My 97 Chevy 1500 is leaking out from the bottom . Wat cud it possibly be?

Bad coolant temp sensor makes ECU think engine is already warm.

I would guess that it could be the intake manifold leaking out antifreeze externally.

Don't know if this will help you or not. But we found out with our 97 Silverado, that almost everything electrical went through the ignition switch. You might investigate an ignition problem.

Will it physically fit? yes. Will it be a direct replacement any everything hook right up and plug right in? If we are talking about an automatic then no. 1994's wiring was completely different than the 1997. Can it be made to work? possible, but I believe it would be more trouble trying to make it work than if the correct transmission were located and installed. If it is a cost issue where he has a good trans out of a 1994 he might see if a salvage yard will do some partial trading for the correct trans.

the thermostat is opening late or the waterpump cud be failin--just water corrodes these decreases life------------inspect the tierods for ajustment and also wheel bearings

ya im leaning the multi-function switch in the stearing column

It is the water pump most likely,they have ,what they call a weep hole in the bottom under the pulley,so they will leak out to let you know to change them right away.If it is on the top coming from the intake area,it would be the intake,they are also bad to leak,but look at the pump,under the pulley.

pick up a chilton book from chapters indago and check the diagrams they might be similar but i believe the wiring is a lot different '
it is likely you will need both manules

try a purge valve.

If they are both 4L60Es' then yes. I know the 96 1500 does but you didn't state what size the 97 is. And are they both 4X4?