What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

Looking for another Blazer/Pickup, any specific years/models to look for?

N

Nokturnal

Registered Member
Joined
May 13, 2009
Posts
27
Reaction score
0
Location
Modesto, CA
Well guys I'm in the market for yet again another Blazer/Pickup (4th times a charm). I still have around a month left before I'm back from this tour in Afghanistan, so I have time to do a little more searching for a good base truck this time around. Just seeing if there's a "best years" for them, specifically the pickups. Don't care about interior/exterior options, but more towards what years came with the better transfer case/transmissions/axles. Like I said, I'm mainly looking at a pickup this time, but if there's a "best years" for the Blazers it would be good to know also just in case I end up finding good options on that side of the fence. Also, any certain things to check before I buy? Also, plans are decently simple if it makes a difference, 6" lift on 38s, nothing crazy. It'll just be an occasional weekend warrior, back country camping trip type deals.

Thanks guys :waytogo:
 
If you want comfort, look for a 1991 Blazer. They have the 4L60E tranny, (huge plus), and the NP241 t-case with the TBI 350.

If it's just a fun, bare bones weekend toy, I'd look into a first gen Blazer, 1969-1972. They had the 350, TH350 tranny, (non OD), NP205 t-case and a full-convertible top.
 
sorry, I should have specified. I'm looking at the 73-87 year, I just needed to know if there was differences between the transmissions, transfer cases, and differentials during those years. I'd like a pre-73 but they are usually going for a lot more expensive than the 73-up.
 
trans combos:

465/205 10 spline: 1969 to 1980 (81-84 1-ton pickups as well)
465/205 32 spline: 1985 to 1991 (one ton pickups only)
465/203 10 spline: rare 1974 only
th400/203: 77-79 3/4 and 1 ton pickups only
th400/205: 77-91 3/4 and 1 ton pickups only
th400/208: 81-87 3/4 ton pickups
th350/203: 1969 to 1980 1/2 and 3/4 tons only (3/4 ton till 76)
th350/205: 1969-72 and 1980

Diffs:

12 bolt rears: 1969 to 1983
10 bolt rears: 1984 to 1991
10 bolt fronts: 1978/9 to 1991
dana 44 front small bearing: 1969 to 1976
dana 44 larger bearing: 1977 to 1980
10 bolt front (8 lug) 3/4 ton: 1978 to 1987
14 bolt rear 9.5 semi floater 3/4 ton: 1982 to 1991
14 bolt rear 10.5 full floater 3/4 ton to 1 ton: 1973 to 1991
 
I'd go after a military lwb 1 ton, t-400 tranny, np205 tcase, Dana 60 front and 4.56 gears. Saves a ton of money on upgrades.:D
 
If it's a pickup, look for the newest square body K30 you can find (also known as V3500's in the later years). Basically 87-91 K30, fuel injected big blocks, Dana 60's and 14bolt full floaters, STD or crew cabs, standard or auto trannies were available and some still had np205 t cases, although there's nothing wrong with a np241.
 
Dans86chevy said:
I'd go after a military lwb 1 ton, t-400 tranny, np205 tcase, Dana 60 front and 4.56 gears. Saves a ton of money on upgrades.:D
Click to expand...

Except your stuck with a 6.2, crappy interior, and IIRC no AC :doah: and not all had 205's.
 
jt512 said:
Except your stuck with a 6.2, crappy interior, and IIRC no AC :doah: and not all had 205's.
Click to expand...

He said he didn't care about interior exterior options. He will have two huge vents in doors for AC haha. :D He mentioned nothing specific about the motor but a 350 motor swap is a easy and cheap task
 
Dans86chevy said:
He said he didn't care about interior exterior options. He mentioned nothing specific about the motor but a 350 motor swap is a easy and cheap task
Click to expand...

I must be getting old, I don't think of AC as an option anymore :D, especially anywhere that could see triple digit temps :waytogo:
 
Haha ac is a plus, but Iv never owned a truck with ac, so I'm lucky and don't know what I'm missing
 
onetonbb74 that's exactly what I was looking for. thanks for all the inputs guys. My main target for purchase is a K10 due to price range and availability. There's numerous for sale within a couple hours from me, all mid to late 70's, so according to that list I'd be set up with a TH350, 203, 12R 44F which is fine with me and my plans, but the 203 is a full-time 4wd though correct? I guess that would really be the only swap out I'd be doing. Well thanks again for all the responses, I really appreciate it. I don't get too much time on the computer to research due to back to back missions all day, so it helps to have you guys :waytogo:
 
I was looking for pretty much the same thing. All I could find around here in Ga was junk.., or way over priced. I ended up finding this 79 K1500 12 bolt rear, D44 front, I'm thinking the 205 transfer case... With the part time kit , and manual locking hubs. 350 motor and 350 trans. The truck is clean, the insides are clean, and it it's pretty much all original, motor has 56K on it. Smokes a little now, lucky me, but it runs great. I'm going to drive it until it blows! Only creature feature it has is AC! I cant wait to lift it! But with a baby on the way.... Money is tight right now! ImageUploadedByTapatalk1342962956.753672.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1342962956.753672.jpg
 
Id get a pre-smog year truck, 1975 and older...
 
I have seen smog on chevys as old as 68 in stock original cars. I don't know what the exact year is but there definitely were egrs and air pumps in the 60s.
 
72 Blaze said:
To be honest I 2nd that when I rebuild my motor I'm ditching the smog crap!
Click to expand...

I know CA has stricter rules then other places.
I have an 87 with a 383 and a big block TBI that was bored out.
Running larger injectors and increased fuel pressure. I ripped all the smog crap out. Passes a sniff test just fine.

IMO that is all that SHOULD matter. The fact they make you have a bunch of crap just because is stupid IMO. If you can pass the clean air test for the year your truck was made then you should be able to do whatever you want.
 
72 Blaze said:
I was looking for pretty much the same thing. All I could find around here in Ga was junk.., or way over priced. I ended up finding this 79 K1500 12 bolt rear, D44 front, I'm thinking the 205 transfer case... With the part time kit , and manual locking hubs. 350 motor and 350 trans. The truck is clean, the insides are clean, and it it's pretty much all original, motor has 56K on it. Smokes a little now, lucky me, but it runs great. I'm going to drive it until it blows! Only creature feature it has is AC! I cant wait to lift it! But with a baby on the way.... Money is tight right now! View attachment 133279
Click to expand...

That's pretty much the exact trucks showing up in NC but without those awesome miles, just unsure of the transfer cases. Usually for around 2K give or take.

Yea as for the smog stuff, whatever truck I get will be getting it all removed the first weekend I have it, that's for sure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom