1997 GMC W4500 Forward

About the 1997 GMC W4500 Forward

The GMC W4500 Forward is a heavy-duty commercial truck with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 45,000 pounds. It is powered by a 7.4-liter V8 engine that produces 340 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. The W4500 Forward is available with a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

People who like the GMC W4500 Forward praise its powerful engine, sturdy construction, and comfortable cab. However, some owners have reported experiencing problems with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, and electrical systems.

Engine

• 7.4-liter V8
  • Valve train noise
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive noise coming from the valve train.
    • Solution: Replace the lifters and rocker arms.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Intake manifold gasket failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaking from the intake manifold.
    • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Allison 6-speed automatic
  • Slipping gears
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips out of gear while driving.
    • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf springs
  • Sagging
    • Description/Symptoms: The rear end of the truck sags due to worn-out leaf springs.
    • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Premature failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery fails prematurely due to a faulty voltage regulator.
    • Solution: Replace the battery and voltage regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator
  • Overcharging
    • Description/Symptoms: The alternator overcharges the battery, causing it to boil over.
    • Solution: Replace the alternator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard
  • Cracked
    • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard develops cracks due to exposure to sunlight.
    • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlights
  • Dim or flickering
    • Description/Symptoms: The headlights are dim or flickering due to a faulty wiring harness.
    • Solution: Replace the wiring harness.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The GMC W4500 Forward is a durable and reliable truck, but it is not without its problems. The most common issues reported by owners include engine valve train noise, intake manifold gasket failure, transmission slipping, sagging leaf springs, premature battery failure, alternator overcharging, cracked dashboards, and dim or flickering headlights. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but they can all be costly to repair.