Hello. Glad to find the site. On the fence right now as I have a 97 1500 Sierra with 176k that still runs great. Looking at a new purchase, but if i take good care of the 97, how many more mile should I expect from her? Thanks.

 

Welcome - that's a hard question to answer. It mainly depends on how you or the previous owners have taken care of it, but I have seen them personally at 300K still running good.

 

Thanks for the insight and I understand each is going to be different, but this one was well taken care of by a friend of mine. Here's what has been used and done at this point. Any insight on what to keep an eye on for next up repair work?

Fluids
· Amsoil synthetic transmission fluid in transfer case
· Amsoil gear lube in rear axle
· Traditional gear oil in front axle
· GM’s newest transmission fluid (Dextron VI) in transmission
· Brake fluid has been replaced
· Antifreeze has been changed out to “traditional green” style
· Valvoline full synthetic grease in front end parts
Enhancements
· Painless Performance “quad beam headlights” relay is mounted on the driver side fender (keeps low beams on when high beams are turned on).
· Full fogs with relays mounted on the passenger side firewall. Lights will only come on when key is on. Standard 55W bulbs in all 4 lights. Yellow fogs are awesome in the snow. Spot lights should never be used with oncoming traffic present (yes that bright)
· Model AD244 140 amp high output alternator from late model truck (summer 2009). Belt is slightly longer than stock (about an inch) Goodyear- 4060970 (Gatorback 6PK2465?)
· Airbags on rear axle (spring 2006). Passenger side does now leak.
· The warning dinger for headlights left on does not work…
· Transmission upgrades (spring 2006): Trans-go shift improvement kit for towing applications (not to be confused with a performance type shift kit)
· Extra capacity (+2 quart?) cast aluminum pan
· Second trans cooler with fan
· Pillar mounted trans temp gauge
REMEMBERED MAINTENANCE (roughly the dates off the top of my head)
· New Battery 11/2011
· New Radiator 3/2011
· New Exhaust 8/2010
· New front brakes and master cylinder 3/2010
· Variable assist steering sensor in steering column, 3/2010
· Front axle actuator, 3/2010
· Intake gaskets, fall 2008
· Tune-up – plugs, wires, cap, rotor, PCV valve, fuel filter, fall 2008
· Rancho RS5000 shocks, summer 2009
· 4 ball joints, summer 2009
· 2 outer tie rod ends, fall 2009
· Oxygen sensor 2009

 

Sounds like a well cared for machine. I would say if it is running good today, oil pressure is decent, no abnormal noises, etc I would keep it. I have been guilty (especially lately) of getting a truck, dumping a ton of money in it to make sure it is reliable, and then letting someone talk me out of it. Then the process begins all over. I am tired of building a clean reliable machine just to see someone else enjoying it!

 

Welcome to the site