1998 GMC T7500

Introduction:

The 1998 GMC T7500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its powerful engines and durable construction. It is available with a range of engine and transmission options, including:

• 6.5L Turbo Diesel V8 engine producing 195 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque
• 7.4L Vortec V8 engine producing 290 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque
• 6-speed manual transmission
• 4-speed automatic transmission

Owners appreciate the truck’s impressive towing and payload capacities, as well as its comfortable interior. However, some issues have been reported, as outlined below.

Engine

6.5L Turbo Diesel V8

• Fuel Injector Failure:
  • Symptoms: Hard starting, loss of power, increased emissions
  • Solution: Replace fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Injection Pump Failure:
  • Symptoms: Loss of power, poor fuel economy, starting issues
  • Solution: Replace injection pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+

7.4L Vortec V8

• Oil Leak from Oil Filter Housing:
  • Symptoms: Oil leak near the oil filter
  • Solution: Replace oil filter housing gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Transmission

6-speed Manual

• Shifting Issues:
  • Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Adjust or replace clutch, inspect and repair shifter linkage
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping:
  • Symptoms: Difficulty engaging gears, loss of power when shifting
  • Solution: Overhaul or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,500+
• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Symptoms: Shuddering or slipping during acceleration, overheating
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+

Suspension

• Front Ball Joint Failure:
  • Symptoms: Clunking or grinding noises from front end, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace ball joints
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery warning light on, reduced battery power
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Starter Failure:
  • Symptoms: Engine cranks but does not start, clicking noises
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust:
  • Symptoms: Surface rust on body panels, especially around wheel wells and lower trim
  • Solution: Preventative measures include regular washing and waxing, rust removal and repainting
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on severity

Interior

• Door Panel Trim Peeling:
  • Symptoms: Trim around door panels peeling off
  • Solution: Replace door panel trim
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Summary:

The 1998 GMC T7500 is a capable and reliable heavy-duty truck, but it has some common issues to be aware of. While some of these issues, such as alternator failure, are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others like transmission slipping and ball joint failure can be more severe and costly. Potential owners should consider the cost of these potential repairs when evaluating the overall value of the vehicle.