1998 GMC T6500

1998 GMC T6500

The 1998 GMC T6500 is a heavy-duty commercial truck available in a variety of configurations with different engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 7.4L V8 gasoline engine producing 290 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options include a 8.1L V8 gasoline engine (340 horsepower, 450 lb-ft of torque) and a 6.6L Duramax diesel engine (210 horsepower, 460 lb-ft of torque).

Owners have generally praised the T6500 for its powerful engines, sturdy construction, and comfortable cabin. However, some issues have been reported with certain components.

Engine

7.4L V8 Gasoline Engine

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant from the intake manifold area, engine overheating
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve cover gasket leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover area, burning oil smell
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

8.1L V8 Gasoline Engine

• Distributor cap and rotor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, stalling, difficulty starting
  • Solution: Replace the distributor cap and rotor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

6.6L Duramax Diesel Engine

• Injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rough running, loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust
  • Solution: Replace the faulty injector
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel filter clogging
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine starvation, loss of power, hard starting
  • Solution: Replace the fuel filter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises from the transmission
  • Solution: Replace the worn synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque converter shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration felt throughout the vehicle during acceleration
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf spring breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, difficulty steering, rough ride
  • Solution: Replace the broken leaf springs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor ride quality, excessive bounce, bottoming out
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical system malfunctions, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead overnight, slow engine cranking
  • Solution: Diagnose and fix the source of the battery drain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door handle failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening the doors, broken door handles
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door handles
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mirror vibration
  • Description/Symptoms: Mirrors shaking and vibrating while driving
  • Solution: Adjust the mirror mounts or replace the mirrors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC blower motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No air flow from the vents, overheating cabin
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks developing on the dashboard
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 1998 GMC T6500 is a reliable and capable heavy-duty truck. However, it can experience some issues, particularly with certain engine and transmission components. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but in general, they are not overly common and can be resolved with regular maintenance and repairs.