Does anyone have any info on a 1997 2 Door Tahoe?

[ck22]

I'm thinking of giving my 72 a rest and restoring it. So in the mean time I've been looking at the last gen k5. Or is it still a K5? I'm looking for drivetrain Pro's and Con's, so any info would be helpfull.

Thanks

 

[dfl701]

I don't think it's classified as a k5. It's got ifs but I don't know of many issues. I love the two doors myself I have always wanted one

 

[blowedupmotor87]

97 ought to be 350 with a 4L60E four speed, NVG 241 transfer case (or more likely a push button 'case but I forget it's name). Half ton axles, IFS up front. IIRC, they might have still had the 6.5 diesel with a 4L80E as an option) IDK if it's still called a K5 but, at the very least, it is in spirit! My buddy had a 95 and the only thing I remember going wrong with it was the vacuum actuator for the front axle (a kind of a central axle disconnect). It wouldn't go into 4x4 but, that's easy to fix, only took me like 15 minutes to replace it. They are nice rigs, very comfy, great on road and good offroad (obviously the IFS isn't as good offroad as a straight axle K5offroad but, still good). His rig had a 4" lift and 33's, sharp lookin rigs! The only issue I can think of elsewise is that the Vortec 350's seem to like to go through intake manifold gaskets. But overall, nice solid trucks!

 

[AJMBLAZER]

I had a '92 K1500 Blazer. First year of that body style. '97 would be just the Vortec gas engine, a 4L60E, and the interior changes.

Solid trucks but remember it's GM half ton IFS and a 10 bolt. Good drivers and mild to moderate wheeling but if you put too big of tires on it and/or beat on it you'll have trouble. Ask me how I know.

Oh, the front has about 3" of travel stock and the rear has oodles of it if the springs are nice and worn in.

 

[ck22]

Thanks for all the input. It will be used mostly as a daily driver. I found one in really great shape, not abused at all for $4500. It still has the original sticker in the glovebox priced at $35,000. I couldn't believe it!

 

[AJMBLAZER]

Yeah, mom and dad paid about $25k for mine in '92. I bought it for $12k in '98 and then sold it in '02 for about $7500...and I don't even want to try and contemplate the money I spent on it...they're depreciating fast.

 

[Thunder]

My bro in law had one it worked great for him DD, camping, fishing, hunting, moderate wheeling. They are a good 4x4 if you keep them stock or close to it.
I know a guy who had one with a 6" lift and too big of tires. He was always breaking the front end and could not keep it aligned.

 

[AJMBLAZER]

I had narrow 33's and 2" of lift and replaced about everything steering or suspension related on it in 3 years! TWICE!

Stock is the way to be with these.