Hello Folks,

It's getting to be that time of year (winter), yes I plan ahead, but I was wondering what would be more worth my money.

I am looking to get a mid to late 90's Chevy k1500 or Dodge Ram 1500 (4x4 obv.)

Just on the fact of reliability of high miles and repair costs.

I will probably purchase something and fix it up. Thanks for your input.

 

Welcome! I have to vote for the Chevy. Actually if you can find a 1995 Chevy with manual 4X4 that would probably be the most reliable easy to maintain and work on. 1995 gives you the newer more comfortable interior, but still has the older TBI motor which even though might not be as powerful as the later Vortec motors is a very simple motor to work on. They are not so prone to have the intake and fuel pump issues like the later models either. Don't get me wrong I am a fan of the later motors as well because of the power they produce, but being in the business, have had to do much more repairs on the Vortec motors (96-00). The Dodges on the other hand seem to be really bad on gas and they have a reputation for bad transmissions and the interiors seem to disintegrate. I have also found that there aren't near the number of aftermarket parts for the Dodge as far as replacement/maintenance items which means you have to go to the dealer. We all know what that equals ----$$$$$$ Just my opinion. Good Luck!

 

Yeah, I was thinking chevy. I have an old L98 350 out of a vette sitting in the corner...it's calling it's name I am thinking it could go into this with a rebuild 4L80E and a shift kit of some sort.

Sound worthwile?

Also in Massachusetts emissions testing is only on 96'>, so if I could find a worthwhile 95 or something it would probably work out. Just need to keep my eye on craigs money's tight right now being a 17 year old haha

And about the vortec's we had an 00 escalade the motor died at 192k...wasn't the funnest thing in the world.

 

I'd also look for a GM product if you're going that far back. Good luck.

 

Yeah, I'll see what I can find though.

 

welcome to the forum

 

Welcome to the truckforums!