Considering buying a 4x4, what to look for? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**ScottH** · 03-09-2003, 01:08 AM

I have a 72 C20 and 69 C10, but considering buying a 71 K10. Can anyone tell me what to look for when buying a 4x4 (aside from the usual rust)?

Thanks.

Blue_71 · 03-09-2003, 01:13 AM

front driveshaft broke at either mounting end and front hubs are two i would defintly check

**ScottH** · 03-09-2003, 01:15 AM

Thanks for the info, how, or what, should I check the on hubs?

Blue_71 · 03-09-2003, 01:22 AM

how easily they engage, on mine they are both hard to turn and you have to engage the right one before you can the left... bad comparison, but on my grandpas f@rd, you can turn either one first and they are both smooth... on the driveshaft, a peice near my transfer case was broke and the driveshaft sit down on the x-member , it would still work though, but i didnt like it being broke

Hutch · 03-09-2003, 01:26 AM

Make sure it is in fact an original K Series truck.
Some of the earlier ones (67 68) had issues with frame cracks where the steering box mounts to the frame.
Not sure about 71's
These cracks are not easily seen due to the grease and dirt build-up in this area.
I like things as they came from the factory.
I would run all the numbers and make note of any modifications.

Have fun

O'l Buck · 03-09-2003, 02:38 AM

Check for smooth operation of the 4x4 shifter......my 90 K-5 Jimmy is hard to get into low range because someone got jerk happy and bent the linkage. I'd also drive it a little in 4 wheel drive to listen for excessive grinding or howling.

03-09-2003, 01:08 AM	#1
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,187	Considering buying a 4x4, what to look for? I have a 72 C20 and 69 C10, but considering buying a 71 K10. Can anyone tell me what to look for when buying a 4x4 (aside from the usual rust)? Thanks.

03-09-2003, 01:26 AM	#5
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,140	Make sure it is in fact an original K Series truck. Some of the earlier ones (67 68) had issues with frame cracks where the steering box mounts to the frame. Not sure about 71's These cracks are not easily seen due to the grease and dirt build-up in this area. I like things as they came from the factory. I would run all the numbers and make note of any modifications. Have fun __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

03-09-2003, 02:38 AM	#6
O'l Buck Recovering Truck Driver Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Orleans, NE USA Posts: 1,883	Check for smooth operation of the 4x4 shifter......my 90 K-5 Jimmy is hard to get into low range because someone got jerk happy and bent the linkage. I'd also drive it a little in 4 wheel drive to listen for excessive grinding or howling. __________________ 67 K-20 350, SM465, Eaton rear, 4.56 no spin option 00 Dodge 2500 4x4, 24V cummins, 5 speed Chad South Central Nebraska

03-09-2003, 01:15 AM	#3
ScottH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Hampstead, NC Posts: 8,187	Thanks for the info, how, or what, should I check the on hubs?



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