Hi All,

My '01 2dr 4wd Blazer needs new brakes and while at it new shocks since the shocks are still OEM. One of the tires was rubbing with shocks all but gone.

Several mechanics quoted me 1,000 to 1,500 for the work which included a few other loose ends. I've already bought a new car (Chevy SS) and was going to donate the '01 Blazer or even take a $700 offer from a mechanic.

But after some thought I'd like to keep this car as a winter beater so I don't have to drive my RWD SS anytime there's ice/snow (& mainly salt) anywhere near me. The Blazer would be a perfect winter beater but piling $1500 would be too much, plus the insurance costs, etc.

So I am looking to buy the following parts or something like them, which would be like $200 for all the brake rotors/pads and shocks. Then I'll have a guy install them for hopefully $250 or less.

Would you guys trust parts like these:

New Full Set Shocks Struts Fits Chevrolet Blazer 37021 | eBay

or four of the following (2 front and 2 rear):

PartsTrain.com - Hard to Find Auto Parts and Truck Parts -

Then for brake kits something like:

Ceramic Front Disc Brake Rotors Pads Set Kit for Chevy Pickup Truck | eBay

And similar product for rear. Basically I'm seeking some input if this path of action seems reasonable? It's a last ditch effort before all but doing away with the car that I've loved for so many years.

Thanks Guys!

 

Please, anyone, I could use any advice. If nothing else at least a confirmation that these parts could work and won't cause my car to fall apart on the spot.

Thanks

 

I would go with the Monroe shocks instead of the no name brand - If you didn't already know it those brakes will not fit your blazer but that's not a bad price for full brake setup however I myself also prefer semi metallic pads over ceramic - If you have any mechanical skills at all and have basic tools I would do some research on the net and do as much as i could by myself

 

Thanks. And you are right I linked the wrong brake setup. Same company but basically these plus one for front.

And I doubt I'd get around doing any of that myself. Wouldn't know where to start.
http://m.ebay.com/itm/Rear-Ceramic-Brake-Pads-2-Discs-Rotors-Set-Kit-for-Chevy-Blazer-Jimmy-Bravada-/131544448127?nav=WATCHING_ACTIVE

 

For the shocks, I would go for the Monroe shocks on the Parts train site. I would be leary of the 'no name' shocks from E Bay. But why don't you want to use a local parts store like Advance Auto Parts? If you get 'a wrong part, won't fit my Blazer' situation, you can easily take it back and get the right one. What would you do in the same situation if you bought it from E bay? You don't say in your post or your signature where you are, but the inference is it a salt belt area.

 

Holy Crap, $1,500? I changed my shocks A little over a year ago and its very easy to do. I just youtubed it. And putting new brake pads and rotors on is A piece of cake, you can also youtube that. Also, when putting on new rotors and pads on the rear there is a very good chance you will need new calipers as well. Trust me you want to get them, or there is a very high risk you will ruin the new pads and rotors. (this happened to me and many others)


When it comes to brake pads, rotors, and reman calipers I would just go with a local auto parts store. It's all pretty cheap. Your probably looking at maybe 300$ for 4 rotors, front and rear brake pads, and rear calipers. Shocks idk how much they are but cant be that much. So id say you shouldn't spend more then $500 for everything and the labor you can do yourself with some research.

 

If you have not got your parts yet. Try Rockauto. I get a lot of my OEM parts from them at a great price. I also use them to get parts for the rest of my family's vehicle's. Times are tuff and I don't think many people have $1500 laying around for a vehicle repair.

 

Not big fan of ebay.But check out summit racing.They have just about anything you need for your blazer.They sell alot of aftermarket parts that`ll ouy last gm /oem parts anyday.Also look up "gmparts giant,LMC Truck

 

B.B., do you have the basic tools: sockets and ratchets set with some combo wrenches? Very important: do you have a good jack and at least two good jackstands? With that and a manual, you should be able to do all these jobs in a week end or a couple of weekends. Tackle the shocks one w/e and the brakes another w/e.

 

The shocks are the easiest.I`ve changed mine out both front and back just under 3 hrs.Do the front first.It`s best to take the front tires off in helping to make the job easier.Do 1 side at a time, be sure to don`t forget to place jack stand underneath lower control arm before you start.Once you unloosen and take off the top nut?You will have to jack up the side your working on in order to unloosen and reinstall the new shock.As far as the back..Those are the easiest without jacking up or taking tires off. Good Luck!