96-98 Chevy GMC truck question

[Texas Red]

I am considering buying a second truck once I sell my 2005 in a year or so. Wondering if any of the 96-98 trucks [1500s or 2500s] had four wheel disc brakes? I am targeting those specific years because of the motor and interior. I have an 89 and I don't care much for the interior much [I will be switching it out in the coming years for the newer style]. The idea is to get away from another truck payment [once the 2005 is paid for and sold I will have enough cash to buy outright].

Also, I know the 5.7 motor was available, but what year was the 5.3 introduced into the trucks?

[no HD]

I believe the 5.3 was introduced in 1999 with the GMT 800. As far as rear disc brakes, I believe you will be more likely to find them on a 2500. Again, I'm no expert on this in any way, but just saying this from my own observations. Good luck!

[Supreme Pizza]

You should be able to find a newer rig for Cheap. Maybe a 2003'ish for around $1500'ish. 

 

What you pay for a vehicle has absolutely nothing to do with its value, mechanical condition or its reliability. 

[Texas Red]

Yessir, I am a well seasoned buyer, just don't know much about the 88-98 trucks. Any other year set back to the 70's I can tell you just about anything about 'em. Thought about the 2001-2003 set of trucks, but usually here in Texas they are very high miles when you find them. The only ones in the $1500 range need a LOT of work.

I will have around $6k to spend and have to have 4 wheel discs on this next one. With the 1-ton I don't drive it enough to worry about it yet but I will be swapping in rear discs on it eventually. So back to the question...rear discs on the 96-98's?

[east3021]

Sorry, stock setup was rear drums on these models until the ‘99 redesign...and even then only for a few years until they went back to disc/drum.

 

The hydroboost setup on the 3/4-ton and up reportedly gives better pedal feel than the 1/2-ton setup. Several have made the swap.

 

 

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[Texas Red]

Thanks so much for your answer....well that makes my mind up, next one will be 99-03.

[SarahsGMC]

Rear brakes on half tons in that year range were drum.

 

and no 03 truck for $1500 is going to be any good.  03-06 pickups are still bringing 6-8 grand in good condition.  my 06 still values for 12k.

 

3/4 ton 99-03 trucks will have 4 wheel disc, half tons do not.

[Texas Red]

I didn't know that about the drums on half tons, I thought they had discs then got dropped back to drums because of the e-brake problem, thanks for letting me know. Yeah the values are still good. I sold my 05 with 385k smoking for $2600. I knew the $1500 price was not valid on anything I'd want to drive daily. I guess this one I have now will be my last one. Gotta have four wheel discs and I already have a one ton.

[Texas Red]

Well I finally found proof that I am not crazy. I thought for sure the 2000-2003s had rear discs and sure enough they did on half ton LT's [as well as the 2500/3500s]. Here's a brochure page clip from 2002 on that particular model. Also found someone selling a rear axle with discs on it from 2003 on FB in a group I follow. Now the hard part will be finding a 100k mileage or so truck when it's time.

[Steveo_supremo]

Why do you think 4 wheel discs are necessary? The rear drum brakes are a better setup IMO. They work just as well and you get a parking  brake that will actually hold the truck. 

[Texas Red]

Don't think....I know. I am wanting to be able to do my brakes myself and don't need emergency brakes as much as I do ease of changing the rotors and pads myself. I live in flatland Texas and rarely park on an incline of any kind that the parking pin won't hold. When it comes to stopping power hauling a trailer, nothing beats a disc.

[TW97C1500]

On 7/31/2018 at 10:19 PM, east3021 said:

Sorry, stock setup was rear drums on these models until the ‘99 redesign...and even then only for a few years until they went back to disc/drum.

 

The hydroboost setup on the 3/4-ton and up reportedly gives better pedal feel than the 1/2-ton setup. Several have made the swap.

 

 

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I didn't know they went back to rear drums.  The '01 half-ton I bought new had rear discs.

 

What years are you talking about the 3/4-ton(+) hydroboost setup?  I had a 98 C2500 for years and after a 5 year gap, bought a 97 C1500 in June and I hate the brake feel.  I fully bled it, but wasn't thinking about the ABS pump, so it still has some of the old black fluid in it.  I need to stop procrastinating and get that flushed out.  I guess I'll put the axle on jackstands and run it so I can hit the brakes and trigger the ABS to pump, drawing in new fluid I'll fill the reservoir with.

[east3021]

I’m not sure what years the 3/4 and 1-tons used the hydroboost, but would assume that it was for the majority of the model run.

A scanner can be used to bleed the ABS module. It would be followed with a bleed at all four corners. A shop did mine two or three years ago for around $80. That may be a more effective way to purge the air.


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[Torchman64]

I have a 96 gmc 3500 hard starting, I replaced all components to the fuel system and still dose not send signal to fuel pump to turn on , what could it possibly be need a direction to go in to trouble shoot and repair the problem 

[Super 8]