[J&R Landscaping]

I was out looking tonight and came across one I like a lot. Its a 1995 Chevy 3500 mason dump. 4x4, 89k, 7.4L 454, auto OD tranny, 8.5' meyer plow, hydro spreader on the back of it (under the tailgate) trailer hitch. They seller is trying to get $8900 for it. It started great ran good w/ no noise or anything. Dump body has 2 very small holes and has some rust bubbles but is in great shape!

How many guys have now or have had this model truck? Any feedback good or bad would be appreiciated!

Link:
http://www.truckshopper.com/viewfull.asp?ID=2228041&FromSearch=Yes

 

[Clapper&Company]

I think its a good deal,

I would jump on it, I bet its a old city or township truck, which means its well serviced

The Cent. Hdy System on it, will last longer then the truck LOL

 

[J&R Landscaping]

Anyone else have experience with these trucks? I'v never owed a chevy so I'm not sure if there is anything I should be on the lookout for...

 

[Detroitdan]

the 454s are a torque monster, but they are known for cracking exhaust manifolds, have a couple spares around. They will also crack heads and blow head gaskets. They make a lot of heat, and when doing low speed work under a load they tend to get hot and the cooling system may not be able to keep up. Just make sure you have the cooling system, fan clutch, water pump and coolant flush, every coolant-related thing in good working order, and it will be a great motor. But if you let it get itself too hot it doesn't like it and it will let you know.
I've seen it a bunch of times. But it doesn't mean it's a bad motor. It's a very good motor, you just have to watch out for the heat when you are working in low airflow conditions.

 

[J&R Landscaping]

Thanks for the input!

For the most-part, this truck won't be plowing this winter. I have my f250 for that. I'm buying it mainy because its a dump truck in good shape at what I feel is a decent price!

 

[Detroitdan]

That is a sweet truck for that price. I've seen them around here for around 12k, $8900 will get you about a 1988-1991 with a lot of miles and rust. I just looked at the pics, that thing is gorgeous. I would jump on that in a heartbeat, heck there's gotta be $5k in extra equipment on it.
That motors good for 200k if you maintain it well and watch the temps like a hawk.
Buy it!

 

[Clapper&Company]

I have a 95 3500, with the 350, sweet running truck.

Thats a hell of a buy, in fact if you dont buy in let me know, I might

 

[J&R Landscaping]

I'm actually leaning against it! I went back to look at it and drive it again. The temp gauge stays well below 210 (just over the gauge between the lowest point and 210). The truck has been serviced all new fluids, coolant appears to be ok. The truck just had an odor as if it was burning belts or like it was getting hot. Just something about it that isn't sitting right with me. I feel like the dealer knowes something and isn't giving a full truthful description of this truck. I thik the reason its cheap is because it has overheated in the past.

 

[Clapper&Company]

HMMMM Not sure, I want to think its a old town truck. The way its set up.

 

[J&R Landscaping]

HMMMM Not sure, I want to think its a old town truck. The way its set up.

Thats what I'm thinking. The plow that is on it was all repainted and it sure as hell don't lift very high. It hardly lifts high enough to completely clear the ground for driving so theres now way it would cover the grill enough to overheat the engine.

 

[Clapper&Company]

I'm not sure, lol.

Did u test drive it?

 

[J&R Landscaping]

twice! Drove great, handled great. Trans shifted smooth and firm as well. I saw on another thread that the 4L60e trannies are not that good for the constant forward and revesre that is brought on by plowing. Other than that and the manifold/cylider head problem, I have not hear to many bad things about the truck in gerneal. I'm just not sure I like the vibes I'm getting from the truck.

 

[Clapper&Company]

Will the guy tell u who had the truck before?

I dont think the tranny will be hurt, being used as a town truck

We have a dump with the 454 and its a hell of a truck, Verry good Eng.

 

[niv]

Most one tons have a 4L80E tranny.I had a 95 and it had a plow on it from 0-120K before it gave out. Always remember reverse is the weak link!

 

[tinymitymo]

Looks like a good deal......

Maybe take it to a mechanic and have them look it over.....

A burning smell could be a lot of things.....
Recent exhaust work??
A hose in the wrong place?
Mudflap on the tailpipe?

Get it on a lift and check it over.... the $ spent on the mechanics time could save a lot of grief later on....or give you some peace of mind that your good deal was just that....

$0.02 deposited:waving:

 

[Jgrub75]

I have a 91 3500 with 225k on it and it still works great. That truck will have the 80e not the 60e trans in it. The truck looks like it is in great shape I would think that in this area the cheap price is because of the price of gas right now. What does the burning smell like antifreeze burning is hard to mistake as something else it is pretty unique. I also have a 9' plow on mine and it does a great job. You could always beef up the cooling system abit. The temp Gage might be because they put a lower thermostat in it as well. Sorry for the long post good luck.

 

[PDQ Pete]

They probably washed the engine. Maybe that's where the the burning smell is coming from.

 

[J&R Landscaping]

Well, I passed by the dealers lot again today and much to my surprise the truck is still there. I can't beleive for the price it hasn't been sold yet.

 

[Clapper&Company]

Buy It !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But It !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL