I have to confess that I'm a Powerstroke guy and I know nothing about Chevy diesels. My girlfriend however is a Chevy girl and wants to purchase a 1995 3500 2WD 5SP ext cab 6.5 turbo diesel w/88,000mi. We looked at it yesterday and I've been trying to learn as much as possible to help her. The truck appears to be in good shape cosmetically and the seller has owned it since 19,000mi. He said he used it to pull a three horse trailer and seems to have taken care of it. He said he has NOT done anything to improve the stock issues and has only done regular service, tires, brakes, recalls (?), and put in a clutch a few years ago. She wants to use it for the same purpose- to pull a three horse trailer w/living quarters. He is asking $7300. First, does this truck have the power she will need? What should we look for to see if any modifications have/need to be made? Is the price reasonable? I know I'm asking for specific help and giving only generic info but if someone can steer me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

Truck seems way overpriced. but otherwise would be suitable for your needs. If you have found this forum, it's like money in the bank.

I think thats steep for a 95. 2wd Nice low mileage tho....

price is a little high, but yeah it should be good, do a cooling upgrade, 97+ airbox, flush coolant, change the oil, check the diff, and away you go...

Do her a huge favor and talk her into a 4X4. Pulling a horse trailer that size will be a problem if she ventures onto some less than completely dry grass. Snow? Forget it. Where are you?
X2 on the price being a bit high.
Ted

I'd look into a 4x4 if it snow up your way. Trust me. These trucks in 2wd are helpless in the snow. :( You could convert the truck to a 4x4 but its loads of work and it won't be cheap unless you've got the parts lying around.

I forgot to mention that it is a dually. Does that get the price more in line? Also, I would like a 4x4 but money dictates what she can get. We are in southern Indiana.

if money dictates you could get a 4X4 SRW for less than a 2WD DRW and you pay less for tires....

good point

What is the GVWR of this trailer? I'm guessing it isn't going to be light. You can find the horsepower/torque ratings and emissions equipment on it by following the link in my sig that says "Look here" on both sides to the FAQ's. Once in the FAQ's (which can also be found in the sitckies in the forum), go to familiarization with your vehicle, then go to power ratings and emissions equipment. It would be a 95, L65, VIN F. You can also find a couple guides on buying a 6.5 in the FAQ's.

as a dually i would expect it to be an F vin RC...also as a 3500...

I've got the VIN. Which charcater(s) tell me what I need to know?

8th character

as a dually i would expect it to be an F vin RC...also as a 3500...
That's why I told him to look under L65, VIN F. :p:

What is the GVWR of this trailer? I'm guessing it isn't going to be light. You can find the horsepower/torque ratings and emissions equipment on it by following the link in my sig that says "Look here" on both sides to the FAQ's. Once in the FAQ's (which can also be found in the sitckies in the forum), go to familiarization with your vehicle, then go to power ratings and emissions equipment. It would be a 95, L65, VIN S. You can also find a couple guides on buying a 6.5 in the FAQ's.
oh did you?

it will pull it fine,but i to think its priced to high,i know of a 2000 gmc,auto,4x4,crew cab,dually,160,000 miles for $8000,also 95 ? i think,3500 chevy,,crew cab,srw,4x4, for $3000,cant remember if its a auto or 5 sp,there are cheaper trucks out there just depends on what ya want and what its worth to ya,the older i get the more i hate shifting so i would go for a automatic ;)

oh did you?

Oops. Got the RPO right though. :p: Editing now, if I can.