Advice needed on first K5 purchase

[Baylor]

Looking for a 73-87 Blazer and looking for input on what to look for, red flag items, typical rust locations, etc. Here are two I am considering, just looking for advice on what to look for and any feedback.

1977 K5

1977 K5

 

[83ChevyK5Blazer]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276543

 

[blazinzuk]

It's alot like any used car. Overall condition is a good indicator. The first one has a factory tach. That is not very common.

Rust areas rear tail pan doors floors cab mounts. Honestly you just gotta go over with a fine tooth comb they can rust just about anywhere. Good weatherstripping and good window seals help prevent rust in tailgate and doors.

Once again make sure the overall condition matches. For instance if it says rebuilt motor and there are tons of grease unbroken between the motor and trans probably not rebuilt

 

[rjfguitar]

I can't help with rust hunting, I've never seen a K5 with rust before.

Look out for cracked frame around steering box. Look out for stuff that is stupid that the PO has done, especially in the wiring category, people start adding lights, stereos, this that and think they know how to do stuff and they are really just hacks. Hacker patrol, got to go on hacker patrol and look for hack job add ons/repairs.

As far as years go, if I was going to buy another K5 I'd look at 89-91's. Factory tank and fuel lines set up for LS engine conversion, the best looking front clip, and the fact that those years are the newest in general. I personally find the 80 and older trucks ugly both inside and out.

 

[Baylor]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276543

thank you

 

[Baylor]

I can't help with rust hunting, I've never seen a K5 with rust before.

Look out for cracked frame around steering box. Look out for stuff that is stupid that the PO has done, especially in the wiring category, people start adding lights, stereos, this that and think they know how to do stuff and they are really just hacks. Hacker patrol, got to go on hacker patrol and look for hack job add ons/repairs.

As far as years go, if I was going to buy another K5 I'd look at 89-91's. Factory tank and fuel lines set up for LS engine conversion, the best looking front clip, and the fact that those years are the newest in general. I personally find the 80 and older trucks ugly both inside and out.

Man, speaking of those years, I came across these 2, this one is $7k, much beefier suspension and the one below it for $6000

 

[rjfguitar]

Man, speaking of those years, I came across these 2, this one is $7k, much beefier suspension and the one below it for $6000

Gee, guess which one I'd go with.

 

[K85 Octane]

At this point, don't look at suspension. Don't even consider it a selling point. A cheap lift is easy to put on and make it look 2x what it's really worth. Don't add lifts to a price tag. Also, look for 8 lug axles. I'd buy a shorter 8 lug axle blazer over a lifted 6 lug, way smarter.

Read through the linked thread and post your next questions.

EDIT: and I'd rather have this guys tires, instead of the other red one.

 

[Baylor]

At this point, don't look at suspension. Don't even consider it a selling point. A cheap lift is easy to put on and make it look 2x what it's really worth. Don't add lifts to a price tag. Also, look for 8 lug axles. I'd buy a shorter 8 lug axle blazer over a lifted 6 lug, way smarter.

Read through the linked thread and post your next questions.

EDIT: and I'd rather have this guys tires, instead of the other red one.

Im glad you mentioned that, here is the description the other red blazer owner gave me for what he has in axles, this worth anything?:

"It's one ton axles out of an 84 Chevrolet k3500 military truck. Has a kingpin style front end. i have quite a bit in the axles gears and lockers. With crossover steering and an upgraded agr steering box."

 

[Baylor]

Gee, guess which one I'd go with.

sweet!

 

[K85 Octane]

Im glad you mentioned that, here is the description the other red blazer owner gave me for what he has in axles, this worth anything?:

"It's one ton axles out of an 84 Chevrolet k3500 military truck. Has a kingpin style front end. i have quite a bit in the axles gears and lockers. With crossover steering and an upgraded agr steering box."

As long as it's done right, that set up is worth $1500-2000 more, as long as the rest of the truck is in the condition you want.

 

[rjfguitar]

Im glad you mentioned that, here is the description the other red blazer owner gave me for what he has in axles, this worth anything?:

"It's one ton axles out of an 84 Chevrolet k3500 military truck. Has a kingpin style front end. i have quite a bit in the axles gears and lockers. With crossover steering and an upgraded agr steering box."

Oh heck yeah, if it's all correct, there is some good value, and some good components there. If you want to go 4wheeling of course. If you don't, there is really no need for a front D60. It's just like hauling around dead weight for no reason really.

And you are talking about the one with the cowl hood right? I like that one, sweet wheels/tires. They look like they are Weld wheels.

 

[Baylor]

Oh heck yeah, if it's all correct, there is some good value, and some good components there. If you want to go 4wheeling of course. If you don't, there is really no need for a front D60. It's just like hauling around dead weight for no reason really.

And you are talking about the one with the cowl hood right? I like that one, sweet wheels/tires. They look like they are Weld wheels.

Yep, thats it, only thing Id change on that blazer is make it white and red, not black and red.

 

[skunked]

whats under the hood, I see a big ass tach?

The axles and crossover definitely add some value. The rear should have a Detroit if it's a military axle, I would ask what kind of locker it has up front.

 

[82355]

What are you going to do with said Blazer after purchasing?

Martin

 

[Baylor]

What are you going to do with said Blazer after purchasing?

Martin

take my 3 little girls down dirt roads through mud puddles and out to get ice cream.


Here is the engine bay of the red one with the beefed up axles and what not.

 

[82355]

I would narrow your search to 1987-1991, with an emphasis on '89-'91.

Martin

 

[K85 Octane]

take my 3 little girls down dirt roads through mud puddles and out to get ice cream.

I would pass on the truck then. You don't need to haul around the extra ~500lbs in axles and you don't need the crossover steering. Save the money for when things start to fail on you, instead of extra capabilities you don't need.

That is, as long as you stick to your usage description.

A stock blazer would suffice. Small lift and slightly larger tires would be cool. Keep it realistic, less wear on things, better MPG, cheaper size tires, etc.


If you think you will get more aggressive in a short time, buying something already upgraded can help, as long as it's done right.

What are they asking $$$$ for this K5?

 

[Baylor]

i would pass on the truck then. You don't need to haul around the extra ~500lbs in axles and you don't need the crossover steering. Save the money for when things start to fail on you, instead of extra capabilities you don't need.

That is, as long as you stick to your usage description.

A stock blazer would suffice. Small lift and slightly larger tires would be cool. Keep it realistic, less wear on things, better mpg, cheaper size tires, etc.


If you think you will get more aggressive in a short time, buying something already upgraded can help, as long as it's done right.

What are they asking $$$$ for this k5?

$7000

 

[K85 Octane]

Do you think you can find a similarly looking blazer, in the same shape, but without the lift/axles/ steering for around $4-5k? Then you'll have the extra $2-3k to keep the important things running.