An Old Chevy Blazer Is SUPER Cheap, But Is It SUPER BAD? Let's Find Out!
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- Опубликовано: 19 авг 2021
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In this video Nathan talks about the Chevy Blazer and we find out, is it cool or is it crap?
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This old S10 Blazer looks a million times better than any new Blazer you see on the road today.
I have on as a rental right now. I concur. BUT the old s10 blazer is by far the worst vehicle I have ever driven
That's because they actually look like SUVS and the new ones like some hybrid SUV, hatch, sportwagon that soccer moms designed.
Sadly they descrated the Blazer nameplate & put it on a women's only car.
@@googleaccount2637 Yep. The old K5 Blazers were wayyyyyyy better looking.
AGREED, AREED, AGREED..
Agree with everything Nathan said. The Vortec 4.3 V6 is a Vortec 5.7 (350ci) with the #7 and #8 cylinders “sliced off.” A very reliable and durable engine
You’re correct. That’s part of the reason a 350 practically bolts up in those things with few mods.
That explain to me now the "bad" Gas Mileage, at least compared to an 2nd Gen 4x4 Tahoe with the 5.3.
Was really looking forward for an 2000ish Blazer but with that Gas Mileage, I consider I get a Tahoe & have a V8 😅
I need to you show me how putting time chains in 1996
Had 3 different 4.3s with around 200k. Only one transmission rebuild
I did the math and you’re correct, .71 liters per cylinder.
There’s that unexplained charm about getting a cheap used truck for off-road fun. You get to enjoy all the hardcore off-roading experience without worrying much about scratching the shiny paint or damaging the handsome wheels. This Chevy S10 Blazer is one nice candidate for an awesome off-road rig!
Very weak ball joints. I lost count of how many of those I changed in S-10 Blazer crap cans.
what's the go to for ball joint brands?
Had a 98 Jimmy 4dr years ago and it’s off road capability was amazing. Was pretty reliable and didn’t rust out as fast as the Ford Explorers did. Wish GM would build something like this again. The current blazer is embarrassing.
The new Blazer should have been an suv based on the Colorado. Freaking GM, man.
Never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity should be GM motto and I LIKE GM.
Yeah I was really disappointed when they revealed it.
GM Australia had a Colorado based SUV,they still may.
The new blazer was certainly a let down and should not have been given the name. But what everyone seems to forget is that the full size Blazer gained 2 doors and became the Tahoe and Yukon.
There's the Trailblazer based on the Colorado/S10 worldwide, but you aren't missing much.
Talks about low quality, squeaky and rattling. Buys new $70,000 bronco: has to replace top with a soft top to get rid of squeaks and rattles.... 🤔
Truth.
“Luxury” cars are getting cheaper. “Regular” car brands are getting stupid expensive.
Just poking and prodding in the bronco at a dealer reveals the terrible quality. I daily a 4runner a night and day difference
The tire carrier rattle needs grease or oil and that stops it as well as the pop-up window which needs the same, no truck is perfect just look at Jeeps great Rubicon bad seating position for a tiring ride offroad and bad on-road handling, and they say the new Bronco has a noses top and bad top. I say the S10 Blazers were a great mix reliable like a Toyota more so than Jeep and almost as good as a Rubicon off-road and much more car-like on road.
Buuuuurn!
the ZR2 version of these definitely looked cool as hell
Yes sir, love my 02 blazer ZR2
Just bought one, definitely could have gotten a less rusty non zr2 for the same amount, but, it was an 05 with a sunroof. 260k, drove it for two hours home, needs tires maybe some front end. Parts are cheap as hell compared to my one ton diesel.
My is a 1999 ZR2
The 4.3’s actually had really decent power. I like them.
Yep very low end tq
Had a 93 Sonoma with the 4.3. That thing was a beast
I love the 4.3!!
My AWD Astro has 200,000 and I have only replaced 1 alternator and the fuel pump.
Such a solid van
Especially if it’s the 5speed manual with some cam work🔥
How is the Gas Mileage when it comes to a 4x4 2000ish Blazer?
Combined I read everything from 10 to 19 mpg but never know how they used the Blazer.
It drives me crazy. Definitely not getting a V6 when for example a 2nd 4x4 Thaoe gets the same Gas Mileage.
We had a 94 blazer and the only thing that killed it was sitting in one place for a year. It had over 300,000 miles.
I bought a 2001 2 door 2wd s10 blazer for cheap several years ago and it was a very nice car. The only thing that didn’t work was the fuel gauge. Very underrated vehicles. Loved the 4.3.
