Hi. New user here, though I have lurked these forums before. A few months back, my cherished 2000 base model LWB S10 hydroplaned off the interstate and was completely destroyed when it slammed into a guard rail. Scary stuff. So I was in the market for a "new" S10, and naturally insurance wasn't going to pay anything due to my liability only coverage. So my budget was limited. Starkly limited. I got a little 2001 ext cab from an auction. I paid $2k for it, and if you ask me, it was a bit much for something in this condition. But, I've owned these trucks for nearly 20 years. I figure I can sort out most of the issues.

When I got the thing, it was in pretty rough shape. You can see some of the auction photos I've uploaded, and a couple after I got it home and gave it what may its first washing in many years. I also repainted the hood, it was just too messed up. The grill also got a fresh coat of plastic bonding paint. It's starting to look a little more presentable. Though not by much. I fitted my custom throttle body and air intake from the wrecked LWB, so the truck sounds a little more like my old one. I'm actually liking it a lot. It has a sliding rear window that my old one didn't have. The interior was in tough shape, but I shined it up to the point it looks almost new. Just missing a few pieces in there that I can get at a junkyard.

Unfortunately the vehicle has some big problems. I'll break down the issues, and I would appreciate any advice anyone can give me about them. These are in order of importance.

Power Steering Pump

The power steering is out. Pretty tough to maneuver in traffic without that, so it's first on the list of fixes. The mechanic who put the truck together for me swapped on the power steering pump from my wrecked LWB, but it still pisses out fluid and gives the engine code P0507. The other causes for this include bad alternator or clogged throttle body or dirty sensors. I think judging from the fact that the truck goes WAAAAAAAAA when you turn the wheel, pisses out fluid and has no power steering, that the cause is probably a bad pump. Makes no sense, it worked fine before it was swapped. I've rented a pulley puller and gotten a fresh pump. but is there a chance the pump is fine, and it's some other issue?

Brakes

The brake lights randomly come on, though the truck stops fine. However, today the brakes started smoking like a Cheech and Chong movie when I pulled into the driveway. I think the driver side front caliper is locked. I'll be changing that soon, but I was wondering what the deal was with the lights. It randomly gives ABS and brake lights that go away after parking the car. Research indicates it could be bad sensors. I would appreciate any advice on this.

Windows

I miss my base model S10. No power windows to deal with or worry over. This 2001 I bought has power windows, and they are slow as molasses. A lot of times they will stop halfway, seemingly too tired to continue. But if I give it a minute, they're back working again. They also seem to have a much harder time if the car is key on but engine off. It's like the motor has to be running for them to get any juice. I'm not sure what's causing it. Almost every car I've owned has had crank windows.

Locks

Power locks were also something my previous S10 didn't have. I don't see the point in power locks when I can reach the passenger side and unlock it myself. These things also lock automatically, a safety feature I would like to have turned off. Also, curiously, the driver door will unlock when I lock the passenger door from the button. The mechanic had the driver door apart to install a new handle, so maybe something wasn't put together right.

AC

I bought this truck because in spite of its problems, it had cold AC. Something my LWB S10 lost about 10 years ago. I live in the South, and the heat is no joke here. On the new truck, the AC will blow cold sometimes, but other times not so much. I guess maybe it needs coolant or something. It's pretty bad when combined with the finicky windows. Maybe I'll take the blower housing apart and see if it's got a bunch of leaves and gunk down there like my old one did. If anyone has worked on their AC before, please let me know any tips you might have.

Etc

I want to mount a pair of tow hooks, but my truck didn't come with the option. Does anyone know what size hole I need to drill? I lost the bolts, too. I guess I should get some from the junkyard and take pics of where it lines up, and make sure the radiator isn't in the way before I drill in there. The bumper already has holes cut for them.

So those are my various problems. I will update this thread with my progress, and I would love any advice you might have. I'll probably try and get that power steering pump off tomorrow. Thanks for reading.