Agreed. Rather pay parts when I need to, then pay monthly for a vehicle I have to bring back to the dealership over and over again...

plus old vehicle are so much easier to work on when you don't need to remove 7 layers of plastic first... or remove the front drivers side tire to change the battery...

I paied I think 1200 or 1400 for mine about 2 years ago, put in at least that if not double... wouldn't trade it for the world... theres an unspoken bond between us

 

to help you decide whether to sell and buy a newer or a brand new vehicle with warranty or keep this Blazer and repair it. take the top three vehicles on your replacement list . get your bank to give you the loan payment schedule. add in other associated costs such as required insurance and increased taxes. then locate a good reliable shop that is familiar with the GM 4.3L V6. now get in writing separate estimates for repairs that are needed. by all means do as someone suggested a complete job. for example, when you do the LIM, be sure to replace the poppet style spider with the up graded one for the 2003-2005 4.3L.
Be sure to use the Fel-Pro upgraded gasket set for the LIM.job. ---- when you do the fuel pump----get the rec. AC Delco pump, get the wiper arm and wiring harness. IOW don't try to save a few bucks. false economy.
now you have a cost for the two plans. project the costs over say 5 years or 7 years. i think it will become clear which way to go. editor's note 1./ key is finding a reliable repair shop that is honest and knows what they are doing. 2./ don'i be tempted to try to save $$$ on repairs. it willcost you more in the long run. 3./ you have a beautiful 4 door Blazer which is well worth investing in.

 

Thanks you guys for all the positive replies... I really like the blazer and I am gonna do the repairs with quality parts like mentioned above... I think anytime I spend money I get some kind of remorse hehe... but i love these trucks and i plan on getting this one up and running like it should, love this forum it is an absolute wealth of knowledge and thanks again for the replies and encouragement!

 

 

Looks exactly like my 2000 LT which I'm restoring now.

 

I've owned my 98 ZR2 since I bought it new at many of the mileage mile-stones for most trucks, I replaced the leaking water-pump, I replaced the SFI with a new MPFI from GM. Lower ball joints went bad early, replaced (for a GM tech bulletin) did all disc brake rotors and pads at 115,000. Rear axle and carrier bearings, later.

Bottom line it's best to find an old guy like me that's incrementally done the repairs, less painfully over time and Buy his Truck for a little more upfront. Owning any vehicle today is not a Cheap Prospect.