im throwing around the idea of getting a 3/4 ton 6.2 truck. it would be sorta of a long term project truck. im 21 so my bugget is really limited. but i dont have a problem rebuilding a motor or doing some body work. i found one in the local newspaper.

1984 GMC 3/4 ton diesel V8, good gas mileage, runs and looks good. regular matience $1995

how is the price, to high or a steal?

my uncle was telling me today that he restored a couple of 80's 6.2 diesels and he used them as light tow vehicles and for the gas milage.

he said that he had one with a 3 speed that got low 20MPG, is this realistic for town or highway.

he also said that he had one with overdrive and got high 20MPG, are these statments true? but he said they were not good for towing due to the week trans.

here is what i am looking to do with the truck.

4-6 inch suspension lift
bigger tires
tow no more then 2000lbs
and have it get good gas(diesel) millage 20+ around town
and be reliable for many miles, and be able to climb hills at the sand dunes.


what do you guys think, is this possible?

what are some of the weeknesses/problems with these engines?

thanks for all the help
Lance

What's the body condition like? Rust is a big factor. Pics help.
I bought my '82 for $1000 and it was probably a little overpriced for the problems it had (a few mechanical problems, could really use some body work too/moderate rust). Test drive it; How does it feel? is there lots of white smoke? Smoke could indicate fuel system problems (ie. injectors and/or injector pump) and you'll drop $800 or so if you need to change those. That was probably the most expensive thing I had to change out on mine. Otherwise its a really simple engine and I like that. Nothing real flashy about it.

There was another thread posted just recently from a guy wondering if the early 6.2L diesels had any weakpoints per se, but I think he was referring to the '82 which is almost the same as the '84. Might look through there, browse around, read, soak up info, enjoy! :)

It's gotta look good, that's all I have to say. Rust is going to be the single biggest factor in how much the truck is worth. If it is rusty, the price will be going down quickly. It doesn't take a lot of rust to go from $1900 down to $200.

The second biggest thing will be blown head gaskets. Pull the radiator cap with the engine idling and look for bubbles in the coolant. Bubbles (especially if accompanied by white smoke out of one or both exhausts) means it's time for head gaskets. Time to drop another $1200 of the price...

The third biggest thing will be the smoke. If it smokes (especially if it is white) it's time to drop several hundred off the price (maybe 500 off).

Then there's all the little stuff. Starter troubles, exhaust leaks, faded paint, accident damage (or damage history), interior condition, electrical system troubles, bad alternators, a "water in fuel" light on, cracked windshields, tire condition, brake condition, and missing parts all fall in this category. Adjust the price accordingly.

If you like it and can get it for a price that seems fair to you, buy it. These are pretty good trucks. The trucks themselves are dirt cheap to repair, the engines will run for many hundreds of thousands of miles, and they (generally) get good fuel economy. Power is really the one area they are lacking in. Expect performance similar to that of a stock, emissions compliant 350 chevy. It's not going to be like a Cummins, but it'll get you around and make some really cool noises while you are at it.

I'm getting 26-27 mpg in my 3/4 ton. No towing, but some loaded driving. "your mileage may vary"

I sure wish I could find trucks in decent shape for the kind of money you all talk about. I don't know of a single one that is diesel and if its in any kind of good shape, its at least $3500 and up, way up. People around here just really like these trucks I guess (including me). I just want one w/ a 6.2 in it. I have found a decent 84 CC 4x4 for under 2000 with a 454. IIRC the same trans that will bolt to it will bolt to a 6.2, correct then I know where there is a parts truck with a pretty fresh 6.2 in it for cheap. So I have considered doing that swp and saving the 454 for a late model (67-72) Camaro or a 70s Corvette.

Sorry to gone a little astray on the topic, just wishful thinking I guess.

Best of luck if you decide to purchase. I don't really know too much to add to look for. These guys have covered the bases pretty good.


C-ya

certain areas still have good quality trucks for a good price. northwest is one area. other area they are beat up/salt damage or like my area, theres just none around.

and make some really cool noises while you are at it.

:cool2:

Yup, here in the Northwest, they're almost a "dime-a-dozen". That's overstated but you get the idea. You can almost always find one in the '82 - '86 range for under $3000. Some in the $1000 range that aren't rusted out and still run good.

This part of the country has the advantage of no road salt. That contributes to the abundance of used trucks. The surprise is, most ten year olds have 120,000 or more miles on them. Many are approaching 200,000! People seem to be "on the road" all the time.

I've searched for a '95+ Suburban and can't find one that isn't over priced and over mileage. It seems, Texas and Florida have many of them but that's a stretch for us, here in the N.W.

thanks for the replys everyone. that will defently help me out.

to bad you didnt post a few months back i just sold a sweet 82 6.2 burban

good luck in your search ive seen a few 6.2's in the local auto trader recently

just for the heck of it look at this web site. http://portland.craigslist.org/ look in the for sale punch in the search diesel or 6.2 also check seattle. found a 86 suburban myself to call on tommorrow k20 4x4 6.2 $2999 last one was a rust bucket. looked at two on my way thru to bozeman mont. this last week , they were trashed , bashed , and leaking. time is on your side do not jump at the first one that comes along ( I keep telling myself that and I'm 47)