98 K1500 Extended Cab Z71...what would you do?

[vtsoundman]

Here is the situation. I have an opportunity to purchase for a well cared for 1998 Extended Cab Short Bed Chevy Pick (half ton). I know the full history of the truck (its my dad) and he is meticulous about his vehicles.

Specs:
- 187k miles, 4x4, Z71, 6' bed Extended Cab / 3 door
- All Original / bone stock
- Garage Kept / conservative adult driven/never offroaded
- 3/4 of its life in VA/MD, balance in AZ
- Smoker (so it stinks)
- Fully Optioned/leather/rear defroster/etc
- 90% of truck is in mint condition...

Truck Needs:
-Likely needs brake bleeding (brakes are weak, maybe master cylinder), new brake lines
-New bump stops & crank of torsion bars
-Steering is weak - may need new pump and/or idler
-Some A/C work & windshield wiper controller/motor
-Front driver seat is split / needs to be re-upholstered
-Rear springs are tired (and light duty)
-New headliner & full detail to get rid of the heavy smoke smell
-Bed is slightly wrinkled - never been in an accident, cause is unknown.
He has no idea how it happened as he is so anal about overloading his truck. I think he bottomed out due to tired springs and hit the bumpstops hard while carrying a moderate load.

My uses:
- Occasional daily driver (currently have '07 JKU manual, Rubicon)
- Heavy house remodel planned this year.
- May take it on runs to the backcountry for camping (its may be a bit awkward as I have a 16 month old - I think the carseat will fit in the middle in back) I also have a large dog. I could see getting a lightweight popup truck camper for it...

I already have a small dump trailer that I use for all my needs hauling currently - it can handle easily 3x the payload of the Z71 and handle sheet goods with ease. If I were to buy a pickup for the remodel, it would be a K2500 or K3500 regular cab beater. Normally, i wouldn't consider an older half ton because they are so under built/easily overwhelmed (needs bigger brakes, more payload, etc).

For trips, we pack very light in the jeep and will may tow a small jeep trailer for camping.

However, the truck is in good shape, would get a good deal on it...what would you do?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I would pass given it needs quite a bit of work and was smoked in.

 

[chilliwak]

Hey VTsound this might just be the truck for you. After all its your dads old truck so it has some sentimental value to you. I new set of springs in the rear is not going to kill you. Look into some slight lift BDS springs with a couple of extra leafs in it. You could probably get a cheap camper if you keep your eye on craigslist. The truck is only a half ton so dont expect to do any heavy wheeling with it. Just keep a low budget and have fun with that rig. Cheers, Chilli...

 

[Ivan]

I'd fix it up to make it road trip worthy, and enjoy it.

If you get the itch later on, just something as simple as a leveling kit and some 295/70r17's will make it look quite well and still be useful.

 

[vtsoundman]

Hey fellas...Thx for the response. Opted to pass on it. Pops can get more money for it than I'm willing to pay for it ( given the number of comprises)...And he could use the money. Wife and I went back and forth for a while on it, but rather add a vehicle that lets us all explore together. Cheers!

sent via the cone of silence

 

[chilliwak]

Ow well, could have been a cool build. Perhaps we see a surburban in the future for your family to hit the trails with. Here is to hoping you get new ride soon. Cheers, Chilli..