Jump to content

Looking at a 98 S10...what to look for?

bignick31985

Recommended Posts

bignick31985 Enthusiast

bignick31985

Posted
Posted

I currently am driving a 1989 S10. It's a 2.5L 4 cyl with 190000 miles on it. No air, no heat, bad windows, and just flat out old. I'm lookin to get a 1998 S10 since I've had such good luck with this one.

 

I did test drive one the other day and it had 100,000 miles on it but sounded like it ran really good. It had some extras on the outside like blinkers in the side mirrors, blacked out windows, roll pan, rims, euros, etc. But I'm more concerned with how it runs and if its mechanically sound. The transmission shifted great, air was cold as hell, it just sounded solid. They wanted $5300. I figure they'd take $5000.

 

Whats the deal with the 98 S10 4.3L engine? Tranny? Things to look out for once I reach certain mileages? I havent had any experience with this model or engine. My 91 Caprice tranny went out @ 165k and it cost $1100 to rebuild. I dont want that to happen this time around.

Tex2kZR2 Enthusiast

Tex2kZR2

Posted
Posted

The engines are pretty solid. The thing to check are the oil lines. These tend to leak over time and are located down by the filter, also check the radiator for sludge, and the dexcool. In fact I would see if you could get the dealer to throw in a Dexcool coolant flush.

 

If you buy it, then change the fuel filter, oil, etc..

holstbnet Enthusiast

holstbnet

Posted
Posted

'98 has the new grille and interior, but the old (crappy) elephant ear mirrors and the old (1st gen) airbag.

 

4.3 is a really good engine, not the quickest but VERY torquey and moves on the highway nice, and at low RPMs. Decent fuel economy too. They never sound pretty.. it's an old school engine and is kind of "rough around the edges" but definitely a workhorse.

 

The oil line problem is only on the 4x4 models where the oil filter is remotely mounted. Fuel injectors/intake gaskets have been a problem I hear, and the front suspension (ball joints, control arm bushings?)

 

Overall I love mine.. I've got an 03 with 35k miles and it's been great so far.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Chuck FB
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      Yes, and also pulling heavy trailers or a large camper up steep grades as well as descending grades such as the more rustic off road camping locations and using engine braking with that low gearing as well as soft ground can just suck the power . I realize pickups these days tend to have an over all lower first gear ratio compared to automatic transmission pickups from years back so that has helped a lot in its ability in high range but there comes a point if in four wheel drive the torque runs out at the wheels, certainly with a gas engine. They don't put two speed transfer cases on pickups for a cool factor, they have a function if one needs that massive torque to the wheels that high range can't deliver. 
    • Grumpy Bear
      Grumpy Bears 2015 Silverado 2WD

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Notes 7/18/2026   3,400 miles on this batch of Mobil 1 Euro 5W40 since the GDI pump replacement. Alcohol runs very clean when ring seal is tight and the sump isn't getting hosed with fuel. Checked oil level at fill up today as is my practice and grabbed a white Kleenex to look at the color. What color?  I was going to change it but.....  
    • Another JR
      2 speed transfer case optional now?

      By Another JR · Posted

      4 low is really nice on steep boat ramps. 
    • Chuck FB
      Gas Prices

      By Chuck FB · Posted

      Interesting, I suspect I would have fueled up in Lee Vining as the day prior I would have filled up either in Laughlin or near there and maybe again before I entered Death Valley and once out the other side late that evening as I kept on driving into the night up near Lee Vining. Next morning I most likely fueled up in LV before heading over Tioga Pass into ( as I refer to it as "Yose .... Mite" 😁 ). And again that was 19 years ago but the price then must not have jumped out at me like the 5 bill a gallon theme of nutty cult hippy country Big Sir or head so far up their rear Aspen. I'd be curious to know where the highest prices are in the lower 48, I probably would not be far off to guess somewhere in Cali forn ie. Coldfoot and Prudhoe bay may have those prices beat but that is a whole other world up there and when prices are more normal elsewhere that is about what they can be up there I believe in no mans land. Anyway interesting that the 395 corridor is hosing people and the thing is, its tourist season and its not like there are a lot of competition options when driving up that highway from what I could see. Yup, big ole Boaterhomes and various other RV's ahead and behind me at the Yosemite entrance gate and they have to get their fuel somewhere.  
    • Atlas
      Gas Prices

      By Atlas · Posted

      Those can be high, as well as the big California cities. The ones that will pop your eyes out are the 395 corridor on the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevadas. Lee Vining, $7.19 for regular and $8.89 for diesel is what the Google said right now.

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...