Hey Scotty,
I'm looking at a 1997 GMC Sierra K1500 with 153,xxx miles. The seller had something like 24" rims on it, before driving an hour to see it & paying a tech to check everything out I just want to make sure that the transmission/tranfer case aren't in serious jeopardy of being cooked.
The guy wants $4k (I'm gonna try for $2500 since there hasn't been any major powetrain replacement), it looks decent but I haven't been able to check the frame yet, being in Mass it could be toast.
Here's a picture of the truck so you can see how overboard the wheel size was, it looks like it may have been well cared for body wise(or repainted) but the wheels possibly doing driveline damage is bugging me:
Thanks,
Russ
On a truck like that bigger wheels should not cause any sort of issues in trans or driveline. Plus side I would say since it had rims like that on it the suspension is probably better off cause it most likely wasn’t off-roaded or hit to many potholes
judging from the tow hook and ripped skirt, it didn't stop him from going off road.
Definitely missed that whole link on the bottom haha my bad didn’t see pictures @mountainmanjoe
Your offer if it checks out is ok, but I would really look for repaint and lots of bondo...i doubt if he will take less than 3500. Wheels are not big issue, but old truck Nd transmission issue also a concern
Use of oversized wheels definitely puts greater stress in the trans and drive lines. It changes the actual gear ratio to something it wasn't designed to be. I'd have it thoroughly checked out be for going ahead. Also, check for speedometer error because of the oversize wheels.
those trucks were often offered with several different gear ratios, ranging from 3:1 to 4:1
The rims are taller, but the overall diameter of the wheel doesn't look that much bigger than original. If the size is within a few percent of original, it's not a transmission concern. If it's more than say, 8% different, then the transmission controller would have to be programmed for different shift points. But tires that big wouldn't even fit on there and would be rubbing.
Low profile tires are stiff though, so the suspension might be pooched.
Definitely get a closer look at the bottom of the rockers panels for rust though.
