Faults:

Replaced all front end hardware, tie rod ends, drag link, etc.

Replaced all four shocks and brakes.

Replaced the alternator and drive belt.

The engine smokes at start-up - almost certainly valve guides.

General Comments:

Prior to purchasing this truck, after losing a new (at the time) 1999 Chevy Z71 - I bought a new Chevy truck every two years. I got bored with what I was driving and wanted something new.

I have owned this one almost 4 years and see no end in sight.

I average 23-25 miles per gallon and drive this truck everywhere I go (unless I am on the Harley). It has been very dependable, hard working and nice too look at!

The 4.3 is very weak, however. I cannot tow anything. That is a major flaw with the truck. My plan is to replace the 4.3 this winter with a Chevy crate 350. I need a tow vehicle from time to time.

The paint is still nearly flawless, no fading, no peeling. The bright red paint with black grille still catches people's eye. The red front bumper and red roll pan compliment the truck. I am asked regularly what year it is because the paint still shines like a new one.

The interior is still in very good condition, no tears in the seats, the carpet is not worn and there are no cracks in the dash. I certainly do not like the maroon interior in a red truck, but that is more of a personal opinion than a gripe.

I did replace the stereo and speakers.

I also added the cup-holders offered by GM. The design crew finally got them right a few years later, but in 92 the design and placement was very poor, especially in a truck with a manual transmission.

Faults:

New Clutch at 168K.

New transmission at 168K.

New motor mounts at 168K.

Fan clutch replaced at 168K.

Tires at 90K and tires at 168K.

Rebuilt starter.

Rebuilt alternator.

Wiper circuit control board.

Water pump replaced.

Fuel filter.

Plugs rotor and cap as needed.

Control Module replaced.

Seat is starting to tear and wear on drivers side.

Drivers side door hinge is starting to wear.

General Comments:

This truck really loves to haul and tow a load!

It performs in any weather under any conditions and just keeps coming back for more under any circumstances.

You can load the long bed with just about anything. Set the 5 speed manual transmission in first gear, let the clutch out and the torque takes over.

The 4.3 engine just growls out the power.

Without a load in the back the 5 speed manual transmission has all the horsepower to scoot down any freeway to cruise for real gas savings.

I am getting 17 mpg city and 21+ mpg highway. A 30 gallon fuel tank makes for some serious long range cruising.

This little work truck has opened a few eyes with its quick response off the line whenever one of those new fangled muscle cars from over the seas comes knocking at a red light.

Now that I have the new clutch and transmission in I am looking forward to another 100K.

Faults:

Replaced alternator.

Motor mount rubber was coming apart, engine would jump if not holding brake when putting it in gear.

Wiper circuit board was going out when I sold it.

Driver seat wore through by door.

Famous GM peeling paint, not too bad, only in a couple places.

General Comments:

Otherwise a very sound truck, one of the best I've ever owned.

While not knowing this trucks full history, the two years I did own it was a very good experience.

Sure, the 4.3 V-6 didn't have the punch that the 5.7 did, but it would run 70-75 no problem, had just as much power as a 305, was good on gas and very reliable.

The truck handled very well with the stock 235/75 tires, even better when I replaced them with 8" steel wheels and 275/60 rubber.

I needed a little more room for my family so I sold my W/T for an F-150 super cab, and it didn't take long to regret it. The F-150 gets lousy gas mileage. I plan to sell it and put another clean '92-'97 W/T back in my driveway.