GRIZZ’s English 2001 S10 Extra Cab 4.3 V6 Truck

[Grizz1963]

Hi there,

I live just outside of London, England.

Have a 66 C10 in bits, mid rebuild.

Also did a 79 Blazer 2WD recently.

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=774451

I am looking at possibly buying a 2000 S10 4.3 Auto

Not sure about the real build year as the onlone documentation shows various years, including first registration for 31 December 2001

Always liked them, this one is the right colour, body shape (extra cab) and motor/trans.

It is claimed to have only done 38k miles, and had some accident repairs 10 years or 5 years ago.

They are not common in England and the price is about $5k but over here, it would cost me near $3k just to get it on my driveway, due to shipping and 20% import duty.

I always like to ask questions.

Is there stuff to look out for?

Things that give up due to age, rather than abuse?

The interior and exterior looks good from 90 miles away in the pics, as does the online DMV history.










38k miles










Thank you.

[Palf70Step]

I had a 97 model, 4 banger with 5 speed. The jump seats rattled a lot, no matter what I did. The one main thing I have heard friends and folks that had them a while was the heater cores were always clogging up. Probably from the GM Dexcool. I did not have mine that long (18 months, put on 50K). I thought the seats made you sit too low, compared to the full size. For me it was a bit cramped feeling. Not as bad as my 64, but real close. I think the extended cab was the only thing that made it feel roomier, but leg room for my frame and big feet were lacking.

4.3 V6 look for coolant leaks on the intake ( which I think is why many folks have the heater clogging issue). The rear main seals ten to leak, so that could be another issue. The 4L60 is not a strong trans from the get go, but they can last if taken care of and they were not abused. Biggest issue I saw with them is folks towing with them and wanting to leave them in overdrive. With a nice cat back system they sound very good too!

[Grizz1963]

Bought it.

Thanks for the advice and information Bill.


PaulY of Woody the green 66 fame, in the background.

[Palf70Step]

So is this to replace Galaxy or be a parts vehicle for the 65?

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

So is this to replace Galaxy or be a parts vehicle for the 65?

Hi Bill,

Purely a sensible space saver.... going to sell the Galaxy, it’s a brilliant tool, but I have too much stuff on my driveway.

My 66 has all it needs, tons of new parts too.

[DPowers]

Have a 2000 S10 2Door/2WD Blazer with 4.3 and 5 speed. Its my daily driver. Has 260,000 miles on it. Had the heater core clogging issues and ended up replacing the heater core when it started to leak. Have replaced intake gaskets and clutch but other than that- just regular maintenance. I would buy another or when this 4.3 goes sideways- just replace it with another 4.3.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by DPowers

Have a 2000 S10 2Door/2WD Blazer with 4.3 and 5 speed. Its my daily driver. Has 260,000 miles on it. Had the heater core clogging issues and ended up replacing the heater core when it started to leak. Have replaced intake gaskets and clutch but other than that- just regular maintenance. I would buy another or when this 4.3 goes sideways- just replace it with another 4.3.

Great response.

Really pleased you have a good one.

I hope mine is good in the long run.

[Palf70Step]

So when does it get to the Griz Castle?

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

So when does it get to the Griz Castle?

Bill, problem is, Christmas, weekend, Monday public holiday.

I need insurance and road tax to be paid, road tax is easy online, but insurance is different to sort out.

I had a telephone quote which I cannot activate remotely.

So as soon as possible.

[Grizz1963]

So I bought this truck.

Happy so far, 90 miles later


Any build code readers on here?


What have I bought here?

[Palf70Step]

This link gives you access to the complete list of RPO codes

[roboticjunky]

Here's a list of RPO codes. It's 412 pages long.
https://rparts-sites.s3.amazonaws.co...n/rpoCodes.pdf

Here's a couple of your RPOs
GU6 - 3.42 gears
G80 - positraction rear axle
L35 - ENGINE,4.3L(4.3W),CPI,V6,90 DEG
M30 - TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC 4 SPEED,4L60E,ELECTRONIC
ZQ8 - SPORT CHASSIS PACKAGE

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

This link gives you access to the complete list of RPO codes

Originally Posted by roboticjunky

Here's a list of RPO codes. It's 412 pages long.
https://rparts-sites.s3.amazonaws.co...n/rpoCodes.pdf

Here's a couple of your RPOs
GU6 - 3.42 gears
G80 - positraction rear axle
L35 - ENGINE,4.3L(4.3W),CPI,V6,90 DEG
M30 - TRANSMISSION,AUTOMATIC 4 SPEED,4L60E,ELECTRONIC
ZQ8 - SPORT CHASSIS PACKAGE

Thanks guys.


HIT AND RUN TRUCK COLLECTION.

In the end, I capitulated and decided to just pay the road tax and not mess the seller around, risking my deposit.

So off we went.



And on and on the road went.



Made it to the sellers place, played a pretty good game of remote hand over, electronic fund transfer etc, then two old guy from the same area of South London touched base, comparing notes.



Good byes said, Mickey headed home on his own, I headed for the local gas station with a thirsty truck with empty tank.

