Hi all. I'm back after a one or two year hiatus (last truck was a 89 LWB V6 that needed a new engine when I got rid of it). I found a 94 LS for sale locally, I am thinking of buying it. I had a few questions.

When I drove it (an automatic), it really held gears, like until 4k or so before it shifted. Now I have read that some of these had a mode switch for the AT, I didn't notice if this had one or not? Does anyone know if a 94 LS would have it? If so, it may have just been in the power mode.

The lady says she had the engine main seals replaced, and something about the crankshaft seals. Does this sound right? Don't these have problems with the key on the pulley, or something?

It's got 164k on it, fluids all seem good and I don't detect coolant in the oil or vice versa. I just want to make sure the tranny isn't failing. She will take $2k for it. Is it a good deal? Cosmetically it's average. Everything works.

Thanks!

-Ian, Hemet, CA

Sounds like the kick-down cable needs adjusting. I've had a similar problem, but adjusted the cable until it shifted better.

A '94 LS probably doesn't have the power mode - That stuff was on the fancier SR models. If the shifting seems smooth then the above advice about the kickdown cable is probably good. If the tranny was failing it would shift roughly or slip.

You could always ask to have a mechanic look at it before you buy it. I hope it works out well for you - I love my '94 LS <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Not sure on the '94, but our '95 LS has those features.

The '94 LS doesn't have a power mode because it's not electronically controlled. '94 to '95 is the break point between the electronically controlled transmission and the older hydraulic valve controlled transmission. The 3L 24 valve trucks used the same transmission as the 3.5L trucks. I remember when Kirk tried to install the 2.85 Tcase gears in his '95 LS with the 24V 3 liter and found out it used the same transfer case as the 3.5L equipped trucks.

Mine has no power mode <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

My '95 LS had a 2 way rocker switch down by the hand brake. One way was "hold" which I believe forced 2nd as the lowest gear to reduce wheel spin during acceleration on slick surfaces. The other was power which I guess increases the shift rpm's. I didn't notice much difference unless I was really on the throttle and towing. It was helpful to keep it out of OD towing on the hwy. According to Lee I guess none of that would apply to the '94.

However - when cold it would rev pretty high before shifting, and settle down after a few minutes. I don't know if that would apply to the hydraulically controlled trans or not.

Aren't main seals and crankshaft seals the same thing?

One thing I'd look closely at is the dreaded blue exhaust (leaking valve stem seals) when taking off after idling for a while. It's an expensive repair to have done, and a real pain to do yourself.

I got 3K out of the '95 (206k) on trade, it was in pretty dang good shape though for the year/mileage.

For a decent 94 with 160ish 2k sounds pretty good.

There is a temp switch which inhibits overdrive until the engine is up to temp. Sounds like that's the same for both hydraulic controlled transmissions and electrically controlled transmissions.