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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

1994 c3500 W/ 454?

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Scott

12-10-2003 11:01:06




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Howdy all,
I've got a chance to pick up a 1994 Chevy C3500 dually 4X4 W/ 454 gas and 4L80E tranny.

One owner, spent most of it's life towing a 32' gooseneck camper from Idaho to Arizona and back every winter. 91K miles, exterior and interior spotless. 6 new tires included for $9,000.00.

Any known issues with this rig?

I've got a 19' gooseneck trailer I use for hauling tractors, my Bobcat etc around locally.

Any input/opinions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Scott

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Rich

12-13-2003 18:51:23




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 Re: 1994 c3500 W/ 454? in reply to Scott, 12-10-2003 11:01:06  
I say it sounds good. Price varies according to the condition of the truck. My '83 Suburban pulls well but only gets 9mpg unloaded and drops to about 6-7mpg when towing the big trailer(28' toy box weighing out about 10k when loaded). It has the 454/400/3.73 combo which seems quite durable. I did over haul the engine right after I bought it and added a trans cooler. It does use a little oil but the engine only has about 10k miles so far and I really didn't give it a chance to seat the rings as I went to towing a trailer after about 20 miles of break in. I wish it were equipped with the OD trans or maybe the Allison. I'd love to pick up some mileage but really can't afford to make any mods right now. Over all if you can stand the fuel mileage it is a great towing machine. Good luck.

Rich

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michael

12-11-2003 07:16:23




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 Re: 1994 c3500 W/ 454? in reply to Scott, 12-10-2003 11:01:06  
Scott, I think the truck you are speaking of sounds like a nice one and seems to be reasonably priced if it has been well kept. If you do purchase the truck you might also want to invest in the Exxon Mobil corporation or some other oil refinery. All kidding aside, my dad usually gets 10-12 mpg in his 93 big-block. It has been a very good truck and he is very satisfied with it. If you like the truck, i would say go for it. Just my opinion.

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BIG WOOD

12-10-2003 17:24:14




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 Re: 1994 c3500 W/ 454? in reply to Scott, 12-10-2003 11:01:06  
I have had several big blocks in past years. Dont be afraid of some oil consumption. I work mine very hard with no problems. Currently run 502 with Allison trans. pulls like a mule. Bring on the power jokes & cinnemax oil burners.



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OK-AL

12-10-2003 17:21:00




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 Re: 1994 c3500 W/ 454? in reply to Scott, 12-10-2003 11:01:06  
Hi,

I purchased a '95 Chevy 2500 with 4WD, 454 and 4L80E a couple of years ago. It was real low mileage ( I have 78,000 on it now). Absolutely no problems at all. The first owner had a 5th wheel hookup on it. Don't know what he towed.

The best mileage that I get is 12 mpg, but I figure that the 4WD takes about 1-2 mpg.

By the way, the owner's manual states that you should NEVER tow in overdrive.

Just my $.02

OK-AL

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Mike

12-10-2003 16:10:20




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 Re: 1994 c3500 W/ 454? in reply to Scott, 12-10-2003 11:01:06  
I've got a 96 4x4 big block dually with an automatic. I pull a 38' gooseneck with it and have had no problems in 235,000 miles.I did install a super cooler for the trans and usually pull in OD except in city traffic or on a long hill. Engine and trans have never been touched other than 3000 mile oil changes and 12,000 mile trans services. Mine averages 12-13 empty and 10-11 loaded at around 65 mph. The price on the one you are looking at isn't bad if the owner has kept up the maintenance,sure beats $30,000 for a new one that won't pull with the 454.

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Allan

12-10-2003 16:05:27




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 Re: 1994 c3500 W/ 454? in reply to Scott, 12-10-2003 11:01:06  
Scott,

Don't be afraid of that tranny. It is a monster; just a 400, but overdriven and electrified. They put that guy in some very heavy rigs.

Only weak spot on the truck is to keep the distributor vent clean and a throttle body gasket once in awhile.

Nice big horse, but like the other fella said, 10 MPG usually, depending on rear end ratio.

Allan



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Big Ed

12-10-2003 14:50:00




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 Re: 1994 c3500 W/ 454? in reply to Scott, 12-10-2003 11:01:06  
I bought a 1995 C-3500 Single-rear wheel w/454 about 3 years ago.It was a high mile-one owner.It had done some "bumper towing" but no goose-necking. I put a gooseneck hookup in it and now @ 200,000+miles nearly all my miles have been put on it pulling goosenecks. I pull in 3-rd gear {opposed to overdrive.I run some same routes that I pulled the same trailers with a 350 and can REALLY tell the diffrence with the bigblock.Does very good,have had no problems.BUT.....about 10 miles a gallon is my average when loaded. I feel that some parts I've bought were higher for the 454 than the same for a 350 would have been.I know you didn't ask, but the $9000 seems a bit high to me,but I don't "follow" truck prices close any more.

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jailkeeper

12-10-2003 14:41:58




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 Re: 1994 c3500 W/ 454? in reply to Scott, 12-10-2003 11:01:06  
Buy a 100 gal. fuel tank and put in the bed, you'll need it with that 454. I don't know about the tranny, the autos aren't real reliable pulling heavy trailers.



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