truck hunting

[slam1918]

Greetings, looking for a tips & what to look for. I'm eyeing an 87 GMC Sierra 1500, 2wd, odo reads under 100k, looks clean. Any areas to look for hidden rust, electrical issues, warning signs etc. Thanks

[Dead Parrot]

Check the emissions/inspection laws in your state. What, if any, still apply to an 87? Would suck to get a good deal only to discover you now have to spend a lot of money and hours to get it into compliance. Might be a major issue if the truck originally came from a state where they don't really care about emissions compliance.

If it is a computer truck, learn how to pull codes, then pull them after a test start/drive.

Check:
Around and under the battery box, frequent rust pit.
The front of the gas tanks - especially if they have the plastic guards. Debris can get trapped there and rust out the tanks.
Condition of the rubber hoses connecting the gas tank(s) to the filler ports.
Spare tire, carrier and jack. Often missing.
Hood hinges work easy, otherwise you wind up with a bent hood. They want frequent lubrication.

[tucsonjwt]

Pay a good mechanic to check it out. Look at the truck when it is up on the lift to check for rust and frame damage. Pull carpet back from the floor, especially at kick panel, to check for rust.

[Matt Man]

Check for rust in cab corners, rockers, around windshield gasket, behind the rear wheels and on the floor pans. Also check the steering box area for cracks in the frame not common on a 2wd but can still happen.