I have a 2001 5.2L long bed... been the original owner. Love the truck and don't plan to get rid of it. I have had my problems... I lost the rear at 50k with regular fluid changes - odd. Numerous ball joins, a few bearings - these I consider typical for 105k. I have had two new radiators, a new A/C system and a dead auto trans at 104k. I have lost the steering column twice (dont remember the exact name but smarted up and went with a Borg - end of problem). With all of that said, I have the original water pump and timing chain - plan to swap them out at 120k so they will hopefully be good to about 240k.

I now use this truck strickly for towing, hunting and fishing. I tow a 4k pound boat with no problems... the engine is still strong. During duck season the truck pulls the boat, sometimes a layout boat on top, three or four guys, a dog or two and about 15 dozen decoys and other gear. So I would say the total payload is 5,500-6,000 pounds. 65-70MPH is no problem but she will drop gears to pull hills.

So I would say pull a carfax, look the truck over real well, ask a bunch of questions regarding maintenance and then make a low-ball offer say $5,500 and then settle in the middle.

 

I'm planning on "fixing" my plenum gasket, even though I don't think its bad, as soon as I have a few extra $$$. Its a good idea to get it done, even if its not bad, as preventative maintenance IMO. Then again, you could always wait until it goes to get it fixed. Up to you.

On automatic trannies, yes, they have been known for problems. But he has a manual, so I don't think he'll have as many problems as others with the AT do.

Take care of the interior, it will take care of you. I just hope the previous owners of my truck thought the same way... it looks like it, but we shall see.

EDIT: Edited for grammar and spelling errors.

 

I've got a 99 same truck. Sure there are problems like bearings, seals, u-joints, track bar ( all done twice) but I'm still on the original brakes and shocks with over 100k. The motor and tranny are EXTREMELY RELIABLE. Has always started and never given a single hiccup. If you want a reliable pickup, get it checked by a mechanic then go buy it. Oh, and timing chains don't go bad at only 100k. Belts can, but not chains. If it runs fine, don't fix what ain't broke. Also, about the tranny, 1-3 are under gears, 4 is 1:1 and 5th is od. No granny gear.

 

ok im new to the forum but i read your post and the only thing i really have to add is to your timing belt question the truck has a timing chain and in the case of a chain unless the truck is lossing timing and like kickin an engine light other than that ive never personally seen a timing CHAIN snap.

 

If its a manual, buy it!

 

Hi all,
Thanks for the responses. One more thing: Since this trans. does not have a granny gear, how does it pull? I'm thinking about the horse trailer pulling we would do, about 7000#, and you have to be very gentle. So, is first too high, will there be a lot of shift shock?
Thanks,
Jack

 

Another question,
How do the 5.2 and the 5.9 compare?
Thanks,
Jack

 

You're right, mine went bad somewhere before 75K. Chains can stretch, they can stretch more when DC coats them and the teeth with nylon, nylon wears off, chain gets slack, teeth shorten and round off, chain slips. If you've ever pulled a stock one off your truck you'll note that the teeth on the gears don't even fully penetrate the chain. Heck DC even made a timing chain tensioner after the fact to stretch the slack out of the chain so it wouldn't slip. Like I stated on another thread, I didn't notice the symtoms until after I changed the chain out.

dhvaughan posted some pics here of his timing chain strech at 130K, mine was stretched just as much at 75K. If you think that's a healthy chain, well at least it isn't my truck you're driving. Chains are one of those things you want to fix before they go out, not after.

 

this may help you out a ittle bit http://www.autos.com/autos/truck/ful...and%20Handling

 

Hi,
Does anyonetow with the 5 speed manual?
How is it?
Thanks,
Jack