Originally Posted By: FFeng7
I thought I read that the newer models were built on Ford Ranger chassis.
If it looks like this, it is based on the Ranger...
Those trucks have the 3.0L Vulcan FFV, and probably a 4R44E transmission. Notice it has the same wheels as a circa 2000 base model (XL) Ranger. They also have a Ranger steering wheel and column. I think (but am not positive) that these trucks have the Ranger 2WD's coil spring front suspension, but an Explorer-style spring under rear axle. Not sure if the axle is an 8.8 or 7.5.
Ones that look like this are typically S-10 based with an Iron Duke...
Though some with the old LLV body may be Fords as well...
Notice the Ranger wheels. That one was apparently an electric model, but Ford took them back and replaced them with gas models when they discontinued the Ranger EV and all of the mechanical parts for it around 2002.
The LLV is still supported in GM's parts catalogs, but many of the parts have been discontinued, at least from GM. The last S-Series trucks (2005 Blazer) were produced a decade ago, and the Iron Duke has been out of production even longer, so the mechanical parts are being phased out by GM and are getting harder to come by. I am guessing the aftermarket has probably been providing most of the parts for these for a while now.
As Jarlaxle suggested, I wouldn't be surprised if small vans like the Transit Connect eventually fill this role as mechanical parts for the LLVs become harder to find.