1999 GMC W3500 Forward

Introduction:

The 1999 GMC W3500 Forward is a heavy-duty pickup truck known for its powerful engine, rugged construction, and impressive towing capabilities. It’s available with various engine and transmission configurations. While it’s praised for its durability and performance, the W3500 has also faced some reliability issues over the years.

Engine

• 6.5L Turbo Diesel V8
  • Injector Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Decreased engine power, hard starting, black smoke from exhaust.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Numbers 01V122000 and 01V123000
  • Cylinder Head Gasket Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, reduced engine performance.
    • Solution: Removal and replacement of cylinder heads.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 7.4L Gasoline V8
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, rough idling.
    • Solution: Replacement of intake manifold gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4L80E 4-Speed Automatic
  • Slipping/Delayed Engagement:
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, delayed engagement from standstill.
    • Solution: Overhaul or replacement of transmission components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Allison 5-Speed Automatic
  • Torque Converter Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shuddering, overheating, loss of power.
    • Solution: Replacement of torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Ball Joint Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking/popping noises when turning or driving over bumps, excessive play in steering.
  • Solution: Replacement of ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Leaf Spring Sagging:
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive body roll, reduced ride height, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery warning light illuminated, charging system not functioning.
  • Solution: Replacement of alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Short in Wiring Harness:
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, blown fuses, flickering lights.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on complexity of issue

Exterior

• Door Handle Snapping:
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles breaking when opening/closing doors.
  • Solution: Replacement of door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate Cable Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate failing to open or close, cable fraying or snapping.
  • Solution: Replacement of tailgate cables.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Display Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Display malfunctioning, inaccurate temperature readings, fan not working.
  • Solution: Replacement of climate control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Adjustment Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly, motor making noise or not functioning.
  • Solution: Replacement of seat adjustment motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

While the 1999 GMC W3500 Forward is a capable and robust truck, it has faced some reliability concerns over the years. The severity and frequency of these issues vary, and owners may not experience all of them. Some issues, such as the injector failure and cylinder head gasket failure, can be quite costly to repair. Other issues may be more affordable to fix, such as door handle snapping or seat adjustment motor failure. Overall, potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues before considering a 1999 GMC W3500 Forward.