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| Need advice on 97 Sonoma ZR2 4.3L (Page 5/6) |
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Fierofreak00
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FEB 12, 04:05 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by 2.5:
Another tidbit about ZR2s, they actually have a different wider fully boxed frame as opposesd to a standard S10/Sonoma 4x4. |
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And also the GMC version (or Sonoma) is actually called a HighRider not a ZR2, which incidently is the RPO code (for both models) and can be checked on the sticker in the glove box. And the first tell tale by looking at either model, are the fender flares for the wider stance and the 31x10.5x15 in wheels.
Sorry, I 'm late to the discussion I've never been to this side of the forum.  -Jason
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Monkeyman
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FEB 13, 04:17 AM
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2.5 --- Both my '96 Jimmy (obviously not a ZR2) and my current '04 Blazer 4 door (again, obviously not a Blazer2) have/had fully boxed frames. The front suspension was different on the ZR2s (all varieties) but I'm not sure the frames were different. Of course, I never owned a real ZR2, so I never tried to compare.
Fierofreak --- That would be what I said about 1/2 a page earlier. I would be happy to send you a pair of my old glasses, if you'd like. 
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2.5
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FEB 13, 09:42 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Fierofreak00:
And also the GMC version (or Sonoma) is actually called a HighRider not a ZR2, which incidently is the RPO code (for both models) and can be checked on the sticker in the glove box. And the first tell tale by looking at either model, are the fender flares for the wider stance and the 31x10.5x15 in wheels.
Sorry, I 'm late to the discussion I've never been to this side of the forum. -Jason
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 Yep, and mine 1996 (highrider) has an info sticker under on the firewall behind the engine, under the hood, that among other things, has "ZR2" on it.[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 02-13-2013).]
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Jncomutt
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FEB 13, 09:43 AM
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But.. But... But.. Mine has ZR-2 on the door! lol.
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Fierofreak00
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FEB 13, 09:45 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Monkeyman:
Fierofreak00 --- That would be what I said about 1/2 a page earlier. I would be happy to send you a pair of my old glasses, if you'd like. |
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I'm thinking you might have to, cause I really didn't see it!!!
S10's have been my fav (next to the Fiero of course) for years, I've owned dozen or so of em since I was 18. ZR2's have been my passion for the last couple of years since I got it into my head to put an LS engine into one. Took me quite a while to find one in the price range I wanted. I ended up driving to VT for one I found on CL and was very disappointed. It seems the owner took strategic pics of what I wanted to see, and left out a few minor things. Like the bad pinion bearing, or the blown oil filter line, or the rust holes in the box even though I was very specific as to what I was going to do with the truck, and what I wanted to make sure I was getting. I ended up getting it anyway (the parts alone were worth what I paid) as I drove 400 miles on the worst roads I have ever been on, because I didn't want to waste the trip. I think you got a good truck there and is easy on the wallet for upkeep. Know that I know this thread is here, I'll add what I can (If I didn't kill the thread as it seems I do as of late). -Jason
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2.5
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FEB 13, 09:58 AM
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Monkeyman
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FEB 14, 01:44 AM
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I've never looked at a 2wd pickup/SUV so I couldn't say how those look. I knew the ZR2s had a taller front mount for the rear leaf spring as that's how the rear is lifted (same springs...I had Blazer2 springs on my Jimmy only because one of the bolts broke and someone had a set in good shape for cheap). I don't doubt the mounting points for the front suspension are different as the A arms are different. I know there are guys who have swapped a good non-ZR2 cab/bed to a ZR2 frame and didn't have to modify anything (although at least one had to buy aftermarket fender flares). If I could have found a Blazer2 frame, I probably would have put my drivetrain/body from the Jimmy on it. I had a body lift/T bar crank lift and 31s but they rubbed a little at full lock.
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Raydar
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FEB 15, 11:49 AM
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I had to replace the intake gaskets on my 2001 Sonoma 4.3. Extended cab.
At one time, the forums were full of threads about leaking intake gaskets. They usually started leaking at ~90K. (There's a possibility that most of them have been replaced by now, so you don't hear about them any more.)
Fortunately, most of them leak "out" as opposed to leaking inside the motor and trashing the bearings.
I also had to replace my heater core and radiator. Don't know whether to blame all of that on the Dexcool coolant, or using too much pressure when I flushed the cooling system. Both heater core and radiator failed in a pretty spectacular manner. (Water was pouring out of the radiator when it failed, and steam was blowing out of all the vents when the heater core failed. Enough that I had to roll down the windows to see to drive it home.
Also, if it starts using a lot of gas and fouling spark plugs, the poppet valves on the injector spider can fail and leak.
The replacement spider actually replaces the central injector and poppet valves with six individual injectors.
I also had the two-piece driveshaft replaced with a single long driveshaft. Did away with the center bearing and universal joints, which tend to be troublesome.------------------
Raydar
88 Formula IMSA Fastback. 4.9, NVG T550
 
Praise the Lowered!
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Jncomutt
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FEB 16, 09:28 AM
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I finally got the "usable" brake pads installed last night. I got everything cleaned up and regressed, but it still feels like the driverside hangs a bit, I think it may need a new brake hose. I'll keep an eye on it, check brake temps and go from there. I also found this when doing the pass side. Double whammy. Sway bar disconnect mod and upper balljoint path to death.
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rogergarrison
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FEB 18, 05:28 PM
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My 95 Astro has the 4.3. Its run great for 5 years at 160K. Hardly uses any oil. The only problem Ive had in that time was a rough idle fixed by replacing a fuel injector. It runs smooth as a Caddy now. It does only get about 16 mpg hiway...but it is a loaded conversion van with a hitop. Id expect quite a bit better on a PU. front sway bar end links on both sides rusted in half. Youd a thought they at least would have used zinc coated bolts. [This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 02-18-2013).]
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