Which year K5 Blazer 72-91 to buy?

[Z3PR]

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Any opinions on the '92 and up models?

[/ QUOTE ]Independent front suspension (ISP) sucks sh_t through a straw.

 

[big jimmy 91]

I love my 91 , it's the most fun I've had in a long time

 

[4xcrazy]

'88-91 /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif Best years, best looking too /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[ugly_blazer]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Any opinions on the '92 and up models?

[/ QUOTE ]Independent front suspension (ISP) sucks sh_t through a straw.

[/ QUOTE ]

My friend has a '96 Z71 that we have abused every bit as hard as we have a solid axle rig and it is still holding up fine. I guess it depends on what you want to do with it. We drive fast down mud roads, across fields, and through a lot of mud with no problems. It rides and handles a billion times better on the street. I don't think it would be very good in the rocks though. IFS can't handle larger tires (larger than 35's) as well as a solid axle can.

 

[Thunder]

I like 89s too /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif They just seem to have the best of everything.
Dont let the hardcore guys scare you off from the 92 and up IFS.They are nice trucks for moderate wheeling/street use.

 

[rjfguitar]

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Any opinions on the '92 and up models?

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I love the 96-99' models myself. They are fast because of the vortec motors and are very nice inside. I don't mind the top not being removable because I hardly take mine off anyway.

 

[Ryan B.]

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IMO the 69-72 Blazers are by far the nicest looking. A good setup would be a "stock looking" 69-72 K5 with 3/4 or 1ton running gear.. Like bajaviking said if you're going to thrash it don't buy a 69-72!.

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/forums/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif /forums/images/graemlins/peace.gif First Gen's Rock.
If I found a rusty first gen beyond repair i wouldn't hesitate to make it a beater or truggy.. haha, most first gens are pretty rusty.. mine has some rust that needs to be fixed..
I picked up my truck over 5 years ago and have tried to keep it 'pretty' for quite a while.. I've hung out here too long and started realizing function is beauty.. so along with going from 1/2 tons 35's to 1 ton's and 38's.. My truck is much more capable and I've had a lot more fun than ever before... body damage has been mostly accidental as the result of having fun. After i bought my truck i realized every body panel had either rust or a small dent or paint chip and everything needed to be addressed before it would look "cherry".. so i might as well have some fun with it before i spend the money fixing the body and painting it. /forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

 

[TheEmissary]

Since a topless K5 is the hardest to locate - I might consider a full convertible conversion. In response to someone posting about mid-1980s K5s - keep in mind that after 25 years in TX, the vehicle is grandfathered from emission testing. I had to run with an EGR valve to pass, and would consider using an EGR restrictor plate with a 5/32" orifice.

 

[stallion85]

Try and get a 91'. You will like the fuel injection, and the longer it will take to rust compared to a 70 model will probably already be a rustbucket. I have an 85' wish I had a 91 though, just MO /forums/images/graemlins/deal.gif

 

[MR4WD]

I have a 91. That bone stock TBI 350 sure isn't short on power. I took a video today of the truck throwing roost over 40' high and 60' back with 44" boggers. The NP241 has the deepest reduction of any t-case offered in a blazer and is marginally stronger than a 208, and you can add a S.Y.E. kit to it like I did. I'm very pleased with the TBI vs. my carbed 496 in my other truck. I don't have to worry about the carb flooding out over big bumps and steep hills now. The other day I had a dual 2 1/4 exhaust with a crossover pipe and 3" 40 series flowmasters (that I had laying around) put on, and it sounds and runs like a completely different truck. In the future when I go back to 400/205 I'll run a mean TBI big block via holley or the like, but in stock form it's got to be the best set up out there.