What is the best...for $100?

[audrima]

Since now I have a job woot! I like to start working more on my truckie ^_^ so my question what are the best $100 or less "upgrades" or "repairs" that I can do to improve her over all. a full tune up (plugs wires cap rotor, airfilter, oil filter oilchange fuel filter) is given.   right now I am leaning towards bushings, shocks/struts, coils/springs. vac lines, brake master cyl, intake, header, powersteering setup.. just don't know what would be the best to start with ^_^

also what oem rims would be good to get from a jyard for sub $100? lol.

thanks.
Mariah

[1980c10]

The most important upgrades are mechanical, fix the stuff that could keep you from driving the truck or could leave you stranded. Then from there work on the stuff that you keeps you from enjoying the truck-i.e. maybe your radio is broken or you have an annoying rattle. then work on the cosmetic. This will ensure that you enjoy driving your truck a little more everytime you work on it and before you know it will be better than new.
As far as your list goes, if your brake master cylinder is leaking onto your brake booster, replace that as it will cause the diaphram to go out and brake boosters are expensive.

[bake74]

     I agree with 1980c10, mechanical should be your main priority, alot of the "fixes" can be done around $100.00 if you are willing to do the work yourself.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[Irish_Alley]

take the first hundred and save it. spend the second hundred on fuel and the third hundred like said for cosmetics, the first hundred you save will go towards the next thing that breaks. if you spend the first hundred on a radio or something chances are your starter or something will crap out lol then you have to wait

[beastie_3]

Id fix what is dangerous first, aka brakes, steering, suspension. Then I would fix comfort things and start with what bothers you the most.

[audrima]

she runs great honestly, just a little wabbly lol. I'm thinking steering and wheel/tires would be the best start my brake system is in good shape over all (all new lines rotors, calbers, pads in front back still good) the booster and master cycle are rusty but not leaking.

I just honestly don't know where to start for under $100 per paycheck. if I had the money I have a small car to drive and my cutie classic truck would be at the restorers getting restored right now but I dont

So trying to figure out where. Guess I will start in front and work my way back. hm starting with steering . ^_^

thanks guys

Mariah

[Dr_Snooz]

Like everyone else has said, get the mechanical issues sorted out first. It doesn't matter how awesome your truck is. If it doesn't run, it isn't awesome. I'm not sure what shape your truck is in, but after getting the mechanicals right, spend time on small repairs. They can really give you a lot of bang for your buck. Spend time at the junkyard looking for the little bits and pieces that like to break and look shabby. For instance, the power window switches like to lose their finish, break off and stick awkwardly from the door panels. Scout the junkyard for unbroken switches. Then get the cleaning and painting materials you need from Home Depot to refurbish them and make them look great. Or just buy new ones from O'Reilly for $15 ea. Buy the cleaners and preservatives you need to really make the truck shine. Another example: I haven't seen many of these trucks where the door straps haven't completely fallen off. Replace them. If the ashtray is falling open, fix it. It sounds silly, but having all the little bits working and looking good really makes the difference between a truck that's nice and a truck that's WOW!

[thirsty]

If there is nothing unsafe or needing to be replaced in the the suspension/drivetrain then I would buy some new tires one at a time. then when you have all four put them on. I always like the improvement that four brand new tires makes. Either that or do small things in the interior that will make you want to be in it even more.

[ssapach]

Good lights and mirrors, because I always like to see where I'm going.

If you have some unattractive mirrors, perhaps some nicer ones can be had from a wrecker.  But headlights are usually a new out of the box thing.

I'm a fan of the housings that allow you to change bulbs (forgive me, I'm not sure on proper names for them)  I have a set for my high beams on my dually that allow me to put H4 bulbs in.  Next up is the high beams.  But they can be a bit pricey those housings, so depends where you find them.

[audrima]

Thanks everyone for your input. I think I will be starting with the shocks n coils then steering tires and rims if I can find newer set of rims that will work in the jyard cheap

[Grim 82]

Probably the most useful upgrade that I have done to my truck, aside from the already mentioned safety and reliability repairs, was to hook my headlights up through relays. It makes a night and day difference 

[jimmyjames]

I have to agree with the others, tires are a good start, then you can work on the wobbles from there. I have seen bad tires cause issues before, and I had a big improvement in ride when I got my new ones(4 chev chrome rims&new tires, $100) check craigslist etc.
I took apart my cluster, painted my gauge needles red, new bulbs, and sprayed the housing reflective. what a difference at night! and only for a few bucks.