Ever since my grandpa took me for a ride in his 71 k5. Found a couple I like on CL locally. The first one being a M1009 allthough i have no idea about diesel's. Being infantry we broke em never fixed em.
http://cosprings.craigslist.org/cto/1954483455.html
The 2nd one being a 90 fullsize
http://pueblo.craigslist.org/cto/1913818631.html I am looking for a 4x4 that I can use as a DD instead of my dodge as it sucks in the snow.. Whatever one i get it wont be lifted nor "enhanced" like my k20 is. Realistiscally My k-20 will be strictly a playtoy (just waiting on parts atm) Any thoughts or advice? Im actually trying to not have something come back and bite me in the ass. Thought i'd ask before i did something stupid. I love standards but i dont know if my leg can hold up to it. So im kinda leaning towards a slushbox.
Ill throw in my 02 cents i suppose
That m1009 is a deal and a half. Somethin like that usually runs at least 2G's but he did mention rust so you gotta find out what you are gettin into also you wanna know the mileage of course since he didnt specify which usually means its high. I researched the 6.2's a bit since im interested in getting one myself and some things you wanna know about them and the m1009 in general are...
1.From what ive read not a real fast/powerful truck. Its got stock 3.08 gearing in the dif and a 3 speed TH400(bulletproof) and while the 6.2 diesel can get you 15-25mpg reliably its not a street rod by any means but can be a great reliable daily driver truck
2.If the truck is rusting the rubber seals are likely in poor condition also and your likely going to have road noise issues in the cab especially with a diesel now you said this was a DD so i dont know how important comfort is to you but its something to consider
3.The 6.2 has 2common issues i know of which are headgaskets blowing and starter bolts the headgasket issue can be fixed by a kit from ARP i believe but dont qoute me on that. From what ive seen a well maintained well treated 6.2 diesel will treat you great and ive heard multiple reports of them running up to 300k+ miles no problem.
4.Next of course is you almost certainly have the Gov-Locker in the rear which is known for failure hence why its often called the ''Gov-Bomb''
You can learn lots more about these rigs over at Steelsoldiers.com where they specialize in military vehicles
Onto the next blazer
Likely a TBI350 based on the year with a 700R4 backing it Which is good for mileage although their strength is often debated. 4x4 high has one in his rig so he and others will be more helpful here. Random thought, GM switched to the non-mechanic spedomoter in 90 or 91 which can be a pain to adjust for different size tires and such but a guy on here sells a conversion part that makes it easily adjustable. He mentions its a project so i probably wouldnt recommend it for a DD and it cost more than the m1009.
Comparing the 2 by DD standards
m1009 will get at least 15mpg while the 90 k5 will likely get 12-ish
700r4 is a complex rebuild that cost upwards of 2000 dollars th400s are plentiful and cheap
6.2 will likely outlast a 350 and will definitley get better mileage doing it
the 90 k5 will likely cruise at higher speeds on the freeway thanks to its 4 speed transmission.
the 90 k5 will probably be quieter and you wont stand out as much if you care
Personally i would choose the M1009 and i apologize if any of this didnt make sense i was just dumping my brain on the page
. Gas gauge issue is common i hear its a grounding problem.
