Im 16 and dont have limited funds. I want a Chevy truck and does anyone know what models and years are the most reliable and good vs. which models and years to stay away from. I want something with a 350 or is the 305 enough. Not efi. What is good before 1995. I would not like to spend more than 4,000 and need a reliable, decent truck.
Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I have a couple of questions before I answer your's. Do you want four wheel drive? Do you plan on hauling anything of size?

 

Thanks for the welcome, this is a great forum!
Yes 4x4 is a must. I live in New England and with the snow and ice i will need it cause i will be pulling a quad or two in the summer, mabey a boat, and mabey pulling a snowmobile trailer with 2 or 3 sleds. Probally not really that much pulling though since i will just throw it in the bed. And mabey the boat 3 or 4 times all summer.
Thanks.

 

I would look for a 85-87 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton, depending on the size of your boat (better go bigger if the boat is)
You stated that you didn't want EFI. Why??? I had one for 10 years and it was flawless. Carbs are more trouble and maintance in the long run. Look for a least a 12 bolt rearend, a 14 bolt would be the best. You can get away with the wimpy 10 bolt in the front if you aren't a hard core wheeler and just need 4x to get through normal conditions.

 

ya i probally wont be doing alot of the hardcore wheeling- too much money for broken parts. I just figured i would stay away from efi since then it is just carbs and isnt it eaiser to work on carbs and dont they have less problems? So how bout a 89 silverado 350 4x4 short bed with a 5 speed for 2,800? does that seem good if its in good shape?
Or would a 1984 chevy 4x4 4 speed, 8' bed for 1,750 be better?
I know you dont know the condition , but assuming they are both in the same good condition which would be better?
The 5 speed is better on gas right?
Thanks for all the help.

 

it seems that all the 85-87 chevys in my area are eaither beat, wicked rusty, or need a ton of work.

 

The '89 has independent front end correct? I'm an 'ol straight axle kinda guy[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

The decision is your's my friend. I like the older 84 but the newer 89 will ride smoother and probably get better gas mileage. I still think the 84 would be a better truck for working

 

keep your eyes open for a 96 or better with the 350 vortec

i got one in 2000 for $5000

never know

 

what ever you do don't get a 305 its a pig and uses just as much gas if not more than the 350.

I'd get carb the engines are soo much nicer to work on than EFI or TBI (chevy) Which isn't all that bad because all it is is a glorfied carb is it. I love the Quadrajet carb thou when you open up the secondaries man you know it.

I had a 79 GMC heavy half ton 4spd and i love it.

 

You need to look into getting one from the south, or west if I were you. Problems are this, your budget limits you to older vehicles. New England w/ it's snow/ice and salt is hard on vehicles. You may luck out and find a cherry that's been immaculately cared for or left in the garage in your area, just be patient. As far as when things break and you want to fix them yourself then your probably wanting 84 or older (I think they went efi 85, don't quote me). If you could find an early 90's s-10 (4.3 ONLY) then you should be able to find one in decent shape in that price range. A 4.3 S-10 or 4.0 Ranger will haul two quads or sleds easily, but I don't know how big your boat is. I know markets vary, but finding a 4x4 in decent shape for ANY year is $3000, and that's rare. Good luck in your search. Me personally I'd be looking at 77-80, but availability of parts becomes an issue which is something you need to look into as well.

Edit: I know he said Chevy but I couldn't resist plugging Ford, sorry to all you bowtie diehards. Secondly, even if it's a 2005 truck you can always convert it to carb if the intake is available, and converting isnt that difficult. It just depends on what all you want to work as far as computer/gauges go. An intake/carb combo should be able to be had for $500 in new condition (a few other things must be done, but that's primarily it). Just something to think about.