View Full Version : Buying a Bravada
Well, my brother in law is selling me his Bravada. It's a '98, 142,XXX miles. It needs a little work, pitman arm, idler arm, lower ball joints and inner tie rod ends. It needs a windshield, it's cracked. It has a new fuel pump, battery and tires. $1000 and it's mine. Are there any common problems I need to watch out for? I now about the intake manifold gaskets, but is there anything else?
Jay-Sliver
11-22-09, 07:55 PM
If your looking for balljoints, check these guys out..
http://www.powerperformancemotorsports.com/
I just bought 4 ball joints from them for $150 for my 91 Sierra. I will be returning to them to buy balljoints for the 05 Jimmy as well.
As far as problems go...just the common stuff...balljoints and wheel bearings. The odd time the 4wd actuator motor. Does this have the Auto 4wd feature?
Jay
It has the Smartrack system, which I'm not too familar with. It seemed to run great, no knocks or rattles, trans shifted good. The back hatch did squeak though, lol.
Jay-Sliver
11-22-09, 08:18 PM
lol. my whole Jimmy squeeks. Prolly doesnt help that I have 6 ply light truck mud slingin tires on it running at 45psi.
Jay
BigTruckDrivah
11-22-09, 08:42 PM
Bravadas are FTW!
The Bravada's are AWD vehicles so no 4WD actuator to worry about (it's always in AWD).
Like mentioned, intake gasket, wheel bearings, ball joints, those are the most likely that you wouldn't expect. Keep an eye on the CV Boots as on any FWD/4WD/AWD vehicle as they can wear out and start letting grime in and grease out.
Jay-Sliver
11-22-09, 08:48 PM
Check the Front Diff CV Shaft Output seals. I dont know how common they are for leaking, but I had to do mine at the beginning of spring this year. The 80w90 gear oil from the front diff was getting slung everywhere. Took me about 2 hrs a side to do, and I wrench for a living. If a shop was to do this, you'd be in for a bill you'd have to drop your pants to help pay.
Rear disc or drum?
Jay
The '98 Bravada should be dual piston front disc and single piston rear disc (both vented). All '98+ 4WD/AWD Blazer/Jimmy/Bravada had disc's at all corners standard.
Jay-Sliver
11-22-09, 10:12 PM
Do regular services on the rear brakes. Its not fun when the caliper seizes to the slider pins. Also, the park brake dogs and mechanical pistons like to seize up after time, regardless of if you use it or not. I had to tare mine all apart, clean, lube, and reassemble. Basic Stuff.
Jay
russ_2004_85
11-22-09, 10:37 PM
i have a 2001 bravada... debadge it.. but some nice wheeels u got u a luxury awd vehicle. i had 2 problems with it.. one was the starter was burning hot and popping fuses. replaced it no more problems... and my awd light comes on . when it does the awd doesnt work.. i still havent fixed it yet. but great vehicle. over all. btw.. the awd is awesome... ive taken it off raoding some. no problems at all.. and handles awesome in the snow. theres even videos on you tube to show it..
oddball
11-22-09, 10:42 PM
Hmmm....think one of those would hold a bbc....
:lol:
As far as disc brakes on the rear, I didn't check. That would be an added bonus. Is the AWD system prone to any problems I should be mindful of? I think it will make a great daily for me, my '94 Grand Prix is racking up the miles and needs more work than I care to put into it.
russ_2004_85
11-22-09, 11:23 PM
:lol:
As far as disc brakes on the rear, I didn't check. That would be an added bonus. Is the AWD system prone to any problems I should be mindful of? I think it will make a great daily for me, my '94 Grand Prix is racking up the miles and needs more work than I care to put into it.
im pretty sure it has read discs... my 2001 one does.... i could be wrong also.when i get mine fixed ill let you know what the problem was.. i truely dont know why my awd light comes on and off from time to time
Jongo88
11-23-09, 12:04 AM
i have a 2001 bravada... debadge it.. but some nice wheeels u got u a luxury awd vehicle. i had 2 problems with it.. one was the starter was burning hot and popping fuses. replaced it no more problems... and my awd light comes on . when it does the awd doesnt work.. i still havent fixed it yet. but great vehicle. over all. btw.. the awd is awesome... ive taken it off raoding some. no problems at all.. and handles awesome in the snow. theres even videos on you tube to show it..
Now you have to post the vid....
rhidado09
12-08-09, 04:13 PM
I know what am I buying, but not sure they didnt mention it and I havent seen any of specific features on that car. Tomorrow Im going to inspect a car with mechanic. How about the price? Is that good price?
I just got the Bravada home tonight. I'll post pics as soon as I can. It has a few little issuses, the dome light won't come on with the doors open, but with the dome override it comes on. Probably just a bad pin switch. The radio display goes blank when the headlights are on, not a big problem since it will probably be replaced with an aftermarket unit. I think the thermostat is stuck open, the truck never got warm on the 45 mile trip back home.
Wound up not getting the bravada after all, I changed the thermostat out and let it get good and warm. Somehow over the last month it developed a nasty rod knock, so I let him have it back.
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