I am thinking about buying a Blazer ZR2 and need some basic info. about what I should be looking for.

We live in the mountains of West Virginia where the roads are fairly rugged. We actually have to "ford" a small runoff stream to get to our driveway. So the extra ground clearance of the ZR2 seems very attractive to me.

I'm wondering whether the wider, taller ZR2 platform was the same for all model years. I have seen that the ZR2s came with 31x10.5x15 tires, but recently saw a 2004 ZR2 that had 235/70-15s listed on the window sticker.

Did ZR2s change as the Blazer model came to a close in 2004-05?

Also, as a guy new to Blazers, are there any model years or options or other aspects that I should especially watch out for or, on the other hand, that I should especially seek?

Thanks so much for your thoughts.

Bob

 

Got this from ZR2.com





What Makes a ZR2 Different From a Regular S-10 ?



If you are wondering what makes a regular S-10 a RPO ZR2, the following is the list of the factory modifications:

RPO ZR2 only full ladder-type frame with modified suspension mounting points which provide:

100mm wider track (3.9 inches wider than regular S-10)

Three-inch suspension height increase

Enhanced front (7.25" ring gear) and rear (8.5" ring gear) axles w/ 3.73:1 rear-axle ratio

Larger wheel and axle bearings

31 x 10.5R-15 LT/C black wall off-road tires (BFG A/Ts on pickups and BFG Long Trails on BlaZeR2)

46mm gas pressurized Bilstein Monotube shocks

Rear axle track bar (pickups) / rear sway bar (BlaZeR2)

Wheel flares (black on S-10 pickups and BlaZeR2 / body-color on Sonoma pickups)

33mm (early model) / 28mm (late model) front anti-sway bar

Skid plates

Hope that helps you.

 

As far as I know, all ZR2 Blazers came with 31X10.50 BFG All Terrains or BFG Long Trails. The one that had 235/70 on the window sticker doesnt sound like a ZR2. I believe that all of the 2005 ZR2 Blazers were 2wd only. I think you will be fine if you bought any ZR2 Blazer from 1998-2004 with a good maintenance record. The only year I can tell you to stay away from is 1995, I have a 95 Blazer, and they have more problems than other years, I call 95 GM's experimental year.

Where are you in WV?

 

Thanks very much for this helpful information. I'm located in Hampshire County WV -- one county "in" from the Eastern Panhandle of WV.

The ZR2 with smaller tires that I mentioned is on e-Bay right now (#4617234043). It is presented as a ZR2, says its 4x4 and has a "ZR2" sticker on the quarter panel. But I don't see anywhere on the window sticker that is shown in the ad where it says its a "ZR2". It does say that it has an optional "widestance suspension package" that adds $2000, but this does not reference "ZR2" either. This is what made me wonder whether the ZR2 package was actually watered down somehow near the end.

Thanks again.

Bob

 

The widestance option package is the ZR2 package. Maybe someone owned it and put smaller tires on it before they sold it. Theyre normally 31's, plus the 2005 is 2WD; so I guess you could say it was watered down at the end.

I checked out the one on eBay and it definitely is a ZR2. I dont know why the tires are smaller though, they are the stock tires too. I would go for that one, minus the small dent in the bumper, its a real good truck, low miles.

 

DO NOT I REPEAT DO NOT GET A 1998-------------------------LOTS OF ISSUES-----------------
I had a 2001 S 10 ZR2 and that seemed to be major issue free, I lost it in my divorce or I would still have it and not this POS 1998 Blazer.....................

 

There are lemons in any make, brand, year of vehicle.

No one year is worse then another. They are all good years, especially with the 4.3L engines.

ZR2 is an off-road package. I find it hard to believe a 2wdr truck needs an off-raod package.

If your going to leave it stock, no suspension or body lift to run bigger tires, then buy the ZR2 package. If your planning on a suspension lift, get a regular one. For comparision sake. You can run 30" tires on a non-ZR2 Blazer without issues and without modifications. To fit 31" tires you only need a 2" body lift or suspension lift. Both are considerable cheaper then the ZR2 package price of 2K.

But since you asked for favorable options.
4.3L V6 engine.
Stick or auto is personal preference.
Look for the code "G80" in the glove box. This is the factory limit slip in the rear axle.
The ZR2 will also have a bigger rear axle 8.5" ring gear. This is the same size as the fullsize half ton trucks, SUV's. The regular Blazer wil be 7 5/8" ring gear, a little smaller, but still strong enough for a stock rig and mild wheeling, even with tires up to 33".
One last option to look for, 4wdr shifter instead of the push buttom. The shifter is more dependable, its a manual process. While the push button requires a $500 motor to shift the t-case.

 

I love my 1998 ZR2 Blazer! No issues with mine accept the seat recline arms broke. I like it so much that I am in the process of transplanting a 5.7 vortec into it. Vroom Vroom!

I remember looking at the 2005 ZR2 atthe2005 new car show at the St. Louis Convention Center and it indeed did NOT have the 31x10.5 sized tires. What I have read about the 2005 model is that it was offered for sale until the stock of parts ran out. Chevy even sold 2-wheel drive ZR2's in 2005. [Gasp] bummer, I know. It was the end of the ZR2. Other than that, the previous years should be all the same basic platform. They all had the same ground clearence and 31 inch tires.

 

2wd zr2??????????????????

i have the elctric shift motor and it broke, it wasnt terrible to replace and its nicer than have to shift manualy (i think)