I'm looking only at Ford, GMC & Chevy full size ext cab yrs 94-2001 and 120-180k which make would u choose?
Gonna drive it about 9-12 days a month...mostly fishing & yard chores...lightweight wood hauling at best...I'm stocked pretty good with the short winters down here.
2WD is my preference...and would you prefer the 5.0/305 or 5.7/350 block in the Chevy or GMC???
Under $4500 PERIOD!
Anything in particular to look out for in these trucks at this age & high mileage?
Thanks
Reggie
I don't mean to be a post whore but I've got a little more time to elaborate now.
The TBI setup GM used from 88?-96 was a good simple setup that gave good power and fuel economy with stock swirl port heads. They also make a great running engine with 96+ Vortec heads. Basic reliable small block design, but with a better one-piece rear main. The 96-99ish Vortec small block was also a good engine that was a good improvement in HP/torque compared to the TBI. Improvements were better heads, and a roller cam/lifters. The only widespread issue with Vortec engines is intake gasket leaks. Both TBI and Vortec came in 4.3/5.0/5.7/7.4. Like I said earlier I think the 5.7 has the best performance for it's fuel economy.
One downfall of a 90s 1/2 ton GM is the 700R4/4l60E trans. Bet on them failing around 150k. They can be rebuilt with upgraded parts and are more reliable. Heavy (8 lug only) 3/4 tons will have the 4L80E which is a lot stronger and will go 200k+. Early models might have the SM465 4spd which is a great strong transmission, but late model light dutys will probably have the NV3500 which isn't nearly as strong. The NV4500 is the heavy duty 5 speed and has a low 1st gear and overdrive.
1/2 ton GM's will have the 10 bolt Semi-floating rear end (semi-floating meaning most of the axle's load is transferred to the axle shafts.) Most issues with these come from oversized tires or the Eaton G80 locker. Look in the glovebox at the RPO codes for G80. You can also find the rear axle ratio there. Light duty 3/4 ton (6 lug) will have the 14 bolt Semi-floater and heavy 3/4 will have a 14 bolt full floater.
In mid 95 GM changed their trucks to OBD2 and updated the interior to a much better setup.
I think that depending on your preference for looks vs. function you should look at a 88-98 full size GM pickup. Extended cab 2wd are very common and easy to find. 94 model and older will have the ugly interior but will be cheaper. 95+ have the option of the Vortec, better interior, and OBD2. I have heard that the TBI models get a little better fuel economy.
I am not familiar with Dodge pickups of that era and am not a Chrysler fan. Ford makes a good truck but I know the parts aren't nearly as compatible or common as the small block Chevy.
Toyota has always made an excellent pickup. The 22R is an excellent reliable engine. Although a little low on power in comparison to the Big 3. Fuel economy is not that much better either, and extended cabs are hard to find in the older models. I'm not exactly sure on the years, but from the late 80s to 95 the 3.0 V6 was gutless and had head gasket issues. the 96 up 3.4 was a much better engine. Extended cab models are more common on the newer trucks.
