Anybody know why a 1985 and 1990 s10 blazer handle so differently on dirt or snow?
 

I was curious why my 2 blazers handle dirt roads or snow sooooooooo different. One is a 1985 s10 2.8L, the other is 1990 s10 4.3L. Both have working 4x4, and new tires. The 1990 completely sucks compared to the 85. The 85 in 2 wheel drive with bald tires handles a million times better than the 90 in 4x4. Does anybody have any idea why?

More power in the 90 vs the 85? Also, is the tread more aggressive on the 85 tires? Even if they are "bald"
Otherwise there really is no other reason I can think of...

I got the same tires put on both within 2 months from Walmart. What about suspension? I keep blowing the shocks on the 85, gotta get some heavier duty ones or something. The 90s got working shocks, but a bad ball joint.

I think the bad ball joint is the answer.

Bad ball joints could play a factor on controlling the power of the 90. Have it fixed and see if it will make any difference.