I'm sorely in need of expert advice. I've got about 5,ooo to spend, and want a short wheel base 4x4, full-size, pick-up or SUV. Biggest considerations are power, durability, and reliability. Will use 10% off-road, approx. 90% highway, so I probably will need some kind of overdrive. Thinking late 70's or early 80's K5 Blazer or older pick-up. Are there any years I should avoid? Should look for? A best year/model? Engines, tranny's, suspensions? I'm hoping this post will inspire you, the experts, to aim me in the right direction. Any advice will be seriously appreciated, you have no idea how little I know on this subject. Thanks.
Guest
G
Re: New guy needs expert advice about purchase of 4X4
Given that YOU said
"Biggest considerations are power, durability, and reliability. Will use 10% off-road, approx. 90% highway"
I would recommend a 87 pickup or an 87 through 91 Blazer.
These will have an overdrive! and these trannys have had all the bugs worked out, that the earlier "OD" trannys had problems with.
And the biggest Bonus is these trucks will have "Electronic Fuel Injection" (EFI), more specifically "Throttle Body Injection" (TBI)
So they have more horsepower than earlier years and are very dependable and require Very little maintenance when compared to a carburetor.
And be sure to get a 350 engine, a 305 doesn't really get any better gas mileage and is definitely lacking in power.
The rest of the drive train tranny, transfer case, axles ... may not be the strongest made, but are still plenty strong enough for normal use, and are capable of handling tires up to 35".
Also as a side note, NEVER refer to a Blazer as a SUV !!!
People have killed over less around here
Scooby Dooby Doo !!!
Given that YOU said
"Biggest considerations are power, durability, and reliability. Will use 10% off-road, approx. 90% highway"
I would recommend a 87 pickup or an 87 through 91 Blazer.
These will have an overdrive! and these trannys have had all the bugs worked out, that the earlier "OD" trannys had problems with.
And the biggest Bonus is these trucks will have "Electronic Fuel Injection" (EFI), more specifically "Throttle Body Injection" (TBI)
So they have more horsepower than earlier years and are very dependable and require Very little maintenance when compared to a carburetor.
And be sure to get a 350 engine, a 305 doesn't really get any better gas mileage and is definitely lacking in power.
The rest of the drive train tranny, transfer case, axles ... may not be the strongest made, but are still plenty strong enough for normal use, and are capable of handling tires up to 35".
Also as a side note, NEVER refer to a Blazer as a SUV !!!
People have killed over less around here
Scooby Dooby Doo !!!
G
Re: New guy needs expert advice about purchase of 4X4
Scooby, thanks. Exactly the kind of life-saving advice I was hoping for. Blows me away how much you guys know, and how specific it is relative to the crap I hear from my mechanic. If you get back to this post, should I be concerned about the different kinds of differentials, i.e. positraction, non-posi, etc? Wondering about carbs versus EFI, if I don't care too much about mileage, aren't modern replacement carbs pretty reliable, and capable of good power? Do you think I can find a decent truck re. your reccomendation in my 4-5K price range? And thanks for the tip re. Blazers. Don't know what the hell I was thinking.
Scooby, thanks. Exactly the kind of life-saving advice I was hoping for. Blows me away how much you guys know, and how specific it is relative to the crap I hear from my mechanic. If you get back to this post, should I be concerned about the different kinds of differentials, i.e. positraction, non-posi, etc? Wondering about carbs versus EFI, if I don't care too much about mileage, aren't modern replacement carbs pretty reliable, and capable of good power? Do you think I can find a decent truck re. your reccomendation in my 4-5K price range? And thanks for the tip re. Blazers. Don't know what the hell I was thinking.
G
Re: New guy needs expert advice about purchase of 4X4
TBI is as reliable as a newer carb, plus you don't have to tune it and it gives better economy and overall power. You can't really do wrong with the exact vehicles that Scooby mentioned. That is the overall conscensous here.
You will be looking at 10-bolt axles front and rear most likely, maybe a limited-slip out back. Don't expect to find one or base your purchase on one because the factory units are not the best and would most likely be worn out.
Look for 3.73 gear ratio if at all possible.
Nich Kenny
'89 K1500 350/700r4
TBI is as reliable as a newer carb, plus you don't have to tune it and it gives better economy and overall power. You can't really do wrong with the exact vehicles that Scooby mentioned. That is the overall conscensous here.
You will be looking at 10-bolt axles front and rear most likely, maybe a limited-slip out back. Don't expect to find one or base your purchase on one because the factory units are not the best and would most likely be worn out.
Look for 3.73 gear ratio if at all possible.
Nich Kenny
'89 K1500 350/700r4
Re: New guy needs expert advice about purchase of 4X4
Newer replacement carbs work pretty darn well. Plus I greatly prefer a carb over EFI, due to the pure unadulterated simplicity of the setup. A friend has an 87 Blazer with the TBI and from what we've been able to determine, one or more sensors make it idle very erratic, and puts out so much carbon on the road one would think he's running a diesel. Just my experiences with fuel injection. On the other hand, I do have to play with the fuel mixture and things like that on my carbuerated trucks once in a while, so that might not be too good for a non-mechanical person. On the other hand, one thing I greatly recommend, is taking some automotive courses at the local community center/college, buying a shop book, and some tools and doing all the work on whatever you get yourself. You can end up saving a lot of money by doing it yourself, as well as the fact that you get to know your rig incase it breaks down you'll have a much better chance of being able to do a field repair to it to get you back home.
