What is really a good 4x4?

[Pepper_Roni]

I made my first thread in the introductions thread saying hi and that I was going to buy a truck in the next few months. I need it for them harsh canadian winters and good off roading ability (because if i get a truck i want a TRUCK not some 2X4 POS) anyhow..... Ive been doing some research and it was brought to my attention that alot of big name trucks (ford expedition, chev trailblazer amoung a few) are not worth a penny for offroading. I was looking at getting a 90's Chev K1500 Z71. My question is will that truck handle canadian weather and offroading conditions or is it just markating like the trailer blazer supposedly is. And if so what should I be looking at. Thanks

[stumpuller454]

i have a 98 gm truck and they are a good tough unit, regulairly run her right to -40c, still living, run a good synthetic and she will start fine and last long. the 88-98 gm truck are excellent platforms, with many capabilities. i may be biased, i love them trucks.

[72'CaminoKid]

are you looking for an SUV or pickup? if an SUV, how much room do you need/want on the interior? if not alot, its hard to argue with a jeep (hard top for winters) the heaters in jeeps are un-godly so dont worry about getting cold

[Pepper_Roni]

I was hoping to get a pickup, as long as the K1500 is one tough sob then it good.... I dont need the best just real good

[Pepper_Roni]

something like this would be perfect.....

1994 Chev Silverado

[batty1214]

yeah, I would say stay with the 90-98 chevrolets....... after about 2000, the transfer cases in the Gm (both gmc and chevy) had problems if you start to run them long periods of time.... I base this off of the 46 vehicles I work on at the phosphate mine. there is 8 that are 90 to 98, and none of them have had 4 wheel drive problems.... of the other 38 trucks, 30 of them are gmc and chevy, and we get 18 months a transfercase..... Im getting pretty good at changing them out...... for the average everyday 4wheel user, they are great..... we use the 4 wheel drive for 6 months of the year without taking it out of 4 wheel........ thats why we chew up transfers......... If you are going to be using it Alot, I'd tell you to go with the 94, maybe up to a 98.........
The other 8 are fords..( from 1998-2006)...... I hate them!!!!! I have rebuilt the front axles, transfercases, rebuilt hubs, new transmissions, and that is a yearly thing..............

Id say, go with that truck your looking at...... my personal work truck is a 1994 chevy k1500, with the 350..... extended cab, short bed, with 150,000 miles, and 15000 hours on the motor...... Its a little week on the 20% grades, but the transmission, transfercase, and differentials are all original......

[bubbatrucklover]

[quote=batty1214;116543]yeah, I would say stay with the 90-98 chevrolets....... after about 2000, the transfer cases in the Gm (both gmc and chevy) had problems if you start to run them long periods of time....
quote]

Can the GM/Chevy 2000 transfer be strait swapped with a 90-98 or do you get into yolk probs, mounting issues, drive train lengths etc.?

[Pepper_Roni]

I should ask is 3000 on ok price for what im looking at or will i get problems... i could save to 4000 or so but the sooner i get the truck the better... i still needa get a job XD. but i plan on getting one by the end of the week (hopefully)

[batty1214]

Originally Posted by bubbatrucklover

Can the GM/Chevy 2000 transfer be strait swapped with a 90-98 or do you get into yolk probs, mounting issues, drive train lengths etc.?

Im not sure..... Im thinking that it shouldn't be too much different, but I haven't even thought about that posibility..... I have an older t case, and a 2004 with a transfercase that needs replaced....... I'll give you a yes or now in about a week or 2.......... I'm going to play doctor

[bubbatrucklover]

Originally Posted by batty1214

Im not sure..... Im thinking that it shouldn't be too much different, but I haven't even thought about that posibility..... I have an older t case, and a 2004 with a transfercase that needs replaced....... I'll give you a yes or now in about a week or 2.......... I'm going to play doctor

Cool Beans. As I've posted I'm on a quest for a truck myself. I have no choice but to go with a '99 or 2000. It's the first years 4 door extended cabs where offered.

I LOVE the '98 body etc. but three door.I can always save to change out externals over a cab switch. Drive train,suspension and ENGINE being the LAST replacement.(if need be)