My first car, an 89 k1500

[Drunkcanuk]

If anyone has any advice or pointers to keep this teuck going as long as I can, I'm all ears. This truck, although it isn't fast by any means, is a riot to drive and is easy to work on, and I would like to keep it in the fleet as long as I can.

Go through the owners manual, if you still have it. If not, download the maintenance ones here. Go through it and make sure all the "scheduled maintenance" for your millage is up to date. That would be a great start, and get your familiar with your rig.

 

[Gordy_]

Yes, what @Caman96 said. Do all fluids. Get them to a base timeframe. How old are all the ignition components? When you decide to do the coolant change, pressure test first and look at the water pump weep hole for corrosion/leaks and when empty, put a thermostat in it. Check the fan clutch. Belts and hoses. Check the axle boots for leaks/tears. Check the front hub bearings for play. Inspect the entire suspension and steering. I like spending other people's money.

I've already done fluids, hub bearings are good, I checked those when I did the brakes. The water pump is in great shape and the I replaced the thermostat. I flushed the coolant too. The accessory belt is new, the power steering pump leaks a bit, but I'm not too concerned about it. There is no compressor pump as the truck didn't come with AC. The suspension is decent, and the cv axles looked good. I've basically done everything I could think of to get the truck in road-worthy condition after sitting in a field for 8 years. I even went as far as replacing the vacuum lines.

 

[movietvet]

But, what about the transfer case and differentials fluids? Tune/ignition related components?

 

[Gordy_]

But, what about the transfer case and differentials fluids? Tune/ignition related components?

Oh, the TC I replaced with a junkyard case and put new fluid in, and I checked the diff fluids and they looked pretty good, so I topped it off and left it. The ignition components are all new also.

 

[Drunkcanuk]

Belt tensioner?

 

[Gordy_]

Belt tensioner?

It had no play in it and the pulley spins well.

 

[Gordy_]

After I get all of my minor repairs done, I was thinking of a good exaust. Maybe some tubular headers and some flow masters. Would that sound good, but not obnoxious on the 4.3l v6?

 

[Micgmt]

New Yuck is the same way. NYC can always outvote upstate.

That's the truth !!!

 

[skylark]

Would that sound good, but not obnoxious on the 4.3l v6?

Honestly, nothing. A V6 just doesn't produce a good sound.

 

[Gordy_]

Honestly, nothing. A V6 just doesn't produce a good sound.

Hmm, it won't even sound a little better than the stock?