Looking to buy another Chevy...

[01BlackZ71]

I'm looking to buy a 95-02 regular cab short bed Z71 truck to work out of. I know I want the 350 (or the 5.3), automatic, and a G80 locker.

 

Question 1: Was the locker called a G80 back in 95-98? Or was it something different than it is now?

 

Questions 2: I know the 95 is TBI and the 96-98 are Vortec. I know I definately don't want a 94 and later because I had one and hated the interior. Did the 95 have airbags?

 

Also, is looking harder to find a 96-98 worth it for the Vortec? There seem to be 10 times as many 95's for sale as there are 96's. I know that both the Vortec and TBI were pretty good motors, but I don't plan to do any MAJOR hauling or trailering, maybe just 3-4 four wheelers from time to time at most.

 

My cousin has a 92 TBI 350 which seemed to run a whole lot stronger than the 97 Vortec 350 he has now. Granted they are in two completely different vehicles (2wd truck vs. 2dr Tahoe), but that 92 would run.

 

Let me know of anything problematic to look for for the 95-98 years too.

 

Thanks

[GlennRMK]

95 is TBI with new interior and driver air bag

96 Vortec came out

97 dual airbags came out

99 New body style with 5.3

 

G80 is still the locker code on my 04

 

TBI are dogs IMO, but very reliable

 

305 Vortec will smoke a 350 TBI

 

96-98 Vortecs are known for bad intake gaskets and fuel pumps.

 

Also, the autos seem to all have issues sooner or later

 

I have not heard of any issues with the 5.3(325 ci) and the autos are supposed to be better.

 

My buddy had a 97 1/2 ton stepside regular cab Z71 with a 350 and a 5 speed. I loved that truck. I think I would rather have a 350 Vortec with a 5 speed then a 5.3. But, they are tough to find!

 

Now, if you could a get a 5.3 with a stick, that would be awesome!

[01BlackZ71]

I'm suprised to see that dual airbags weren't until 97. I think I'd like to have those, if even for peace of mind.

 

I know that G80 is the locker code (because it is in my 2001), but does the term G80 still apply to 95-98 model trucks? I think you answered this for me, but I just want to be positive.

 

Say you were to need an intake gasket, fuel pump, and tranny rebuild. What does that stuff cost?

 

Would it be worth spending $1000-$2000 over a 97 or 98 just to get a 99 with all the newer stuff?

[ridnlow]

Id go with the newer trucks.... I love my 5.3.. i drove my moms 99 tahoe the other day with the 350 in it.. and its just not the same.. i dont think i could go back to the 350..

[GlennRMK]

Intake gaskets aren't that spendy, but labor is. I'd say around $100-200

 

Tranny rebuilds vary a lot. Anywere from $800-2000.

 

Fuel Pumps are around $200, plus the labor. So like $300-400 or so.

 

G80 is still the code for locking diff in the older trucks.

 

The 5.3 is definitely stronger top end. 350 is torquey though.

 

I was lookin at some 96-98 350s, but drove 5.3s and decided to go 5.3.

[RyanZ71]

I could go back to the 350 anyday given how reliable they were.