K5 4-wheel drive newbie

[stantonss]

Hey Guys, I'm looking for a K5 ('89-'91) and I think I've found one ('90). Excuse my ignorance, but I've also never owned a 4-wheel drive.

I have a couple questions you guys may be able to help on.

The one I am looking at; he states the rear diff is "worn out".. Come to find out it has 4.10's in the front and 3.73's in the rear. When he say's the rear diff is worn out, basically all I would want to do is replace the seals and the gears (4.10's of course)?

Also, 4-low is out... Would that mean I need to have the transfer case rebuilt or buy a new one? Which is the best way to go? How involved is changing the transfer case, a several hour swap in the drive way like a tranny swap? Or is much easier than a tranny swap.

I don't wanna purchase one and kill myself getting it in order.

I really won't be off-roading the K5, I might get it dirty, but no heavy off roading... Maybe a slow drive to a pond or back woods, but no rock clawing, etc. Driving it on the snow and ice in town. It will also be a daily drive for the most part. What would your suggestion be on wheels and tires? Again, very light off-road and mostly highway in town street use.

Thanks again and excuse my lack of insight in the 4 wheel drive world.

 

[fallguy]

you might just try rebuilding what you got if your not going to wheel it hard. maybe some bfg at or mt's for that kind of driving.

 

[Thunder]

R & R the Xfer case is fairly easy. The 241 does not weigh much, around 80 or so pounds. Eaiser than a tranny swap. If the xfer case has been run with 2 diferent gear ratios. It may have broken parts inside. If it were me i would try to find a good used 241 at a wrecking yard rather than rebuild.
Yes the 10 bolt can be rebuilt. Can you rebuild and set it up it yourself? Do you know if it is a gov lock or open? If it is a worn out gov-lock you should replace it with a better locker or open carrier rather than rebuild/replace it.
But many times you can find a used 10 bolt for a lot less than the cost of rebuilding one. I picked up a pair of good 30 spline front and rear 10
bolts for 150 a few months ago.. They come up for sale here on CK5 often, usually fairly cheap.
As for tires BFG AT are a great tire for street and offroad. They are very good on snow and ice. 11.50x 32" will work nicely and look good without needing a lift.
As for wheels unless you want custom. The stock ralley wheels are just fine.

 

[Randy92782]

How much is the guy asking?? Any pics of it to go off of to see if it's a deal or not worth it??

Like already said Craigslist will be your friend. You should be able to get another 241 or 208(they used both right ??) pretty easy.

you could probably find a nice used set of tires too. Like said i'd run a 32x10.50-15 tire on the stock wheels.

Now to regear you may be lucky and find another rear end.

 

[stantonss]

The guy wanted 4200 and I've got him down to 3500.
I can post picks tomorrow. It does have about 20k left on the tires (currently 33's, I believe) it has a 4 inch lift. Rancho shocks... Rack on top. All power, everything works. Paint looks great, so does interior.... The roof has surface rust, but the only other downfall.

 

[throttleissues]

Hmmm, mismatched axle ratios and no low range? I'd offer him $1500. Don't get hung up on the first one you look at. There are plenty more around for sale, and they're probably in better condition for less money.

 

[ryoken]

Hmmm, mismatched axle ratios and no low range? I'd offer him $1500. Don't get hung up on the first one you look at. There are plenty more around for sale, and they're probably in better condition for less money.

x2..... guy wants WAY too much for a truck with some possibly severe issues...

 

[stantonss]

I'm gonna post the ad and the pics shortly...

I'll let you guys be the judge.

 

[stantonss]

Hmmm, mismatched axle ratios and no low range? I'd offer him $1500. Don't get hung up on the first one you look at. There are plenty more around for sale, and they're probably in better condition for less money.

I've been looking non-stop for a couple or few months now....The low range issue was an issue that came up at about our 10th discussion and not the begining. Prompting me to ask the pros (you guys ).

Here is the caption from the sale and pics below....

"1990 Blazer K5 Red/Gray. 195K miles. Clean title. 4x4 with 3.73 in rear/ 4.10 in front. New tranny put in 2007/ has 30,000 on it. New front end installed 2008. Open exhaust installed 2009 and tune up done 4 months ago. Has 4" lift with 33" tires on 15x10 rims. Dual shock stabilizers (rancho). Rear automatic window fully operational as well as back door. Top has never been off and does not leak. Good interior and apholstery. Nice looking truck. $9500 invested and asking $4200."

