Is it worth it?

[bstone4964]

Hi-

I know this is somewhat of a relative question, but looking for opinions. Recently picked up a 96 5.7 4X4, 219K. Runs well, but needs some work- and that is what I am writing about. I think it may need more work than it is worth. Here's what I'm looking at:

Driveline hum or whine- rear end or U joints?
No AC- compressor missing, so new compressor and flush/fill.
Front suspension needs replaced probably- uneven wear on front tires
Probably needs all fluids replaced- haven't done that yet.
Fuel gauge jumpy- probably needs new pump.
Probably needs shocks.

Body is in great shape- no rust except for a baseball sized spot right behind passenger front wheel. Already put in new windshield and 2 new tires for the rear- rotated the old ones to the front.

At any rate, with what I paid for it and the stuff I've done, I'm into it now for about 3K. I figure about another grand to do the stuff above, between shop work and my own wrenching. That puts me in at about 4K. So am I better off to ditch this one and try to get one in better shape, or bite the bullet and do the work above?

Ultimately I want a reliable mountain/fishing/all around truck to use here in CO. Thoughts??

Thanks!

 

[RawbDidIt]

I'm at about 5k in my truck, finally have everything working. I wouldn't worry about the jumpy fuel gage unless it's jumpy for no reason. I have a brand new pump in my 97, came with a sending unit, and it still jumps from acceleration/ braking, or parking on a hill. Did on the old one too. If you have a second vehicle I say pick a project every weekend and get it done piece by piece. I think it's worth it, because you're going to pay the more for a truck that runs well, and these trucks are 20 years old. I'd rather do the work and know I have new reliable parts.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

No AC- compressor missing, so new compressor and flush/fill.

compressor, receiver/accumulator, orifice tube, flush and fill (some people say replace the condenser too)

I'd rather do the work and know I have new reliable parts.

^^^ It's worth the investment and learning curve. Buy only quality replacement parts and your truck will last a long time.

 

[Wiscoburban]

Ya that's worth it. Any newer lower mileage suburban in good shape will be more plus any car can have issues no matter the mileage. If your in it for 4k you now have a solid runner and no payments to worry about or interest going to a lender.

 

[Coveman]

These trucks are relatively cheap and easy to work on, I think they may outlast many of the nbs trucks.

 

[94burbk1500]

These trucks are relatively cheap and easy to work on, I think they may outlast many of the nbs trucks.

In many cases, they already have!

 

[94burbk1500]

I hate car payments, so i'm definitely biased. For what you would spend in the first year of a new (or used) truck on payments, gap insurance, tax/title/license, you can do a ton to your old truck, keep it!

 

[kennythewelder]

The value of these trucks are slowly going up, and will continue to do so. Is it wort it, yes if your going to keep it. As mentioned, they are easy to work on. Parts are easy to get and fairly cheap. Now if your trying to flip it, and make some money off of it, then no, maybe not.

 

[delta_p]

As said these trucks are too cheap and easy to work on to get rid of. Truly a forever truck.

Has anyone looked at the maintenance comparisons at rock auto? https://www.rockauto.com/repairindex/

 

[kennythewelder]

As said these trucks are too cheap and easy to work on to get rid of. Truly a forever truck.

Has anyone looked at the maintenance comparisons at rock auto? https://www.rockauto.com/repairindex/

I just compared my 97 to a 2018 1500 Silverado, The 18 is just over twice the cost to repair.