55 liters meant there was some distance left in it after the previous owner had put some gas in for the test drive.



On the way home I did a detour to drop off some air tools for @pauly to use on Woody his C10 that he is quietly getting on with.

Paul took a happy new owner pic for me.

Freezing cold out there.



Then headed home.

Stopped at my local gas station, and missed out taking a pic of the signs on the gas pumps that say: “DO NOT TOUCH OUR PUMPS”

But the ladies who fill the cars and trucks soon make you forget that, with their friendly approach and service.

Real old skool



So 85 miles and the consumption at presto much mostly motorway speeds around 70mph.

27mpg or 10km/l

Happy for sure.



Sunset outside at the gas station.






Then back home, 2’C outside meant I just reversed up the drive, locked up and went indoors.

Grinning.

Happy yes.


.

[Grizz1963]

.

So the video, taken. By @PaulY after I delivered some air tools to him en-route after collecting the truck.


Paul sent me an accompanying message which read something like “Nice Truck, but you get 1/10 for effort, not even an attempt to smoke they tyres”

So here is my limp attempt at joining the traffic on a wet, cold road.

https://youtu.be/ZppLk-f7nBs

Maybe a better attempt next time.

No need to break it.


HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL.

.

[Palf70Step]

Glad to see you are ready to cruize with the Y2K special!

[DPowers]

Like it..

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Glad to see you are ready to cruize with the Y2K special!

Absolutely, love just starting it up, driving, even more so.

Originally Posted by DPowers

Like it..

Thank you very much.




.

So this is a repeat.

But I want to draw a baseline.

The truck was brought into the U.K. like new, by a US serviceman in 2001 who sold it when he returned back to base after finishing his service here.

This is the trucks “build sheet” showing its whole DNA. What was put together to create it.

It seems to be pretty special, and I am both pleased and thankful to have been able to tick a box on my lust list.



Read and interpreted by some clever people out there

G80 and ZQ8 are posi track rear and sport suspension
G80 is the LSD, nice.
ZQ8 is a code and a trim package, so your truck is a ‘ZQ8’
They had a factory lowering kit, around 2in or so, springs and leafs. A tighter steering box and some other nice things. The Xtremes got the same setup but got a body kit and some badges.
This is kind of an aside since you're curious about rpo codes, but the guys who have the super sport S10’s look for the B4U code. SS trucks were the first to receive the ZQ8 suspension in 96 until they stopped the SS in 98. The ZQ8 then became its own trim package so to speak
That is the rear end. I think the codes that start with G are the gears for the rear. Not 100% but I think that's what it means. And G80 is a locking or semi locking rear end if I remember right.

GU6 = 3.42 gears
G80 = POSI limited slip
L35 = v6 4.3l vortec
M30 = 4spd overdrive transmission
ZQ8 = Sports suspension package


So having brought the truck home it was time to start looking at what all was added to the truck that adds value or cost.

Originally supplied in Missouri by Molle Chevrolet of Blue Springs.



An Extang BlackMax retractable vinyl tonneau cover has been fitted from new.



The truck benefitted from a Raptor bed liner applied in the USA before delivery.

Unfortunately, if you look on the outside, it carries a pair of metal FLEETSIDE badges, correct for what it is, versus a Stepside, but not original.
If it were not for the holes in the bedsides, they would be long gone (personal preference) but they will stay.

The bed has also never carried a load either, and is unmarked and indented after 20 years and 38k miles.



It has also, unlike so many truck, never towed or been used as a towing vehicle. Though I want to change that slightly.

Really interesting, is the fact that the rear bumper is ready to fit a tow ball once you remove the rear step rubber and find a hole, ready to receive.

Lift the rubber cover and away you go.





My friend JB Matthews in Oklahoma mentioned that he never seemed to buy a truck with the emergency Jack and wheel spinner.

Looks like I got lucky.



Also, unused is the 4th seat, behind the passenger seat, what is not apparent, is the fact the front bucket seats are actually a bench seat for occasional use of three, with safety belt.



As we know, the truck runs on two piece 17 inch Cragar SS wheels, shod in 255/45ZR17 98W Nankang tyres. There is also a full size spare Cragar wheel that came with the truck.

Included in the sale was a set of lowering springs and blocks. Some matching paint and two spare handles for the third door.

Seems the bump stops were removed and not refitted when the lowering kit was removed before I bought the truck.

I would love to see what my truck would look like with another 2” or 50mm drop, once it gets cold, I am sure @pauly will pop over..





In the engine bay, the only change affected was a change to K&N air filter system which in itself seems to be controversial.

So there you have it.

Baseline extras fitted to the truck, worth a few Dollars.

Next up, broken bits and bits needing replacement or fine tuning.

Changes that need to be made.

[Grizz1963]

Looking at this truck, it certainly is a shape changer.

Frontal area, through shaping and design is quite small and aerodynamic.

Maybe what delivered the 27mpg in part.

Facing the 020 Ford Focus, 20 years difference in design



Much easier to get up the alleyway than some of the wide stuff I have had in there before.

The rear tail light was actually about 50mm from the concrete fence post in this pic.



Pretty obvious that the wheels need a good seeing to.

