A good buddy of mine has been looking for an SUV in the $5-8000 range to use as a work vehicle, and this weekend came across what looked like a beautiful low-mile Olds Bravada.
On first glance, the thing looked perfect. No exterior rust, completely rebuilt front end, 8/32's on the Bridgestone Dueler H/T's. It was an elderly woman owned truck and it showed. Unfortunately, it was hiding a dark secret...
Being WELL aware of the frame rot issues these GMT360's, I immediately checked the rear trailing arm mounts. As nice as the truck was, BOTH upper arm mounts were 80+% gone. There was almost NO metal around the head of the bolt, one good pothole and either/both side would have snapped off.
Needless to say, the sellers were bummed but my buddy was beyond thankful that I was still in town for the holiday's and had time to go with him. Moral of the story? Always, ALWAYS do research about common issues and get an inspection on any used vehicle you may be looking at purchasing.
On first glance, the thing looked perfect. No exterior rust, completely rebuilt front end, 8/32's on the Bridgestone Dueler H/T's. It was an elderly woman owned truck and it showed. Unfortunately, it was hiding a dark secret...
Being WELL aware of the frame rot issues these GMT360's, I immediately checked the rear trailing arm mounts. As nice as the truck was, BOTH upper arm mounts were 80+% gone. There was almost NO metal around the head of the bolt, one good pothole and either/both side would have snapped off.
Needless to say, the sellers were bummed but my buddy was beyond thankful that I was still in town for the holiday's and had time to go with him. Moral of the story? Always, ALWAYS do research about common issues and get an inspection on any used vehicle you may be looking at purchasing.
