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Full-On 2004 GMC 2500 Diesel Truck Buildup, Part 1 - Build It!

When you decide it's time to build up a diesel truck into something special, it's time to make a plan. You can do it one piece at a time over a long period, or you can slam your way through the process in as short a time as possible. Actually, there is one more possibility and it's the one we took with our newest GMC 2500 project. 0811 8l 02 Gmc 2500 Full On Buildup Project Truck

0811 8l 02 Gmc 2500 Full On Buildup Project Truck

| Finding a good truck to use as a project truck shouldn't be a nightmare. Simply use common sense and make sure everything adds up. First, a word about buying a used diesel truck. Searching for a diesel is just like searching for any other truck with one big difference: you should perform a compression test on any vehicle you are serious about purchasing. The test only takes 15-30 minutes and you will know if you have a good motor or not. Take it from me, I recently bought a diesel and did not have a compression test done. In a matter of a couple days, I was blowing white smoke and the truck was having a hard time starting. I then had the test done, and found out the motor was garbage. A few other questions-does the mileage match the wear and tear? Compare the miles to the carpet and pedals. Does the carpet show significant wear and the truck have low mileage? That could spell deception. Next, look for overspray. When repairs are done quickly, the time is not taken to tape off critical areas. Check the inner panels, engine compartment, frame, and gaskets for overspray. Do the body panels line up? Are all the gaps equal? Was the truck used to tow? Does it have a hitch? Look at the wear of the hitch. Was the hitch installed properly, and does it have all the bolts installed? Does the truck have an electric brake booster? That can mean less wear and tear on your drivetrain and brakes. 0811 8l 03 Gmc 2500 Full On Buildup Gmc 2500 Rear

0811 8l 03 Gmc 2500 Full On Buildup Gmc 2500 Rear

| After installing a bunch of cool parts, our project GMC was looking pretty darn good. Does the owner claim the truck has "new tires" or "new" something? This is a sign the truck may have a problem with whatever was fixed. Was the item installed by a reputable company, and is there a warranty on the new item? If the truck has new tires, there could be an alignment problem or steering problem. When the seller is stating an asking price, take into consideration the cost of repairs. If the truck is going to need $500 in repairs, then use that number to negotiate. If you still have worries, take the truck to a reliable mechanic. Tell him you are thinking of purchasing the truck and ask him his opinion. Many will not charge you because they want your future business. If you have to pay, a reasonable cost would be $50 to $100 to check the truck out. Lastly, think about a history check on the VIN number. Double-check the VIN number in at least two locations too. 0811 8l 05 Gmc 2500 Full On Buildup Bumpers And Lights

0811 8l 05 Gmc 2500 Full On Buildup Bumpers And Lights

| The bumpers and lights made a big difference in the way this truck looks. If you follow these simple suggestions you should find a nice used truck. And now onto our project. Bed X-Tender Install