Just my $0.02...
Tim "Sandman"
ORC Land Use columnist:
My November article on ORC
Newer replacement carbs work pretty darn well. Plus I greatly prefer a carb over EFI, due to the pure unadulterated simplicity of the setup. A friend has an 87 Blazer with the TBI and from what we've been able to determine, one or more sensors make it idle very erratic, and puts out so much carbon on the road one would think he's running a diesel. Just my experiences with fuel injection. On the other hand, I do have to play with the fuel mixture and things like that on my carbuerated trucks once in a while, so that might not be too good for a non-mechanical person. On the other hand, one thing I greatly recommend, is taking some automotive courses at the local community center/college, buying a shop book, and some tools and doing all the work on whatever you get yourself. You can end up saving a lot of money by doing it yourself, as well as the fact that you get to know your rig incase it breaks down you'll have a much better chance of being able to do a field repair to it to get you back home.
Just my $0.02...
Tim "Sandman"
ORC Land Use columnist:
My November article on ORC
G
If your in cold weather area of the country make sure there has not been a snow plow used. Also check and ask about towing.
Re: New guy needs expert advice about purchase of 4X4
Make SURE it has a 350 as far as the axles they will MOST likely all be 10 bolts, they are NOT the strongest but like I said they are most likely strong enough (If they blow replace it with stronger)
What do you really want to do with the rig?
Do you plan on more than a 6" lift?
Do you plan on more than 35" tires?
Are you planning to enter the Top Truck Challenge?
If you can find factory 3.73 gears in the axles they will be OK for up to 33" tires, so if that's as big as you plan on going, then for sure look for that also, but if you plan on putting 35" tires on it wont really matter what factory gears are in there because the will have to be replaced anyway (you see what I am saying?)
The 87 trucks are kinda hard to find especially the more specific of equipment you are looking for.
but there are tons of 87-91 blazers that can be found in that price range!
My last 6 trucks have had EFI and I have Never had a problem or done anything to them other than accasionaly dump a bottle of fuel injector cleaner into the tank. I would honestly never want a carb again, not to mention that fuel injectors don't care what angle they are at like a carb does, this is important when four wheelin
Scooby Dooby Doo !!!
Make SURE it has a 350 as far as the axles they will MOST likely all be 10 bolts, they are NOT the strongest but like I said they are most likely strong enough (If they blow replace it with stronger)
What do you really want to do with the rig?
Do you plan on more than a 6" lift?
Do you plan on more than 35" tires?
Are you planning to enter the Top Truck Challenge?
If you can find factory 3.73 gears in the axles they will be OK for up to 33" tires, so if that's as big as you plan on going, then for sure look for that also, but if you plan on putting 35" tires on it wont really matter what factory gears are in there because the will have to be replaced anyway (you see what I am saying?)
The 87 trucks are kinda hard to find especially the more specific of equipment you are looking for.
but there are tons of 87-91 blazers that can be found in that price range!
My last 6 trucks have had EFI and I have Never had a problem or done anything to them other than accasionaly dump a bottle of fuel injector cleaner into the tank. I would honestly never want a carb again, not to mention that fuel injectors don't care what angle they are at like a carb does, this is important when four wheelin
Scooby Dooby Doo !!!
G
I would strongly recomend the TBI over the carb if you can afford it. Carbs I've had experience with are really moody, even aftermarket carbs, especially holleys. Some days they work fine other times they run like crap. EFI starts great cold, doesn't need to be warmed up forever, has no flat spots, and usually will get better gas milage.
Deffenently go with the 350. Parts are really easy to find, and they have a lot of power. Mine turns 35's with no problem.
As for suspension, it depends on what kind of wheeling you do. Older solid axle trucks are capable of handling over 35 in tires without any problems. Also offers great articulation. IFS rides great on and off road, but is expensive and doesn't offer the flex of a solid axle.
If you shop around you may be able to find a good deal on a newer truck. I got my 90 for $4500, but it's in need of a few repairs. I like the looks of the newer trucks better (88-up), but thats just my opinion.
Look aroud and test different trucks until you find the one that feels best to you.
Deffenently go with the 350. Parts are really easy to find, and they have a lot of power. Mine turns 35's with no problem.
As for suspension, it depends on what kind of wheeling you do. Older solid axle trucks are capable of handling over 35 in tires without any problems. Also offers great articulation. IFS rides great on and off road, but is expensive and doesn't offer the flex of a solid axle.
If you shop around you may be able to find a good deal on a newer truck. I got my 90 for $4500, but it's in need of a few repairs. I like the looks of the newer trucks better (88-up), but thats just my opinion.