 

[scotto0609]

From the looks of it and the ad I personnally wouldnt pay more than @$2500. The ad itself seems kinda of suspicious. Plus if you have spoken with him 10 times....too me that means its not going anywhere fast becauuse its overpriced. jmho good luck scott

 

[blbikerood]

I just bought mine for $1800, 89 K5

Now I did have to put a fuel pump in it, but it came with the pump but i towed it home and put it in, runs great. I was told the 4x4 worked and it did, but the front drive shaft fell out of it first time I put it in 4x4, but a few ujoints and a nut and washer and I was off roading. Mine is pretty stock, some outlaw wheels with 31x10.50's on it. But I drive it back and forth to work with no major issues. I feel at times I paid to much, so you should be able to get a running driving working 4x4 for 2500 or less.

 

[stantonss]

From the looks of it and the ad I personnally wouldnt pay more than @$2500. The ad itself seems kinda of suspicious. Plus if you have spoken with him 10 times....too me that means its not going anywhere fast becauuse its overpriced. jmho good luck scott

Im in a neighboring state, so we've just been going back and forth VIA email, with me berading him with questions.

Thanks for everyones insight... Greatly appreciated.

 

[stantonss]

Now I did have to put a fuel pump in it, but it came with the pump but i towed it home and put it in, runs great. I was told the 4x4 worked and it did, but the front drive shaft fell out of it first time I put it in 4x4, but a few ujoints and a nut and washer and I was off roading. Mine is pretty stock, some outlaw wheels with 31x10.50's on it. But I drive it back and forth to work with no major issues. I feel at times I paid to much, so you should be able to get a running driving working 4x4 for 2500 or less.

Thanks for the info... I'm so picky... I want to little to no rust a straight body and a good interior. I would also prefer the TBI... I realize I will pay a little more and I'm willing to do so for all the above. I'll just have to keep looking!

 

[RollinKaos]

I agree, I think the price is way outta wack. I dont know what things run in your area but you can pick up a K5 around here in better condition for less than 3k.

 

[Thunder]

too much money too many problems. Have patience and keep looking. A good clean K5 will come your way.

 

[kodiakisland]

I'd keep looking. I bought a 91 jimmy a few months ago that runs good with no rust and great interior for $2500. Had looked at several that were almost as good for under $4000 before I bought it. There are still too many nice clean blazers out there to pay a premium for a fixer-uper.

 

[stantonss]

I'd keep looking. I bought a 91 jimmy a few months ago that runs good with no rust and great interior for $2500. Had looked at several that were almost as good for under $4000 before I bought it. There are still too many nice clean blazers out there to pay a premium for a fixer-uper.

Thanks man... The search continues.

Keep your eyes open in your area, if you dont mind.

Thanks,

 

[CAVANALK5]

Is that rig in AR? I think I've seen it peeking through Craigslist...that's really worn-out 4" lift if it is truly a lift IMO.

Yes! Listen to these guys. Be patient! Especially in this area. There are much better rigs around. You have to sift through the guys that tear the hell out of them or make crappy mods. I'll keep my eye out for you. I'm in Poteau, OK. About 1.5-2 hrs SE from you near Fort Smith, AR. You're close enough to my area and OKC that you'll find something nice for cheaper. Also, check the classifieds section here. I wouldn't get too reliant on Craigslist or ebay or autotrader. Drive around and you'll find them sittin for sale several places. Most online places have guys that think they can get more for their crap. Are you looking to stay in the $3000-4000 range?(which is the $4000-5000 range if you have to fix stuff.) I will let you know if i find anything.

 

[stantonss]

Is that rig in AR? I think I've seen it peeking through Craigslist...that's really worn-out 4" lift if it is truly a lift IMO.

Yes! Listen to these guys. Be patient! Especially in this area. There are much better rigs around. You have to sift through the guys that tear the hell out of them or make crappy mods. I'll keep my eye out for you. I'm in Poteau, OK. About 1.5-2 hrs SE from you near Fort Smith, AR. You're close enough to my area and OKC that you'll find something nice for cheaper. Also, check the classifieds section here. I wouldn't get too reliant on Craigslist or ebay or autotrader. Drive around and you'll find them sittin for sale several places. Most online places have guys that think they can get more for their crap. Are you looking to stay in the $3000-4000 range?(which is the $4000-5000 range if you have to fix stuff.) I will let you know if i find anything.

That's the one.... I'm very familiar with the Tornado Magnet they call Poteau. My ex-wifes family is from there, so I spent quite a bit of time down there.

The 3000-5000 is ideal. The 5K would have to be for a something that doesn't require much at all... No rust is my main thing. I don't wanna deal with body work. A nice interior helps too. I'd prefer an 89-91, just for the up front styling, but I want the TBI engine most of all....

Told ya, I was picky.

Thanks for looking out. I definitely plan on getting one in the next month or so. SO maybe we can get together. I don't mind having to travel or have one shipped to be honest with you if it's nice enough and the price is right.

Thanks!

 

[Doc Feel Good]

Take your time, look even outside your area. Out west here we have them all the time for less than 4k. And the further southwest you go, the less rust generally you find.

-Doc