Blazer Forum - Chevy Blazer Forums

I am still reseaching this myself. Seems over the years there were a few different systems. It seems pre '98 models have a borg warner transfer case that runs 65% power to the rear wheels and 35% to the front under normal conditions and locks into four wheel drive if slippage occurs. Also I have been told by a few people and read on multiple sites that it has a locking rear differential. Stats are one thing, but I have seen my 97 (previous owner) hook up to a shed and try to drag it up a hill. And not once did I see just the rear tires spin. It was all four or nothing. He never did get the shed up the hill (it was huge) but dug quite a few holes trying and I was very impressed with the four wheel drive system. I have taken it out in deep snow a few times and it seems to be all four spinning or nothing, even turning in tight corners.

Post 98 models got a new transfer case that puts all power to the rear wheels until slippage then locks into four wheel drive. I can't say anything about that system as I haven't driven one or don't read much about them.

An other note is the bravada has soft rear springs designed to give you a "soft ride." I didn't think much about it until I switched them out with some high capacity blazer springs. It made a shocking difference in handling. No more leaning, deffinantly a huge improvement.

Long story short is I haven't gone way out into the woods yet but it has passed the quick little tests I have put it through with crappy tires, so when I get my new tires on it I will sure be taking this thing well off the beaten path.

On a down side mine doesn't have four low. The first gen blazers I had were vertually unstoppable with good tires in four low. I used to be able to climb hills that were, well I eventually flipped one over backwards. So I don't have any expectations (or desire anymore) of matching that. But I have a good feeling my 97 will hold up well.