Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) should we buy a 1998.5?

[WPierce]

From what i hear the first year 24 valves have issues. i dont exactly know what. we put a deposit on one and now i need to know the major problems. I dont want to buy a truck and spend another one or two thousand to repair something we could have avoided. the truck only has 70,000 miles on it. any help would be appreciated. the sooner the better please. we are supposed to pick it up friday.

 

[gonehuntingagain]

Check the fuel pressure first thing and replace the lift pump if needed. If the dealer wants to replace the lift pump, they will probably do the retrofit and install the in-tank pump (the jury is still out on if these in-tank pumps are worth a darn, but you can still get the regular pump for about $160).



Install a FP gauge in the cab ASAP.



Check/retain the KDP - some of the old style covers made it to the 24V.



I am not sure what years the infamous "53" blocks were used.



Other than that, just some wear items like the track bar & ball joints.

 

[foolkiller]

if i could start over and had to opt for that year, i, personally, would get a '98 12 valve.



to answer your question.



if you stay stock... ... the only issue you'd find yourself worrying about are lift and injection pump failure which could be pretty much avoided with an upgraded lift pump (which would "save" your injection pump) of which there are many ways to go from $100 to $400. you may wish to do some minor transmission mods even on a truck that's going to stay stockish.



if you build a power beast you will be buying upgrades/repairs indefinately.



also, there are some block cracking issues with some of this truck. do a search for "53 block".



what kind of shape its in now and what you plan to do with it in the future are going to matter most. if you keep loads hauled within the designed limits, which many do not, this truck may last a really long time.



there are many folks who leave their trucks stock and take good care of them and have no issues.



i've not suffered any of the "common" issues people discuss about this truck but i fret about them. i've considered selling it based solely on paranoia.



i do wish i kept the engine stock and only upgraded the transmission, brakes and suspension.



one thing is for sure, all considered, this 98. 5 should be a big improvement over that '82 gmc.



you know a used truck is a gamble... . *****, a NEW truck is a gamble!!



good luck, jeff

 

[RCook]

My 98. 5 has 103k miles on it, towing a heavy boat or a travel trailer 2/3 of the time, all over the mountains and up to Alaska. It runs like a top.



I've replaced the shocks, lift pump, track bar (several times now, on NAPA's nickel), added a DSS, and fixed the @#$&*! fifth gear nut. A great truck.

 

[Hohn]

I wouldn't buy the first year of a vehicle's production from any maker or any model... . that's just me.

There's a reason I bought a leftover 02 instead of an 03, even though the 03s have the HPCR that I wanted.

I prefer "the devil you know... "

 

[RustyJC]

I wouldn't buy the first year of a vehicle's production from any maker or any model... . that's just me.



I prefer "the devil you know... "

Amen! That's why I intentionally ordered a 2002, knowing it was the last model year of the 2nd generation trucks. Logically, therefore, it should be the most thoroughly debugged of the 2nd generation series. My truck has never been back to the dealer for anything.



Rusty

 

[Tom W]

I bought one of the first 24v 98. 5. The injection pump was replaced under warranty at 22K miles. I started bombing at 45K miles and had to get the trannie upgraded. I now have 144K miles and the trucks is running better than ever. I have over 400 RWHP and have not had any other major problems. Buying any new or used vehicle is a gamble so check it over and if it looks good, go for it.

 

[WPierce]

alright guys thanks i think we wont go for it then. . my grandfather is mostly going to pull a toy hauler with it and i dont want to have to go out if he gets stranded because of a cracked block. thanks for all of your guys input it really helps stopping problems before they start

 

[MAleksandrowicz]

oh my god!

 

[SKargo]

My 98. 5 has been one of the most rock solid vehicles I have ever owned. Mine has 97K miles, and is on it's stock trans and original VP44.

Tomorrow, 100 hp injectors go in!