93 Chevy 3500 for a farm truck

[SethWilliams]

I purchased 45 acres last year and now I need a truck for farm use. I have an SUV for my daily driver so I don't need a crew cab or anything special. I just want something that will be reliable and haul a few cattle and a ~50 HP tractor that I will soon be purchasing.

A guy has a chevy 3500 dually 454 with automatic tranny for sale for 2500. 163k miles with new tires, grill, headlights and tail lights. Interior is in good shape. Gooseneck ball and rails for a 5th wheel. He said he would take 2k cash - I think that sounds like a fair deal. Anything specific I need to look at before buying? I plan on giving it a pretty good once over. Should it do everything I need?

 

[Deere Dude]

It seems like a fairly nice truck. Is it a 4x4? That truck could pull anything you mentioned and should hold up fine.

 

[4570Man]

I would buy it and put a dump bed on it. My uncle has a diesel 3500 with a dump bed and it will haul 5 ton on the bed no problem.

 

[farmer2009]

Check the auto tranny good. Most need a rebuild about that mileage. Other than keeping track of the gas stations those are solid trucks.

 

[MossRoad]

It blue books around $2380 in fair condition, not knowing the options. The tires alone are probably $800. Have your mechanic check it out before you decide to purchase.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I had the same truck but it was a 96 model. Never any real mechanical issues but I got rid of it in 99. Still see it from time to time.

My only complaint is even though it was 4x4 it was the second most worthless thing I have owned in the snow and mud behind my Super Charged V8 2 wheel drive F150.

Chris

 

[SethWilliams]

It is 2wd, unfortunately, but I shouldn't have to use it in snow because my suv is 4wd and should get me everywhere I need to go. I will definitely check the tranny out well.

I would love to take my mechanic but the truck is an hour away and it's at the guy's mom's house and he can't meet me anywhere closer with it. I'm planning on buying it as long as everything checks out and then running it over to my mechanic to change all the fluids and check it out.

 

[WM75Guy]

We ran lots of that chassis on ambulances before diesels took over. They held up well even with the abuse an ambulance gets. It probably has a 4:10 rear end so don't expect much over 70-75 mph. Fuel mileage would be 12-15 mpg empty and 8-12 mpg loaded.

 

[crashz]

Keep in mind that those trucks are not the powerhouses of today. That 454 was probably ~230-250 HP and mid to high 300's ft-lbs for torque. Not exactly stellar compared to 1/2 tons of today. But the chassis is strong and durable. Just won't win races against the new trucks, gas or diesel.

I think that's the first year of the 4L80E, which is a TH400 descendant. They were know for weak reverse bands, so be careful backing up with a heavy load. Keep the oil fresh and cool, and it'll last a long time though.

 

[SethWilliams]

Well, I purchased the truck for $2k. The engine and tranny both run well. The truck could has a couple minor rust areas, but nothing to be too concerned about after 22 years. I drove it an hour home and didn't have any issues. It needs a bit of work - the speedometer doesn't work, one brake light doesn't function, brakes shimmy, door handles need replaced, and the windshield wipers don't always turn off. I'm dropping it off at a mechanic buddy of mine and he is going to take a look at those issues for me. It sure was a lot of fun driving on the interstate for 15 minutes! Pictures coming soon.