• V6 engine w/high output chip.

• 5-speed manual transmission.

• Manual shift, 2-speed transfer case, floor mounted.

• LS package (interior upgrades).

• Bucket seats.

• Floor console.

• Full gauge package.

• Manual windows, door locks, mirrors.

• Standard suspension.

The truck had a nice shade of brown called “Aspenwood.” It turned out to be a rare color used by Chevrolet on trucks and I've seen few in this color. Interior was a shade of brown. I also added a Legacy cab high camper shell, color matched. The truck also sported off road lights, and a bug shield. The truck remained stock mechanically, with exception of an aftermarket cruise control added when I first took delivery of the truck.

I drove the truck until June of 2002, when I traded the truck in on the Toyota with 132,000 miles on its odometer. The truck was quite reliable. At 98,000 miles, the truck received its first tuneup (I was skeptical at GM's claim that no tuneup was required for 100,000 miles, but it proved true); the front brakes were serviced for their first time (the rear drums never required service) and the AC compressor had frozen up the previous winter and required replacing and attendant replacement of various devices and freon in the AC system.

I liked the truck, but never was quite comfortable in it off road in very rough conditions. The truck had no skid plates and it was quite low to the ground. To Chevrolet's credit, though, all vulnerable drive train components were well tucked up within the frame and close to the body underside. In the rough, I've only touched down on the stout looking frame. There was a few little dents on the rocker panels.

I wished to have the truck lifted and a rear locker installed, but the price of such was prohibitive. As the truck's mileage increased, I could not justify putting in considerable money to upgrade its off road capability and the likelihood of repair expenses of drivetrain components as the miles piled up.

I still see the truck running around Bishop. It is always filthy, which indicates that the new owner is having fun with it; it also is sporting body damage, indicating that the current owner is more daring off road.

Picks/Pans

Raves

• Reliable

• Economical (consistent 21mpg)

• Held up well – no major squeaks, rattles or breaking parts

• Comfortable

• Quiet

• Nice highway ride

• Good power

• Good looking interior and dashboard

• Gages well placed and readable

Rants

• Too low to ground for serious off-roading

• Cruise control had mind of its own (problem with aftermarket cruise, not a Chevy problem)

• OEM Goodyear Wranglers were a joke. Multiple flat tires due simply small stones that get stuck in the tread working their way through and causing air leaks. One destroyed tire due to a small, 1” square edge stone slicing the sidewall wide open. Trashed them at 10,000 miles and spooned on my first set of B.F. Goodrich All Terrain TA's and never looked back.

Update: I recently saw the old S-10 sitting in the Taco Bell parking lot in Bishop and snapped a few photos:

Note that the truck is now sporting the 1^st generation S-10 optional alloy wheels. It's also missing much of the lower front bumper assembly. The truck is also sporting noticeable body damage just behind the driver side door.

I spoke with the young owner recently and got a close up of the interior of the truck and questioned him about the body damage. The truck now has “more than 250,000 miles.” The damage was due to laying the truck on its side. The interior is pretty ratty – missing passenger side door panel, the steering column plastic held together with a bungee cord, seat cloth rips and tears. The engine still sounds strong.

©2004, 2005, 2006 D.A. Wright
All Rights Reserved

Page Revised: 08/14/2006