From 1982 to 2004 GM made a small sized pickup truck called the Chevrolet s10 or the GMC S-15 in GMC’s case. Coincidentally, the truck was introduced in the same year GM introduced the legendary T700R4 Chevy Transmissions. Or GMC Transmissions, all being equal.
It was the predecessor to the Chevy LUV truck made from 1972 to 1982, which was really an Izuzu product and not particularly popular. The s10 was the first real effort to produce an American made mini truck by General Motors.
Quite frankly, I don’t think Americans were ready for their own mini trucks when the LUV truck was introduced. It came out at the exact same time as the oil embargo in 1972. In reality the LUV was not such a good vehicle for drivers accustomed to larger bulkier American vehicles at that time. Gas was cheap in 1972 though.
Basically the s10 was a popular vehicle with limited options. Although having a four wheel drive package was very appealing to many folks. What was most appealing was the opportunity to buy an American mini pickup truck.
Transmission options were not as limited as one may think for a first generation vehicle. The base versions came with a 3 speed automatic transmissions called the THM200-C. A much more popular option for the s-10 trucks was the venerable T700R4 automatic overdrive transmission.
The first generation was made available with several standard transmissions designed to match engine options to transmissions based on the platform and use. That said GM used a Borg Warner 5 speed T5 standard or a Getrag/Muncie HM/5LM60. More commonly called a NV3500 standard.
In 1994 the second generation of s10 became available. It was very similar platform wise as the generation one models. The trucks modern exterior design and interior conveniences suited the demands of customers who wanted trucks to have some of the same luxuries as cars. Obviously upping the power options was part of it, but by then the transmissions made by Chevy had dramatically changed.
By then (2004), the only automatic transmission option was the 4L60E, which is a computer operated transmission. The change occurred in 1992 (Gen. 1) when the venerable T700 was discontinued. The setup was perfected when the second generation platform was mildly re-designed.
Because the newer automatics are fully computerized, the new platform was outfitted with a full wiring harness and plenty of sensors design for the job of operating a vehicle that now uses computerization throughout the truck. The first generation of s10 that received the 4L60E had a, for lack of better word, had a bastardized wiring harness which was hooked into the stock harness to accommodate the new electronic transmission. Simply put, the bastardized harnesses had their share of issues.
The second generation of s10 also had some standard transmission options available too. The short list included a Tremec 5 speed manual, a Nv1500 5 speed manual and continuing use of the heavy duty NV3500 5 speed manual, only for the V6 engines.
Finally the S-series was then proceeded by the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon in 2004.
It has been a while since these trucks were produced. If the reason you have frequented our site is to acquire a replacement transmission for an s10 or any vehicle for that matter perhaps we can help. Outperforming the competition is why we have been the top transmission supplier in the country for years.
Regarding transmissions for sale, during your pursuit to locate a transmission to replace a worn out unit, call us and find out how we can be helpful. We are prepared to take as much time as needed to listen to your problem and teach you how to decide what transmissions we have for sale that suits your best interests and budget. Call GotTransmissions.com @ 866-320-1182 (now) and speak with a trained sales representative.