Possible purchase

[vince72]

Hey Guys,
I am in the marked for my first OBS single cab. I am going to look at a 88 single cab, my question is this: owner states it only shifts up to second gear, are transmission repair very expensive? I want to make sure I make a good decision as he is asking 3k for the truck

Vince

 

[RichLo]

Transmissions are about the only thing that's known to be a major wear item in the 1/2 ton trucks. As long as you know that it'll have to be rebuilt/replaced/upgraded and the rest of the truck is sound go for it. You can get an official quote pretty easily from any reputable trans shop in your area since they are common.

If you rebuild you can expect 100k worry free miles, and another rebuild at 150k. If you upgrade to a 4l80 or TH400 then you'll be worry free for the life of the truck.

Edit, I just saw the price, if it was pre-2020 I'd say talk him down at least half to $1500 if the truck is mint. But prices are all over right now. The final price is up to how good the rest of the truck is. I'd be willing to bet you could still talk him down a bit since he knows the trans needs work.

 

[vince72]

What transmission is in it now?
Sorry, new to OBS. I come from the Camaro stick shift world lol

 

[RichLo]

Probably a 700r4 in 1988 but they were going through changes and there have been some others peppered in until the 4l60e became standard in 1992. And being that age it could have been changed to something else at some point.

The good news is that either way, 1970-2000 GM transmissions are some of the most common in the US. And they are all relatively interchangeable within reason. Rebuilds and swaps are super common and there are parts and info everywhere for whatever you want to do.

It will cost around $1000-1500 for a simple rebuild.

 

[vince72]

Thank you!

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Probably a 700r4 in 1988 but they were going through changes and there have been some others peppered in until the 4l60e became standard in 1992. And being that age it could have been changed to something else at some point.

The good news is that either way, 1970-2000 GM transmissions are some of the most common in the US. And they are all relatively interchangeable within reason. Rebuilds and swaps are super common and there are parts and info everywhere for whatever you want to do.

It will cost around $1000-1500 for a simple rebuild.

4l60e became standard in '93. if I am not mistaken. My '92 has a 4l60.

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Hey Guys,
I am in the marked for my first OBS single cab. I am going to look at a 88 single cab, my question is this: owner states it only shifts up to second gear, are transmission repair very expensive? I want to make sure I make a good decision as he is asking 3k for the truck

Vince

Is it a 1500, 2500 or 3500?

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Is it a 1500, 2500 or 3500?

Ha Ha, I was just replying on that...
If you're looking at a 1500 it's probably a 700R4 (later called 4L60), if you're looking at a heavier duty truck, it's probably a Th400 (later called a 3L80). If it's a 7.4L you're most definitely looking at a TH400.

 

[evilunclegrimace]

Ha Ha ], I was just replying on that...
If you're looking at a 1500 it's probably a 700R4 (later called 4L60), if you're looking at a heavier duty truck, it's probably a Th400 (later called a 3L80). If it's a 7.4L you're most definitely looking at a TH400.

My '88 k3500 had a THM400 in it and if I remember correctly It was an option on 8600 gvw 2500 trucks . Big blocks also got the 400 trans.

 

[RichLo]

Ooops, I just assumed it was a 1500, lol. Yea, what model is it?