I am looking at buying a 3/4 ton GMC 4x4 it has a 5.8l can anyone tell me the pros and cons of these vehicles what I should watch out for or common problems. The guy says that the front end needs work the 4x4 pin is broken he says and the ball joints need to be done other then that he says it runs fine. Any help would be nice.
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pros and cons of the 1998 sierra
- Thread starter gmc
- Start date
The engine would be a 5.7L (350). I have owned 4x4's for over 20 yrs and I have no idea what a 4x4 pin is but if its in the front axle is could be a costly fix. The ball joints are not a do-it-yourself job so that will cost some $$.
Unless you are prepared to spend some money to get this in running condition, you might want to pass on it. I am only guessing here but this could add-up $1000 more or less depending on what he means by 4x4 pin.
I drove a 1999 HD 3/4 ton 4x4 suburban in my job. I put 100,000 miles on it in 4 yrs and the only problems I had were brakes. We did use the truck as a GPS Survey work truck, carried a lot of gear, towed a lot, idled all the time (had over 5,000 hrs when tuned in in 02) and it went into some very remote areas and it never let me down. The brakes on the 3/4 tons do cost a lot more. Seems like when we needed brakes, its cost us $2,000 at the GM dealer. It was a leased vehicle and the maintenance was included in the lease so we had no control over who did the work as that was controlled in the lease. So I would look into the brakes real close as that could be another big expense.
And the gas mileage is going to be terrible, be thankful if you ever get 15mpg, as that would be the day to buy lottery tickets.
Unless you are prepared to spend some money to get this in running condition, you might want to pass on it. I am only guessing here but this could add-up $1000 more or less depending on what he means by 4x4 pin.
I drove a 1999 HD 3/4 ton 4x4 suburban in my job. I put 100,000 miles on it in 4 yrs and the only problems I had were brakes. We did use the truck as a GPS Survey work truck, carried a lot of gear, towed a lot, idled all the time (had over 5,000 hrs when tuned in in 02) and it went into some very remote areas and it never let me down. The brakes on the 3/4 tons do cost a lot more. Seems like when we needed brakes, its cost us $2,000 at the GM dealer. It was a leased vehicle and the maintenance was included in the lease so we had no control over who did the work as that was controlled in the lease. So I would look into the brakes real close as that could be another big expense.
And the gas mileage is going to be terrible, be thankful if you ever get 15mpg, as that would be the day to buy lottery tickets.
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Yeah I am able to get the truck for a grand he just wants it gone. The ball joints I have all the tools to do I just did a 94 ford. The pin I am thinking is in the front axle. Just hoping these trucks are pretty solid as i have not had much experience with them.
Okay done some more research. It sounds like it could be a acuator pin does this make sense to anyone. can anyone tell me where it is located what it looks like and if it sounds like it could be the problem. Any and all info would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance
On outside top right front axle tube with electrical connector, What I do know is that they are a common problem for 90's 4x4's. Could cost $50 or could cost more depending on the truck. There were several different types, may also need to upgrade the wire harness for newer design. When the one in my 1996 failed under warranty they had to order the replacement based on the VIN. Truck made in different plants may have used different parts. I recall the dealer telling me there were 3 possible types depending on truck model, GVWR etc.
Thanks I am thinking know of putting locking hubs in the truck as I heard they are much stronger. Also found out it was not the ball joints that were hooped but the A-Arm is bent never heard of that happening before. They must of been doing some heavy 4x4ing.
Don't think locking hubs can be installed in these trucks. Different axle assembly. Either way, the actuator is the mechanism to engage the 4x4, you have to replace it as it is the link between the shift and the front axle. No replace, no front axle.
PS-The are not stronger, they just add more complexity and are obsolete. Fine for the older trucks but were old technology.
PS-The are not stronger, they just add more complexity and are obsolete. Fine for the older trucks but were old technology.