1989 C1500

[Tinker1980]

I recently bought a 1989 Chevy 1500 long bed truck with a 350 V8 and a 5 speed manual transmission, 164,000 miles. (and a clutch that weighs a freakin' ton) Other than the plastic gears in the power window regulator stripping out, what are common problems with these trucks? It runs like it is brand new, doesn't smoke at all, and has plenty of power. Only things wrong seem to be the driver's side power window, and the clutch pedal creaks. Anything I should be on the lookout for?

[ChevyTech]

The most common problem that comes to mind for your truck is that the input shaft bearing on the 5 speed manual transmission had a high failure rate.

That transmission uses a fluid with the consistency of 5W-30 motor oil. DO NOT use 80W-90 as a substitute.

The transmission fluid that was originally to be used was P/N 1052931, but later was updated to Synchromesh transmission fluid P/N12345349.

[Tinker1980]

Thanks for your reply... I was about to drain the transmission and fill it up with the wrong thing!

I discovered another problem, however. I got out of the hospital (Yay, appendicitis!) and dear old dad had to drive my truck home for me. He told me that *something* is up with the clutch. Said it shouldn't be that heavy if it's hydrualic. It has plenty of fluid, and it isn't squishy, and you can hold it down to the floor and the clutch won't slowly start to grab. (It stays released instead of losing pressure.) It works just fine - but it is very heavy. Is this just some aftermarket heavy duty pressure plate, or do I have a bad slave/master cylinder?

[ChevyTech]

Is this just some aftermarket heavy duty pressure plate

The pressure plate could be going bad.

or do I have a bad slave/master cylinder?

Look at both of them and see if either one is leaking fluid. On the clutch master, look at the push rod area. If you find a fluid leak you have found a problem part.