Haha, the 4.3L is the last thing about this vehicle I'd worry about, lol. I've always really liked these two-door Blazers, a friend of mine bought one of these with 200k on it for two grand, three years later he still driving around.
The 4.3 totally rocks! That's a little torque monster. The 96+ has the true vortec motor.
Yup that 4.3 is probably the most reliable engine Chevys made. There's a reason why it was kept around for 20 years. Damn shame they started getting rid of it
@@dariobartolomeo5094 4.3 and the 3.8
The engine if maintained is fairly reliable. As for the transmission i would recommend an external trans cooler. My mechanic has had 5 high mileage gm vehicles with the 4l60e, that towed a car trailer, with no issues when kept cool
I've had 2 Blazer's and both were 4 door. Both had over 200,000 miles when I sold them. 1 had to have a water pump and the had to have a 4wd actuator in the transfer. That 4.3 was the best motor GM has ever made. In my opinion.
@@guardrail2897 Our 97 4dr (got it in 99) Blazer was well equipped, comfy, not too slow and hella capable. I remember a year when the river by my grandparents house flooded and they needed to be evacuated. We forded a solid three feet of water for 15m just to get to them. We had to go through people's front yards the whole way because the street was even lower by a foot or so. It didn't even break a sweat and didn't let a drop of water past the roo seals. Eventually we traded it in for a brand new showroom model 2002 Trailblazer LTZ , one of the most problematic vehicles I've ever owned.
It was a night and day ownership experience. The only thing the blazer didn't have that the trailblazer had was an entertainment system and heated seats. Within a year the TBZ was in the shop at least a dozen times. Contrarily, the blazer ended up getting picked up by my grandpa from the dealer for what they paid us for it. He was super happy to get rid of his old 92 Cavalier Wagon and he got another trouble free 100k miles, bringing it over 300k before he sold it and it soldiered on for several more years under the care of a family friend.
The only thing I don't buy in this video is the 20+ mpg with the automatic trans. No way. We massaged maybe 17mpg babying it on the eway.
If you watch Precision Transmission Richard talks about how even the factory coolers are not enough if you’re working these transmissions. I’ve watched several of his videos where he tears them down and shows the damage.
Yeah I had 3 blazers, never any transmission issues
@@OUSWKR yeah but what did the owners use it for ? Plow truck , 4 wheelin rough terrain ??
Finally some love for the Blazer. I have a 98 Zr2 Blazer with 250K on the clock and it runs like a champ.
The thing with these Blazers, the 4.3 Vortec and 4L60E four speed are solid as hell. However, the sensors and electronics attached to them are not as reliable. If you have a scan tool and can properly trouble shoot, you can keep these things running strong for dirt cheap. When I bought mine, it had a hard start and rough idle but it drove fine. $20 MAF sensor and 2 minutes later, ran smooth.
You get one of these for a budget project, you will be replacing the heater core, you will be replacing vacuum lines, and you won't be winning beauty contests. If you can live with that, you'll have a fun 4x4.
My son has a 1998 blazer and that truck is Monster!! He recently started rebuilding the motor he's never done anything like that before and as soon as he turned the key it started right up..... I really believe these 4.3 vortex are awesome work horses
I've had 2 S-10 Pickups, 2 Sonoma Pickups, 3 S-10 Blazers 2Dr & 4 Dr, Jimmy 2Dr, and a Bravada. Everyone has gone over 200K. The 4.3L was Bulletproof. The only things that got them were the New England winters and road salt.
I've owned more lol
3rd gen 4.3 where junk
Just bought a 98 S10 wrecked
Wife and I swapped the front
clip,changed water pump,radiator,,
and spark plugs, hit the key and
Wallace, that 4.3 is a runner, it’s a
5 speed with 161k. Runs GR8
@@rickreese5794 you mean voila, it’s a runner? Sorry, couldn’t resist.
Engine is solid. Plastic interior is garbage. I like you have had 3 of them. The interior is the worst.
Awesome job Nathan can’t wait for the series with Eddy VanBlazer
The Trailblazer with the Straight 6 is one of the most underrated 4x4 on the market.
I picked one up for $750 in late 2019 and it is extremely stout.
Awesome suv but dam are they thirsty
@@Norwisco 18-20mpg on hwy isn’t bad for a 4x4
I only could manage around 15 with mine did have 220k on it so mabe in her younger years mabe my 05 ram gets 20mpg on highway with a v8
@@wildbill23c I’m talking about the mid 2000’s Trailblazer. It has a straight 6.
I really do like that generation of Blazer. Everything about them is simple. Even if you want to throw in a small block or LS you're only going to have 2-3K invested as opposed to 5-10 for literally anything else to have an engine swap done.
