Hello folks, I found this forum while browsing around and it looked good so I joined. I have been getting on another for a while, but you can't get too much info on these trucks. I've had my '96 D1 for about 5 years and I think I've had most of the common issues. Right now, I'm in the middle of a valve job and the heads are at the machine shop. I decided to do it myself after being told to go elsewhere by a few independent shops and refusing to go to the dealer and be robbed. I haven't done much serious engine work in 20 or so years, but I used to think nothing of rebuilding an engine (back in the day). But I have had the potato chip dash syndrome, the caustic-fluid-dripping rear view mirror, the non-operative rear door latch, the flakey rear window issue, the clock light problem, the cruise control no-workey, the ABS stutters, the pitman arm clunk and of course, the ever-popular sticky exhaust valve malaise. The wife and I love the truck though. It's so CUTE ! Seriously, I am fond of the truck, and I think it will start to look like a fair investment once I get it sorted out. It's funny how shops don't really want to do engine work anymore though, they make it sound like it's so complicated nowadays with computers and all. This valve job has been straightforward so far - take the heads off an old GM design pushrod V8. It seems like someone may have been there before too, because some of the bolts were only finger tight and the intake manifold and the heads lifted right off. Lucky for me ! Oh well, I hope to get it back together this long weekend. I've already found some good info on this forum. Sorry for the long post.
Cheers,

 

Welcome to the forum.
A 1996 you say thats the best year model.
Light years behind all that new stuff and better for it.
But that just me.