Questions on 1999 K3500 CC 4X4 LB

[HawkScot]

We're shopping for a 'new' (used) truck.  We pull a 10,000lb boat (~1,200lb tongue weight) and carry a 8'6" slide in camper (1800lb) We've been doing this with a '73 3/4 2WD reg cab 454 Turbo 400 trans.  The family has grown and we are looking for a crew cab so we can all ride together.  I will also drive it to work (10miles one way) 4 or 5 days a week.

 

We were looking at 1999, K3500, LS, 7.4L, 4L80E, 4X4, long box (seemed to fit our budget.. stretch it alittle   )

 

Any problems to watch out for?  It seems I need to use the 1998 RPO list to see what it has... 1999 RPO seems wrong for the 1999 K3500.

 

Thanks for any help!

[Shaners]

The '99 K3500 is the old body style right?  I believe the they didn't switch to the new style until 2001 on the HD trucks.  therefore you are right about using the '98 RPO list.

 

My friend has a '99 or 2000  K2500 with a 454.  It is an excab shortbed.  He has had no problems with it and really enjoys the truck.  He does some heavy towing occaisionally and the only complaint is that he didn't put heavy enough tires on it when the new rubber was installed.

 

There are some great deals out there on new trucks right now...  I know they are probably out of your budget, but the rebates and interest rates are very attractive...

[Jpshostr]

I've never had much experience with the 454 in the old style trucks, all we have run have been 350s.  

 

That said, you have what appears to be a nice truck.  The LS package gives you a lot of creature comforts.  Going with a one ton over the three quarter is also a smart move.  While it only involves one more leaf spring, larger brakes, and a full floater rear axle, you will be able to tell the difference while towing.  

 

Only nagging problem that I've experienced, and its been the same on both the '96 K3500 we had and at times our current '00 K2500, is the anti-lock braking system.  I think its a POS, it tends to lock up the tires when its cold and icy out, really making stopping interesting to say the least.  We took the '96 to two different dealers, neither could fix it.  

 

And as you realize, that truck is one long SOB.  Thats not all bad for me, but depending on where you drive and park it could be an issue.

[HawkScot]

Thanks for the information.  My wife and I had a look a several 2002 and 2003 Chevy 2500HDs today.  It only took a few minutes for the 2003s to grow on me.  The 2003 2500HD crew cab, long box, dmax/allison, 4X4, LT was green, her least favorite color.  The dealer was having some sort of sale in a movie theater parking lot.  They had the normally 47,995 reduced to $37,995, almost as much as our first house