Need help in choosing a new S-10

[auxbar]

Hi everybody. I am looking to purchase a later model S-10 Crew Cab with the 4.6l V6. RIght now I am looking at either a 2001, 2002, or 2003. I don't even want to consider the Colorado, it sounds as though they have a bunch of problems.

Here is my question: Is there any advantage to owning a particular model year? Is the fuel injection system better on the 2002 than on the 2001? I have read a couple of posts about the fuel injection system on the 2001 has a couple of common issues, like the regulator going bad, and nut-kit leaking. I think I could probably change these parts, if I had a book. Did they change this design on the 2002 or 2003's? Does anybody know of any sort of "known" issues on these engines? Will the intake gaskets go bad on this vehicle like they did on my 3.4l DOHC GTP? You know how GM intake gaskets are....has anybody had this problem with the 4.3l V-6?

Any advice you guys could give to help steer me in the right direction would be appreciated.

Also, I am hell-bent on getting a 4X4. I live in Ohio, and we get snow in winter, even though it only lasts 3-4 months. I'm a 4X4 noobie, so I'm not too up on the topic. I don't see how you can engage the front wheels on the 4X4 without some sort of lever. THe Tacoma has such a lever, but I don't see one in the Chevy. Is this vacuum operated? And if so, is this known to fail? Or jump in and out of 4X4 uncontrollably? Does this work as advertised? Can anybody confirm or deny?

Thanks in advance to anybody who can share their experience with any of these models. I'm looking at the LS 4X4, 2001-2002-2003.

[dmbrisket 51]

the bad nut kit was an issue with the cpi moters (95 being the worse), those were done in the mid 90's, dont worrie about the regulators, and all chevy V moters have the plastic intake manifold gaskets, but there is an upgraded one from the dealer for the 4.3 and small blocks, its an aluminum body instead of a plastic body... they have their issues just as all other vehicals, used or new, have