You need a 40 Torx screwdriver. Remove the two bolts holding each pivot point on the bed side of your S10, and the single bolt holding the out hinge on the gate itself. Put the new hinges on, tighten the Torx bolts.
The Torx bolts seem to strip easily. You might consider changing them to Allen heads as part of the procedure.
The tailgate cables on the S10 may have to be drilled out and must be riveted in place. GM has a recall on these cables and will replace them, parts and labor for no charge at the dealership.
First you need to remove the trim bezel around the handle on the outside of the tailgate. Then remove the three bolts on the inside of the tailgate,that hold the handle in place. Next remove the latching mechanism rods from the handle,and remove the handle from the tailgate.
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The price to replace these items can be anywhere from 20 dollars to 450 dollars. It depends on where you go to have it done and what they charge.
The left or right tailgate cable comes as an assembly that includes the left or right side tailgate latch.
I found an excellent web page that walks you through this step by step: http://bodyshopzone.com/archives/mechanical/door/hinge/pin_replace_1.html
Should be about 3 hours labor.
Remove the panel behind the latch then remove the clip from the lock and it comes right out, it isn't connected to any mechanism inside the tailgate.
Sounds like you need to replace the thermostat.
1. lower tailgate 2. remove the two screws ( one of them is behind the tailgate "catch" bracket ) 3. pull out the light housing 4. the bulb holder is kind of a asprin bottle and you must push it it and turn, pull out bulb and replace
You replace the brakes on an ABS S10 the same way you replace brakes on a non ABS S10.
The latch assembly and cable is one piece.