What year did the 6.5 get the cooling improvements? Please help...
 

I have a 97 K2500 6.5L Suburban and have it listed for trade right now for a pick up 3/4 or 1 ton 4X4.

I have a lead on a 96 Crew cab dually with the 6.5. Have not talked with the owner yet. I have only been wrenching on the 6.5 since last August.

My question is I thought there was a year that they switched to an "improved" cooling system from the factory. I think they used to use twin electric fans etc... My 97 has a belt ran clutch type fan and never runs hotter than 180.

What else do I need to know about the 96 6.5s? Also it is a 5 speed - any issue with the straight shifts? And since it is a dually I assume it is a K3500 1 ton right? DO the 1 tons have a straight front axle like on a Ford F250/F350?

Any questions to ask the potential trader would be appreciated.

Thank you for your help!

~GOD BLESS~

john

The cooling upgrades happened in 2 stages,96 1/2 to 99 were one set of upgrades.

99- were another superficial set.

If the 96 you are looking at has dual T stats it is upgraded.

There were never any electric fan 6.5's from the factory.

A 3500 will have independent frt suspension.
A 3500HD will have a straight axle.

Thank you...
 

I am about to call the seller/trader and I'll ask about the dual theromastats (spelling???) and if it is a HD or not. Thank you for the information.
As for electric fans I thought I had read that somewhere but I was mistaken - thank you for the info.

~GOD BLESS~

john