1996 Chevrolet K1500 Silverado Z71 extended cab, one family, clean title

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: The listing shows $11,500 for this 1996 K1500 Z71 extended cab, though the seller's own text says $12,500 with a little room to negotiate. Comparable OBS Z71 extended cabs have sold for about $12,500 to $20,000, and clean, rust-free examples are getting harder to find.

The seller got the truck in 2020 from his grandfather, the original owner. He says it runs great, has a Jasper transmission installed about two years ago at 175,000 miles, a newer intake gasket and fuel pump, no rust on the undercarriage, wheel arches, rockers or cab corners, and a clean Virginia title. It has the 5.0 V8, not the 5.7, and about 190,000 miles.

The value check

The seller is asking $11,500. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $12,500–$20,000, so the middle of the market is about $16,250. That put this car 29% under.

Driver-grade 1995-98 K1500 extended cabs, mostly Z71s, sold between $12,500 and $20,000 at BaT, GAA and Hemmings in July to October 2026. High mileage puts this one at or below the low end.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1998 K1500 Ext Cab Z71, Hemmings $18,000 (Oct 2026)
• 1998 K1500 Ext Cab Z71, GAA $20,000 (Jul 2026)
• 1997 K1500 Ext Cab Z71, GAA $13,570 (Jul 2026)
• 1995 K1500 Ext Cab Silverado, BaT $12,500 (Aug 2026)

What to check

• Confirm the price, since the header says $11,500 and the description says $12,500.
• At 190,000 miles, check the 5.0 Vortec for oil consumption, intake leaks and timing chain noise.
• Check the IFS front end: idler and pitman arms, ball joints, CV axles and the front differential actuator.
• Look for brake line rust and leaks at the rear main seal and transfer case.
• Inspect the dash and door hinges, which wear on extended cabs.

Making it drive like new

The OBS chassis takes an LS swap easily: a 5.3 or 6.0 with a 4L60E or 4L80E bolts in with off-the-shelf mounts and harnesses. Add a drop or a mild level kit, Bilstein shocks, a drilled-rotor brake upgrade and LED headlights for a dependable daily truck.

3 builders make a complete chassis for the 1988–98 OBS C1500 pickup. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.