The fuel pumps are a pretty unique one, they operate pulse modulated off the ecu but as luck would have it, a 6.0/5.3/4.8 ecu will run that fuel pump, stock radiator works with a little ingenuity, f-body exhaust manifolds or motor mounts and headers off Summit for around $750 Canadian, a 5.3/4.8 clutch from a half ton equipped with the NV3500 will fit into that trans and the bell housing bolts are all the same as well (I would be leery about putting a stock 5.3 clutch behind a 6.0 just don’t think she’d take the jam from the 6.0) you run into some clearance issues between the engine and rad, electric fans are a must, I’ve seen lots of guys use Chrysler intrepid fans in various applications for whatever reason they are pretty easy to install, boom you have yourself a V8 blazer/jimmy/s10/Sonoma
Edit: maybe one day I will get around to buying a 4.8 to put in my Jimmy😅
@@manisandjr8435 It does depend on what year Blazer or S10 you go with as far as how easy it can be. I did a 4.8 swap on a 90 S10 and still spent about 2 grand back in 2008 because yes you "could" use the oem radiator, fuel pump and transmission. But where these things are north of 20 plus years old you might as well get new parts...more work now means less work later.
You can do a sbc swap for under 600$ if you get a junkyard engine. It’s damn near plug and play except you have to pin in 2 connectors for the injectors and everything else is perfect
Had a friend with one of these Old Blazers…it had over 300k miles and he loved it. Rust though was his major issue
Nathan is my favorite personality on TFL. From the way he drives, his sense of humor, to his authentic perception of the “real world” he is the most colorful. Keep up the good work.
My uncle has an absolutely mint 2000 2 door Blazer in black. I think it has 50k miles or less. Whenever he takes it out I'm always taken aback at how clean it looks
Is he willing to sell it?
@@keyosh1152 I'm sure he would for the right price, I haven't really talked to him about it in a while. I do think he enjoys maintaining it
@@Fordguy1997 you should ask! I’m really interested in a 2 door blazer that’s actually in decent condition.
A friend of mine in high school - his parents had this. We used it in cattle washes, creeks, all sorts of thing. We didnt know any better. We also washed it up and went to events. They were fun.
I’ve always had love for the S10 Blazer since my dad had an 83 Jimmy 4x4 withgypsy package back in the early 80’s. Would love GM to bring them back.
Can’t wait for the new series to come out.
My pap ran a junkyard from early 80’s til he passed in 04, sometime in the 90’s someone brought in an old S-10 Blazer for scrap, my pap paid $80 for it and my dad ran it for 3 or 4 years. 😂
I had one come in with 743,000 I couldn’t believe it the guy drove it across country using it to measure bridge hight for semi’s Original motor second tranny
This makes me want to buy one of these even more 😂💯
Any vehicle of that vintage is going to need some work, no matter how well it was maintained. Having said that, the drivetrain will last forever. You could go to a salvage yard to get replacement parts. Nothing on that Blazer is complicated by today's standards so a shade tree mechanic can do plenty of work on it. I was looking for a camping rig last year, saw a 2002 4 door Blazer in immaculate condition, and I'm still kicking myself for not just wandering in the next day to at least test drive it and buy it.
Looking forward to more videos on this truck!
"I'm pretty sure that when this was new, it wasn't as bad". You're referring to the spare tire carrier, but that describes the whole unit. That being said, I like these.
I've always loved the blazers. I had a 2000 chevy blazer as my first car and it was awesome
Had a basic 4 door 4x4 for work about 10 years ago. Had the 4.3, which was solid. Put good tires on it and the only thing that could stop it was ground clearance. It was a little tank.
You have that special ability to talk to the audience, not just the camera. Personable, clear-speaking, down to 'just the facts' earth. Well presented! I had a V6 S-10 pickup long ago - well remembered as an excellent truck.
Not bad, but I got a 2005 Trailblazer LS 4x4 w/ 165k miles (in late 2019) for $750. The only thing I have done to it is put new front wheel hubs in for $250 or so. Everything else works and it is the best "winter beater" vehicle I have ever owned.
That transmission will fail soon. But hopefully not
@@Blue-moon12 If it does, whatever. I can replace it or just buy something else.
even if that transmission goes out it can easily be rebuilt because of how simple it is, or you can just get a junkyard transmission for cheap, either way it would last at least 10 more years and is definitely worth doing.
@@Qwertyuiop-wg5xu good to know… the only thing I want to do with it right now is replace the rear doors. They are rusting on the bottom and i hate rust. It’s not bad I just don’t like it. Other than that it’s a good vehicle.
