96 3500 Silverado with 198,000 miles

[Speedin' Ian]

So here's the deal... I have a pretty nice F-250, CC, LB, 4X4, lifted etc., but all it does is sit in the backyard because I only use it for towing as I have another car for commuting. So my friend, who also does my heads, bought a new dually and is selling his 96 chevy dually, the only problem is it has 198,000 miles on the original motor and trans. It is very clean with a camper shell, new tires, water pump, clutch fan, front end was just rebuilt, lowered a few inches with bags in the back. The truck drives nice, everything is in working condition and I could get it for about $4500.00.
My question is how long wiil it last? It doesn't make sense to keep paying a monthly payment on a truck I never drive, but I also don't want to get stranded on the way to a trip. What do you guys think?

[Lightning]

First thought is pass on it. How many more miles will that motor have on it. If something major needs to be done, you'd probably be better off with what you have from a cost/benefit standpoint. Also, getting stuck in the desert sucks.

[slingingsmoke]

Pass it up. Drive the superduty!
I sold my 96 C1500 w/ a 9" lift on 35's with 160,000 miles for $9,200. I guess your getting a good deal @ 4,500 but it aint worth it. Maintenance will suck. Especially at that age 190,000+miles.
JON.

[hkunz]

It depends upon the equipment. If it is an injected 502/auto/4x4 it could be worth the trouble to get it and do an overhaul. If it is a small block or V-6, definitely pass.

[slingingsmoke]

It'll prob. have a Vortec 454 and a 4L80 4-speed auto tranny.

[meaniam]

It depends upon the equipment. If it is an injected 502/auto/4x4 it could be worth the trouble to get it and do an overhaul. If it is a small block or V-6, definitely pass.
i dont think i have ever seen a chevy dually with a small block yet a v6. if its a dually it is a 3500

[Jordy]

i dont think i have ever seen a chevy dually with a small block yet a v6. if its a dually it is a 3500
I've seen plenty with small blocks. Don't know about the v-6 though. Lots of the municipalities spec them out with small blocks in them. ;)
The 3500 has nothing to do with the engine size. ;)

[Beer-30]

Mine is a 98 and only at 67,000. The engine will go longer than the tranny. 96 Started the Vortec 7400 which is a great combo. The 4L80E will not go much longer. That's a lot of shifts in a 6200 lb truck in 198,000. It is basically all turbo 400 parts, but I have not seen many T400s go 200,000. If you get it, plan on a tranny freshening.

[tahitijet]

If you decide not to go for it can you get me in touch with him?

[cc322]

Keep the Ford, I seriously would never consider driving that high mileage of a truck, that far on a regular basis.

[Sleek-Jet]

You guys would shit if you saw how many miles are on my trucks... :notam:
If you don't mind replacing some parts, that doesn't sound like to bad of a deal. Just be ready to dump another couple grand in it before to long.
It's better than making payments as far as I'm concerned.