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Another Noob

OldRock

By OldRock
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OldRock Enthusiast

OldRock

Posted
Posted

Yep, another new guy. Realizing that my "first new-off-the-lot truck" is now 12+ years old; things are wearing out and I want to keep her going. 138K on the clock, and I've replaced the clutch (I pull too many heavy loads of livestock, and the wife never did learn how to drive stick), water pump and A/C compressor - brakes, belts and shocks don't count; and the alternator/batteries can only be expected to die in the desert while powering my Ham Radio gear.

 

I want to keep the old girl as she is - the most reliable vehicle vehicle I've ever seen - and pass it on to the daughter who is only 5 years older than the truck and wants it.

 

Looking for interior parts, sheet metal, etc; and I'm worried about the rear axle - that old 10 bolt has been carrying waaaaaaay more than its fair share of BIG loads. 5-speed's starting to growl every now and then in 1st and 2nd gears, gotta pull off the steering wheel and screw down the bolts in the tilt column assembly (again), door pull/armrest has broken and fallen off on the driver's side; the usual stuff.

 

I love this truck; she's been faithful and reliable as an anvil; even though I treated her like it says 3500 (not 1500) on the body molding from exactly one week after she came home with me. The daughter loves this truck, and she wants it to get herself, her dog and her horses around. I'd be an idiot to say no.

 

So here I am.

 

Jimmy

Wingnut Senior Enthusiast

Wingnut

Posted
Posted

Howdy!

 

Depending on where you live, there should be tons of parts available for your truck.

 

There are at least 3 places within 15 minutes driving time from me that carry new and used parts for my 92. (I live in OKC.)

 

Welcome to the forum, lots of good information here. :withstupid:

OldRock Enthusiast

OldRock

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Do any of them mail-order? The armrest/door pull is really killing me! Mechanical parts are no problem, and I was able to "find" courtesy lamp switches ("Door Switches") and an Emergency Brake release cable from company trucks that were destined for the auction yard :nono: But that door pull is a dealer only item and the dealer is still trying to find NOS.

 

Oh yeah, I haven't replaced the brake light switch yet; dealer wants too flippin' much and only the contacts which light the brake lights are sticking. I've gone a long ways down the raod with the cruise on ("cruise disable" is handled by the brake light switch AUX contacts) and had people from behind tell me that I'm riding my brakes! :withstupid:

 

 

 

Jimmy

MCourson Senior Enthusiast

MCourson

Posted
Posted

Welcome :lol: Id expect your truck to be around for a good bit more years to come. I have one pushing 10 years (in November) with almost 174,000 miles and she runs like the day she was new. :jester:

Wingnut Senior Enthusiast

Wingnut

Posted
Posted

I don't think that they do mail order, but when I get home tonight I'll dig up their card and give them a call tomorrow. See if they have a couple of parts.

 

We could probably work it out where I could gather them up for you....What year? What color? Any other parts you want me to ask after? I'll also ask if they will ship, as we don't know each other from Adam, and trusting strangers on the internet is (unfortunately) never really a good idea.

 

The brake light thing......I seem to remember there being a spring that was worn causing my old 89 to do the same thing....I just swapped ends on it, and stretched it, and no more "riding the brakes".....It's been 10 years since, so I can't be more specific on that one, sorry.

 

Let me know :jester:

OldRock Enthusiast

OldRock

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Sounds like a plan! I agree with you on the "strangers on the Internet" thought; I've been lucky exactly once - bought a used Ham Radio from an unsolicited offer. I'd asked for opinions on a specific style of radio, one guy approached me. We agreed on half-payment in advance, half if I liked it. Looked mint, did a search on the S/N; truned out the dealer that sold it had record of the sale. Good luck that time, been burnt several other times.

 

If they'll ship either COD or take credit cards, I'd be very interested. Biggest need/want is a door pull (armrest) for the driver's door. '91 Silverado medium blue. The switches I'll grab new from the local dealer.

 

 

For MCourson: What year/model? My major concern is the 1/2 ton's 10-bolt rear axle. I'd read in a 4x4 magazine (though mine's a 4x2) that they don't like to be stressed much. I've pulled a few "3-ton plus" loads with the tongue weight well over the 600 lb limit of my hitch, many loads right at the limit; no troubles yet, but I'm worried about "that time" coming. Local truck garage owner said it's no biggie. If it gives up but the tubes are still straight, new half shafts and some oversize (O.D.) bearings will work well. Since he takes care of a bunch of overloaded 1/2 tons for my employer; I'd guess he has a good postion from which to speak. Since the old girl will someday be dragging around a loaded horse trailer for my kid; I'm wanting it to stay reliable.

 

 

Jimmy

MCourson Senior Enthusiast

MCourson

Posted
Posted

Mines a '94 c1500 2wd reg cab stepside. It has been overloaded before but not very much. I doubt youll have any real major problems.

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