Just picked up my new rig tonight. $3k OTD. Wish it had the 454 or diesel, but the 350 will do for now. Pleasantly surprised when I looked at the RPO tag and saw it had the 4.10 LS, not so much about it being the 9.5 C clip. This is a fairly rare beast, as you don't find many 2500s advertised; this was only 1 of 2 that I could find within driving distance.


Funds are real tight right now, so she'll be parked until I can afford to start repairs.


I bought it because a similar diesel sold for twice as much recently, diesel trucks are crazy expensive even with mileage and poor condition, and it was frankly all I can afford right now. We plan on eventually pulling full time, and taking a year long USA tour in the near future, and it will work for the latter as it sits. However, before we pull FT, some changes need to happen.


The trans is shot; first one replaced at just over 4000 miles under warranty. The front end is wonky, but not overly serious (pitman and idler). The brakes are toast. It looks like a dog slept in it full time. The paint is gone. And several trim pieces are broken or missing. In other words, about what you would expect from anything of this era. Otherwise, the body is rust and damage free, and the frame is straight.


We plan on pulling a good sized trailer, and the mechanicals are in for an upgrade. I'll be sourcing a first gen 12V Cummins, along with a
46RH; converting to all mechanical powertrain. Also sourcing an 11.5 with discs from a more recent 2500 or 3500 HD. Changing the exhaust; at some point someone modified the tailpipe, now it exits 6 inches or so behind the rear tire, is angled towards the tire, and sticks out at least 6 inches from the body.


Mid row replaced with reclining captains, and a rubber floor replacing carpet. Broken trim will be replaced, faded/damaged will be restored. Bad paint will be reshot. Broken or inop accessories will be fixed. Vertical tow mirrors will replace the POS stockers.


She's not worth a lot of cash, but the intrinsic value to me is priceless. Had a deal working on a V10 02 Excursion, but it sold 2 days after talking with the guy. Got the Sub about a grand cheaper, so it worked out.


I looked at these when they were new back in the late 90s. I remember them being a lot roomier, especially behind the first row. And I don't recall access back there being such a PITA. New vehicles have gotten so much better since then it's hard to even put them in the same league. At least I don't need a ton of computers to diagnose most issues like new vehicles require.