Looking at a 05 4WD, 151k, and asking $10,995.

I've not checked it out in person yet, but hope to in the next day or so.

This seems like a good buy, but I am concerned about the potential head gasket issue that has occurred on the 03-05.

Is it worth the risk?

Someone talk me into it.. : )

Or out of it!

Before you get worried about the HG, check the frame for rust. Looks like you're in NC, so might not be as big of an issue, but vehicles can come from up north and move down. Rusty frame is a lot harder to fix than a Head Gasket

Second, you didn't mention v6 or v8. I'd figure you're referencing v6 because of the HG concern, but just wanted to mention its only a v6 issue. The failure usually occurs on cyl 6 or 4 and opens a connection between the cylinder itself and the cooling system.

And lastly, mines an 05 build date 6/05. I have about 230k on mine, with one known overheat at 215k from an ice chunk destroying my radiator. I don't have any of the major HG symptoms like white smoke on startup, cyl 6 or 4 misfire, or constant little bubbles coming from the radiator. However, I do show some faint traces of potassium and sodium (from coolant) in my oil analysis. Coolant level is fairly consistent, but will need to be filled about once every two years, for some context.

Results from my oil anaylsis can be found here:

• 221k - y=mx+b's Build Thread
• 213k - y=mx+b's Build Thread
• 205k - y=mx+b's Build Thread

Thanks for your reply. It is the V6. I will definitely be checking from rust because yes we do see it here.

I’m glad you’ve not had any issues with it on yours so far. What do you think it could be, just a tiny leak? What do you think about those HG sealants like Blue Devil?

Also, I don’t remember the exact dates, but they changed the head gasket design in late 05.


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Yeah I assume its a really tiny leak, so I'm not too worried about it right now. I'm not a fan of blue devil, it can clog coolant passages and is really just a band aid fix

Yep they changed the design in 11/05 for the mid 2006 model year. So anything 12/05 build date or later should be in the clear

Awesome, thanks for clarifying that. I had heard a few different dates floating around.