My First Truck - CrapCan Hauler

So, with my graduate studies hopefully coming to an end in the fall, and a move to the midwest looking likely, I decided it might be time to get something for towing/hauling my toys and tools and then thin the heard a little. I haven't had a ton of use for a truck in the past, and the closest thing I've had to one was a loaned Dodge Raider (which was neat, but not much for towing). With the move coming up, and hopes of doing more crapcanning with the Wrexus, I decided it might be time to get something. Been looking on craigslist for several months and hadn't stumbled across the right deal. Was looking for a 3/4+ ton truck or SUV and trying to keep the budget under $3k.

Last night I ran across a '95 Chevy 3500 for about half my budget that sounded like it might fit the bill. Went to check it out this afternoon and drove it home this evening.

So, yeah, it's a 2WD 1995 Chevy 3500 dually, with the turbo diesel and 5 speed manual. Needs a bunch of work (including some serious trans work - I'll probably replace it entirely), but I was able to drive it home without incident.

I'm hoping to get it ship-shape in the next month or so. Maybe even drive it up to NY to clean out some of my crap from my Mom's place in July.

Pretty excited, but I definitely have a lot to learn in the ways of big ol' American trucks. So, please feel free to lend me an useful info you guys might have on things to look out for, etc. I'm sure I'll have a ton of questions as I dig into it...

That transmission is probably rebuildable. The parts are readily available and the work is not terribly complex.

Drop it 4/6. Better gas mileage.

Tint and insulation help immensely in these trucks.

Delete the rear axle abs. Its absolute crap.

The rear cab corners will rot due to lack of drainage. Drill a small hole and spray some protection in there to slow it down.

You guys are the best - great tips already!

Nice score!

sweet truck.

you have the nv4500, the most desirable overdrive 5 speed truck trans out there. learn it and fix it. otherwise expect to pay upwards of a grand for a good used unit. i've literally tried to run and pick up any sub $800 nv4500 trucks from CL because i know i could turn a profit on the trans alone.

i probably have the missing reflector in my stash somewhere. if you need anything else put up a list i've got an extended cab 3500 parts truck sitting here.

Excellent trucks. I know not everyone agrees, but I've been very happy with the 6.5 in my 3/4 ton Suburban. I wish it was coupled to the NV4500 like yours.

Any of you guys know if the transmission in a '92 Chevy 2500 with the turbo diesel and 5 speed is interchangeable? Been searching like crazy and as far as I can tell, it is, but might have a different 1st gear ratio? Anyone know for sure?

I'd like to rebuild this trans, but have a lead on a replacement that might let me do the rebuild at a leisurely pace.

You are hardcore is all I have to say. Getting the stick is the right way to go, the 6.5TD and TBI 5.7L need all the extra power they can get and not having it get sucked away by an autotragic.

Any reason you went so big though? The 3500 duallies towing capacity with the 6.5TD is only 8k lbs... a similiar year half ton is rated for 7k lbs, will get better mileage, and ride way better.

Used to tow through the mountains to go snowmobiling in the exact same truck, but with a 454 that was hotted up and the 5 speed... it was still pretty bleh overall.

HiTempguy wrote: Any reason you went so big though?

Just because it was a pretty good deal. I would have gone with a SRW if I had found one that was otherwise similar.

HiTempguy wrote: You are hardcore is all I have to say.

Well, this is the forum for "The Hardcore Sports Car Magazine", right?

patgizz wrote: sweet truck. you have the nv4500, the most desirable overdrive 5 speed truck trans out there. learn it and fix it.

Looks like that's probably what I'll be doing. Went to go look at a possible replacement today. Turned out it was a NV3500 and they had entered it in the inventory incorrectly. Oh well. Looks like a pretty easy trans to work on at least.

In reply to JohnyHachi6:

Rebuild kit is cheap too, $150 for a master kit with Koyo bearings (good Japanese stuff).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevy-NV4500-MT8-Transmission-Master-Rebuild-Kit-1990-95-BK-308WS-/200949506410?hash=item2ec986216a&vxp=mtr

In reply to Kenny_McCormic:

Yeah, I was looking at those today. Will probably order one tonight.

Cool truck!

the half ton may have a tow rating of 1k less than a 6.5 dually, but when you put that weight behind it the dually rides like a caddy, and the half ton will be squirrelly.

my daily was a 90 454 extended cab dually for 6 years. i really miss dd'ing a big truck, even though my avalanche is rated for 8k i'd rather pull that with a bigger chassis. that's why i'm building the 3500hd tow rig.

Ok, more questions: what are the chances that this thing has a dual mass flywheel? Any way to figure out before I pull the trans? What are the chances that it's messed up too? I'm tempted to just order a solid flywheel + clutch kit (only $250 for everything shipped form RockAuto) and do all that while I'm in there... Any naysayers on doing a flywheel conversion?

I guess I could just wait until I'm in there and see how everything looks. Don't really want to have this thing sitting around immobile for a long time while the trans is dropped and I'm waiting for parts, though.

Finding out more interesting stuff. It has the 4.10 rear end and posi (maybe all the manuals did, I have no idea). Might be one of the reasons the PO just put somewhat larger wheels/tires on it. Didn't feel like it was too wound up on the highway at 70-75 mph, so I'm happy.

In reply to JohnyHachi6:

Murphy's law dictates you'll be pulling a heavy ass trans out twice if you don't.

If it's not your only vehicle, I say wait until you have it apart to order the clutch. It might have a newer clutch. You still have to fix the tranny so you'll have time to order one. Lately I've ordered parts before tearing into the repair and my assumption have been off. Leaving me with internet ordered parts to cheap to bother returning.

DatsunS130 wrote: If it's not your only vehicle...

Nope, definitely don't have that problem...

This weekend I'll probably spend a few minutes and see if I can stuff the Wrexus and this beast into the garage at the same time. If so, I guess it's no rush to get the trans fixed quickly and I can figure out what needs to be done before placing any orders.

Some "To Do" notes for myself once the trans is fixed:
- Oil Change
- Fuel system lube
- FSD/PMD relocation (this must be the last 6.5L engine on earth that doesn't have this)

Without starting a war, you guys have any suggestions on engine oil for this thing? Rotella?

What about fuel system lube? I read that it's not a bad idea to just run 2-stroke additive all the time (helps a lot with extending the life of the injection pump?). Thoughts on that?

Good quick read for new 6.5 owners if anyone is looking through this in the future and is thinking about buying a similar truck: http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/63-gm-diesel-engines/21-6-5l-diesel-engine/391426-6-5-newbies-start-here.html
I probably should have gone through this before buying.