Help! I'm buying my first K5 - 1988

[Scorpionking]

Hello everyone,
My name is Max and I'm from Souther California. Los Angeles to be exact. I don't yet own a K5, or any offroad vehicle for that matter, but am in the process of purchasing my very first K5. I am not sure if this is the place, but I was wondering if I could get your guys' help with this process.

While I feel Ive done my due diligence regarding what year models I should be looking at, I still lack the knowledge to be able to tell exactly what it is I am getting myself into whenever I do purchase my firs K5. I am currently looking at a 1988 K5 Blazer. The owner states it is a stock engine with 144,XXX miles on it, stock transmission (700R4), stock front axle, rear axle has been swapped to a one ton (he's not sure of the gear ratio on either axle), and that the truck runs strong and is his daily driver. I have been able to verify most of his claims through pictures and videos he's sent me. However, there is a couple issues. The K5 he is selling is registered in another state, a state that doesn't require smog apparently, and I am certain it will NOT pass smog here in California based on what he's told nor am I certain what it will cost or how to go about making sure it passes a California smog test. My second concern is that I don't know how to verify all the other claims he's made regarding the truck - stock engine, transmission, one tone rear end, etc.

Heres what he's told me regarding me getting the truck smog ready - Smog pump needs belt, catalytic converter needs to be installed (he has catalytic converter), and needs a new air rail leading into the exhaust manifold.

I have no idea what the heck any of this truly means, if this is in fact all that needs to be done, nor how to verify any of it.

Any help you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
-Max

 

[Phil513]

It's hard enough to smog a vehicle in California with everything on it, it would be really tough with stuff missing. I'd be super leery.

I'd like to see a pic of the axles, I'm wondering what exactly he did.

 

[Scorpionking]

It's hard enough to smog a vehicle in California with everything on it, it would be really tough with stuff missing. I'd be super leery.

I'd like to see a pic of the axles, I'm wondering what exactly he did.

I know. It all sounds a bit too good to be true. Especially at that price.

I can post pictures when I get home. Don't know how to do it on my phone.

 

[Phil513]

Cool. If you need help, this is the place. The collective knowledge on this forum is staggering.

Just don't be in a hurry to buy. Take time and look around. Smog is pretty much a deal killer, you don't want that headache.

 

[frankin5]

California law says that the seller is responsible for smog on the vehicle and with all the stuff off or undone, let the buyer beware with an out of state registration. The fact that the rear has been changed, may leave you with no usable 4 wheel drive.

 

[82355]

Unless he is asking under $400, walk away.

Martin

 

[PWagon]

I agree. What little you've been told about the truck is enough to raise concerns. Walk away. There are way too many K5s out there to settle for one that's questionable. You can find complete trucks out there with clean in-state titles.