The '83 still is carbureted. Can't comment on that year, but I have an '86 GMC Suburban 3/4ton 4x4 w/350 T400 and 4.11 gears that was my daily driver for close to 6 years. Bought it with 130,000 miles on it. Towed a lot with it, hauled the family with it, built a house using it as the tool truck and needed 4WD just to get close to the house due to mud a foot deep. Yanked logs out of the brush with it, didn't wash it for 2 years, only did the most meager maintenance as required. Now has over 240,000 miles and I have only put tires on it and changed oil and 1 tuneup. . . . still starts and runs like a dream. Probably the best $ value vehicle I have ever owned.
Sounds like your friend is full of crap to me. :p
