Transmission was also a weak point on the older horse models. I had friends who bought them in 70's with Kohler engines. Bearing in the tranny let go long before the Kohler. If you get to look at it make sure the trans is tight with out play in the tine shaft. Of course if you are handy with wrenches you may want to rebuild the trans on your husky since you already have a good engine. The most time consuming part is splinting the case. lots of bolts. The shifter rusting and getting stuck is the most prevalent problem. Second is stripping a gear (breaking off a tooth) and on an aging model worn bearings. Lots of YouTube howto videos.
I hear you about the S-10, mine is a 95 Mitsubishi Mighty Max. It can handle a 4 hour drive, but I am no longer sure I can.
