Build Dad's truck, or buy something else?

765 Views 24 Replies 17 Participants Last post by shakenfake, 14 h ago

Rex O'Herlihan

Discussion Starter · 15 d ago

First time poster and not a troll, lol. Not a total newbie as I have owned several Chevy pickups/SUVs over the years. I used to be a Ford guy, then evolved into a "whatever works" guy.

Current vehicles are a 2019 4Runner lifted and on 33" tires, and a 2007 Chevy HHR beater. My dad gave me the HHR when it hit 205k miles and he replaced it with a newer Toyota Rav4.

He still had his faithful pickup; a 2004(?) Chevy Silverado 2500 extended cab 4x4 LT with the 6.0 V8. He used it to tow a 24' RV trailer to different rifle matches and fishing spots in the Northwest.

Automotive parking light Car Automotive side marker light Land vehicle Vehicle

He passed away and I have been left the pickup. It has 130k miles on it and has some issues.

First of all, a moose ran into the driver's side and dented the fender and rear extended cab area. Everything works, but it's ugly. He has a couple of other small scrapes and dings associated with an 80yr old man driving a large pickup.

Second, it has a check engine light on that he claimed was no big deal but he wasn't paying the couple hundred bucks to have it resolved, either.

Third, the interior is filthy. I don't think it's been cleaned in it's lifetime. I would take it to a professional and pay whatever to get it scrubbed and detailed.

So, it runs and drives fine and is stock, except for some side steps I added for him so he could get in and out easier.

I had been considering trading in my 4Runner for a new 1/2-ton or 3/4-ton pickup as I would like to be able to tow a camper into the woods while hauling my ATV in the bed. I currently tow a utility trailer with the ATV in it, then set up a tent in the trailer.

I need the pickup to be somewhat off-road capable. No need for a rock-crawler or anything extreme. 35's with some improved approach and departure angles would be fine.

In looking at the Chevy, I'm thinking an appropriate build would be at least a 4" lift, 35" tires, winch front bumper, and then a flatbed installed. I could then carry two ATVs side by side on the back and have plenty of clearance for obstacles.

But, I don't know if the truck is worth investing another $10k into. I don't know what rear axle it uses, if the motor is going to be good for another 50k miles, how tough the tranny and transfer case are, if the front-end can handle 35" tires, etc, etc.

So, how tough of a platform do I have for some mild off-roading and hauling? Or would I be better off selling the pickup as is and just buying either a new pickup or a different used pickup?

Thanks!

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davester3500

· #2 · 15 d ago

decode the rpo codes in the glovebox. lots of info online for how to do it, and what the codes mean. The codes include what the diff ratios are, as well as all the other options the truck was built with. That info is also useful for buying the right parts for that particular truck.

Get a code reader to see what codes are present.

I would keep and fix it. It has relatively low miles, the engine and transmission are very reliable, but not great MPG using it as a DD. Transmission is probably good for another 50-100k, and the engine well over that, assuming they both have had regular maintenance.

Transfer case also works well, it's primary issue is "gm pump rub", where a hole is rubbed in the case and fluid drains out while you are driving, but not generally apparent when stopped, so you find out it happened when it starts making bad noises. You can install a fix for it, it's cheap, but you have to remove/reinstall the TC to do it.

It'll handle the atv's and hauling a trailer, the owners manual includes a table for what it can tow (you'll have to figure out the right entry, based on the options the truck came with). PDF is a free download from GM's website.

I use a '04 3500 extended cab, cab & chassis as a daily driver, hauling a trailer of equipment around, and it does fine and has been pretty reliable, just passed 340k km (211k miles) and still going strong. I installed a rebuilt transmission at about 210k km, but only because I was upgrading the truck to 4wd, the original transmission was still working fine.

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GOAT721

· #3 · 14 d ago

id keep it. seems perfect for a camper/atv trip in the woods truck.

on a side note, a 1/2 ton could not handle an atv in the bed and a camper in tow. you will run out of payload very quickly unless the camper is tiny

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i82much

· #4 · 14 d ago

All that offroad jazz isn't useful anyway. I went from a Rubicon with the works to a basic 2500HD and I still go all the same places in the remote Idaho back country during hunting season, only now I have way more room. Clean that truck up and drive it for another 200k miles.

