Havent really come up with a clever name for this one, Jimmy, BDR, or anyone else with a clever idea feel free to chime in. All I could think of was Mad Max or Wrestling related names, too obscure for anyone to get it.
Backstory first I guess. The truck was my brother-in-law's until last summer, when he "sold" it to my uncle after getting a half ton gas navy blue version of Jerry's truck to carry my nephew a little more safely and dependably. (the story on why he got a long bed is for another time) He fixed it up thinking he was keeping it and put 4 new tires and shocks on it, had the ball joints replaced and a few other minor things I can't think of right now.
Well, my uncle heard about how much I am driving (3k+ a month) and knew my truck isn't exactly the best truck in the world for the job. He had inherited a car (Caddy) from his father in law and can't afford all the expenses involved with an extra vehicle, though he did like having it around for projects. He offered to sell me the truck. After some figuring between he, my sister and I, he offered it to me for 750 bucks. I couldn't pass.
What it is: 1998 GMC Sierra, 158k, maroon/grey, Reg Cab, Short Bed. 4.3 V6 (not vortec right flem?) 5 speed. It's got some eagle alloys that I can live with and stock size mild all terrains (goodyear I think). Plastic Bedliner, aluminum bed caps and some 4 foot square piece of really thick rubber in the bed that is actually kinda sweet, once I figure out a good use for it. Recieve hitch that looks way too heavy duty for what the truck can handle. SLE model so it has cloth seat, carpet, tilt and cruise, and that is about it. It has an awful aftermarket stereo. Think analog tuner.
Well, I arranged for my Dad to meet up with my uncle this past weekend in Tyler on his way to Dallas bc my uncle was there. That saved me a trip anywhere in LA to pick it up. That in itself was easier said than done as my Dad is no longer an in law to that Uncle (divorce). All went off without a hitch though and my Dad brought it on into Dallas.
First thing he says to me "You got some work to do!" My uncle is notoriously hard on vehicles so I figured he was just talking about cleaning etc. Turns out though that the truck certainly has some issues.
First thing is the clutch, it's tight, but won't engage (disengage?) I am hoping that a good bleed of the system will fix this. My brother in law swore it was one assembly with no seperate companents so I am guessing he never bled it. The bottle of PS fluid under the hood is the only thing that owrries me. I don't know if it went in the Clutch MC or the PS resevoir. Anyone know what the effects would be? I know Brake Fluid is pretty caustic so I am hoping the seals could hold up to the PS fluid and it just not function well.
Second, the winshield wipers dont work. I am hoping it is just the board on the motor that is 30 bucks. You can hear it clicking like the switch is sending power to it.
My uncle did something that fixed an issue with the taillights, not sure what that was.
Other than that there are just alot of little things that I would like to address, mostly annoying things. Hood latch and Ebrake release handles. Detail inside and out. Tunes. Headlight out, needs new wipers, oil change. I am considering Synthetic after I see how much it leaks/burns. Tweaked bumper, can't tell except it is pushing a piece of trim up. Front valance gone, rear bumper trim gone.
The only things I want to do to this are things that will make it more comfortable or get better MPG. I am hoping for 20-25. Soundproofing, Stereo, Intake/exhaust (nothing loud), good tune up, synthetics, e-fan?, electronics?, upgrade headlights, different seat (stock bucket) if I come across one for the right price. Also I wouldnt mind some storage in the bed, maybe a hard side rough tote, trying to get weather proof for cheap. It would be more for bags in the rain than tools. These are the kinds of things I have thought of. Any advice or experience here will be appreciated.
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I have looked briefly for any communities for the truck/motor, seems like I find guys hopping up S10's mostly.
Sharpe -when you replaced you actual headlight bulbs do you really think it made them better, or is it more cosmetic?
I will get pics up when I get the truck here in a couple of weeks. I am going home for a wedding and am planning on driving it back after riding there with someone else.
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Originally Posted by afroman006
