Bought my first diesel truck 1991 GMC Z71 6.2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

TylerH860 · #1 02-01-2011, 05:06 PM

For the last few years just about daily I do a craigslist search for diesel, and its yielded some nice MBs. I had been thinking about getting a full size truck diesel since selling the Escalade a week ago and was looking hard at a few mid 90's 6.5 turbos selling in the 5-6000 range.

I look this morning at my local craigslist and see this ad:

1991 gmc z71 4x4 diesel -(wichita)

1991 gmc z71 4x4 diesel ext cab new tires brakes leather int runs and drives very good full power needs nothing cal Don

I figured it was a high mileage rust bucket but called up anyway. When he described it to me I dropped everything and headed over to his house. 30 minutes later it was mine.

It is a true z71 Extended cab truck with 165,000 miles on it. Coach conversion on the interior with nice leather buckets and center console. About a year ago the radiator cracked and he severely overheated the engine. A used replacement (claiming 75,000 miles) was dropped in with a new radiator and while he was there rebuilt the transmission, transfer case, and suspension. Just last month before taking the truck to Arizona he put new brakes and tires on it. No rust on the body other than surface imperfections from scratches and rock chips, and everything works! The back seat has had a vinyl protector on it since new. The paint is original but very presentable.

Being the later 6.2 its spared from the problems of the early ones, and what the lack in power they make up for in simplicity and durability. With the 4x4 it doesn't even feel like snow on the ground.

The owner had 2 strokes recently and is slowing down. Big car collector; we talked for a good 30 minutes in his living room, and I have an open invitation to see his collection of 30+ cars comprised of mostly Mercurys and Hudsons once the weather improved.

Bought the thing in a blizzard. First one there with the cash.

IVIuzzy · #2 02-01-2011, 05:17 PM

nice find!

josha37 · #3 02-01-2011, 05:29 PM

I am a die hard chevy guy but... 6.2? good luck not breaking your crankshaft.

TylerH860 · #4 02-01-2011, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by josha37

I am a die hard chevy guy but... 6.2? good luck not breaking your crankshaft.

I thought surely someone would post this by the first page.

Its a later one and generally percieved as better at least from what I've read. The 6.5 have problems with heads/turbos and general complexity.

Its sort of like saying oh you got a MB 603... Good luck not cracking your head. Its a well known and common problem but blown well out of proprotion.

We'll see, I guess. Price was right if it does.

LNGfish · #5 02-01-2011, 05:55 PM

Nice find ! Can U put a BM thingy on the front of hood?

LNGfish · #6 02-01-2011, 05:56 PM

MB Thingy. ooops.

josha37 · #7 02-01-2011, 05:58 PM

Yea "better", but not good sadly. I almost bought one but the fear of being on the edge at stock power levels was enough to deter me. i hear they are great while they run though so enjoy.

dagObx · #8 02-01-2011, 06:27 PM

Congrats!!! I had two of them, one the early model in a Chevy Blazer, the other in a van. Never had any problems with either of them other than a lack of power. Got pretty good fuel mileage, too, if I remember correctly - like 27-28 mpg.

vstech · #9 02-01-2011, 06:48 PM

do you know what the Gear ratio is? my 92 has a 3.73 and it really pulls well. NO issues towing anything yet. I've driven it for 3 years now, and haven't cracked a crank

the 599 block is just great. if you don't have the bigger intake, get it. makes a huge difference in torque, and towing power.
I REALLY wish I had the extended cab... you are lucky. don't expect 27MPG with 4X4! mine's the 2500 with the TALL 16" 85AR tires...
and PLEASE DON"T PUT A "BM" thingie on your hood!

also, the fuel filter is in an annoying place under the air filter base. I liked the firewall mounted spot much better.

layback40 · #10 02-01-2011, 06:50 PM

Nice find Tyler!!
It will make moving non going cars so much easier, all you need is a good trailer.
Having something that drives like a car with that sort of versatility is great.

JimmyL · #11 02-01-2011, 07:29 PM

Very nice truck Tyler. BTW, I didn't know you sold the Sclade. Nice

It didn't take long for a Chicken Little to point towards the sky, eh?

destroy · #12 02-01-2011, 07:32 PM

Looks like she's in nice shape, but I would be weary of any 90's Chebbie that overheated. I don't know about the diesel for sure, they could be just as bad, but the cooling systems in the 350's in particular is awful. Seen plenty of them that needed head gaskets at only 100k. That constant subtle burning coolant smell under the hood (even on good runners) of those things always takes me back to childhood.

Still, $2500 for a 4x4 extended cab diesel pickup is a good buy. Sounds like you got a good deal. Enjoy and good luck.

josha37 · #13 02-01-2011, 07:37 PM

Headgaskets, thats a new one. Ive never had a problem with a iron headed 350 blowing a headgasket (or anything gm with more than 4 cylinders and more than 2.8 liters

). But ive also never seen a crank break have just heard of it. Did get to see a 6.2 that broke the mounting tab off for the starter that was sad.

JimmyL · #14 02-01-2011, 07:39 PM

Read closely fellas: The engine replaced AFTER the overheat......

KarTek · #15 02-01-2011, 08:16 PM

Nice! 6.2 makes a lot of noise but most are not as scary as they're made out to be. Make sure the starter support bracket is in place. Many have had the starter replaced and people don't bother to re-install the bracket, leading to cracked mounting flanges.