96 Chevy Blazer 2D 4X4 Things to worry about?

Hi Folks,
This is my first time posting here, just found you guys! I have a 96 Blazer, 94,000 miles on it. Only thing replaced has been basic stuff and no problems. My mechanic said I should think about changing the coolant to reg old fashioned stuff. Is this a good idea? What else should I be on the look out for at this point in the lil trucks life?

Thanks much,

Billy

Is this mechanic illiterate? The warranty REQUIRES Dexcool long-life antifreeze on ALL GM cars manufactured since 1995! On another note, its a good idea to have your transmission fluid & filter changed and the cooler flushed. That way, if you decide to sell it, you can say its had all its required services. On the anit-freeze, why wouldn't you want to use dexcool in it? It lasts 5 years or 100,000 miles and it costs like $1 more than that conventional crap!
With these routine services, you should expect 200,000 miles out of the Blazer easily. Good luck with your Blazer, I currently have 174,000 on my S10!
A.Smith

1989 GMC S-15 4x4 4.3L/700R-4, 3.08s, 31" Sport Kings For Sale
1985 S-10 4x4 Soon to have 3504BM/TH350/D44/14FF, 35" Boggers

Welcome to HELL!
Don't get me wrong, I love my truck....but the f. engineers that designed it were on crack!
You will spend countless hours doing routine maintenance on your truck. Nothing is easilly accessible. To change the spark plugs you will have to work through the wheel-well, one is even perfectly aligned with the steering column (you'll understand when you try it...the middle one on the driver side.
The fuel filter housing is very snug (hidden neatly in the frame and impossible to remove....my suggestion, do a neat cut with a utility knife to cut the belly-band, then loosen the gas lines and replace.
The front differential fluid can't be drained (no drain plug)....it must be pumped out (f. crack-head engineers).
The rear diff requires a special fluid that can only be bought at the dealership (some mechanics will say you can add an additive to gear oil...WRONG!....not in the 96 and newer models.
Whenever you decide to undertake a job, triple your time estimate. Also, buy the best parts and best quality fluids (i.e. platinum plugs, long-life DexCool)...'cause you don't want to have to redo a job!
If anything, you will build an intimate relationship with your truck....and perhaps discover God in the process.
Enjoy,
Snafoo

[Berg84]

Ya, that's what it is like for most compact vehicals these days. You used to be able to see all the parts of the engine from the hood. Now if seems like you have to remove most of the engine to get to stuff. Not an overly bad vehical just don't screw it over and it will last a lifetime. By the way, are 4 doors and 2 doors much different mechanically. ie placment of fuel filter ex..