A quick history....

I drove a '96 GMC Safari untill premature bearing failure left me screwed. Always had the seats removed for hauling surf and music gear, plus the occasional van party/shag. It was perfect except that it wasn't 4x4, AWD yes, but that doesnt really help plus it was relatively bad on gas.

So now I'm looking at diesel trucks becuase of the durability and fuel economy. I'd like to stay with GMC/Chev (Well actually I'd prefer Toyota, but they dont make what I need), but I'm pretty green when it comes to knowing trouble spots. I'm a bit of a home mechanic, but never worked on a diesel.

I want a crew cab long box, but I find those pretty rare, so I'll settle with an extended cab long box. I'd also like a mid to late 90's, but would consider an early 90's. I don't want to spend more than $10,000cdn, but can spend up to $15,000cdn. Oh yeah, front and rear lockers would be nice, but I haven't seen any with em so I'll probably have to add those later.

Now I've learned about the Injector Pump issues on these engines post '94 is it?? But other than that I'm not sure what I should look out for or stay away from.

The main use of the truck will be first a trip down to mexico. So I gotta make sure I don't breakdown in the middle of the desert and die, or get robbed cause I gotta leave it to find help. If it makes it thru that, then I'll hang onto it and use it back home.

So I'm looking for some opinion, help, ideas and tips for my situation. For what its worth I live in Vancouver Canada

Thanks

Quite a number of "North of the Border" members here can give Canadian perspective but in meantime couple of threads for you to take a look at:

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39200

http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?p=659254#post659254

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28300&page=1&pp=10

Great links thank you!

So I'm just wondering, from my preliminary search, seems like with the 6.5, heat is the culprit to many of its core and component failures. Maybe fundementely this engine is not the best one to take into the tropics?

Obviously an intercooler and a PMD cooler would make things better, but is that all I can do to reduce heat?

Seems like an expensive fix, but I can do without an Intercooler unless that is highly recomended for the tropics?

unless you'll be towing or wanting gobs of power i wouldn't bother with the intercooler. But pmd re-locater for sure. you could also upgrade to a duramax fan and clutch for heat issues. also take a look at the fsd coolers at ss diesel supply they've got decent prices and good stuff

unless you'll be towing or wanting gobs of power i wouldn't bother with the intercooler. But pmd re-locater for sure. you could also upgrade to a duramax fan and clutch for heat issues. ...
x2

From my own experience I can tell forget about relocating the PMD anywhere underhood.
Go outside engine bay and you'll be sure to get a healthy FSD for a "lifetime".
on 1994-1995 year truck cooling mods such as double T-stats should help too.

Have a look at the rad too and take the time to clean it. Last time I did that, I was really impressed : it was like an all family bird was nesting between the Rad and the coolers.