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tsuintx

· #5 · 14 d ago

Cleaning the truck and figuring out/eliminating the CEL aren't big deals at all. 130K miles is nothing and should have well over double that left in it if taken care of. If you can live with the dents and scraps, then why not?

Whether putting $10K in it to modify it is completely up to you. To me it sounds like a huge amount of money, but then again, it's not necessarily so if you'd need to consider buying a new(er) truck.

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MacQ

· #6 · 14 d ago

Dent by moose? That truck has character! I wouldn't hesitate to keep it if it were in good working order.

Larry-Cleveland

· #7 · 14 d ago

Keep her and just clean her up!

I few dings and dents are much like the scars on my hands. It just means that they were used as they should be.

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swathdiver

· #8 · 14 d ago

$10K is nothing these days, think nothing of spending twice that to make it into what you want. Consider what a newer one costs.

Like his guns, don't sell it. Biggest regrets are when men sell their deceased father's heirlooms, especially their cars and guns!

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Walkers

· #9 · 14 d ago

Keep it! It will go easily to 400k. It can do everything you want. I don't know what you are planning to buy for 10 grand, but that is way more than it takes to make it capable off road.

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tobyhd02

· #10 · 13 d ago

Keep it. with a little love and attention you will be enjoying a part of your Dads history and memory. that thing will go anywhere you want and meet your towing/payload needs for many weekend outings/hunting trips.

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jamesmross24

· #11 · 13 d ago

www.lsksuspension.com

99-10 GM 2500HD 2wd/4wd Race Kit

LSK Is Proud To Introduce The 1999-2010 GM 2500HD/1500HD 2wd/4wd Race Kit. Our Race Kit Uses A Set Of Custom Upper & Lower Control Arms, Fully Fabricated Spindle, Extended Heimed Tie Rod w/ Weld On Centerlink Clevis Adapter Plates And Plate Shock Towers To Vastly Improve The On & Off Road Ride...

www.lsksuspension.com

This will clear 37s if you wanted. I would build that truck. LSK has some less expensive kits.

puckdodger

· #12 · 13 d ago

I would say keep it. I recently got my dads 2011 and while he is still alive the situation is similar. it ain't entirely pretty but it looks okay from the side of the road when I'm doing 60 mph, and it's got low mileage and I'm familiar with the history of it.

Plus, it was my dad's and he ain't gonna be around forever, and he's happy that his son is taking good care of it. I got rid of a 2 y/o Ranger to move into this and I am happy to have the extra room and no payments.

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cmelby76

· #13 · 13 d ago

I would keep it and fix it up.. New truck prices are crazy and even if you put 10k into it, it’s a better deal.. Plus it was your dads and it still has a lot of life left in it…

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Rex O'Herlihan

Discussion Starter · #14 · 13 d ago

Looks like around here I could get $10k for it. With the expected $10k needed for lift, wheels/tires, winch/bumper, flatbed, detailing, exhaust,etc., I would be into it for $20k and have an 18 year old pickup with 130k miles on it. But, to buy a new one and have the same mods done, I'd be into it for $65k or so. or $55k if I sold the old pickup.

Then considering that new truck values are going to plummet while parts prices are going to continue to go up, it may make sense to just modify dad's pickup into a great toy hauler and weekend chores rig.

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swathdiver

· #15 · 12 d ago

Rex O'Herlihan said:
But, to buy a new one and have the same mods done, I'd be into it for $65k or so. or $55k if I sold the old pickup.

And it wouldn't be your dad's truck! Memories are worth more than money.

DenaliDood

· #16 · 12 d ago

swathdiver said:
Like his guns, don't sell it. Biggest regrets are when men sell their deceased father's heirlooms, especially their cars and guns!

Amen, Brother...AMEN!

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nealinator

· #17 · 12 d ago

Sorry for the loss of your dad. Do you have any more pictures you could share? Show the damage and interior?

Bradley21sanders

· #18 · 11 d ago

He passed away and I have been left the pickup. Sorry for you loss. It has 130k miles on it and has some issues. Not enough miles for that platform to matter as long as he kept up maintenance.