@@Qwertyuiop-wg5xu That car at the junkyard may be there because of the transmission😂
Great review Nathan. I have a 2002 S-10 Blazer, A/T, 4dr version. Currently 109,000 miles. Bought it in 2003 with 17,000 miles. Its done everything from Off Road, Snow AND moved across country from Commie-Formia!!! Daily Driver for Years. All You've said is true on a Good Budget 4x4 SUV and its built on a Full Frame Platform.
I had the same model, 2 door, but the ZR2, in gold. It was my first work truck, it helped me start my contracting business. I modified an extension plate off the front frame and installed a plow that I took off a square body S-10 Blazer. Great truck! The ZR2 was a beast! Can't wait for the series. Good luck with it Nathan.
Awesome video! So glad to finally see a blazer review, I've got an '05 5speed, and wanted to send a video in for love/hate my ride but never did!
I have a 4x4 2000 chevy blazer that I got in 2020 with only 105,000 miles on the clock for $2,500. I replaced my rear lift supports for the back hatch because they didn't work, replaced the door panel tabs because they broken, replaced the front and rear shocks, air filter with a k&n, pcv valve, front and rear shocks, tie rods inner and outer, all four dry rotted tires to bfg ko2's as well, headlight and tail light assemblies (to give it a newer look), the stock radio to a Kenwood KDC-BT378U, did a straight pipe with the original cats and side exit with dual tips which makes the 4.3L sound a V8 since its only ¾ of a chevy 350 V8, and am currently replacing the spider injectors as gm in those days had a recall on them. Mind you I didn't do this all in one go this was over time but I've taken this truck on the black top, highway long distances, grass, mud, sand, and snow and it has never let me down. These trucks were really under rated and recommend any body on a budget to get this truck but keep in kind you might have to invest a little bit in it if it's old or especially if it hasn't been driven in 18 years like mines hadn't been. I turned absolute turd into a true diamond.
Ah a two door with a column shifter and spare tire on the tail gate great find Nathan
I literally just bought a 2003 2 door almost identical to this a few weeks ago for $1200. 170k miles on the clock, has some small issues but zero rust and decent shape. Im excited to try it out on the trail after a small lift and some 31s. Cant wait for the rest of the series!
Big diff between an 03 and this 96 is no EGR valve on the block and different spider injector's and manifolds it actually fixes some of the minor problems these engines had with the fuel injector system and the emissions nonsense
Engine base and trans are just about bulletproof. My pops has a 96 Cheyenne with the same motor and trans. Truck will not die, 250k on the clock. Trans has never been serviced, same with rear axle. Engine gets an oil change once a year if it’s lucky. Also constantly ran on low coolant, never an issue. I had the same exact s10 blazer and it never left me stranded. Thing leaked oil like a sieve but rock solid reliable. Cheap to fix, and the 4l60e has a decent first gear ratio which lends itself well for wheeling.
I had a 1994 with the same engine and trans. Sold it in 2001 with 240k. The only thing I did to the truck was preventive maintenance. Oil changes trans. Flush every 50k. The biggest thing to go wrong with the truck was the fuel pump. The last time I saw it, it had 302k miles.
I've got a '97 3door base model 5speed with the 4x4 shifter on the floor with 122k original miles. I moved from Idaho to West Virginia and have driven across the US multiple times in him and never let me down. I'm not a hardcore off-roader, but he gets around when I need him to. SOLID little truck >:0
My experience has always been good with blazers, they are a mechanics dream. Cheap. Simple. Even the issues ive had didnt leave me stranded. I own one 2wd lowered 2 door blazer extreme with 290k miles. The throttle cable broke. But I was able to rig it to limp home. Bought my 4x4 cheap b/c it rolled over. I cut off the top and it was my wood buggy for several years. Aggressive tires and a lincon locker made it almost unstoppable. It always impressed everyone.
In 1998 my father in law purchased his Blazer LS with his employer discount. For many years it ran well and then the troubles began. Around 40 k the engine wouldn't start because the pick-up coil failed 3-4 times. Then eventually the motor mount, then the calipers, brake lines ruptured, then body mount washers started falling off, all before 80k. The motor mount I replaced lasted about an hour and I paid around 80 bucks for a GM one. Finally we found a buyer for it. Thank goodness!
"My maaaaasive ass." LOL!
