'96 Chevy Cheyenne 1500

[Project84]

Well I finally found and bought a truck.

I'm not even sure of the nomenclature disignated for the model yet but I think it's a "1996 Chevrolet Cheyenne 1500 2wd"

Anyway, 5.0L Vortec rated at 255hp/290tq backed by a manual 5-sp with a towing package inside a 14-bolt rear end. Not sure of the axle ratio yet but it's making gobs of power at 2,000 rpm.

I'm first and foremost looking to replace the wheels and tires with something off a newer model like an '02+ if the lug pattern will work. I believe my lug pattern is 5/5. Next on the list is the bench seat. Junkyard buckets and console all together will cost $80-100 so it's a no brainer for comfort's sake to replace them. Hoping to do the same here and update by about 10 years.

Not sure it'll be much of a FE vehicle but I'm interested in some mods like grill block, front lip, maybe side skirts.

[theholycow]

The lug pattern is different for 2002. I have a set of wheels that I'm pretty sure would fit your truck but definitely do not fit mine. I was considering reaming out the holes since it's close but that's a nasty hack.

You should be able to get decent FE from that, by full size truck standards.

You can find your axle ratio, and loads of other equipment, by using the RPO codes (printed on a label in the glovebox), and possibly by feeding the VIN into a good VIN decoder. Axle-related RPO codes begin with 'G'.

Feed your RPOs into this: http://lonestarthunder.com/m_rpo.php
or feed your VIN into this: http://compnine.com/vid.php

The VIN decoder is really cool, it does more than just give you your RPO codes and equipment...definitely check it out.

[Jay2TheRescue]

What you have is a Chevy C1500 with the Cheyenne trim package. 1/2 ton, 2wd. Wheels from an 88-98 1/2 ton (1500) truck should fit, or up to a 00 Suburban or Tahoe. I think even Escalade rims would fit, up to model year 2000.

Sounds like a nice truck. A full size truck with a 5 speed is hard to find. I wanted one when I bought The Beast, but there were none to be had in my area.

[Project84]

Thanks fellas. Yeah it's for sure a work truck that's been owned by some people with slight mechanical capabilities. 212k miles on her and it appears lots of shade-tree mechanics have been involved in those miles!

It is what it is though, I'm happy with the deal I got and I've already fixed a few quirks that the previous owner (friend of mine) kept neglecting.... like the emergency brake not working!!

Biggest next challenge will be the tune up. The spark plug ends that are visible are badly rusted so I'm hoping they still thread out nicely. Also the fittings on the fuel filter are so rusted I couldn't tell if someone had welded the thing in or not. That should be fun. MAF sensor has leaves stuck down inside of it and grime, and I found a 30A maxi fuse blown but someone had wrapped a paperclip around the spades to keep it working. That's some funny stuff! It goes to AUX 2 so idk yet what that's for.

I realized the problem of owning so many cars the other day... the fuel will go bad in them after sitting for so long!

[theholycow]

My fuel filter looked fine and I ended up having to dremel its nuts off. I hope you have better luck.

[Jay2TheRescue]

Glad to hear everything's working out so far. So when are we going to see pics of the new adopted stepchild?

[IndyFetch]

Originally Posted by theholycow

My fuel filter looked fine and I ended up having to dremel its nuts off. I hope you have better luck.

I'll bet that hurt. I would cry.

[Project84]

I could snap a few tonight I suppose. I want to get pics of the chicken strips on my bike for cat anyway plus I'll need some pics for the garage entry when that day comes.

I need like a 5 car garage. This 2 car crap isn't cutting it. I have 4 vehicles in my driveway!

[theholycow]

I'd give my left fuel line nut for a 2 car garage. My steep driveway is loose stone. I work on cars in the muddy back yard because it's kinda flat.

[trollbait]

I realized the problem of owning so many cars the other day... the fuel will go bad in them after sitting for so long!

Friend of mine once bought a 78 Newport that had sat for about 10 years. It was in pretty good shape, but the gums and varnishes from that old gas soon built up on the valves. Ended up bending one or two push rods.