First Blazer....Where to start

[Voless]

Just bought a 78 Blazer for my wife, birthday gift. Just curious where a guy should start as far as things to check and maybe look at replacing or repairing. Will just be used as a fun daily driver from time to time in the summer. I know this is a very vague question, but figured some people had come across some things over the years I might not think to check. Thanx in advance .

 

[Desert_K5]

Ahh the old for my wife trick hahaha. Good job!

 

[Wes Harden]

Hello Voless and welcome to CK5
First you'll want to inspect the brakes and steering. Belts, hoses, flexible fuel lines. Make sure you have good 50/50 anti freeze (North Dakota you know that)
After making sure it's safe. drive it some try out the 4wd, and then try low range, make some figure 8s on dirt, or not asphalt, listen for any noises.
If everything sounds good and no major drive train components are in need of repairs, change all the oils in the drive line.
Then we should look for anything that has been change by previous owners, sometimes these are good other times not so good.
try every thing lets us know what doesn't work and we can guide you through diagnoses and repair.
list post has a good list of problem areas to check and report back https://ck5.com/forums/threads/k5-buyers-guide-checklist.276543/
Is this 78 a full time 4wd ? If is factory auto I expect it is full time 4wd.

 

[kennyw]

If you want to stay married, start with inspection and repair of anything related to safety. Follow that up with driveability. Next power improvements. Then work on cosmetics.

 

[HankScorpio]

Frame around the steering box. It's the spot that is prone to cracking.

 

[Chickntrk]

If you want to stay married,

Sell it now before she asks where all the money went

 

[scouthead]

If its "for the wife" and the occasional fun summer driver?

-take the top off. needs to be "different" enough from the other vehicles in your fleet to keep it fun and keep her interested in driving it.

and needs to steer/brake/ drive without causing stress and irritation. Cant be an pain in the ass for her behind the driver seat -otherwise, all other lifts, tires, engine improvements will be "just another annoying thing you spent money on"?

 

[TJ1978]

joining up here was a good move. Then hit the lottery and proceed in giving off-road design all your winnings.

 

[Chickntrk]

Yes, get to know ORD they will be your friends.

 

[Desert_K5]

There's a ton of helpful and knowledgeable folks here. This is the place for any help you'll need.

 

[Voless]

Hello Voless and welcome to CK5
First you'll want to inspect the brakes and steering. Belts, hoses, flexible fuel lines. Make sure you have good 50/50 anti freeze (North Dakota you know that)
After making sure it's safe. drive it some try out the 4wd, and then try low range, make some figure 8s on dirt, or not asphalt, listen for any noises.
If everything sounds good and no major drive train components are in need of repairs, change all the oils in the drive line.
Then we should look for anything that has been change by previous owners, sometimes these are good other times not so good.
try every thing lets us know what doesn't work and we can guide you through diagnoses and repair.
list post has a good list of problem areas to check and report back https://ck5.com/forums/threads/k5-buyers-guide-checklist.276543/
Is this 78 a full time 4wd ? If is factory auto I expect it is full time 4wd.

Frame around the steering box. It's the spot that is prone to cracking.

Thanx everyone, Ill start with the brakes, fluids and 4 wheel drive, the 203 is new to me so I'm not sure what I will find there. The 4 wheel shifter doesn't show anything on the knob, no lock outs on the front hubs, so Im pretty confident thats what is in this thing. Cant wait to throw some money at this thing and get it running good. Should be fun to drive....for my wife.

 

[Chickntrk]

The 203 had a plain knob, the markings were on a plate beside the shifter…..maybe a PO has removed that…should be a 203


This is a 205, if it’s a 203 there will only be a fill plug where that 3 bolt idler gear cover is on this case