Faults:

The latest is my 4 wheel drive cable is stuck. It is electric. Push button. The cable is rusted, will not move so I can take it out and replace. I also put a new water pump on just because I had it.

I had the heads off at 230000 miles - still smooth.

I use Lucas oil stuff on this and all my trucks. Runs like new.

General Comments:

Great toy now. I play hard in the old girl. The body is straight, but I am painting her this summer.

Faults:

Alternator, cap rotor coil at 265,000.

Water pump seal, hoses, belt, thermostat at 270,000.

Right front wheel studs at 280,000.

Slightly over heats on highway, but drops to normal at idle, weird.

General Comments:

I got this truck from the original owner at 265,000. He gave it to me because he got a new car, and this needed little things. I was car-less and broke, so it was a match made in heaven.

I got it home and fixed the alternator, did a complete tune up and fluids change. The oil came out jet black and like mud.

The water pump seals went about 2500 miles later, so I replaced water pump, hoses, thermostat, and serpentine belt. I did an oil change at the same time, and to my great surprise the oil drained out spotless. I couldn't believe it. Every oil change since spotless.

The right front wheel studs sheared off the other day at 70mph, it was a pucker moment, but I somehow maintained control and slid it off to the shoulder. Changed the bearings and disc, and she rides on.

I was going to use this truck for a couple weeks and get a new car. I figured I'd drop in a 350 and have some fun, but I gotta see how far it goes.

Now we're at 290,000, still going strong. The motors has never been apart. No smoke or strange noises.

The only thing I would change is I would have like the extended cab. I'm six foot and 400, so it gets a little cramped after a while; otherwise a brilliant truck.

Faults:

Basic war and tear parts (brakes, ball joints, tires, etc.)

Engine blew @ 145,000. Thrown Rod. Got a new block with 100,000. Thinks it's a V-8 sometimes.

Head gasket blew @ 149,000. Got me 10 miles from work to my mechanics with it.

Interior in great shape for its year.

Body rot is present, but nothing too serious.

General Comments:

This truck has serious power and reliability. It is ran hard and has never left me sit anywhere but home or the garage. It's 4.3L out-runs and out-hauls some of my buddies V-8's.

Basic wear is there, but for its age and abuse, it just keeps going. 4X4 is great. 4 LOW is abusive and powerful.

I take it 4X4ing quite frequently, and it has never been hooked to another vehicle to be towed out because it has never been stuck. Whether it's a foot of snow or the middle of a mud-pit, it'll get you home!

For as little acknowledgment that these get, they sure know how to make a name for themselves.