It's a 98.5, listed in the classifieds here on the site. Auto, 4x4, quad cab long bed. It has 232k miles on it. Obviously with it being an auto, I'm worried about the reliabilty/longevity, and how it will hold up in the future. I'm am assuming it is relatively stock cuz of the minor mods on the truck. Also, there was not mention as to whether the VP44 was stock or not. Do they last that long, mileage wise? And is the 53 block a really big problem that I should worry about at this point? It's going to replace my 01 gas job if I do indeed pick it up.

If I were to get it, it would get some basic stuff like full gauges(tranny temp, pyro, boost, fuel pressure), full 4 inch exhaust, maybe some RV275 sticks and a tuner of some type. It's not gonna be a huge powerhouse, I need the room, an auto for the other half to be able to drive, and the quad cab so it's easier to access the little ones in the car seats. I will be keeping my 97 as backup, and to have some fun with.

Thanks very much in advance for any and all help.

 

Doing a search on the 53 block will open a huge can of worms as will a search concerning the VP44. I'd avoid the 53 block, but a vp44 isn't that big of a deal, just put a fuel pressure guage on it and keep your eye on it. 232,000 is a lot of miles on the rest of the truck. I'd like to see a maintenance history before I put up any money on it. Just my $.02. Kurt

 

Ahhhh, my '99 has 369k on it with original front end, rotors, drums, U joints, center bearing, I did replace one carrier bearing in the rear but did real heavy commercial hauling most of its life. I greased it reliably about three or four times in its life. Had some real issues along the way with engines, but the six speed is bulletproof if overfilled.

 

I searched them both, and was overwhelmed with the amount of posts. It seems that the VP is ok as long as it's fed fuel and at good pressure, that it's bad rep is more talk than anything. The 53 block has me a little concerned, but that seems to be a hit/miss type deal too. I'm just looking for some extra info.