Buying a GQ, what to look out for?

[Bigrig]

Here goes:

Check for rust in roof gutters, door sills and jams, front and rear of front guard, rear sliding windows, and back of rear wheel arch where the mudflaps join. Check over all body and chassis - but they're the known hot spots.

Obviously a log book is good to check service history, but scan engine bay, engine, transmission and transfer case for signs of oil leaks (either present or past). If old oil is present, try to find out what went and what was done to repair.

Check steering pump for signs of weeping.

Shocks and suspension in general isn't too much of a concern - either its stock and/or old, and as per your list, you'll be replacing it anyway, or it's new and in which case, simply check over all joins, rubbers, and bushes on the steering arm (draglink), tie rod, panhards, radius arms on the front (chassis and axle bushes), upper and lower control arms in the rear - check brake lines have been extended if lifted, and that the rear brake proportioning valve has been lifted the same height as the suspension.

Check swivel hubs, trunion seal (the one on the ball and knuckle joint of the swivel arm), and hubs for any sign of leaking. Lock and unlock hubs if manual setup - should be finger firm, but smooth to move.

Check all electrics - everything! Aerial if it's electric, windows, mirrors, air con, fan switches, indicators, lights (parkers, low and high beam), interior lights, dash lights, cigarette lighter, etc, etc - may only be a fuse or something simple, but always good to have "oh, that switch needs replacing" up your sleeve for when the money comes out to pay (I.e. haggle!).

Start engine and check for obvious signs of water and/or smoke through the exhaust - some evaporation is normal (especially on lpg and water cooled head setups). Idle is smooth, and no 'hiccups' or hesitancy through the rev range.

Check gearbox for smooth changes, and try putting into 4H and 4L to ensure transfer case smooth also.

Others will no doubt have advice here also mate - good luck with it, and for under $10K you should be able to score a decent clean truck with which to start.

We'll deal with suspension etc once you've found the blank canvas!! lol