Currently a 3rd gen'r looking to trade down on a 2nd gen. I REALLY want a nice old 12v, but there is only 1 around here and I may have difficulty getting an auto loan for something that old. Did some more browsing and found a pretty nice looking 02. Miles seem about avg to me and the truck looks clean as heck. Here it is, let me know what you think about the price/miles/condition and what should I look for if I go see it?

http://www.performancegmctrucks.com/...=&FilterMake=0

Here is the 12V in my area that im gonna take a ride and see today. Also, if anyone knows any online financing companies that are willing to finance older vehicles, let me know cause the banks around here wont touch em with a ten foot pole. Mileage isnt listed but i'll find that out here shortly. BTW, how are the auto's in the 12v's?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ce=&cardist=13

 

Your links didn't work for me...sorry. The automatics in the 12v trucks was awful...however, because they are simple and not much computer junk, they're very workable with aftermarket goodies...figure on $2500-5000 parts/labor to make it into something you'd like.
BC

 

Links are fixed now, sorry.

One of my main reasons for wanting a 12v is the simplicity of them. I like the 24v's but im scared of the disasterous VP pumps. Would there be anyway to tell if the pump has been repaired or fixed, if the dealer doesnt know the history.

 

Is that 1st truck in ohio?

 

Go with the first truck buddy! It is absolutely imaculate!!! 117k on a 12 valve is nutin. It is an extremely clean truck from the pics.

 

Scrach all of that! I didnt even look at the yrs of the individual trucks. I'm such a dummy.

 

Deere, the VP44, if replaced, would probably have a decal on it that reads, "reman"...you should be able to see the decal by leaning in over the motor on the drivers side and peeking behind the black plastic cover.
Both trucks look like sweeties...the 02 will drive much more 'modernly', but I'm with you on the simplicity of things....if you want to run bio at some point, then the 97 is probably a better choice. Again, budget a gearbox at $2500 or so and hammer them on the price. The 02 has gobs of power and the 6speed is sweet....tough decision!
BC

 

Thanks for the replies all. I went and did a looksie on the 97 on Sunday and to be honest for an older truck, that thing is CLEAN! Not a drop of rust anywhere, even the frame only had some very minor surface rust. Body and paint is immaculate! The only thing I did see is there was some pretty good leaks coming from around the oil pan. Could be possibly a rear main seal, im not sure if these trucks are prone to it, but my old ford was. The mileage on it was 160,xxx

On the 02, how reliable are the VP pumps? Are they really as bad as they seem? How much to replace one if it takes a poo? What do you guys think of the mileage and price for it?

Thanks again all.

 

Yeah, says its about 50 miles from me. Anyone close by care to do a drive by for me?

 

i go pass that dealer every day to and from work i deal with them for parts for are duracrapers at work there trucks are usually in good shape..

 

Thanks Jive, I might just give em a call.

Should there be any reason not to buy a 24v? A little worried about the pump, but ive been reading and they seem a little hit and miss. Anything else about them that is better or worse than my 06?

 

Nice looking truck. Check other sources for truck prices like KBB and edmunds.com. Have fuel pressure checked and get gauges in, and the 02 is a good year for 2nd generation. If it looks good, drives good, and checks out good the price don't look to bad. I owe more on my 02 3500, but I purchased it a few years ago with only 9K miles on it.

 

The vp44 pumps are known for failing due to improper fuel flow due to failing lift pumps. The lift pumps were junk & should be upgraded immediately for longevity. The vp44 can be replaced if it were to fail for around $1200 new. The lift pumps can range from $109 Holley Blue to $499 Airdog.

 

I hear bad things about them. Not good people. They may have changed since then though. they do sell a lot of diesel trucks. They aren't too far from me.

 

ive had my vp44 powered 24v for 4 years now. i would not even think about letting it go. its funny how the poor little vp44 gets so much bad rap. i know it has its failures but i believe with the better lift pumps out there, the pump has increased its life span by a huge percentage. even if the pump goes out once every 3 years, its costs 1100 bucks for a new one. so, the way i look at it is pay 1100 once every 3 years or go out and buy a new truck for $40,000. plus its nice to have the power adjustibilty of a chip.