Help me pick a vehicle...please

[Manimal70]

I am wanting to do light trail riding, camping, fishing, exploring. I have a family of 4 but unfortunately my youngest son is completely disabled and would not be able to make any trail rides(e's trached, on O2, tube fed and has seizures) so I would be taking my wife and oldest son(12) for 1-2 day excursions when we are able to have nursing care. But most of the time it will be me and my son. Trails like the Mojave Trail and the like.
I have been looking at the Fullsize Broncos and GMT400 Blazers. I would most likely do a straight axle in either with 3/4ton axles and no bigger than 37's. So my questions are, which would be a better choice for dependability? I like both, so I am looking for real world experiences....Pros and Cons of each.
Thank You

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Have you thought about a Grand Wagoneer? Harder to find in decent condition but definitely have the cool factor.

 

[Manimal70]

I have had a few G-wags! I LOVE THEM...but lately people have all started smoking crack when they put a price on them.

 

[Tex68w]

I'd flip a coin or pick whichever you like the looks of more, both are pretty much on par with one another IMHO. I'm more of a Ford man so I'd lean that way personally, but I wouldn't hesitate to own a GMT400 Blazer either. 305 or 350 vs 302 or 351, all are very common and parts are plentiful. I have seen a spike in demand for the 1992-96 Broncos as of late, seems to be a resurgence in popularity and common amongst desert runner builds at the moment, so that might factor into price and availability. Good luck in your search, sounds like a cool venture for the family.

 

[bknudtsen]

I had a ‘93 Blazer. Cool rig, but the switch gear inside was garbage, especially the hvac controls. Make sure to get the newer interior that went away from the big gray plastic buttons. (96-99?)

Have you considered a K5? Already has a solid axle and dead simple to work on.

Broncos are cool too. Don’t see many examples on Expo.

Brad

 

[AlexCold]

Another vote for a K5 blazer or a 78-79 Bronco. Already a straight axle vehicle with a huge aftermarket. The bronco will ride better on its coil sprung front suspension but you can make them both work.


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[Manimal70]

Ok, here is what I have at the moment. I already have a 92 Z71 Blazer fullsize,350 tbi, 700r4/208...it has 300k+ miles on it. The suspension is worn out and I have a D44 GM 8 lug front AND a D44HP from a 78/9 F250. The problem with the Blazer is I am trying to get paperwork for it. In the meantime, I am thinking about buying my neighbors 88 Fullsize bronco,5.0,AOD electric shift BW1356.
So like what was stated above, they are very similar in platforms. The work I want to do for either one is the same. I will pull the automatics out in favor of manual trans and NP205s, SAS with leaf springs and Sterling or 14 bolt rear axles.
I think I like the top being removable on the Bronco, will make it easier for cage construction and fun going topless.
As for a K5...I like those too, but the ones I have seen lately are hammered for 3k.
Another option is a K2500 Suburban and do the SAS on it...I already have a 93 C2500 Suburban and wish it were 4wd.

 

[Tex68w]

Given that info I'd build the 88 Bronco or sell it and the 92 Blazer (for parts or off-why use) and find a 2500 Burb. I wouldn't bother with the Blazer if you don't have papers.

 

[Hackopotomus]

Ok, here is what I have at the moment. I already have a 92 Z71 Blazer fullsize,350 tbi, 700r4/208...it has 300k+ miles on it. The suspension is worn out and I have a D44 GM 8 lug front AND a D44HP from a 78/9 F250. The problem with the Blazer is I am trying to get paperwork for it. In the meantime, I am thinking about buying my neighbors 88 Fullsize bronco,5.0,AOD electric shift BW1356.
So like what was stated above, they are very similar in platforms. The work I want to do for either one is the same. I will pull the automatics out in favor of manual trans and NP205s, SAS with leaf springs and Sterling or 14 bolt rear axles.
I think I like the top being removable on the Bronco, will make it easier for cage construction and fun going topless.
As for a K5...I like those too, but the ones I have seen lately are hammered for 3k.
Another option is a K2500 Suburban and do the SAS on it...I already have a 93 C2500 Suburban and wish it were 4wd.

Geez, you're all over the place here!

If you are thinking about a SAS and manual trans swap, why don't you convert your '93 C2500 to 4x4? What's the deal on the '92 paperwork? A Bronco would be cool too but if you already have the other two why add another vehicle to the mix?

Another one I'd consider would be a Grand Cherokee, ZJ or WJ. They are very capable and already have a straight ax. I've had a bunch of them.

 

[Manimal70]

LOL, yes I know I am all over the place.
The Blazer was given to me by a friend, went to DMV to see about getting a title, there is still a lien holder on file. So I contacted the bank on file and they need Social Security numbers or account numbers to get me a lien release, problem is, the previous owners are deceased. I was able to find their son and he is going to try to get me a lien release as he has all the info.....
I have been collecting parts for a multitude of options(LS 5.3,axles, transmissions,etc..) So whatever vehicle I get, I will have MOST of the parts to build it the way I want it...SAS, manual trans, manual windows/locks, caged, EFI.
I had a Grand Wagoneer that I had done ALL that too, but it was during a time when my youngest son was hospitalized often and I could not afford to continue with it and had to let it go. Now, times are better and my son has not been hospitalized since June 2013!
I think I will start with the Bronco and if my oldest son gets into offroad, I will build the Blazer for him and sell the truck he currently has(1973 D100 shortbed fleetside, hotrod 225/833 4speed gonna get a turbo)

 

[thezentree]

If you are thinking about a SAS and manual trans swap, why don't you convert your '93 C2500 to 4x4?

This. 37s under a fullsize is a lot for a 1/2 ton axle. Converting a C2500 to SFA means you're already going to have to buy a transfer case and adapter, so now you have the option of driver side vs passenger side drop. Might make it easier/cheaper to find a 1-ton front axle. CUCV axles would be perfect with a PS t-case.

 

[AlexCold]

Well that changes things a bunch.
I would vote for converting the C2500 using ORD's kit http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/88-98SolidAxleConversion.htm and using the Chevy front axle. For mild wheeling the 37s will live on the D44/10bolt front axle for a while until you can find a D60 from somewhere.

Does the C2500 already have the 14bff or is it the 14bsf?

The Suburban is going to give you way more room for your family which is a big plus and you don't have to go buy another vehicle. Trust me I know the feeling of having more and more projects, but sometimes you have to resist.

 

[Manimal70]

Yeah, I have projects out my ears! lol.
I would love to convert my 'burb to 4wd. But every time I read about someone wanting to do a 2wd to 4wd conversion you get some yahoo saying "just sell the 2wd and buy a 4wd" or they talk about the bump in the frame for the stock coil springs, that if you cut it out and plate it, it will be VERY weak...
My Suburban had a TBI 454,4l80e, 14blt FF with 4.10, a divorced tranfercase would not bother me at all.

 

[TexomaPowerboater]

With 4 kids I'd get a 4x4 van and at least try to bring the disabled boy along.

 

[Manimal70]

I would LOVE to bring my son with us, but truth is he has very intense seizures every day, he has a trache in his neck to breathe and a tube in his belly to eat. He requires oxygen quite often. While I hate the thought of not bringing him, I have to juggle my time, its also not a burden my oldest should have to always bare. So as a father, I am extremely torn. But I have to make it work for all.
Trust me, he goes 99 % of ALL places we go.