Blazer???

Ive got a 79 Blazer and Love it. I like things simple, solid axles and non computer controlled. I maybe
incorrect, but IFS only gives you an advantage in high-banked and Baja type racing where the vehicles
center of gravity is constantly shifting. IFS also has alot more moving parts which tends to make it a
little more difficult to tinker with, as well as more expensive to modify. When looking at years to buy think
about this. All of the blazers between approx. 1975 and 199? are built very similar if not identical in the
majority of cases. Look for axles, transfer cases, and ofcourse what engine tranny combo you want.
This is where they really differ. Also if you are planning on doing the majority of the work yourself, and
like the idea of torqing it out...look into early model trucks. Whatever you buy it has to maintain the
minimum emmision standards that are required for that year of truck. Earlier trucks had lower emissions
standards so its a little easier to modify them and still keep them in the clear. I like it low tec and
dependable.

In '82 Chevy came out with the S series of trucks, 4x4 came in '83. I'm not sure if the Blazers came out at the same time though. They came out with fuel injection in '86. The biggest engine offered was the 2.8 V-6 (total slug) until '88 they came out with the 4.3. They have either TBI (160 hp) or CPI (175? hp). Until '88 all the rears where the 7 1/2". In '88 with the 4.3 they moved to the 7 5/8" rear. I think all of them had 7 5/8's in '89. Neither one is very strong. Early models had the NP 207 t-case, then they moved to the NP 231. I think the change over year was '88. BTW, the 231C (Chevy) is different than the 231J (Jeep). I don't know much about the '95 and up S10's.
The IFS is a pain in the ass. It's just another complication. It will only handle up to 33's and is $$$$$$$$ to lift. There is no locker aval. for the front 7.2 that I know of. It would prob. blow in short time if they did.
V-8 trans plants aren't hard, but the drivetrain wouldn't take the abuse of off road and that kind of power.

Don't get me wrong, they are good off road vehicles and I like mine. They just need some major upgrades to be a serious off roader.

I want to be a follower, but all the leaders seem to be lost.

The independant front suspension on the little S trucks is much more fragile than for example a regular Dana 44 solid front axle would be, (the trucks independant front has only a 7.2" ring gear like previously indicated. The S trucks have had a few different engines: 4, and 6 cylinder. The 4 cylinders that have been available at one time or another are the 1.9L, 2.0L, and 2.5L (iron duke), and the 6 cylinder engines are the 2.8L and the 4.3L. The fuel injection has been available on the 2.5L since 1985, and I believe the 2.8L got fuel injection starting in 1987. The 4.3 became available in these trucks in 1988(I think) No V8 was ever offered as a factory option in one of these trucks. Swaps are possible, just like solid front axle swaps so that you can lift it higher and easier (after all the fabrication is done at least) at about the same cost as a IFS lift (for axle and lift springs). 88blazer covered about everything there is to know about the trucks... /wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif

Tim
/wwwthreads_images/icons/cool.gif '79 Suburban 4x4 454, 35x12.5s
/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif '85 S15 4x4 2.8l, 235/75's