I have had one for 12 years. I picked it up a 1999 GMC Jimmy SLE from a senior couple in 2012 at 168 km in Edmonton, Alberta region for 1800.00 Canadian. The body was spotless and still is holding up great yet today. I had to do mechanical work that would be expected of a vehicle at that mileage - wheel bearings, brakes, steering parts, fix the 4-wheel drive vacuum shift and control buttons, intake manifold gasket, and have been driving it since as a winter driver. I am currently at 253 Km and it is a very easy vehicle to maintain and repair. The vehicle is not overly complicated and with an upgraded set of shock-absorbers, which eliminates the body roll that they were prone to, it becomes an entirely different and confident vehicle on the road. The thing is exceptional climbing and getting through tough areas that bigger trucks would be challenged to go. Some people knock these vehicles, but I am a fan and love its nibbleness around the city. When I do the cost per year, assessment, with vehicle included, I am only into this vehicle with an average of about 600 per year. Hard to beat. Mind you, I have to admit, I do have an edge as a mechanic.
My first vehicle was a 1998 GMC Jimmy (GMC version of the Blazer) and I loved everything about it. Loved the way it looked and drove. It was comfortable. It wasn't that powerful but back then it felt like it was. It was cool and fun.
I had a ‘98 ZR2 that I bought in ‘02. Loved how it drove off-road. Fun vehicle. Tire carrier squeak and rattle was mind numbing even at 4 years old.
I just drove one for two hours at 110 k - 120k ... 05 zr2 needs tires for sure probably balls joints and maybe other front end but it drove decent and the engine/transmission shift nice. but the rattling from that spare tire mount. holy hell, its shocking at first.
I bought a 2001 Blazer in 2011 with 117k miles for a mere $2500. Drove it until last week when it finally got eaten alive by rust. The salt on Michigan roads is BRUTAL. It was a fantastic vehicle.
Very cool! I had an 04 two door Blazer ZR2 for quite a few years. The 4.3 was indeed pretty bulletproof. The issues I had were due to the low quality interior panels, massive delay between shifts (with the four speed), weak motor mounts, and the IFS was also disappointingly frail. On the other hand, I spent a ton of money decking it out and had a blast utilizing its amazing off-road capability. I kind of regret getting rid of it! It looked mean with the GMC front end swapped in, lift, skid plates, and 33's.
I always liked the look of these in the two door configuration and I thought the 4.3 was supposed to be a good engine. Can't wait for the new series. Thanks Nathan.
The 4.3 is solid. Just not fuel effjcient. 16mpg is the norm
The 4.3 is a great engine. It is basically a 350 with 2 cylinders lopped off
@@NWI_Steel yea it is a 350 minus cylinder 5&6
@@broncomcbane6382 7&8 😅😂
@@PrivateBeeBop no. Its 5&6. Look at the camshaft profile. It isn't missing the cylinders on the end. It is missing the cylinders in the middle. The balance shaft is to compensate for the missing counterweights on the crank from 5&6.
Every part # for a 350 is applicable for the 262.
I have a very clean one my family used as a backup vehicle. 145,000 miles no faded paint or anything. Only complaint: 15 mpg city and my town has a lot of roundabouts and I swear it has the highest center of gravity in a passenger car it doesn’t corner great. other than that it’s been a workhorse
You just increased the price on the rest of those jewels out there ! Ive always liked those s10 blazers. Always look for them when ever i am looking at used cars
Those blazers are work horses that 4.3 is a great engine. And with 200k on the clock q few squeaks is a given. Hey at least your headliner isn't falling apart and roof isn't creaking and it doesn't cost 60k lol clears throat bronco for 2500 dollars u can find all the parts u need for those cheap nothing complicated
The zr2 blazers are sooo underrated! Limited slip and 31’s stock. I had one as my first 4x4 and took it all over the front range of Colorado!
I absolutely love these blazers. I had a 95 2dr in high school, I drove it off-road through 2 feet of fresh snow in 4 lo without any issues. Many years later I had a 97 2dr and then a 96 4dr. I loved the 4wd system “4 on the fly” we called it and I never had any transmission problems. My problems consisted of numerous fuel pumps and clogged EGR valves. Thank you Nathan for bringing this gem back to life. You’ll enjoy it.
I've got a 95 four door and that damn EGR valve clogs every six months. Of course now I think it's somewhere in the intake because I simply cannot get that code to go away.
Got my 05 Jimmy for $1500 Canadian, 250,000km (roughly 180,000 miles for you American folk) was exactly what you were looking for: 5 speed got that bulletproof NV3500, brand new front end and I mean all of it, rear driveshaft U-joints, all the shocks, all for $1500, clutch was pretty shot and turns out the pilot bearing had ate up the input shaft so junkyard trans and call her good $750 later including the clutch, maybe one day when I get out of school I’ll get around to putting a 4.8 in, pretty easily completed from the research I’ve done
My first 4x4 was a 1988 S-10 Blazer with the 4.3L and 4 speed. It lacked anti-lock brakes though and stepping on the brake pedal was more of a suggestion and would often lead to locking up the wheels in panic stops. It received a 3 inch lift and 31 inch tires on the original wheels. The vehicle came from the factory with the Tahoe package. It was a good vehicle and ran close to 250,000 miles before it went to the scrap yard but the newer models with anit-lock brakes and other improvements were much better overall.