First of all, a moose ran into the driver's side and dented the fender and rear extended cab area. Everything works, but it's ugly. He has a couple of other small scrapes and dings associated with an 80yr old man driving a large pickup. Get those repaired and it repainted completely. 5-8k ish maybe

Second, it has a check engine light on that he claimed was no big deal but he wasn't paying the couple hundred bucks to have it resolved, either. Get this checked out first, preferably without driving it somewhere.. you can get a $20 code reader at walmart

Third, the interior is filthy. I don't think it's been cleaned in it's lifetime. I would take it to a professional and pay whatever to get it scrubbed and detailed. Couple hundred easy no brainer, do it. Get the works.

So, it runs and drives fine and is stock, except for some side steps I added for him so he could get in and out easier.
non issue remove if you dont like

I had been considering trading in my 4Runner for a new 1/2-ton or 3/4-ton pickup as I would like to be able to tow a camper into the woods while hauling my ATV in the bed. I currently tow a utility trailer with the ATV in it, then set up a tent in the trailer. do you have something other than this 4 runner and now silverado? If so sell one of the three and use for paint and body work and interior. Family member got 6k for their 07 sequoia with 230k miles as reference. If you only have the 4 runner and silverado consider keeping both if you can, I wish we had a "spare" car or something at times.

I need the pickup to be somewhat off-road capable. No need for a rock-crawler or anything extreme. 35's with some improved approach and departure angles would be fine.

In looking at the Chevy, I'm thinking an appropriate build would be at least a 4" lift, 35" tires, winch front bumper, and then a flatbed installed. I could then carry two ATVs side by side on the back and have plenty of clearance for obstacles.

I would look into a torsion bar delete and replacing with coilovers whatever lift you decide and go with a 4-6" kit for sure.

Planning to build your own flat bed? they can be quite pricey if just buying one however may be able to find a used one for this model relatively easy. Any local fabrication companies if not? They may want/need something like this. Its fun/challenging to "free hand" builds. This also makes the above paint and body price vary above. Personally I would just do the flat bed and bedline or paint it or whatever and replace the dented door and call it good.

But, I don't know if the truck is worth investing another $10k into. I don't know what rear axle it uses, if the motor is going to be good for another 50k miles, how tough the tranny and transfer case are, if the front-end can handle 35" tires, etc, etc.

So, how tough of a platform do I have for some mild off-roading and hauling? Or would I be better off selling the pickup as is and just buying either a new pickup or a different used pickup?

Personally I dont think a ton of people hardcore offroad a HD like this but what you are talking about doing this is a good platform all day. Wouldnt think twice about putting 10k into it to get it back to perfect shape.

I was in a similar situation though fortunately it didnt happen, called in the family thrice actually. I was going to sell my 09 and put all 10k or whatever I got from the sell into my dads 1998.5 dodge 2500. Paint and body work and if any left over bumpers with a kelderman level/lift. Still plan too if something happens one day.

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Rex O'Herlihan

Discussion Starter · #19 · 4 d ago

5

I've been driving the pickup to work and back and started the process of cleaning it up and fixing what's broken.

So far, I've used my code reader to learn that that codes are for the transmission temp sensor. I've also confirmed that it needs new rear brakes; metal on metal.

A U-joint is clunking, back-up light is out, and transmission shifts hard.

Dad put on a size smaller tire to save money and it looks goofy. Gas mileage is just over 13 mpg. I noticed that he had backed into something on the rear passenger side and pushed the bumper in, so I hooked a rope from the bumper to a pine tree and pulled it out.

The topper on it is rough and the back glass was replaced with plexiglass.

After driving it around and thinking about what I need, I think keeping it makes sense.

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Rex O'Herlihan

Discussion Starter · #20 · 4 d ago

I think I'm going to just do a torsion bar level, some cheap steel rims, and upgrade to LT285/70/17 tires. No lift kit or flatbed. I'll get all the maintenance done, fix what needs fixing, and maybe add a winch/bumper and some headers/exhaust upgrades. Every LS motor deserves to sound like a winner, lol.

Probably going to sell the Rav4, HHR, and 4Runner and choose one vehicle that is a daily driver and road trip warrior with some off-road capability. I really want just two vehicles. One for weekend chores and hauling, and one for daily commuting, weekend fun runs into the mountains, and the occasional road trip.

Settling on the second vehicle is going to be tough.

I was trying to find steel wheels that looked like the plain old rims from the 70's, but with the 8-lug bolt pattern, proper offset, and enough width to run the 285/70/17s. Might have to settle for the common D-spoke black steel rims, but want something more retro.

Like these...

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