Faults:
One CV joint had to be replaced about a month after purchase (bought new).
The gas gauge never reaches the "F" mark, even though the tank is full. When it hits "E" it is truly on empty.
Started to burn a little oil around 2003.
Radio stopped working in 1998.
Steel tube bumper has rusted through badly after being dented in 2000.
Bench seat covering of vinyl/fabric started ripping apart, even after always having a cover.
The vinyl door panels also have ripped from normal wear and tear.
The foam layer behind the bench seat started to fall apart a long time ago.
Vent louvers break easily.
General Comments:
This truck, even though it was a sport package model, still has a no-frills feel about it. The ride is jarring, the mileage is still really bad (about 14 mpg), it's slow off the line and it has a very wide turning radius. With 1/2 yard of gravel it's not a happy camper, but it's handled most other loads just fine.
It's saving grace is getting me wherever I need to go no matter what the weather. In CT, in was snow and ice. Here in WA it's rain. It's also easy to jump if the battery's been drained.
Though I've heard of other B2600s blowing head gaskets at about 100K, mine's been mechanically problem-free its whole life. I don't have air conditioning, which may have helped. It gets regular oil changes and the scheduled maintenance was followed. Brakes have been replaced 3 times, clutch once.
The materials used on the interior could have been a lot more heavy-duty.
This truck was retired from everyday driving in Sept. 2006 and now gets used about once a week, only because of high gas prices.
4th Oct 2010, 20:41
I wrote this review 3 years ago.
I wanted to add a very important note about this truck that I forgot to include in the original review. This truck, out of 4WD mode, almost needs the stopping distance of a semi. That means normal operation necessitates driving defensively and much more slowly than you might be used to in congested, or even slightly hazardous, conditions.