I just found a 1998 S-10 Blazer (4 door, 4wd) with 110k miles on it. He was asking more, but I drove it home for $1800-. I've been doing a few years of deferred maintenance on it, but so far I'm not in it $3k. It rides like a dream and gets about 19 mpg, which is close to twice what my Nissan Xterra managed. The other day I got in it with about a foot of frozen snow on the driveway, put it in 4H and backed out (uphill) without spinning a tire! I like just about everything about it so far!
My family always had blazers, I remeber one I had a 2000 black 4 door, I really liked it mostly, the cloth seats and durability are just outstanding. I'd Def buy one again if I had the room/space/gil for it, the one I had I got all these fancy taillights, headlights, bulbs, tires etc was pretty fun and clean looking
Everyone’s dissin the 4l60😂 compared to gms new 8 speed transmissions (lucky to get 100k out of them) or Chrysler an Ford transmissions, the 4l60 is pretty darn reliable if not heavily abused.
I own a 2003 ZR2 Blazer and LOVE it! I purchased it 3 yrs ago for $3400 w/ 130,000 miles on it. EVERYTHING worked!! It also had BFG A/T's already on it. I have had no major issues with it at all. Since then it's been modified and does fantastic offroad. It's been lifted, running 33" tires and still going strong at 175,000 miles.
I drove a 1996 blazer 4 door at work for a couple years. The weak part of the truck was the front end, just could not keep front tires from wearing down.
Looks better than most small suvs of today. Has more character and personality. A lot tougher than today's suvs. That 4.3 is a strong little engine too.
I have an 02' Blazer ZR2 I bought 3yrs ago w/ 230k miles on it in almost showroom condition for $3k. 1 owner & it was a Grandpa garage kept!! Know one ever sat in the rear seats! No tears, cracks, etc. Paint is immaculate!
The Tranny gave out (sunshield snapped) but the 4.3ltr engine is a non leaking beast! I had a new HD (4L60E) installed last year.
The best mileage I'm getting is 16mpg in town & 14 towing.
Had to get a New Distributor, Cap, Rotor, plugs, Coil, wires, 02 sensors, upper control arm, new headlights & tail lights, FlowMaster Cat., etc..
You can't even tell it's running at a Red light with the cold AC on or Off.
It runs better than my Wife's spot less Grandpa garage kept 2009 Ford Escape XLT Non Hybrid I just found for her for $2300! 62k miles on that 1!
I love older cars that I can work on & find cheap!! 🤟
My ZR-2 came with the rear factory locker and 31s…it did very well off road, regret selling it :’(
What year had a factory locker? I thought it was optioned...? The details out there are fuzzy. I only get one wheel peels...
@@poppajules As per my understanding, all zr2s came with the factory automatic rear locker, both the pick up truck and the blazer.
@@nomaneme It was a limited-slip rear differential, not a true locker. And they wear out over time with use and would have to be rebuilt.
I dug a little deeper…it seems there is both, a limited slip and a locker (option G80 which was around $250).
@@nomaneme RPO G80 = "AXLE,REAR,POSITRACTION,LIMITED SLIP"
I had a 2001 Blazer ZR2 and I'm not aware of an Eaton MLocker that Wikipedia claims was a factory option, at least for the US market. EDIT: Apparently this is the same thing and Eaton OEM's it for GM.
I had a 2002 blazer for about 7 years. Loved it. The transmission did go out, but that had more to do with me not checking the fluid cause I had a leaking cooler line. It became a little small for my purposes so I have a trailblazer ext now and HATE it.
I have a soft spot for these Blazers. My mom had a 1999 4-door, my uncle had a 2000 2-door.
This past year I bought an 03 2dr 4wd LS model blazer with 272,000 miles for $800. It had some issues when I bought it, but after a few weekends tinkering with it and a couple hundred dollars in parts I’ve driven it over 2,000 miles with no problems. I’ve taken it off road, nearly jumped it and it just keeps going. I’ve still got more to fix but I’ve been very happy so far. It is very quirky but I have less than $1,500 in this vehicle and it performs beautifully.
I bought a new 95 gmc Sonoma 4x4 with a factory lift skid plates and bf Goodrich offroad tires. It was a beast offroad.
