1999 Chevrolet Blazer: What is it good for?

[grahamfitter]

One of my kids just acquired a great condition 1999 Chevy Blazer with 4WD, 92K miles, four doors and leather seats from his grandfather for a bargain price. We're wondering what the pros and cons of the vehicle are. Any opinions?

Thanks in advance!

 

[HenryJ]

With just a little work they can make a decent offrad trail rig. The rear has great articulation without the rerar sway bar. Disconnect the front and they float over the terrain.
The 4.3L engine has plenty of power. Keep an eye on the intake gaskets. Dex eats them up. Make sure it has been flushed out and changed to green coolant.

29" offroad tires are as big as you can go on the stock vehicle. If it is geared with the 3.42 , that may be as big as you want to go. If it had the optional 3.73 ratio, 30" tires might be worth a look, but that will require installing a 2" body lift.
There are no good suspension lifts for this platform. Don't waste time or money. Adjust to the maximum Z-height. Add a leaf to the back or kit the spring pack to get rid of the saggy rear and be happy.

Overall a good inexpensive adventure vehicle. Cheap to own and repair. It will never be a killer rock crawling animal. It has limitations. It will get you "out there" and back though.

This site is a wealth of information : S-10CREWCAB.NET
Primary focus is on the crew cab trucks, but most of it applies to all the s-series platform.

 

[grahamfitter]

Thanks, HenryJ!

Do you know whether a 30" spare tire will fit under the vehicle?

Also I noticed that the skid plates are plastic. Are there more robust options?

 

[blaz]

I have an '05 blazer and it is a decent little truck/SUV. Like HenryJ said it will do OK off road, though the front end parts wear out when used hard. Grease them at least every oil change. Aluminium skid plates are available on pre '98 models I beleive.

I have done a 2" body lift and run 31" tires with a little rubbing. I have 3.42 gears and i think that anything larger than 31's would be too tall.

I'll see if I can post a pic.

 

[HenryJ]

He is right on the money. Small 31's are about as large as you'll want to go.
The aluminum shields are getting harder to find. Most of the composite shields will work too. RPO ZR2 front steering shield will not fit.

Skid plates

Browse through the Modifications and stock information pages on the S-10CREWCAB.NET website

Do you know whether a 30" spare tire will fit under the vehicle?

I do not know for sure. A 31 fit under my truck. I would think you have room too.

 

[Richie]

Hey blaz welcome to the site. That's a nice looking Blazer.

I admit I know nothing in terms of auto mechanics and all that good stuff. I wish I could give more of an opinion on the s-series. My S10 has been a solid first truck. It is a great 4x4 with the ZR2 package.

 

[Cody1771]

a 30" tire will not fit under the truck, i had a buddy with the identical truck, there are lots of swing out options. you could even go to a wrecker and find a blazer ZR2 and steal the tire rack off the back and it will bolt up.

 

[KLAKEBRONCO]

Lots of electrical problems, Wheel bearings and ball joints up front wear very fast.

Other than that they ride great, have nice smooth power delivery and in my experience a good transmission (some have had problems with 4l60e's but I've owned several with ZERO problems)

 

[Steinbruchsoldat]

Hi, you can just take a look at my built, you can turn this in a nice little ride: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=47695

Just do a 2" torsion bar lift and a 3" shackle lift and you can run 31"s without rubbing. If you disconnect the swaybars you get a lot of articulation, but your tires will start to rub. Thats the reason I'm doing a 3"body lift soon...

 

[blaz]

Hey blaz welcome to the site. That's a nice looking Blazer.

Thanks Richie, I guess I should do that whole introduction thing soon.

Oh, sorry about the tread jacking. Back on topic;

The German blazer looks to have flares which might make a difference, though I don't know. I have slight rubbing with 31's, every truck will be slightly different.

Good luck!