I'm going to purchase a used T100 4x4. I would like the '95-98 so that I can get the 3.4L V6. I'm looking for advice on what to look for when buying one of these trucks.

1)I've heard about the head gasket recall. Which years are affected? I'm assuming that I can call a dealer with the VIN and have him check if the recall work was done. I own a '90 4x4 with 3.0L V6 that had a similiar recall. I never had a problem but they replaced the head gasket, rebuilt my whole lower half of the engine, and gave me a rental car for free. Didn't pay one cent. I would like to know more about this recall. Did they have a lot of problems, etc.

2) I've heard about the clutch bracket breaking. How can I tell if it has been fixed with the upgrade or if it is about to break?

3) I've heard about the seat belt retractor and that doesn't bother me. Is there anything else that I should be looking for? I saw something written about the rear axle mounts but I'm not sure if this was a one time thing or a real problem. Anything I should look for would be a real help.

As stated above I own a '90 extended cab 4x4 with the 3.0L V6. The T100 seems to have very similiar features in a bigger package. Hope to find one soon. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Shedman

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans"> 2) I've heard about the clutch bracket breaking. How can I tell if it has been fixed with the upgrade or if it is about to break? </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">My replacement was painted black, the factory one had no finish on it (ok, maybe a clearcoat). Pretty cheap and easy fix, should run you about $70 and 1 hours worth of time. I have photos of my bad bracket and the replacement if you would like to see. Simply PM me.

1) The HG was a bigger problem with the 3.0. The 3.4s were new enough it served more as a preventative recall.

2) My original was the uncoated, brassy finish also; new one's black.

3) By rear axle mounts, do you mean spring perches? Keep your ubolts tight, especially if you end up running rear blocks (or any time you drop the rear end) & you shouldn't have a problem there.

If you lean toward the 96-98 odels, you have the option of the supercharger if you ever get the wild hair and with the lottery. The '95's computer is not compatible.

I understand you can swap in a later ecu to accomodate the charger.

I think the 96's aren't capable either...don't handle the boost well. Can someone confirm the ECU swap method?