I got a 02 blazer about 4 years ago for. 400 dollars. Fully loaded leather too. It was running so rich it would kill the plugs. That's why he sold it. I checked fuel pressure and it was over 100 psi. Changed fuel press regulator and still same thing. We found rubber fuel return line at gas tank.that was twisted closed. Straightened line and it ran fine. Still does today. 160K miles. What a deal. My daily driver
I love my 03 Blazer, it was a beast in deep snow. Can't wait to overhaul it! The new generation Blazer is simply not off road worthy
My 2000 safari van had the 4.3 with the 4 speed super reliable and honestly really really good on gas I absolutely loved that thing
Just came across this! It is GOLD! 4wd S10 series vehicles are VERY underrated. The squeek from the back is most likely the glass. Check the latch. Some folks put a little grease on the mechanism. Others wrap the hoop with electrical tape. Both are temporary. Adjust or replace the latch. Parts are plentiful and cheap for this. The only problem is lack of aftermarket support so you have to do a little extra work on your own. The ZR2 version is a fantastic starting point. Great approach/departure angles, 3.73 gears, easily fit 32's w/minor mods. BFG also makes a 33 x 10.50 that fits w/no mods if you stay with stock offset wheels. You can add the cast-iron front differential (from a 5 sp S10) with Richmond Gear Lock Right Locker and upgrade your idler arm with the Outfitter Design LLC bracket allowing you to mount the Chevy 1 ton unit. Perform the Bravada Shaft modification for reliability. Mount the winch behind the front bumper and you have a very capable budget rig. The parts for these mods are all available through Outfitter Design and will all work on non ZR2s as well (with the possible exception of the idler bracket). Enjoy the trails!
Use to drive a 4 door late 90’s version with the 4.3 and 4 speed. Wish I could recall the exact year because we had to replace the transmission 3 times by 120k miles. It was a company vehicle so driven like it was stolen often I assume but left a very sour taste in my mouth for these. Loved the engine power curve though and it was pretty nimble.
I used to have a 1987 4x4 Chevy S10 Blazer. It was an absolute blast. 4.3 V6 , plenty of power . I really miss it.
I had the S-10 ZR2 Pickup version... With less than 10k miles, I took it to Baja for a 4 week off-road camping adventure. The 4th day of 4x4, I lost all four wheel drive capabilities due to the fact the actuator was a vacuum system that ran through (literally) a TIN CAN... The tin can was torn off its bracket. As soon as I got back home, I traded that POS in for a used Toyota 4x4 extra cab pickup!
I had a 2000 four door S10. I put 180,000 hard miles on it over 14 years. Always got 20 mpg on the highway. No major problems until the last year. Spent about $2500 on it that year, then decided to sell it and buy a new pickup. Guy who bought it is still driving it!
I had an 89 S10 blazer , 2 door . The motor , transmission , transfer case , and both front and rear axles was in excellent condition . I bought mine at just over a thousand dollars . It had just over a hundred thousand miles on it . I owned it for 5 years and put an extra 4 hundred thousand miles on it and nothing was wrong with the motor , transmission and transfer case and both front and rear axles was in excellent condition . Everything else went to hell . I would love to own another S10 blazer .
My S10 blazer had the 4.3 vortech motor , 700r4 transmission and you could take out the V6 and put in a 305 or a 350 in the S10 blazer had have a badass blazer
If I were to take a guess as to what the 4x4 issue was, I’d say it had something to do with a vacuum leak. Maybe the switch on the transfer case? My ‘02 Sonoma had the same issue with getting stuck in 4 hi and 2 hi. Nathan pointed out my favorite thing about these rigs…you can find parts anywhere! I’ve gotten parts from Jimmys, s10s, blazers and even Oldsmobile bravadas that fit on my Sonoma!
I owned a ‘00 2 door S-10 Blazer ZR2. It was a beast and never left me stranded. The Vortec V-6 was great too, aside from awful gas mileage. It was really good off the beaten path to boot
The 4.3L vortec engine is one of the best/ most reliable engines ever built along side the small block Chevy. Can’t forget about GMs 3800 as well!
We were able to tighten up the spare carrier on my buddies S10. It was years ago but if I remember correctly we used some nylon spacers/washer things we found laying around in his random hardware bucket. A little bit of marine grease and some trimming to get the nylon washers to fit around the pins/bolts on the swing out arm. We actually had to cut the nylon washers and just slip the around the pins/bolts. That took out the slack. We also used two chunks of polyurethane off of an old plow scraper blade to put some pressure on the carrier when it was closed so it didn't have any play so it couldn't vibrate as much going down the road. We did all of this when we removed the carrier to give it a fresh coat of por15.
