s10 parts? buy from dealer or independent auto parts store?

[restlesswynd]

Where do you buy your parts? From the stealership or independent part store (e.g. Pep Boys, Kragen, Napa, etc..)?
I'm having problems with my 4x4 engagement. It's a 92 S10 2dr Blazer 4.3 TBI, Switch in the dash.
Before I found these boards and any info online, I unfortunately took my truck to the stealership to have them rip me off for a $500 Transfer case module---the thing behind the glove box. Afterwards, it would engage sometimes and now it won't engage at all!
Since then, i have found this board and other boards with lots of helpful info.
Now, I'm considering replacing the Actuator, Transfer Case Switch, re checking the vacuum lines, then lastly replacing the TC Motor(spendy!). Does anyone have any ideas how much the above mentioned parts may cost? Obviously, I'm going to replace the cheaper parts before i get to the more expensive TC Motor. I saw someone put a hose clamp on the hose where it attaches to the actuator, I should try that too. I've not yet gone underneath and removed the skid plate to look at the tranfer case and all it's components. Also, i'm not really a mechanic so i don't have alot of tools or knowledge of cars. A friend of mine has the tools and knowledge so i'm going to rely on him to help me troubleshoot and replace any parts.
I don't want to spend too much money(as this is an old truck and it will never be the offroad beast i'd like it to be), but i REALLY need 4wd! I'm considering buying a Jeep or Toyo to replace my S10 if i can't get the 4wd going. Is there anything else you guys can recommend???? Oh, when i did look at my actuator and pulled off the vacuum line, i too, had some sort of fluid leak out of it. i did find a few posts on here saying that it was possibly Transmission fluid?

SEARCH---everytime i do a search for 4x4 not working, 4wd not working, 4wd, i get ZERO results! Am i using the search feature wrong? I used to use the www.s104x4.com board and now i can't get that page to load! Luckily i did a new web search and this forum came up and i'm having problems finding the info i need.

thanks!
Randy

[doug1107]

yeah i always go to the local parts store... the dealership alwyas charges wayyyy to much

[OverBoardProject]

If negotiations work out I'll probably be getting all my parts through a close Ford dealership

I can't call it a stealership if I'm working there

(they were the first to contact me so I'm not really a traitor, Chevy had their chance)

[OverBoardProject]

Welcome to Automotive Forums, both restlesswynd and doug1107

[MT-2500]

If you want to save money find out what the problem is before you throw everything under the sun at it.
Also remember OEM dealer parts only hurt one time and that after market stuff can bite you in the rear many times.
And on some things the dealer is actually cheaper.
MT

[S10er_1]

Originally Posted by restlesswynd

Where do you buy your parts? From the stealership or independent part store (e.g. Pep Boys, Kragen, Napa, etc..)?
I'm having problems with my 4x4 engagement. It's a 92 S10 2dr Blazer 4.3 TBI, Switch in the dash.
Before I found these boards and any info online, I unfortunately took my truck to the stealership to have them rip me off for a $500 Transfer case module---the thing behind the glove box. Afterwards, it would engage sometimes and now it won't engage at all!
Since then, i have found this board and other boards with lots of helpful info.
Now, I'm considering replacing the Actuator, Transfer Case Switch, re checking the vacuum lines, then lastly replacing the TC Motor(spendy!). Does anyone have any ideas how much the above mentioned parts may cost? Obviously, I'm going to replace the cheaper parts before i get to the more expensive TC Motor. I saw someone put a hose clamp on the hose where it attaches to the actuator, I should try that too. I've not yet gone underneath and removed the skid plate to look at the tranfer case and all it's components. Also, i'm not really a mechanic so i don't have alot of tools or knowledge of cars. A friend of mine has the tools and knowledge so i'm going to rely on him to help me troubleshoot and replace any parts.
I don't want to spend too much money(as this is an old truck and it will never be the offroad beast i'd like it to be), but i REALLY need 4wd! I'm considering buying a Jeep or Toyo to replace my S10 if i can't get the 4wd going. Is there anything else you guys can recommend???? Oh, when i did look at my actuator and pulled off the vacuum line, i too, had some sort of fluid leak out of it. i did find a few posts on here saying that it was possibly Transmission fluid?

SEARCH---everytime i do a search for 4x4 not working, 4wd not working, 4wd, i get ZERO results! Am i using the search feature wrong? I used to use the www.s104x4.com board and now i can't get that page to load! Luckily i did a new web search and this forum came up and i'm having problems finding the info i need.

thanks!
Randy

Depends on what your looking for. I recently had to purchase my 4th 3rd door handle for my S10. I've bought 3 of the OGM parts and they kept breaking. Finally I found one online at 3rddoorhandle.com. This one is bullet aluminum and won't break like the all the others. I installed it in just a few minutes and it works great! If they have other S10 parts, I'll get it from them. I usually look online for my parts and then go to the local parts stores for best pricing and quality. Last resort is the dealerships.

[movin2stereo]

Originally Posted by S10er_1

Depends on what your looking for. I recently had to purchase my 4th 3rd door handle for my S10. I've bought 3 of the OGM parts and they kept breaking. Finally I found one online at 3rddoorhandle.com. This one is bullet aluminum and won't break like the all the others. I installed it in just a few minutes and it works great! If they have other S10 parts, I'll get it from them. I usually look online for my parts and then go to the local parts stores for best pricing and quality. Last resort is the dealerships.

Your problem wasn't the handle itself,but the lower latch is getting stiff.Lube it up and you won't have the problem anymore.

[dugie6551]

I start at either NAPA or the local junkyards, depending on the part. Then I will go to the stealership if no one else can possibly get me the part. Ex. I need valve cover gaskets for my 2.8L: stealership = $58.00, NAPA = $25.00.

[herkyhawki]

Originally Posted by MT-2500

Also remember OEM dealer parts only hurt one time

It's an OEM (Genuine GM) part that failed in the first place, so a blanket statement that OEM parts are always best doesn't make sense.

[MT-2500]

Originally Posted by herkyhawki

It's an OEM (Genuine GM) part that failed in the first place, so a blanket statement that OEM parts are always best doesn't make sense.

Well what part are you talking about?
I have always found OEM parts to be better than aftermarket and a lot of times but not always cheaper.
A lot of that after market stuff will bit you in the rear many times.
Normaly OEM factory parts just bite one time.
MT

[OverBoardProject]

dugie6551, I love the new sig! Well done

I think that I paid about $15.00 (Canadian of course) for my 2.8L Felpro valve cover gaskets.
That's of course in BC. Normal price through a BC owned store

Wolf on AF works for them and might be able to help you find cheaper parts (His real name Is Jamie and he's a pretty good guy that lives an hour from my mom's)