2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission differences between '96 and '97

[TurboSandman]

I have been truckless since my '97 burned in October. I have looked mainly for the elusive '98 12V, but as I said, I remain truckless. A dealer has found a '96 with only 50K miles that is equipped nearly identically to my prior truck.



My question is what differences are there between the '96 and '97 model years and what new sorts of horrors will I need to deal with in addition to those of the '97? I thought there was some website that chronicled the model year changes, but I can't find it now that I need it.



I am aware that the '96 had vacuum assisted brakes; any issues with that? I have seen the vacuum check valve recall; how big a problem is this?



Oh yeah, the dealer doesn't have this truck and wants a guarantee that I will buy it, sight unseen, before he will get it.



No, I am not going to do it, but I would still like to know about '96s in case I do come across a good one.



Thanks in advance for any help you are able to provide.

 

[Andy Morrison]

'96 with 50K miles? If i were in the market for anything close to that I would have to take a close look at it . I have '97now. I think '96 would have similar issues.



AndyOo.

 

[TurboSandman]

Thanks Andy, but would you write a check for $17K (firm, non-negotiable) in order to take that look? But that is not my question.



I want to know what differences exist between the '96 and '97 model years?



Specifically, are there any major problems with the vacuum assisted brakes in the '96 as compared to the air pressure brakes of the '97?



Can anyone help me out?



Steve

 

[ata]

There`s nothing wrong with the vacuum brake system but it`s just not as fail safe as the hydro-boost. With the vacuum system if you step on the brake pedal say four or five times in a short time frame (minute to minute and half) you will use up all the vacuum and the pedal gets real hard to push and hard to stop the truck. Other than vacuum brakes I don`t know of any other differences between 96 and 97.

 

[TurboSandman]

Thanks, ata.

 

[vssman]

I've never had any braking problems due to low vacuum on my 96. I can hit the brakes 5 times in 10 seconds and will still have good assist - and that's with an oil soaked vacuum hose partially collapsed. I'm not tossing stones, I just haven't had any problems or met anyone that has had as others have claimed.