What GMT400 parts are unobtainable in 2019?

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GoWest

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Hi all,
First off, this forum is great, it’s nice to see so many people who like the GMT400 type trucks. My dad bought a new 1997 Suburban 1500 4x4, had it for a few years and it was great. He misses it and I wish I had bought it from him. So I think I want one now but I’ve narrowed my search to a 1997-1999 Chevy or GMC Suburban 2500 4x4 350 or 454 with panel doors and manual transfer case, and I’d love manual windows and door locks but that seems unlikely.
Anyway, I wonder how long I can keep one in tip top shape if I find one? I’ve been searching this forum and it looks like interior parts and electronics are hard to get. Airbag sensors seem to especially be a problem as no new ones are available and I put a high value on working airbags. Replacement windshields are only cheap Chinese glass now.
I’m worried about finding my dream Suburban and then having it out of commission due to irreplaceable parts.
What else have you run across that’s no longer available? Is it unreasonable to want to keep a 20+ year old truck in top condition?

Thanks!
 

df2x4

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It's just part of the fun of owning older vehicles. :lol: I wouldn't call it an unreasonable goal. Challenging sometimes, though.

Off the top of my head... Brake proportioning valves, thermal 4WD actuators (ACDelco makes the newer electronic style but no longer makes a thermal, other companies do though), lots of various trim pieces and emblems, leather wrapped steering wheels, dashes, certain switches, auto dimming rear view mirror replacement glass, a few automatic transmission lines...

I'm sure I'll think of some other stuff as soon as I post this. Others will surely chime in as well.
 

BlueCollar89

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I've got a 94' Silverado K1500 and haven't had difficulty finding parts. I've found when looking for interior parts that it's not so much hard as it is expensive. Plenty of after market and OEM replica parts out there, but last I saw they wanted like $300 for door pannels; and dudes want almost that much for USED! smh.

But, I suppose in the long run if it's your dream rig (like mine is my dream rig); it's worth it in the end. I wouldn't buy used for those prices though. If someone's asking $175 for a door pannel, go to a Pick and Pull and yank one out for $10-15 lol!.

Round here, these rigs are a dime a dozen; everyone's got one. And the Pick n' Pull is just going to crush them anyway; so you can find some killer deals; you just gotta be religious about checking them out daily if you wanna get dibs on the good stuff before the buzzards pick them clean (dudes that buy the **** just to re-sell them for $175....)
 

df2x4

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And the Pick n' Pull is just going to crush them anyway; so you can find some killer deals; you just gotta be religious about checking them out daily if you wanna get dibs on the good stuff before the buzzards pick them clean (dudes that buy the **** just to re-sell them for $175....)

Alternatively if you don't have the time to do that, we have a few very helpful members here who make regular yard trips and won't charge you ridiculous prices to grab and ship things. The "Wanted" section of the classifieds here is very helpful for more difficult to find parts. It's saved me many times.
 

BNielsen

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If it's a rare part, you give @Z71Hobbs 2 days and he'll find you 6 of em.


And @BlueCollar89 is right, there's really not any shortage of common parts; and I really don't think there will be, not for a while anhway.
I can't think of anything other than a few instrument clusters, and a few switch options that would be almost impossible to find.
 

df2x4

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If it's a rare part, you give @Z71Hobbs 2 days and he'll find you 6 of em.

He still hasn't found me a five lug 14 bolt 454SS rear axle, but I'll forgive him. :lol:

Hobbs is awesome. Super reasonable prices and you couldn't ask for better communication or shipping speed.
 

Anubis

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I'm going through the front end on my 90' Silverado. Can't find both RH/LH front brake dust shields!!!
Any ideas or potential sources? Can't find the LH part.

RH 15627244
LH 15627243
 

BlueCollar89

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Alternatively if you don't have the time to do that, we have a few very helpful members here who make regular yard trips and won't charge you ridiculous prices to grab and ship things. The "Wanted" section of the classifieds here is very helpful for more difficult to find parts. It's saved me many times.

Very good information to know! Thanks! I'd like to get me a Lighted sport visor for the cab, not many folks round here run those; and I find the look appealing haha.
 
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