Hey Fellas,


Thank you in advance for doing what you do...you're golden!!!


I own a 1999 Bravada with 140k miles and a 4.3 Vortec. I have a couple questions:


1. Body:






Click for larger pic


The driver'* side door handle...two screws. First pic is what fell out when I removed the only remaining screw. Next is of the two holes...it appears that the plastic holding down the door panel is gone. Can I rectify this with washers or some other method?


2. Body:




Click for larger pic

Please tilt your head to the left, and I apologize...I couldn't get the pic to rotate 90 degrees to the right and save....


Hinge. The "Roller" squeaks and moans - this is the one at the bottom of the top hinge where those "knuckles" roll over it. Should I grease it? Already soaked in silicone spray.


3. Tune-Up: Will replace plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, K&N Air Filter, tires, shocks. Anything else I'm missing?


4. HEATER CORE. I understand this is a 12 hour job...HOWEVER, I have seen a method on YouTube that brings it down to about 3-4 here:




ANY comments, questions, tips or tricks, ALL of it would be very much appreciated!


Many, many thanks,


Maitai

A few notes on your Bravada:

Update the auto trans fluid to DEX 6 from DEX 3, replace the transfer case oil to GM "blue" transfer case oil (only available at GM dealer), and exchange the front and rear differential oil to a top synthetic brand. Also make sure you lube all 13 zerk fittings on the front end. This will eliminate a shutter in the drive train and prevent premature failure of transfer case and trans.

Take the front seats out prior to beginning the heater core replacement. It is a big job, but if you detail all steps and label all parts removed and screws, it is very doable, just time consuming.

The hinge issue is likely not fixable with lube, on Ebay and Amazon there are plenty of aftermarket S10 hinge replacement kits.

Not sure why one would spend a penny on a K&N air filter. GM deisgned the air intake system and I am not aware of anyone who makes a after air filter intake that can match or beat what GM made for a factory setup.

Good luck with your Bravada!

Dear Guns,


Firstly, THANK YOU for taking the time to reply to my post. Here is what I've done thus far - and I expected most:


1. Tires
2. Shocks
3. Plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and MSD coil
4. Coolant flush (ewwww,) Bar'* leak seal (heater core leaking, and I opted for this fix versus rolling the dash) and an unexpected water pump. Weep holes started leaking yesterday.
5. Air filter
6. Battery (other one 5 years old)


I noticed you made the following recommendations:


"A few notes on your Bravada:

Update the auto trans fluid to DEX 6 from DEX 3, replace the transfer case oil to GM "blue" transfer case oil (only available at GM dealer), and exchange the front and rear differential oil to a top synthetic brand. Also make sure you lube all 13 zerk fittings on the front end. This will eliminate a shutter in the drive train and prevent premature failure of transfer case and trans."

Thanks for making those recommendations and I really appreciate the thought you put into it. Are these changes for the high mileage, or just the best for this particular model?


One last thing: Is there a tutorial anywhere on how to replace the ABS "Main Plate" (underneath the electronic module)? The car came with a full replacement, and while I will check codes (just moved to another state,) I would like to know in case I need to replace that unit with all the steel lines going into it.


Again, many thanks for your support!


Maitai

Quick update on the heater core:


1. Bar'* leak failed.
2. I attempted the job, but that video was nowhere near accurate for my model. Into the shop, $700 job.


I'll be submitting another question on a different thread...thank you for your support!


Maitai