Looking At Used K1500's, What To Look For?

[Hondapwns]

More specificly, Im looking at 1500's from '95 to about '97 and '98.

 

Gonna start hunting soon, just need things on this truck that were prone to breakage.

 

Thanks, Ray

[Draenor]

A good K series can be difficult find. They are usually abused, well the ones around here are. The automatic transmission ,4L60, is a common item that is prone to failure. Followed by the fuel pump, and intake manifold gasket. Other than that(off the top of my head), the usual wear and tear of a 4X4.

[ZZ327]

96-98 had the newer interiors, Not too much was really bad about them. The trans wont go bad if its regularly serviced. Fuel pumps, and some had spongey brakes are probs I can think of.

[Alljackedup408]

yeah the spongy brakes.. lol.. annoying. ive seen some almost go to the floor before applying.. rediculous. everything above is correct.. pretty much covered

[s-ten]

I have a 1998 GMC K1500. I have 167,000 miles on is and had it since 100,000. I have done the water pump (120,000), front brakes (160,000), and a mass air flow sensor (135,000). I will also probably be doing something with the EGR valve soon as it keeps throwing a code. The bottom edge of the doors are starting to rust a bit, but that is due to MN salt. Overall I cannot imagine a much better or more reliable truck if you can find one is decent condition. Hope some first person experience is helpful. Good luck with the hunt.

[BuckFeverZ]

Very tried and true trucks. If you're buying privately, I would ask the owner for maintenance records. If he can produce regular records, I'd have no problem buying one with over 100,000 on it.

[Mike G]

I would stick with 96 and newer, that way you get the hotter R code 5.7l Vortec motor (VIN character spot number 8). These are truly tough trucks and hold up pretty well. If you have any mechanical skills, you can pretty well take care of it. For the age, you may be looking at regular service item on the front end too, ball joints/tie rods/wheel hubs. If you have a mechanic you trust, you are set. As mentioned above, you will probably not be able to get away from a fuel pump issue, but then it is a GM truck....

--Mike