Going to by a K3500

[gschretter]

1998
5.7 liter
4x4
4 door
long bed

Really good shape.

For $9450

To Much?

Is there anything that I really need to check to make sure it is working ?

Thanks in advance.

[SpitAndDirt]

Miles? I don't think so if it has like 110,000miles or less. Last year for the OBS I believe. So many less problems than the New Body Style. But that's just my opinion and I'm sticking to it. I might be concerned with ball joints going bad, in addition to any drivability problems. Namely fuel related. Make sure the intake gaskets have been changed already or you may be looking at a hefty bill. I would also change out the orange Dex-Cool also. Check out www.Dexcoolcase.com for info about what some people are trying to do to GM. There is one particular member out there that is bent on getting me to stop telling people to change back to green antifreeze. I just provide information, it's your choice whether to use what I have told you about or not. As for my personal stance about your vehicle, depending on mileage and overall condition, I would not hesitate to have $2000 in reserve to buy parts that need replacement. Of course I do all my own work, and I have all the tools needed. Your bill may be higher. I am aware of all the little kinks and quirks that are associated with my truck and I am not mad if something comes up. For example, the intake gaskets, or fuel pressure regulator, the cap and rotor shot all to hell, and lets not forget any wierd tranny problems with the 4L60-E tranny. You should be lucky enough to have the 4L80-E, a much more stout tranny because the truck is a 3500. If you have any other concerns, feel free to shoot a private message my way. I love my 96 Z71 a whole helluva lot, if this 3500 is in decent shape, you may have a bargain on your hands. It just depends on what your breaking point is. Good Luck -Chris

[gschretter]

The trucks has about 108,000 miles.
In pretty good shape.

I will check for the orange coolant. I have heard that from other places also.

[GMMerlin]

I am not convinced that the Dex-cool is the cause of gasket failures on GM vehicles.
The vehicles I have seen with the "dex-cool mud" have been those that have been neglected and allowed to run low coolant levels.
I firmly believe that the Dex-cool should be flushed and refilled at the 50K mark (contrary to what GM says) also the use of distilled water helps.

If you are going to switch to "green" coolant, flush the cooling system completely to eliminate all the dex-cool.

As far as the gasket failures go, I believe that it is a combination between many factors...make-up of the gasket material, low clamping torque of the bolts, higher operating engine temperatures and the expansion rates of steel and aluminium.

[gschretter]

What is that red beast you have as an avatar?

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by gschretter

What is that red beast you have as an avatar?