- Joined
- May 18, 2023
- Messages
- 6
Good morning,
I recently bought a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD after wanting a pickup truck for about a decade.
Features:
- 6.0L Vortec
- 4L80e transmission
- 4x4
- Single cab
- 8ft bed
- 244,XXX miles as of now
- Engine sounds perfectly healthy
- Transmission still shifts fine
- Allegedly the original drivetrain
Seller replaced a whole bunch of things prior to sale, including:
- fuel filler neck
- fuel pump and filter
- starter
- spark plugs and wires
- shocks
- air filter
- wipers
- battery
All ACDelco parts where possible, they were adamant on only using OEM/ACDelco parts.
All fresh fluids. It does still have Dexcool but it still looks brand new, no rust or sludge. I may do a full flush with a radiator cleaner and put in new Dexcool for peace of mind.
Tires are basically brand new. For a CT truck, the frame is in impressively good condition. Some spots are crusty, but nothing of major concern.
The emergency brake does not work - the cable looks like it split and came apart, so I've elected to replace the whole assembly. There is also a significant oil leak, not enough to put the engine in danger, but enough to drip onto the ground every time I park. It looks to be either oil pan or rear main, both are extremely common leak points for the 6.0. Though I'm not looking forward to removing the transmission if it is indeed the rear main (or rear cover). At the same time, there is opportunity for a new billet oil barbell and a new oil pickup o-ring.
PRNDL lights do not work, which is one of the reasons I suspect silver migration on the gauge cluster board. I haven't gotten a chance to properly investigate yet. I do need to get a multimeter, so if you lot have suggestions for a reasonably priced one I'm all ears.
Rides like a dream! The ride is smooth, it drives straight and the seats are super comfy. Nothing feels loose or erratic. It's quickly become my favorite vehicle to drive. It was jarring at first having never driven a pickup, you are very high up and very long. You also cannot feel the speed, 60mph feels like 30mph. I did verify the speedometer and all the gauges are accurate.
Asking price was $5900, I negotiated it down to $5000. It was the owner's son's truck, he wanted a smaller truck that was easier to maneuver, and the owner was getting back surgery and wanted something he could get in and out of easier. They were good sports and knew their way around vehicles, they were an absolute joy to work with. All the paperwork and everything else was there and lined up.
The bed is the most interesting part of the truck. Apparently, it was first owned by a landscaping company and never originally had a bed. This white one was the only one in reasonable condition that the owner could find, so they used that. Amusingly, as per their listing they said the truck needed a paint job because of the mismatched colors, but it ultimately became a selling point because I love the contrast.
I know next to nothing about towing or the equipment involved, so I haven't a clue what exactly is going on with the hitch receiver. I like the gritty industrial look of it, but I will have to be especially careful because the rails will be unforgiving if I back into something.
Admittedly I should've done much more research on this vehicle platform prior to purchase, but I was familiar with the Vortec name and was confident based on the overall condition of it.
Soon to become my daily, replacing a 2010 Honda Odyssey with a blown head gasket and a multitude of other ailments which make it very uncomfortable and unpleasant to drive. This truck is my pride and joy, and I've vowed to literally rebuild it from the ground up if I have to. Irrational as that may seem, given it's a stinky old tradie truck. But it's paid off, and it's mine.
I would provide more photos, but the truck sits back home at an undisclosed location. University calls my name, and my wallet...
I recently bought a 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD after wanting a pickup truck for about a decade.
Features:
- 6.0L Vortec
- 4L80e transmission
- 4x4
- Single cab
- 8ft bed
- 244,XXX miles as of now
- Engine sounds perfectly healthy
- Transmission still shifts fine
- Allegedly the original drivetrain
Seller replaced a whole bunch of things prior to sale, including:
- fuel filler neck
- fuel pump and filter
- starter
- spark plugs and wires
- shocks
- air filter
- wipers
- battery
All ACDelco parts where possible, they were adamant on only using OEM/ACDelco parts.
All fresh fluids. It does still have Dexcool but it still looks brand new, no rust or sludge. I may do a full flush with a radiator cleaner and put in new Dexcool for peace of mind.
Tires are basically brand new. For a CT truck, the frame is in impressively good condition. Some spots are crusty, but nothing of major concern.
The emergency brake does not work - the cable looks like it split and came apart, so I've elected to replace the whole assembly. There is also a significant oil leak, not enough to put the engine in danger, but enough to drip onto the ground every time I park. It looks to be either oil pan or rear main, both are extremely common leak points for the 6.0. Though I'm not looking forward to removing the transmission if it is indeed the rear main (or rear cover). At the same time, there is opportunity for a new billet oil barbell and a new oil pickup o-ring.
PRNDL lights do not work, which is one of the reasons I suspect silver migration on the gauge cluster board. I haven't gotten a chance to properly investigate yet. I do need to get a multimeter, so if you lot have suggestions for a reasonably priced one I'm all ears.
Rides like a dream! The ride is smooth, it drives straight and the seats are super comfy. Nothing feels loose or erratic. It's quickly become my favorite vehicle to drive. It was jarring at first having never driven a pickup, you are very high up and very long. You also cannot feel the speed, 60mph feels like 30mph. I did verify the speedometer and all the gauges are accurate.
Asking price was $5900, I negotiated it down to $5000. It was the owner's son's truck, he wanted a smaller truck that was easier to maneuver, and the owner was getting back surgery and wanted something he could get in and out of easier. They were good sports and knew their way around vehicles, they were an absolute joy to work with. All the paperwork and everything else was there and lined up.
The bed is the most interesting part of the truck. Apparently, it was first owned by a landscaping company and never originally had a bed. This white one was the only one in reasonable condition that the owner could find, so they used that. Amusingly, as per their listing they said the truck needed a paint job because of the mismatched colors, but it ultimately became a selling point because I love the contrast.
I know next to nothing about towing or the equipment involved, so I haven't a clue what exactly is going on with the hitch receiver. I like the gritty industrial look of it, but I will have to be especially careful because the rails will be unforgiving if I back into something.
Admittedly I should've done much more research on this vehicle platform prior to purchase, but I was familiar with the Vortec name and was confident based on the overall condition of it.
Soon to become my daily, replacing a 2010 Honda Odyssey with a blown head gasket and a multitude of other ailments which make it very uncomfortable and unpleasant to drive. This truck is my pride and joy, and I've vowed to literally rebuild it from the ground up if I have to. Irrational as that may seem, given it's a stinky old tradie truck. But it's paid off, and it's mine.
I would provide more photos, but the truck sits back home at an undisclosed location. University calls my name, and my wallet...
