OBS K series questions.

[AccordRanger]

I'm looking at getting an OBS (88-98) Chevy or GMC K series this summer if money goes right. Wanting a extended cab v8. Would prefer a 5speed but may settle with auto.

Would like to know what things to check out that are specific problems with these models.

Thanks guys.

[gm4x4lover]

The 5speeds are hard to find, 1996 or newer k1500 could not be had with a 5speed and a 5.7 liter. If you got a k2500/k3500 it could be had. The mileage on the 3/4 ton / 1 tons even with the small block chevy are not great. I get close to a small block mileage with my big block ( comparing 3/4 ton sbc to 3/4 bbc). The 3/4 ton / 1 tons are very hard on brakes. All of them ride really nice. In 1996 they went to the vortec injection. The vortec's didnt gain alot of torque but got a decent boost in hp. the tbi trucks are super reliable but not great on mileage. they all have front end issues mainly idler and pitman arms. the transmissions are much better 1997-1998. the third door is avaliable in 1996 mid production year only on the 1500's. My favorite is a 1996 because it is missing the passanger side air bag but still has the vortec series motor.

[AccordRanger]

What is the last year of the manual shift t-case? That is a must have.

[AccordRanger]

Also thinking about a diesel. Any problems with the 6.5?

[gm4x4lover]

They still use manual shift cases even today. The electric ones are nice and generally problem free. The actuator on the front diff is the issue and fails very frequently. The 6.5's are mostly junk. Not a lot of power poor mileage and piss poor reliability. They are also fairly expensive to repair. Thats atleast thats my experience with the 6.5's.

[AccordRanger]

Man I was hoping to gy a diesel, but don't want to drop a bunch of money right now just to fix it.
I've noticed most of the 2500's are six lug. Is that a thing for this generation or what? Our 2001 2500 is eight lug. Would I also be able to swap the front and rear axles from the GMC to the Chevy if I chose to?

[gm4x4lover]

Think of those as heavy half tons. Not any real difference from a half ton. Most if not all of the 6 lug 2500s came with 6 lug semi floater. But there same rear end was alsi possible under the 1500 as well. How are you planning on using the truck?

[AccordRanger]

Mainly as a backup dd, camping, mild trails such as Johnny, and hauling a boat every once in a while.

[gm4x4lover]

I would shoot for a half ton. And try to get one 96 or newer. Mine hauled great even up to 7k in the mountains.

[AccordRanger]

A lot of the ones I like are 2500 but have found a few 1500's. I'm basically going to go with which ever one I find that I like when the time comes.
Thanks for all the help.
Any idea if I can fit the front and rear axles out of a 2001 2500 into one? We have a totaled one sitting here right now.

[gm4x4lover]

Rear yes, front I am not sure of.

[AccordRanger]

I figured the rear would. Would be awesome if the front could. Free upgrade would be sweet.

[gm4x4lover]

The reason I would suggest a 1/2 ton is for 2 reasons. First the fuel mileage is much better on the half tons. And second the brakes suck on the 3/4 tons. They have more stopping power but have to be done way more often. Close to every 25, 000 miles. And they usually wipe out the rotors at the same time.

[AccordRanger]

I do like my dads 1500 a lot. The ride is great rides better than our 2001, explorer and my wrx.

[gm4x4lover]

i miss my 96 ext cab short box z71. it was fast and got good mileage. it was a hell of a truck