Looking at a used 1997...looking for advice

[kevperro]

Hey... new to the board but I'm looking at a used 1997 GMC 1500 4X4 long bed with lots of miles (167,000) The price is right ($3500) and it runs nice. Has a shimmy in the front during braking (assuming warped rotor) and it has clearly been used as a work truck but it is in overall good shape. It has the 5.7L engine & automatic trans.

 

I don't drive much (work at home) so this is mainly a fart around town type of truck. That is part of the reason I'm buying something older.

 

I'm taking it to the mechanic tomorrow for a complete lookover & compression test. I'm just looking for any input on common problems to look for in a high milage vehicle with this configuration.

 

Any input would be much appriciated.

[Dusterman]

these rigs will do alright with high miles. Check out for intake manifold leaks on the vortec motors.

 

good luck

[OUMike]

these rigs will do alright with high miles. Check out for intake manifold leaks on the vortec motors.

 

good luck

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

I have a 94' with 175k miles and I just recently replaced the rotors myself. It is very easy. If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer. I replaced both rotors, pads, all the bearings and seals for less than $200.

[HDChuck01]

I'm selling my '96 GMC Sierra with 99935 miles on it. Done the intake manifold fix already, replaced brakes (rotors were OK) to eliminate "shimmy". New serp. belt new coolant, new water pump. I would think just to look and smell for coolant.

[Scyry]

I know of 8 trucks and fullsize SUV's my family and friend had that went 250,000 miles and were still going strong when they were sold. Everyone is right on what to look for though.

[02 Silverado Z71]

OK. Look for:

 

Intake gaskets

oil cooler lines

rear pinion seal

front axle seals

trans tailshaft seal

serp belt

belt tensioner

rear axle seals

front end for looseness (idler/pitman arms)

 

Just give it a good once-over. These are more of the popular items

[kevperro]

Thanks everyone....

 

Your suggestions are right on. Had it at the mechanic and we came up with a good list of things that need work. Compression test came back really good though.... 170 & 180 on all eight cylinders. Both the engine and transmission seem really strong/smooth considering the mileage. He thought it would be a good buy as long as I could negotiate down the price to cover the fixes.

 

The problems that the mechanic found:

 

#1. Water pump needs replaced (leaking).

 

#2. Brake rotors & front brakes as suggested and the rear was WAY out of adjustment.

 

#3. Idler/Pitman arms.

 

#4. Shocks..

 

#5. Normal tune up things.... rotor, cap, wires, plugs, filters and fluids.

 

 

Basically I went back to the dealer with the list of "need to be fixed" items and haggled down the price to $2850, which I'm very pleased with.

 

I have an appointment to get the major defects taken care of next week and I'm going to do the tune-up items and replace some of the cosmetic & minor problems myself. Overall I'm very happy to be driving my "new" truck. ;-)

[OUMike]

$2850 for a 97' ex cab. Wow Thats a great buy. Hope it works out great.

[kevperro]

Not an extended cab.... just a regular cab with a long bed. It also was dirty and has a few mechanical problems. I'll know after the mechanic is done with it how good of a deal or not that the $2850 was.....

 

I've spent the entire day cleaning it now and it looks great. If the mechanical side of things work out I'll feel really good about $2850.