off.

on the other hand, it could have been so and so's grandpas truck. He just wanted it a little bigger and flashy. maybe punched it every now and then, but otherwise, washed weekly and garage kept! ya never know! Good luck! i would say just by the pic that its worth about 6 may at the most 7. only because of the milage.

[g_rod66]

i wouldnt give more than 5 or 55 for that. its a nice truck. i bought my 94 stepside for 4grand.with 89,000 on it. there isnt anything wrong with a body lift. i had one on my 88 shortbed and run the hell out of it and it didnt move loosen or anything.