Buying tips for a 4x4 newbie?

[ScottH]

Going to look at an 84 3/4 ton 4x4 near me sometime this week. Never owned a 4x4 so not sure what things to check out/look for. It's a sb, auto, with plow. Any suggestions, recommendations, or "watch outs" would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[see ten]

Look for cracks in the frame around the steering box.

[Blazer1970]

I guess you intended "sb" to mean small block? There is no such thing as a 3/4 ton short bed. I usually get it on the dirt somewhere and make sure that the transfer case and front axle are working correctly, and that the gear ratios match if it is something that may have been screwed with.

[LONGHAIR]

Snow plows are very hard on the truck for several reasons.
First is just the fact that the thing is hanging there....extra weight, beyond what it was really designed to handle.
Then is the snow/salt/slush that causes more rust than you would get on an average truck in the same area. This is more frame/undercarriage/suspension rust not necessarily the body itself.
Next is driver abuse....Transmissions over stressed and poorly shifted. Frame and suspension abused by hitting curbs, rocks or cracks in the pavement.

An 84 model truck probably had "automatic locking" hubs. They are generally junk even on a street driven 4x4 they will not stand up to a snow plow. They should have been replaced already.

In general.........buyer beware. Look even more carefully than you normally would. Many 4x4s get abused pretty badly and snow plows are worse.

[ScottH]

Thanks guys. Will probably check it out tonight.

[Hoods69BadBowTie]

Yeah, I would take it out in the dirt or somewhere and try out the 4x4 and check the transfer case and put it in 4 high and 4 low and drive it backwards and forwards to make sure its all right. Check out how the suspension looks if its been lifted. Also checking the frame around the steering box would be a good idea.
-Later

[LuckyLightning]

So what happened? How'd it look?

[44th Miss Inf]

Chevy did make a 3/4T short bed in 87, though it was special order. I had 2 friends order them. They were both 6.2 w/ 4 spds.
As to the automatic hubs, they are not that bad, I have been running them on my 3/4T 4x4 for years. The problem most people have is TOO much grease in them. I also service mine about every 1-1/2 to 2 years. Alitlle more work, but I have never broke one, and I don't get my feet muddy.

Just my .02

[LONGHAIR]

As to the automatic hubs, they are not that bad, I have been running them on my 3/4T 4x4 for years. The problem most people have is TOO much grease in them. I also service mine about every 1-1/2 to 2 years. Alitlle more work, but I have never broke one, and I don't get my feet muddy.

It may work in Mississippi........not in Ohio (or New Jersey either) the cold causes problems. Plus they will never survive on a snow plow equipper truck. All they need is to "partially enguage" and hang-up one time and they are dead. They are not quite as "fiddley" as the internal parts of a Gov-Loc differential........but still not one of GM's better engineering marvels.

[ScottH]

Thanks guys for all the great info. I passed on the truck, it was a beater someone tried to pretty up. Basically a POS with a paint job. But still lookin and learning, no hurry.

Thanks again to all.