Later guys, out in the cold now.

.

[Palf70Step]

2" lower blocks with 15" wheel will normally mean if you get a flat on the rear, the U-bolts will drag first. She is a sweet looking little truck Rian.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

2" lower blocks with 15" wheel will normally mean if you get a flat on the rear, the U-bolts will drag first. She is a sweet looking little truck Rian.

Thanks Bill,

Would you suggest I stick to the 17’s then?

You know I have an eye on some 97 OEM alloys and tyres.

I have been cleaning it again today, all the rubber seals, grooves etc.

Amazing how dirty they are.

Wheels next.



PM on its way.

[Palf70Step]

No more than 1.5" in my opinion, or whatever you guys over there call it.

Fixxed you title.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

No more than 1.5" in my opinion, or whatever you guys over there call it.

Fixxed you title.

Thanks for the title change.

Looks more sensible now.

I do not quite understand what you mean with your 1.5mcomment.

Are you suggesting only a 1.5 inch drop on the rear and whatever the front brings, one assumes they are 2 inch springs.

I hate clunks and noises, so would refrain from dropping it if it meant anything hitting anywhere.

[Palf70Step]

Sorry. I meant if you went with 15 inch wheels no more than a 1.5 inch lowering block (or whatever that is in the stuff you measure with ) Staying with 17" wheels is not an issues with 2" lower blocks.

Around here it is getting VERY difficult to find a tire place that has 15s in stock or that will even bother to order them. I am not a super low profile tire guy. I like to see rubber on my wheels. I try to keep tires in the 50 to 70 series profile range. 45 and lower I am just not a fan of. Those factory wheels do look good on the trucks. Mine was 205/75 x15 from factory. I probably would go with a 225/60x17 or 255/50x17 today. This is only picture I have of my old 97.

[Grizz1963]

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

Sorry. I meant if you went with 15 inch wheels no more than a 1.5 inch lowering block (or whatever that is in the stuff you measure with ) Staying with 17" wheels is not an issues with 2" lower blocks.

Around here it is getting VERY difficult to find a tire place that has 15s in stock or that will even bother to order them. I am not a super low profile tire guy. I like to see rubber on my wheels. I try to keep tires in the 50 to 70 series profile range. 45 and lower I am just not a fan of. Those factory wheels do look good on the trucks. Mine was 205/75 x15 from factory. I probably would go with a 225/60x17 or 255/50x17 today. This is only picture I have of my old 97.

Thanks Bill.


It continues, the fight is real.



Once again, this may or may not be the answer.

BUT....

I do find myself drawn to this style of Range Rover Mondials. At 5x120 not exactly the same as S10 pattern.They are 18” and I have no idea if they would need spacers to sit right on the S10 and also if they would fit without fouling anything or anywhere.

But I like them, and especially in this cheap and nasty gold colour which possibly is too close to the trucks own colour.

So black or Silver may be better options, should it happen.

Chatting to @PaulY earlier we did discuss the Merritt and possibility of getting them diamond cut, both on the star ridge and outer rim.



This seller has 5, which is kinda ideal.

[Grizz1963]

Seem to have kinda got Photobucket back to working again.


Only owned this truck a week and a half and it really is feeing like this is a keeper, possibly why it was on my bucket list, and being as it took this long to get the right basic specs for my personal preference list, it makes me happy.

So we start with some of the “needs fixing” items.

Came with only one ignition key.
Went to Timpson and helpful guy says yup, I cam Mel one, it’s £75.00 of course I bite my tongue not to laugh, saying it does not have a chip, just need to open the door, Ohhh he says, that will be £15.00
So I walked out, I will find a half a brick when I need it.
Got to be a cheaper option somewhere.



So I headed home planning on watching something random on the telly and drinking by lunch time.

First I had to add this little aerial topper like a football player, silly but satisfying.



The Marmite dash in fake wood, it’s staying.
So why post it in the faults section?

No heating, no aircon, just a blower. So that needs to be investigated and repaired.

Maybe the unit in the Blazer from the same era will work as an easy repair, once we figure what has died.



As possibly not yet mentioned, the front seat setup acts as an occasional three seater, along with a lap belt for that passenger.
The armrest is also a storage space, and flips out the way when in use.
They are known to be fragile.



When you open it, the whole top is cracked up, but that’s an easy one to replicate in aluminium and fit in there to retain support.



Next problem is the rear tailgate handle.



Plastic inner to the chrome has a broken tab(s) a $5.00 part, hopefully I will order one to replace it.



So when I got home, I ended up deciding to go it and wash one wheel and tyre. Just to calm my conscience.

I also decided to wash the suspension lowering bits that came with the truck, clean is good.

Before.



After



Of course typically, wash one wheel, became maybe wash the truck first and then do the wheels, one by one.

Sally took a pic as she popped over to watch some recorded telly.

Thanks I am mad, washing the car in 4’C weather with intermittent rain nd wind.



So the car washing took about an hour, because I was giving it some attention.

I did not realise that I was actually going to wash it again on Sunday, as I realised the door rubbers, undersides and some hidden grooves needed some pressure cleaning and a brush or two.