I am looking at a couple of '80s Blazers/Jimmys and at the price point that I am looking, sub $2k, they all have some mechanical flaws that I was hoping you all might be willing to go over with me.

I would prefer a 350 over a 305 and wont even consider a 400 or 454. Unless there is a reason I should change my opinion I don't care if it is auto or manual. Auto hubs would be nice but not a requirement. I don't mind SOME surface rust but through and through is a bit of a turn off. Guess I could put some of that diamond plated sheet metal, whatever it is called, over it. Love the look on some Jeeps I've seen but can't say I recall ever seeing any on Blazers. Anything else I should be looking for?



One is a '89 that they say the trans just stopped shifting gears. I was looking around and found this trany rebuild kit for $250 or there are all kinds of trany's listed on ebay and CL for about $100 more, just a generic search. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch of the imagination but I can follow along with a repair manual or youtube video and am not afraid to get my hands dirty. I don't know which model of trany is in this vehicle but if everything else on this Blazer is sound/clean would this scare you off from considering it? What might I be looking at realistically to rebuild/replace the trany?



Another is an '88 Jimmy. Ad says it has a 350 crate engine. Typically is a crate engine a good buy or junk? I've seen the GM crate engines listed for $1500 but don't know how they compare to OEM. It also says it currently has NP241 transfer cases but comes with 2 NP208 cases. I know what a transfer case is but have no idea what the difference between a NP208 and a NP241 is.

 

From my experience your going to need more than $250 to rebuild a 700r4. Especially if you plan on towing or wheeling with it.

Not sure if the jimmy's still had a solid axle in the front in 88. If so a 208 could be swapped in if needed. If it is IFS a 208 would be pointless since it drops on the wrong side.

I'd find out where the crate engine came from and do a little research on the builder. The goodwrench engines are pretty well respected to my knowledge.

 

Thank you very much, this is exactly the type of info I am looking for.

 

all those k5 blazers had a solid axle up front, 91 is the last year of production. thought the pick up trucks changed style in 87 to the ifs style front end

if its a vehicle you plan on using and keeping just have the trans done professionally with a good warranty .

 

Would you be able to give me a ballpark on what a trans rebuild might cost? I know there are tons of factors but are we likely talking $500, $1000 or $1500+? Just want to have as much info as possible before I make a buy.

 

Around here a stock rebuild with 3 yr warranty is a $1000. Performance builds can be $1500 to as crazy as you want to get.