Looking at an '87 K30 4x4 with a SM465, what to look for?
 

Hi guys,

I saw a local ad and was wondering about a 1987 GMC 1 ton 4x4 with an SM 465 and the 6.2l diesel. I know nothing about the 6.2, but I don't want a hard core pulling rig, I was looking to throw a camper in the back and use it for some backroad camping with my sons. Here's the info from the ad:

"1987 chevy silverado k30
sm465 standard trans behind a 6.2l Detroit diesel
10 inch lift on 38.5in swampers
Has a dana 60 king pin in the front and a 14bolt with a locker in the rear with 4:10's
trucks got 240xxkm (150,00 miles)and runs good, fresh oil change rotella shell, fresh transmission oil as well,cd player, gauges work, surprisingly good on fuel with the diesel/standard
wicked mudder truck just bought another truck don't need 2"

Any thing I should look out for when buying a truck like this? Any advice? I thought it was strange to see that there is a Dana 60 front end with a King Pin, I didn't think GMs had king pins in 1987, only Fords. Let me know what you think.

Thanks

Re: Looking at an '87 K30 4x4 with a SM465, what to look for?
 

Well its got to be a square body and most likely a crew cab because those were the only ones that carried over straight axle fronts til 91. Interesting combo of 6.2 and a manual trans. If its far I would ask for up close body pics but really the asking price to what you want it for is the biggie. Anything you find wrong can be fixed. A 10 inch lift is a little much in my opinion and you may find you don't want to drive it as much just because its a hassle to hop in and out but again depends on what you want it for. Like I said though if it runs and drives look at major components for leaks and "modifications". Death wobble will probably be an issue with the big tires on it. See how the lift was done, could be a rolling death trap if someone just wanted a big truck that's not really road worthy. Make sure the 60f is actually there have seen a lot of diesel trucks that were pirated and a 44 or 10b put in for resale.

Re: Looking at an '87 K30 4x4 with a SM465, what to look for?
 

Single cab. It looks rough. Way to tall for a slide in camper. $1500 offer?

Re: Looking at an '87 K30 4x4 with a SM465, what to look for?
 

Depending on how fresh the lift and tires are, it may be worth more than that. Especially a true one ton. Those tires are about $1500 new, and a 10" lift isn't cheap if it's a name brand company. He'll probably want $2500-3000 at minimum if all turns out all right.

Re: Looking at an '87 K30 4x4 with a SM465, what to look for?
 

All gm dana 60s where king pin they never made a ball joint one.Ford and dodge both went ball joint in 93 before that they both ran king pins.

Re: Looking at an '87 K30 4x4 with a SM465, what to look for?
 

http://abbotsford.craigslist.ca/cto/4763460139.html

It looks like a lot of work. The DIff is worth $1000. Offer $1500.

Re: Looking at an '87 K30 4x4 with a SM465, what to look for?
 

Taking the lift off and putting smaller tires on it would be easy. However, he cut the front fenders for tire clearance and this truck was used as a mud truck. When a mudder changes things like transmission fluid, it is typically because he swamped it and was worried that water got in there.

That being said, if this truck was for sale in wisconsin, it would have sold in the first 15 minutes for asking price.

Re: Looking at an '87 K30 4x4 with a SM465, what to look for?
 

If it runs and drives fine and not full of rust holes i would buy it.

Re: Looking at an '87 K30 4x4 with a SM465, what to look for?
 

That looks like less than 10" of lift too. I'd say 6-8". I almost cleared 38x15.50's on a 6", and he cut a lot of fender to clear 38.5's.