Hello all!
so I recently bought a 2001 zr2 blazer with 157,500 miles. I plan on this being more of a project suv, more so a winter suv for those snowy days when my wife an I need to get to work, but at the moment im currently useing it to get to work. (About 40 miles a day)
When I bought it I really didn't know much about cars/trucks but knew the basics. I always wanted a zr2 and I was willing to learn and fix it.
after I I inspected it, test drove it, and thought "why not!?" I could tell that it needed some work but thought it would be good for me.
Now I knew the 4x4 did not work so I did alitte research before buying it and was able to fix it a few days later.
As I spent time driveing, working on her and learning how to do small repairs, such as a new 4x4 actuator, actuator vacuum hose and headlight lamp clips.
here is what repairs I know the previous owner did
New gas tank, "new" brakelines, gas filter, oil change and also he mentioned something about moog parts.
My main concern is with the front suspension.
Looks a little rusty, mostly external and I can tell the bushings are bad. Previous owner said he had the underbelly and frame are coated with a protective spray. Frame looks ok and so do leaf springs and shackles.
My question is...what do I do? Do i go to a mechanic? Do i do it myself? Do I buy a new suspension kit? Do I go to a junk yard and try to find the parts I need? I can't seem to find a suspension kit online that's not a lift kit, although I'm ok with the idea of a small lift.
I don't really have the space nor tools but my dad use to be a part time mechanic and I might have some friends and family that may let me use their garage and tools.
NOT trying to brake the bank but I'm willing to put time and effort into it. I have pictures if needed.
Any suggestions, tips, tricks or hacks that can help me?
thanks a ton!!

 

Do you have someone you trust to look at it and give an 'expert' opinion? A lot of stuff that 'looks allittle rusty, mostly external' may or may not be 'bad'...you will need to separate the stuff you need to do from the stuff you don't. I say that cause you said you didn't want top break the bank. If money wasn't an option, you'd replace everything that 'looked bad' with new. Much stuff (atleast in my area) on a 19 year old Blazer, looks old-perhaps bad but still performs as intended. Search out (if you don't already have a 'go to guy') and try and find someone to give their opinion on it..It may not be as bad as one might think or?...good luck, Jerry

 

The work itself is not too hard. If you got the time and patience, I would say to do it yourself as you will save a few hundred on labor. Parts are not too expensive new, I would suggest new if you can afford it rather then used.

and just make sure you get an alignment after the work is done, and make sure they check the toe in/out.

 

I'd say you could save several hundreds on labor doing it yourself. I agree that the work is not that difficult.

Rock Auto has a good selection at generally good prices. There us a 5% discount coupon posted by Rock Auto on the forum.

As for brands of parts, Moog and Proforged are well regarded. If nothing else, get a Moog or Proforged idler arm as the OEM design was susceptible to wearing out.

After you replace the front end parts, you will will be good to go for many years.

While you are at it, consider replacing the front wheel hubs too.