FarmerPhil
Newbie
Hello all,
I've been an extremely proud owner of a 88 GMC 1500 4x4 w the 5.7L v8 for about a year now. This website has provided a lot of interesting info and opinions from other GM truck owners. I often find myself researching various topics from favorite oil filter brands, to ideal engine operating temperature, to the history of ACDelco - now because I know that is the OE supplier.
In Feb2021 I will be moving from WA to TX and am concerned about the drive thru Utah - Colorado. The truck is in GREAT physical condition (Dark blue, no rust, single cab, 8ft bed, 1-piece bench seat, canopy) as well as maintenance, however, I've owned this truck for 1 year / 9k miles only and have had to do a large repair every 1500 miles or so. On paper, this truck is close to new, but because I have had limited seat-time, I'm not sure if this trip is worth it.
The title indicates the miles are not original, ODO shows 210,000 however - the truck was built in CANADA and possible the gauge was swapped for a USDM/mph gauge, I also have previous owner records showing a milage discrepancy, from 177k and the next service showed 135k - so either the owner had engine swapped out (off the books) or the auto shop simply punched in the wrong mileage as they were starting a new invoice and continue to run w it. For my peace of mind and for the sake of the discussion, lets assume it is 210,000 miles on motor/transmission.
During my 1-yr / 8,000 miles of ownership, I have had the following professional replaced (some of these having less than 1500 miles on them):
-spark plugs/wires/distributor
-multiple oil/filter changes w Pennzoil high milage 10w/30 + multiple seafoam + OEM engine air filter
-water pump/radiator/coolant
-starter/battery
-power steering pump
-windshield/windshield wipers
-various light bulbs, OEM-style taillight/front turn signal covers
-fuel filter/fuel pump/hanger assembly
-GM 17" wheels w Michelin Defender tires w new full size spare
-4 hi headlight mod (great visibility !)
-PVC valve
-recent tire rotation/air up indicates brake pads are at 5mm, and that suspension is "tight and no leaks"
________________
The above list does not include the items the previous owners had replaced from 2005-2015 (records I have) and they are various across the board - from headlight switch, windshield wiper motor assembly, window motor actuator, pitman arm, Idler arm, various sensors and hoses, brake lines, various other bulbs, multiple water pumps, thermostats, filters.. it appears to be well kept.
I have AAA, a smart phone, various credit cards and cash. In the last 2 months I've put 2200 miles trouble free, multiple 200-300 mile trips back n forth along I-5. Gas gauge does not dance back and forth, operating temp does not reach above 170 under load and oil pressure holds steady at 30 psi.
Based on these circumstances, would you drive this GMT400?
I've been an extremely proud owner of a 88 GMC 1500 4x4 w the 5.7L v8 for about a year now. This website has provided a lot of interesting info and opinions from other GM truck owners. I often find myself researching various topics from favorite oil filter brands, to ideal engine operating temperature, to the history of ACDelco - now because I know that is the OE supplier.
In Feb2021 I will be moving from WA to TX and am concerned about the drive thru Utah - Colorado. The truck is in GREAT physical condition (Dark blue, no rust, single cab, 8ft bed, 1-piece bench seat, canopy) as well as maintenance, however, I've owned this truck for 1 year / 9k miles only and have had to do a large repair every 1500 miles or so. On paper, this truck is close to new, but because I have had limited seat-time, I'm not sure if this trip is worth it.
The title indicates the miles are not original, ODO shows 210,000 however - the truck was built in CANADA and possible the gauge was swapped for a USDM/mph gauge, I also have previous owner records showing a milage discrepancy, from 177k and the next service showed 135k - so either the owner had engine swapped out (off the books) or the auto shop simply punched in the wrong mileage as they were starting a new invoice and continue to run w it. For my peace of mind and for the sake of the discussion, lets assume it is 210,000 miles on motor/transmission.
During my 1-yr / 8,000 miles of ownership, I have had the following professional replaced (some of these having less than 1500 miles on them):
-spark plugs/wires/distributor
-multiple oil/filter changes w Pennzoil high milage 10w/30 + multiple seafoam + OEM engine air filter
-water pump/radiator/coolant
-starter/battery
-power steering pump
-windshield/windshield wipers
-various light bulbs, OEM-style taillight/front turn signal covers
-fuel filter/fuel pump/hanger assembly
-GM 17" wheels w Michelin Defender tires w new full size spare
-4 hi headlight mod (great visibility !)
-PVC valve
-recent tire rotation/air up indicates brake pads are at 5mm, and that suspension is "tight and no leaks"
________________
The above list does not include the items the previous owners had replaced from 2005-2015 (records I have) and they are various across the board - from headlight switch, windshield wiper motor assembly, window motor actuator, pitman arm, Idler arm, various sensors and hoses, brake lines, various other bulbs, multiple water pumps, thermostats, filters.. it appears to be well kept.
I have AAA, a smart phone, various credit cards and cash. In the last 2 months I've put 2200 miles trouble free, multiple 200-300 mile trips back n forth along I-5. Gas gauge does not dance back and forth, operating temp does not reach above 170 under load and oil pressure holds steady at 30 psi.
Based on these circumstances, would you drive this GMT400?
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