2blue4you
Newbie
Hi all, I'm new to this forum, although I've been an occasional lurker for several years now. I'm starting this thread because I plan on keeping this truck forever and want to document my progress in the hope I can read through this years from now. I'm 21 and this is the first vehicle I have ever purchased. I've never worked on a car before(except for brake pads and installing a sub) so I welcome all knowledge I can get.
I learned to drive in one of my grandpas k2500s when I was 12. My dad has owned a 98 K2500 since 2003 which I drove all through highschool. Now that I am actually making a little bit of money, I was able to purchase this 95 K2500 from my grandpa. It's only got 174000 miles and it made the 800 mile trip home with no problem, although 10.5 mpg means I spent more in fuel getting back than I did on my plane tickets out. My plan is to drive and slowly restore this truck over however many years I am able to keep it. Right now it's only going to be used to haul dirt bikes and occasional light off-roading. In the future I hope to be able to use more of its capability.
The truck has mostly been sitting for the past several years and it definitely needs some attention. I have no maintenance records and want to make sure I have a clean start to my ownership experience. Here is a list of everything that I have noticed so far. It's going into the shop next week for a complete inspection so I am sure this list will grow.
Needs:
-Needs four(or five) new tires. Good tread on the Geolanders it's sitting on, but they are from 2011 and 3/4 have slow leaks. Hopefully from age and not corrosion on the wheels. Have a quote for 4 Goodyear Duratracs for $1040 installed. 265/75/16. I may just go with a cheap highway tire though. Will get an alignment with new tires.
-ABS light is on(have not tested abs)
-Various fluid leaks. The front suspension is soaked. The truck is leaking transmission fluid and coolant. Also has a distinct oil smell.
-Want to check all fluids and rubbers.
-Failed DEQ due to high Hydrocarbons. Assuming this is because the exhaust is rusted out.
-Wipers seem to get stuck in light rain. New wiper motors?
Wants:
-Interior is covered in a film of ash and dirt. Not a fan of the blue interior and I'm leaning toward tearing it all out for something custom. Radio only seems to pick up AM. The speakers work but not well. I want a non touch screen Bluetooth headunit with some basic speakers in the doors.
-Paint on the hood and roof is not in good shape. The look is growing on me but really not a fan of blue. Will probably paint the truck in the future. Thinking of a happy color like a light cream yellow/burnt orange/coral pink. Maybe a deep red or purple.
-Want a tool box for the bed. Would be nice to get one with an auxiliary fuel tank.
-Windshield is cracked
-Kill switch. Was going to install using fuel relay but it looks like its missing/bypassed?
Other:
-Sometimes doesn't want to go into R without a little bit of grinding
-Front tires have some slight cupping on inside edge. Worn suspension components? Which ones?
-Electric mirrors don't work
-Needs tailgate handle
-Hood release lever is missing but not a big deal to just pull cable.
Only thing I've done so far is put some screws into the diamond plate on the bed rails and purchase a kill switch and wire(not installed yet).
Total Cost as of 4/9/22, Including Plane tickets+fuel, is approxitely $2300. I am keeping a journal and tracking all expenses so I will try to keep that info up to date here as well.
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I learned to drive in one of my grandpas k2500s when I was 12. My dad has owned a 98 K2500 since 2003 which I drove all through highschool. Now that I am actually making a little bit of money, I was able to purchase this 95 K2500 from my grandpa. It's only got 174000 miles and it made the 800 mile trip home with no problem, although 10.5 mpg means I spent more in fuel getting back than I did on my plane tickets out. My plan is to drive and slowly restore this truck over however many years I am able to keep it. Right now it's only going to be used to haul dirt bikes and occasional light off-roading. In the future I hope to be able to use more of its capability.
The truck has mostly been sitting for the past several years and it definitely needs some attention. I have no maintenance records and want to make sure I have a clean start to my ownership experience. Here is a list of everything that I have noticed so far. It's going into the shop next week for a complete inspection so I am sure this list will grow.
Needs:
-Needs four(or five) new tires. Good tread on the Geolanders it's sitting on, but they are from 2011 and 3/4 have slow leaks. Hopefully from age and not corrosion on the wheels. Have a quote for 4 Goodyear Duratracs for $1040 installed. 265/75/16. I may just go with a cheap highway tire though. Will get an alignment with new tires.
-ABS light is on(have not tested abs)
-Various fluid leaks. The front suspension is soaked. The truck is leaking transmission fluid and coolant. Also has a distinct oil smell.
-Want to check all fluids and rubbers.
-Failed DEQ due to high Hydrocarbons. Assuming this is because the exhaust is rusted out.
-Wipers seem to get stuck in light rain. New wiper motors?
Wants:
-Interior is covered in a film of ash and dirt. Not a fan of the blue interior and I'm leaning toward tearing it all out for something custom. Radio only seems to pick up AM. The speakers work but not well. I want a non touch screen Bluetooth headunit with some basic speakers in the doors.
-Paint on the hood and roof is not in good shape. The look is growing on me but really not a fan of blue. Will probably paint the truck in the future. Thinking of a happy color like a light cream yellow/burnt orange/coral pink. Maybe a deep red or purple.
-Want a tool box for the bed. Would be nice to get one with an auxiliary fuel tank.
-Windshield is cracked
-Kill switch. Was going to install using fuel relay but it looks like its missing/bypassed?
Other:
-Sometimes doesn't want to go into R without a little bit of grinding
-Front tires have some slight cupping on inside edge. Worn suspension components? Which ones?
-Electric mirrors don't work
-Needs tailgate handle
-Hood release lever is missing but not a big deal to just pull cable.
Only thing I've done so far is put some screws into the diamond plate on the bed rails and purchase a kill switch and wire(not installed yet).
Total Cost as of 4/9/22, Including Plane tickets+fuel, is approxitely $2300. I am keeping a journal and tracking all expenses so I will try to keep that info up to date here as well.