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| Need advice on 97 Sonoma ZR2 4.3L (Page 1/6) |
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Jncomutt
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JAN 26, 04:29 PM
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Guys, I'm looking at purchasing a 1997 GMC Sonoma ZR2 with the 4.3L engine. The truck is a 5speed and has 218k miles on it. That mileage certainly worried me a little bit. I don't really know the history of the truck, neither does the kid that currently owns it. He says it needs an IAC valve, but runs well otherwise. I'm not looking for a daily driver, but something I can count on to move things around and to make car part runs. This would be my 3rd vehicle (counting the fiero as a 4th, since its never running, lol).
I've read about the typical ball joint, wheel bearing, 3rd door handle, etc problems but nothing that seems it would be preventing me from driving it as an occasional utility vehicle. Should I have any concerns about the mileage? Thoughts on the 4.3L engine, 5 speed trans, rear end, etc at these miles?
Thanks for the help!
These are the rest of the "before" pictures...
[UPDATES]
Things addressed so far:
Oil Change
Air Filter
Check Engine Light (Fuse)
Brake Lights (Fuse)
Pass Door Window Weatherstrip
Pass Door Outside Door Handle
Pass Door Window Crank
Manual Lock Sliders Reattached
Tailgate Cable Bolts
Trans Vacuum Line
E-brake Cables
Front Brake Pads
Wiper Nut Covers
Front Speakers
Jack Cover
Prop Rod Clip
Windshield Washer Hose[This message has been edited by Jncomutt (edited 02-28-2013).]
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fierofan25
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JAN 26, 11:28 PM
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They had a lot of problems witht the center intake gaskets leaking. I worked in a GM dealership and we did at least 3 a week. Check all your fluids. Thanks lonnie
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Monkeyman
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JAN 27, 03:15 AM
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I've never heard of any intake gasket issues with the 4.3 motor. I've had 2 of them ('96 Jimmy and my current '04 Blazer). My Jimmy had 171k miles on it when I sold it and my Blazer has just under 90k now. You already know about the ball joint and wheel bearing issues and there are fixes for the crappy 3rd door handle. Nothing any different about the rear end than any other Chevy truck. I don't know anything about the 5 speed as both of mine have been automatics.
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naskie18
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JAN 27, 08:44 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Monkeyman:
I've never heard of any intake gasket issues with the 4.3 motor. . |
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Same here. I had a '95 S-10 with the 4.3L (automatic) and it was still running great when I totaled it at 126k miles. My sister had a '95 Sonoma (also automatic) that she bought with 105k miles and sold with nearly 200k on it, also no issues with the engine.
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Nick www.naskie18.com GoogleTalk: naskie18 AIM: naskie18
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carnut122
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JAN 27, 09:22 AM
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I have a 94 S-10 with 120,000 miles on it and I trust it to drive anywhere and haul pretty much anything. The wife keeps wanting to give it away, but it makes a good back-up vehicle and it's virtually my son's only transportation. When I bought the truck I told people I planned on it lasting 20 years. I'm almost there, so I'll go for 30 next. Actually, I don't plan on ever replacing it.
OK...what ball joint and bearing issues? Can somebody tell me what I should be looking for?
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weaselbeak
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JAN 27, 12:49 PM
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Ball joints and bearings are as reliable as on any other vehicle. There are some things that can sneak up on you and be very costly from one set of wheels to another. Check pricing on common wear items. There are fuel pumps out there that will break the bank. My son had a Tracker (I'm not making this up) that had the muti-function switch--headlights, turn signals-- go bad and on his particular model year it would have cost a THOUSAND dollars. I have 2 of those 4.3 engines and the motor is terrific. But there is a 415 dollar fuel pump getting old in the 2 door Blazer and that is worrisome. Just do a little google search for common problems on the specific year and model so you won't get blindsided. [This message has been edited by weaselbeak (edited 01-27-2013).]
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Monkeyman
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JAN 27, 01:53 PM
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Two of the known issues with the 4 wheel drive (only) are the front wheel bearings and ball joints. Not saying there aren't S10s (and their variants) that don't have these issues but you can expect to replace them every 50-80k miles. I've already had to replace mine (just under 90k miles) and expect to replace them one more time before I get rid of the truck (assuming I don't upgrade to a 1 ton before I hit 160k miles).
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Jncomutt
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JAN 27, 08:44 PM
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Hey guys, thanks for the advice on the reliability of the 4.3L. I checked it out today and decided it was worth the $2000. It has a check engine light for Maf and crank sensor. P0102 and P0340. Even still, I drove it 2.5 hours home with no issues. It runs strong, but drinks gas. I put 13.5 gallons of gas in from empty and just below half tank was around 130 miles. I figured it should get better after maintenance. It will need a good scrubbing, oil change and some brakes, but nothing I don't think I can't manage. [This message has been edited by Jncomutt (edited 02-04-2013).]
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Jncomutt
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JAN 27, 09:05 PM
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Monkeyman
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JAN 28, 08:42 AM
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The 4.3s, especially in a 4wd truck, are never going to get good gas mileage. I drive very conservatively, rarely have the 4wd engaged and (since the A/C doesn't work) never have the A/C on and I average 16.8mpg (mostly short trips). If I was on the highway a lot, I might average 17.5-18.0 but I think that would be pushing it. I got similar gas mileage with my '03 Dodge full size (4wd, automatic, 5.7L Hemi V8). That's about the only thing I really don't like about my Blazer (and my old Jimmy). I want/need a one ton truck. Someone said I'd feel the pain of worse gas mileage. I told them I'd never notice. 
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