TowRig.com - Diesel Discussion and Tow Tech

Hey, so I'm in the market for a new daily driver after doing an "on the trail" conversion of my daily driver Blazer to a full time trail rig.

I'm looking at an '83 3500 4x4 with a carbed big block and a 4 speed. I don't have any experience with carbs or big blocks, so any pearls of wisdom you guys want to throw my way would be much appreciated.

I don’t drive much (maybe 500 miles a month?) and this will be my “get stuff done” rig. I don’t two too often, but when I do it will be my Blazer and I will be going cross state, over at least one 7000 ft’ pass. Gas mileage is not a huge concern, reasonable reliability is. What do I need to look for to make sure the truck I buy will not leave me with a mechanical hang over in 3 months?

Thanks!

questions to ask are as follows.
1. how much mileage is on truck?
2. has engine ever been rebuilt and how long ago?
3. what do the current fluids look like? (be suspicious of brand new fluids)
4. how are the brakes? (solid, mushy, grabby, squeal, or chattery?)
5. steering? (same as above in ?4)
6. transmission? (does it shift into each gear smoothly, or pop out of a gear?)
7. transfer case? ( does it engage or disengage easy or hard?)
8. clutch? (has it been replaced recently, flywheel turned, or still original?)
9. tires? (are they wearing evenly, or do they show signs of alignment problems?)
10. any visibly obvious rust or repairs done to body?
11. all electrical circuits working?
12. weatherstripping and window seals in good shape or need replacement?
13. crawl under and check those ujoints.
14. any upholstery work needed?

good luck with your purchases. if anybody else can add please dowaytogo