Reliability of 4.3 (88-95)

Considering buying a 88-95 4.3 full size truck but was wondering if there were any problem areas or to avoid them all together. I've heard they're just the v-8 without 2 cylinders. Is gas economy much better than a 305 or 350? I won't be towing anything bigger than a 17ft aluminum boat so a lot of power isn't a big issue, just every day practicality.

thanks in advance

I've had three vehicles with that motor, still have two of them. They are good motors. The fuel mileage of that motor even in a smaller truck is not that great. In a full size truck I really don't think you will see that much better mileage. But, with todays gas prices, it wouldn't take much to help.

I was getting around 18 mpg in a S10 4wd.

James

88-95 and what mileage and what kind of care has it had.
You need to have it checked over by a good mechanic befor buying just like any other used car/truck.
4.3 V6 are good engines but are a little short on power in a bigger truck and A lot of other things besides the engine wears out on a vechicle so look it over good before buying.
MT

What/where are some key things to look at. I'm an aircraft mechanic and i am very familiar with inspection techniques once given some guidance on where to start on something i'm not familiar with.

thanks

A good visual inspection to start with. Look for any kind of fluid leaks. Uneven tire wear. Look the interior over and brake pedal over for a got of wear. Check odometer reading.
Mileage is not that important on that old of a truck but the care the last owner gave it makes a lot difference.
If a one owner check with the owner and see what all he has done to it or what service it has had. Pull the oil filler cap and look in the valve cover for sludge.
If the oil was not changed regular the engine will be sledged up.
Test-drive it. I always like to start one up cold listen to it on a cold start up and watch for any smoking out tail pipe. And then warm it up and drive it 20-25 miles and watch for good trans shifting and good engine running and trans and rear end noise or leakage.
Then listen to it hot and watch and check engine for blow buy or noise hot.
Look at engine and trans and coolant levels and condition.
But the main thing is having a good trained auto mechanic do an inspection and look it over good.
He knows what to watch and check for and may catch something that you do not.
Good Luck
MT