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The problem with not draining the engine block is that you won't get enough anti-freeze into only your radiator to give you a 50-50 mix for adequate protection. There are no seals to destroy because both bolts have tapered threads - which accomplishes the sealing.
I'm curious. I have a 98 Blazer and I just changed out the coolant. You should have the same 4.3-liter V6 engine as I do. My drain plugs were near the rear of the engine block, one on each side, and both bolts were the same size - 12mm I think (sorry can't remember). I could see both bolts when I was under the Blazer on the centerline, my head was about even with the rear of the engine, and I looked up and forward. In order to get the bolts out, I needed to use extensions and work from underneath the Blazer.
Chevy did supposedly "refine" the engine in 1996 like putting in a stiffer engine block. The refinements were to decrease noise and vibration levels. Maybe that's the difference.
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