My '99 was the same way. Listed as "heavy duty" on the widow sticker. I believe they were still basing off the previous generation of 8,600 considered heavy duty and 7,200 light duty.
My '99 2500LD ECLB 6.0 4.10 rear end averaged 14mpg on the highway at 65-70mph. I got 18 once running 55mph on a flat road, that was a freak of nature though.
Frankly I was a tad disappointed because the truck it replaced, '84 K20, RCLB, 3 speed handshaker, 5.7, 3.42 rear end, could...
I replaced the original in my '05 this past winter. More for peace of mind than anything. After sitting 2-3 weeks at a time it was slow to turn over. Never had to jump start it, but I didn't want to wait until then. Knowing my luck it would be at a time when I needed the truck ASAP.
Prices do vary quite a bit for the same vehicle depending on where you are. For example (personal experience), a decent condition early 90's Cherokee in Missoula, MT area run around $2,500 to $4,000. In N. Idaho/Spokane you can get the same vehicle for $900.
I had a '99 GMC 2500LD ECLB for awhile and my previous employer used several hundred of the 2500LD trucks over the years they were built. Pretty reliable. Some had pretty serious cold start knock noises, but it didn't seem to affect longevity. I had to replace the tranny oil cooler lines on...
X2. They are the same truck. IIRC the 1500HD could be had as a crew cab where the 2500LD couldn't. Those would be the only kind of "differences" there would be.
I'll say again to stress the importance. Check/clean ALL electrical connections on the entire ABS system, especially grounds. ABS is very picky about it.
The ABS system is VERY picky about connections. My Impala would occasionally have the ABS light come on. All I had to do was unplug the connection under the drivers seat, clean the connections (they didn't look bad btw) and plug it back in and the light would stay off for a few months.
If it tripped the ses then you should have a code to start with. It's been my experience that the sensors in the hubs are the weak point. The plugs get corroded and/or the sensor in the hub fails way before you can detect any slop in the bearings.
Generally those problems don't trip a ses...
Were you seriously planning on replacing your current truck right now or is it only because of the offer? Are you unsatisfied with your truck?
I would be of the mindset to keep what you have. The initial price of purchasing another rig is just the beginning. Plus you basically know what to...
They are whatever carcasses pass their inspection process. They do their best to give you 4 of the same name but depends on supply and demand. My tires came on Les Schwab Toyo casings.