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easygo6
I have not been on the boards for a long time. Good to see ya'll. Hope I did not miss any excitement: (well I was going to name names...best leave it alone...I like 'em all ANYWAY :)))

I just bought a '96 GMC K2500. 'K' is $WD, 2500 is 3/4 ton.

It has the Vortec 7400 in it. Thats the 454/7.4 prior to Vortec. Any comments on this engine?...reliability/power versus the '95 non-Vortec (I guess). Educate me, please!!

The 4WD unit is VERY stiff in turns on the road. I locked it in on dry pavement for some short-drive shopping errands so it would 'lube-up' prior to me doing a good check-up/fluid change. I do not believe that the prior owner had used the 4WD much. I had a Ford Bronco and it would also 'pinch' on tight turns when locked in... this seems especially tight. Is it just the heavier (3/4 ton) rating? Should I begin looking for something?

1996 model, 105k miles. Appearances says it has seen 'family' use. Not 'rough/work site' use.

THANK YOU!!! Brad
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • Colt Super
    When you're locked and trying to make a turn, both wheels revolve identically - also when you aren't turning. If you are on pavement, turning, one of the wheels MUST slide. In the dirt it is not so noticeable.

    On the pavement, you should never be locked, unless you are chained-up and on ice. You can use 4WD, but not locked. Matter of fact you should avoid locking your axles, unless absolutely required.

    As far as the big block goes - it's a good truck motor, but needs to follow the factory maintenance schedule.

    Nice truck !!

    Doug
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  • Cutiegirlracing
    I used to have a Dually with the 454 and auto. I wouldn't say I was in love with the motor. I think I would have rather had a 350HD with a 5 spd.
    The 454 got bad mpg and lack power. I didn't have any machanical issues with it though.
    It did tow well, just not a powerhouse.
    I am a fan of the Surburban. I think they are a near perfect suv.
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  • GUNFUNCO
    I have a 95 K1500 with 350.

    I bought it when it had about 100,000 miles in about 2000. It now has 185,000. It has been my wifes daily driver and for hauling the kids around. It has been a great truck but we decided to get a car because of all the driving my wife does. The cost of gas was killing us. We only use 4 wheel drive in winter and not all that often even then.

    You will like the truck. I don't know what kind of mileage you will get but we get about 17 or 18 on the highway with ours.

    I'm getting a few things fixed on it so I can sell it. I just replaced the inside door handles on the front doors. The passenger one broke a few months ago and the drivers one just broke as well. If I had known how easy they are to fix, I wouldn't have waited to fix the passenger side one. You can get replacements on ebarf for about $20 and they cost a bunch more at the dealer. A buddy that owns a bump shop showed me how easy they are to fix.

    I'm going to get a couple of other minor things fixed so I can sell it in good conscience.

    Over the years, we have only had to do normal repairs like alternator, starter and brakes. I also had the intake gasket replaced last winter. It's a common thing on the 350's.

    The truck doesn't owe us a penny. They are well made and will run until the wheels fall off. I just wish gas didn't cost so much. We would keep this for another 85,000 or so.

    Our 4 wheel drive "chuffs" the tires on pavement as well. it is normal and means yours transfer case is working properly.

    We just bought a used Buick and it gets almost double the gas mileage and it is a comfortable car. I also have an Avalanche that I bought new plus a couple of Jeeps but until we got the Buick, nothing we have got over 20 mpg.

    If anyone needs a Suburban, let me know.
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  • CHEVELLE427
    been running BBC motors all my life mostly 396 and 427, 454 r strong motors easy to hop it up a little for more power they do like gas .the only one i have heard bad things about was the 496 motor. i think GM calls it an 8400. 95 and 96 are good motors some changes but both are great, easy to find parts also if needed. been told you wont be able to get a BBC in a light truck soon
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  • easygo6
    Thanks guys. I am familiar with driving on a locked axle via my experience with my Bronco. This just seemed stiffer than that...like the axle may be a limited slip or have a 'locker' in it...like Doug Wilson described.

    Thanks for the comments on the Vortec 7400 (7.4l / 454 BBC). I was really interested in that...coz I heard that 1996 was the introduction year for the Vortec 7400. I'll do a web search to find more on the motor.

    Gas...well, what can you say.

    Thanks, Brad
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  • GUNFUNCO
    Just look for the gas stations with the longest hoses.[:D]
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  • Cutiegirlracing
    I don't think you'll have any problems with the 454. My Vortec was reliable enough. I would keep any eye on the oil pump though. I hear that they are prone to going out. (don't know how true that is, so take it at that) Mine did go out.
    I got 8-9 mpg with mine worst when towing. It was -1 towing up to 3 tons. It was 5-6 mpg when you got around 5 to 6 tons behind it.
    Remember mine was a 4 door dually. A smaller Surburban may do better.
    My 4 wheel drive was great. I only got it stuck twice and that's because I ran off the road in 37 inch snow storm.
    That's one thing I miss about the truck. It would go anywhere. Dually owners will understand what I'm saying.
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  • D1
    Pictures.
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  • MrOrange
    quote:Originally posted by drjew
    Pictures.
    Here ya go:

    Sub5.jpg

    '85, old school carpetater, 12 mpg and I don't exactly baby it.
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