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buying a 91 sierra - issues

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 10:56 am
by Taff
Im looking at purchasing a private sale 1991 Sierra Hardtop. It has a few issues and im wondering if they are serious and maybe i should just steer totally clear of this one.

-The transfer case is leaking oil from the front and back seals.
-Windscreen is cracked
-Timing Cover seal(?) is leaking oil.
-The leaf Suspension needs replacing. I would probably get some lifted ones.

what bothers me most is the brake pedal pulsing, could this be the vacuum pump?

Other that that the body and chassis is in perfect condition, the engine has been reconditioned by SuziSport in brisbane, brakes/water pump/radiator have been recently replaced and it seems very well looked after.

Any estimates on how much it would be to fix it all and how hard it is to change the seals on sierra transfer case? i want to do it myself.

im hoping to get the car for under 3 and all repairs done for less than 4500 .. am i dreaming?

Thanks in advance - TAFF

Re: buying a 91 sierra - issues

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 12:41 pm
by munga
Taff wrote:Im looking at purchasing a private sale 1991 Sierra Hardtop. It has a few issues and im wondering if they are serious and maybe i should just steer totally clear of this one.

-The transfer case is leaking oil from the front and back seals.
-Windscreen is cracked
-Timing Cover seal(?) is leaking oil.
-The leaf Suspension needs replacing. I would probably get some lifted ones.

what bothers me most is the brake pedal pulsing, could this be the vacuum pump?

Other that that the body and chassis is in perfect condition, the engine has been reconditioned by SuziSport in brisbane, brakes/water pump/radiator have been recently replaced and it seems very well looked after.

Any estimates on how much it would be to fix it all and how hard it is to change the seals on sierra transfer case? i want to do it myself.

im hoping to get the car for under 3 and all repairs done for less than 4500 .. am i dreaming?

Thanks in advance - TAFF
pulsing brakes could simply be the rear drums being out-of-round. cheap as to get machined.
the seals are easy enough ($5-$15ea), if you have a seal puller (under $50 from Ripco, SuperCheat)
windscreen under $200 fitted.
pay what you want for suspension.
gimme 1500 and i'd do it with change mate (theoretically. I do not want to fix your shiat ;) )

Re: buying a 91 sierra - issues

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 4:52 pm
by Boopa
Taff wrote:Im looking at purchasing a private sale 1991 Sierra Hardtop. It has a few issues and im wondering if they are serious and maybe i should just steer totally clear of this one.

-The transfer case is leaking oil from the front and back seals.
-Windscreen is cracked
-Timing Cover seal(?) is leaking oil.
-The leaf Suspension needs replacing. I would probably get some lifted ones.

what bothers me most is the brake pedal pulsing, could this be the vacuum pump?

Other that that the body and chassis is in perfect condition, the engine has been reconditioned by SuziSport in brisbane, brakes/water pump/radiator have been recently replaced and it seems very well looked after.

Any estimates on how much it would be to fix it all and how hard it is to change the seals on sierra transfer case? i want to do it myself.

im hoping to get the car for under 3 and all repairs done for less than 4500 .. am i dreaming?

Thanks in advance - TAFF
....if it's any help I paid about 4k for my 91 Tin top just before christmas. Original engine, dirvetrain, suspension etc, just RWC stock rubber, , but very tidy body and interior., it needed unis and front axle seal for RWC. I reckon given that it's got a new donk etc, and if the body is tidy it's an ok buy.

Re: buying a 91 sierra - issues

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 7:20 pm
by Taff
munga wrote: pulsing brakes could simply be the rear drums being out-of-round. cheap as to get machined.
the seals are easy enough ($5-$15ea), if you have a seal puller (under $50 from Ripco, SuperCheat)
windscreen under $200 fitted.
pay what you want for suspension.
gimme 1500 and i'd do it with change mate (theoretically. I do not want to fix your shiat ;) )
righto, is there anything else i should check for next time i look at it?

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 8:28 pm
by munga
dunno.
theyre pretty simple vehicles to work on, so anything wrong should be obvious. and used parts from other zookers is the easiest way..

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 9:23 pm
by Taff
im going to go check out a few more before i decide, and will hopefully have a sierra in the next few weeks. you guys know of and good southeast QLD suzuki clubs?

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 9:32 pm
by bluemq
nbs4x4club.com

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 9:33 pm
by munga
www.nbs4x4club.com is the biggest club around bris for zooks. i wont say its good, because what might be good for one person doesnt mean its good for another, but theres a lot of zooks in one place so its a good start.
theres a good crowd hanging out at www.auszookers.com too. not a 'club' tho.

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 10:55 pm
by Taff
Thanks alot guys, cant wait to have my sierra :D