So I live in alaska and have for most of my life but my wife and I would like to get out of these long, cold winters and move to washington. Were not sure about exactly where yet but somewhere near vancouver because we would like to be close to Oregon and have done some research on the area. Anyway I have some time to do whatever maintenence on the blazer before we drive it that far. It has 173000 miles on it right now but its only had one previous owner and he babied it to work and back and always had the dealership do any repairs so its in pretty good shape.

Things ive done so far: New serpentine belt, new power steering pump, replace passenger steering hub, new 4wd switch, replace both sets of oil cooler lines, new tires, greased zerk fittings, and new brakes but I'm worried that on a long trip something will go wrong and would like suggestions as to what I can replace while i have the time that will give me peace of mind when I do this.

 

Replace your fluids - front and rear diff, transmission, transfer case, coolant, engine oil, power steering fluid.. I'd hold off on the brake fluid, though. Add it if you need it, but that's about all I'd do unless it was absolutely necessary.
Thermostat.... I'd go ahead and replace that. I'd check the radiator fluid - might even be a good idea to send in fluid samples.
You'll never eliminate 100% of the possibility of something going wrong, but you can bump the odds down.

 

C'mon down to Washington! The weather's great here, except for the 250 days of rain each year. I don't mind that, however, because it's better than five months of freezing and snow.

Fortunately you're driving a Chevrolet. I have found in my travels across the backroads of the Northwest that pretty much anywhere can get parts for a Chevrolet, especially a very common one like a '98 Blazer. I once broke down in a little town in South Dakota in a '76 Toyota. The part had to be shipped in from Tacoma. Had I known it would break down, I would have bought it on the way out of town and brought it with me.

Good luck!

 

I always think, will it last me another 6 months of stop and go at home? if the answer is yes it most likely last for the trip, which is less wear and tear

 

Thanks for all the replies I will be changing all the fluids (except for brake) and thank you I would have overlooked the thermostat since its never been a problem here. I cant wait to get out of here and check out life near civilization.