Look aroud and test different trucks until you find the one that feels best to you.
G
The Chevy 350 is the most reliable engine I've ever found. I love my '84 Blazer but it sucks on gas. One problem I've seen is in heavy rains they can leak water into the cab. So before you buy take it through a car wash. Also, try to find one with manual hubs 'cause the stock automatics require 1 and 1/2 turns to engage and that can be a real pain when you get stuck in the mud. On a side note Carbs are way more reliable than Fuel Injection and a lot cheaper to fix
G
garand evry thing that scoobydoo and the other guys said is all good advice but what you get for your money will be greatly effected by how patient you are,be patient take your time and look around a lot.Also what part of the country you are in will make a differance.BY the way go back and fill out more of your BIO.
G
Uhh 400K5, what exactly do you mean reliable? Fuel Injection has less maintenence, gets better fuel economy, and works at steep angles, unlike a carbouretor, to change air/fuel ratios all you need to do is change a chip (less than a half an hour) or with newer models, reprogram the computer (less than 5 minutes) believe it or not, they are NOT difficult to figure out and work on, once you understand them, however the only set back may be they are expensive! Fuel Injection parts are not cheap. I would say that is their only major downfall, Im going to say that the advantages outway the disadvantages, and will take fuel injection over a carbourator anyday.
89 K1500 Skyjacker 2.5" 33" SSR's
Would you choose water over wine?
89 K1500 Skyjacker 2.5" 33" SSR's
Would you choose water over wine?
G
89Silverado
Yes it is true that fuel injection does have advantages. But keep in mind he's looking for an older truck. If he was looking for a newer truck I might agree but on older truck where parts are more likely to break, fuel injection isn't the best option. A rebuild kit for a carb is 15 bucks to fix fuel injection you have to take out a loan. I have a Rochester Quadra-Jet with something like a 100,000 plus miles on it and its never failed me. Plus you have half a chance to fix it in the field. /wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif As for steep angles your right. Tommorrow I'll post some prices for fixing fuel injection and rebuilding carbs (labor included)
Yes it is true that fuel injection does have advantages. But keep in mind he's looking for an older truck. If he was looking for a newer truck I might agree but on older truck where parts are more likely to break, fuel injection isn't the best option. A rebuild kit for a carb is 15 bucks to fix fuel injection you have to take out a loan. I have a Rochester Quadra-Jet with something like a 100,000 plus miles on it and its never failed me. Plus you have half a chance to fix it in the field. /wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif As for steep angles your right. Tommorrow I'll post some prices for fixing fuel injection and rebuilding carbs (labor included)
Maybe I have just been very lucky/wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif(not normally the case/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif)
But, I have never had a fuel injection problem/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif (I hope I didn't just jinx myself/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif)
Out of about my last 10 EFI vehicles I have changed 1= O2sensor (which I don't really think I needed to/wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif).
And that is it! about every other oil change I do put a bottle of STP fuel injector cleaner (the silver/grey bottle) into the tank. so maybe a little prevention is why I have never had a problem?
By the way 87 to 91 blazers are easy to find, and in his price range
Scooby Dooby Doo !!!
But, I have never had a fuel injection problem/wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif (I hope I didn't just jinx myself/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif)
Out of about my last 10 EFI vehicles I have changed 1= O2sensor (which I don't really think I needed to/wwwthreads_images/icons/frown.gif).
And that is it! about every other oil change I do put a bottle of STP fuel injector cleaner (the silver/grey bottle) into the tank. so maybe a little prevention is why I have never had a problem?
By the way 87 to 91 blazers are easy to find, and in his price range
Scooby Dooby Doo !!!
G
Definately try and find something with a 350. Later on you can always make a stroker 383 out it. I guess I am old fashioned in a lot of ways, but I prefer the solid front axle myself. Everything seems to stay in alignment better for me. Tim gave you good advice. If you plan to have a truck like this take some classes, or find someone that has the know how to teach and help you. A good repair manual is the cheapest investment you can ever make in your vehicle. It gives lots of time saving and money saving advice. I have owned a TBI truck and never had a problem from it. Fuel injection is great, but I still like being able to tinker with the carbs. I guess it is probably an eggo thing. LOL I think for the price range you are talking about you should be able to get a good dependable truck. Like I read in someones reply to you, dont get impatient. I knew the guy who had this truck and have waited for it for about 4 years now. It is an 84 Chevy Silverado, was already lifted, has 35 inch BFG's, regeared to 4.10, Quadrajet setting on a rebuilt 350, timing gears ( I dont know if they help much with the timing but they do sound pretty cool. ), All new GM body parts with the exception of the cab, hood and floor in the bed, lock in lock out hubs, four speed tranny, locker in the rear ( I also agree the factory arent the best. Mine wont lock up until the wheels spin faster than I think they should ) and many new parts. That may give you an idea of some things to look for. The older ones are a heck of a lot easier to work on, but given the age of them they usually are ready for that work. It is really just a matter of personal preference. Good luck in finding you a truck. Remember to just not jump on any deal and be patient and the truck you want will present itself.
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