Chev/GM experience

[Euro_Trash]

So the girlfriend is looking to go back to a truck. We are looking for something for just everyday driving, with 4x4, mostly for general hauling (quads, sleds, etc)
We have been looking at a 1997 GM 1500 Z71 which looks pretty good, and for a good price.
I was just wondering what you guys could tell me about these trucks, good and bad. Also, what are the years that look the same as the 1997's (for both Chev and GM).
Thanks for the help

[pepschnops]

I had a 1998 Chevrolet 1500 Z71 Extended Cab and it was a great truck for the short time that I had it.
A couple of the things that I really like about this truck were:
-Big Comfy Seats that were great for long trips
-Fuel Tank Capacity of ~100 litres which I averaged about 550km per tank combined highway and city driving.
-For me the truck was unbelievably reliable
Bought it with 200,000 kms and sold it when it had 212,000 kms and never had one problem
-Great for pulling my quad trailer that had a capacity of two quads.
-Unbelievably Solid
-Great in both winter and summer

The key is finding a truck that has been serviced reguarily. The guy I got the truck off of serviced it every 5000 kms and made sure it was done right.
I am a bit biased as this was my first truck but I never did have any problems with it.

The body style changed in 1999 but I believe they kept the same 5.7L vortec engine.

Good luck on the purchase!:thumbsup:

[Sharpie]

Check for leaks mainly oil cooler lines they are prone to go on these trucks. Besides that the '97 are great years and like said above try and get service records to see if it was serviced regularly.

[Graham_A_M]

Extremely reliable, My dad has a 1995 Silverado for a farm truck, 200k and still has yet to have one stitch of trouble. Gobs of torque (its nuts really) and TONS of pulling power, good fuel economy if you have not-so-aggressive treaded tires (about 22mpg on the highway) Stock stereo isn't the best though, but what do you expect for a truck?
Parts availability is great. :)

[Euro_Trash]

Well with these great reviews, then I am liking this idea! If anyone has one for sale or wants to trade for a Golf+Cash, check Marketplace or IM me!!

[luv2xler8]

Man i have a 96 Gmc (diesel) but same style truck and i wouldnt trade it for the world.... i luv it even my buddies with the small v6 isnt bad but the v8s still have lots of pulling power and are fun to drive... one thing to look for is like previously stated the oil lines tend to fade away fast on them once they hit about 200,000.... but go for it they are awesome... no porblems with mine exept i waste to much gas driving it to much

[Euro_Trash]

How much is it to replace the oil lines? (roughly)

[Sharpie]

Originally posted by Euro_Trash
How much is it to replace the oil lines? (roughly)
They are roughly $150-200 a piece, but if you get a truck and need them I can get you a good deal on a set.

Also how much are you looking at spending on a truck?

[Euro_Trash]

Without a trade probably 9 or 10.
With a trade hopefully 4ish

[Graham_A_M]

^ I never heard of the oil lines going on them... strange :dunno:

[JeepLuvr]

The oil lines start to leak after a while they become brittle and can become damaged. My 1994 4.3 Vortec had issues but my 97 I drive today never had any issues.

You can't go wrong with these great trucks.

[mikeleb1]

YGPM

[ninspeed]

It was the oil lines on the 4.3l that has issues, if you buy the goodyear lines, they will not leak from the same issues the delco replacements had

[barbarian]

Originally posted by ninspeed
It was the oil lines on the 4.3l that has issues, if you buy the goodyear lines, they will not leak from the same issues the delco replacements had

Also, the 4.3 Vin code "W" engines are practically guaranteed to need the injectors replaced.