I was 10 when these came out. I loved them at the time. They were very sleek looking compared to what else was available at the time. Not only that, but I remember all the colors it came in. At the time when most vehicles were burgundy or silver, seeing a turquoise Blazer coming down the road was serious eye catcher.
I've got a 2000 blazer 4x4 4 door, it was my first car I absolutely love it, I actually ended up dropping a 575 horse 6.0 in it. They are EXTREMELY versatile platforms and I will never sell mine because if you grew up on the 2000s like I did, I get a nostalgia rush every time I drive down main street with elo blasting.
Just rebuilt my 01 Jimmy's 4.3L at 300,200Km. By that I just mean rings, valve lapping and bearings. Things are bullet proof.
Had a '94 that I beat the tar out of every weekend and daily drove the only issue I ever had was ball joints. Drivetrain was very solid.
I actually prefer the body style on ‘94’s.
I bought one like 6 months ago in hopes to relive the glory ! It was fun but needed a lot of work that I did not want to do , so I sold her , my friend who has it now is enjoying it to the fullest
I had an 04 2.5 inch lift 31x10.50 15s on 15x10 cragar wheels. It was a beast. Loved that vehicle. Went anywhere I needed to go and handled great.
Awesome. I have a 96 S10 with the zq8 sport suspension, ho V6 and 5 speed manual with 85k original miles. I also have a couple leaks but none reaches the ground . It is a Sport truck though and still fun to drive 😁
Hey, do you know if 5sps manual came with 4dr?
Making me miss my ‘97 S10 blazer. Same 2 door with the 4.3l and auto, but mine had the spare on the inside, and the shifter was in the center console instead of the column. Such a great vehicle.
In 96 it was the equivalent to the 2 door Explorer. The Bronco II was long since gone. It was s capable 4 wheeler, but honestly a solid axle swap up front and beefer rear axle, along with a transfer case swap would give you a legitimate trail rig.
For cheap, capable 4x4, you can find Isuzu Rodeos and Troopers from the mid-90s that are great vehicles. Just gotta find one that spent it's life west of the Mississippi, somewhere where they didn't salt the crap out of the roads in the winter. I have a '91 with 370+k on the odo. It runs great 👍😎
I loved my '95 Blazer. The only serious (and reoccurring) issue I had with it was the EGR valve would gunk up. I'd clean it, replace it, etc. It would cause very rough idle (almost stalling) and brake fade. Also, had a oil cooler line rupture once and fortunately had no engine damage. But when I finally got rid of it, I missed it. It was a reliable but older vehicle.
Hey, I have a 97 ZR2 also in red. I have the squeak coming from the spare tire assembly from time to time. I found that if I put vaseline on the little rubber bumper on the tire swingout, it no longer squeaks against the black plate on the rear gate. Thought you might like to know! Thanks for uploading.
My dad had a 96 4dr that was 2 tone silver and green. I really miss that car I'd like to have one. I've always liked the sealed beam headlights
i got a two tome red and silver
As long as you change the oil regularly on the 4.3 and not stressing the transmission, it can last a long time but I can't say the same to the plastic parts though
I bought a 2003 Suzuki Vitara 4 door. 4 cylinder, automatic. It was low mileage, just over 100,000 miles. It was bone stock and in very good condition both inside and out. It gets great mileage, 28 mpg on the highway and around 24 in town. I added KO2 tires and a front skid plate. It is short, narrow, and has good approach and departure angles so it will go anywhere I need it to. It was cheap to buy and maintain. Because the Chevy Tracker was the exact same vehicle mechanically, parts are easily obtainable. It is not fast but cruses at 70 all day long and has A/C, cruse control, power windows, power locks, power mirrors and has room for 4 people with decent luggage storage. You do not need to spend thousands to get a capable and fun 4X4.
I used one for years, right tires and some extra light went almost anywhere I wanted ,4x4
I own 1998 chevy blazer and it runs awesome! It's got 254,000 all original miles. I have religiously kept up the oil changes since i acquired this vehicle from previous owner who were so paranoid on keeping up the maintenence too. I paid 900$ as of the fender damage. I am getting 18 mpg town driving, 23 mpg on freeway. Fires right up every day no matter weather is. I'm not complaining about it, i love this thing! Lol
I owned a 4 door 2001 Blazer and it had a huge list of problems but I loved it nonetheless and it got me everywhere I wanted to go. It had a way of just sort of scampering right over obstacles. It was an awesome little thing.
I learned to drive in one of these (4 door in green)
Mega Nostalgia in this video