New member, just looked today at a 1983 Blazer. Base model with 305 and a mild lift. going back tomorrow for a longer test drive. Has 170K miles. Body is fairly good, minimal surface rust. Any key things I should look for that are common for the first generation Blazer? Thanks.

 

Welcome to the forum!

Good luck with the test drive. Unfortunately I'm not up on the full-sized Blazers. However, for any vehicle, I'd look at those things that are extremely hard to fix as possible deal-killers. For me that would be body work or anything integral with the vehicle. Brakes, fuel lines, and any other parts that I can bolt on I'd figure I could fix.

 

I'd pass without even doing a test drive. That 305 is a pretty guttles engine.

 

That is a good point about the engine. But then again, it'd be easy to swap something in later that has some more umph to it.

 

Are we sure we're talking about a K5? An '83 K5 is not "first generation". But, assuming that is what the OP is talking about, the 305 is a complete dog, but can easily be replaced with a 350 (which, in that year, is almost as bad, lol).

Look for the "normal" issues like worn ball joints, leaf spring bushings, etc. Also check for frame cracking at the steering box mount and rear shock mounts. It can be repaired if you catch it early, but it's a little more difficult after the steering box falls off. It's mostly a problem with big tires, so you'll probably be ok. Overall, those trucks are pretty solid. The biggest problem is usually rust, which sounds like it's fine.