As stated in the intro i'm buying a 2001 blazer lt 4wd from a local dealer, it has 73,000 miles and two previous owners...my question is, would it be wise to change any or all of the fluids as soon as i get it? The fluids all look decent but who knows how long they've been in there...any thoughts?

 

im sure it wouldnt hurt anything, plus that gives you a idea on when it will all be due again.

 

Changing fluids is a good idea.

 

Are these trucks happy with all synthetic fluids or stick with factory fill? Also does chilton have a decent manual for diy?

 

Synthetics are the way to go, in any vehicle. You pay a bit more, but in return you can run many more miles on the same oil ... and they're just plain better in every aspect.

First thing I do whenever I buy a vehicle is dump all fluids & put Amsoil in. Did that with the '07 Silverado a month after I drove it off the lot. Been slackin' on the Blazer though. Still has same front/rear gear oil & tranny fluid. Only managed to change the transfer case. The engine swap sucked down all my motivation ...

Chiltons is much better than Haynes. Haynes get me so frustrated I end up throwing them in the coal stove. Useless manuals, they are.

 

Well i'm picking it up tomorrow from the dealer, really want to go through this thing preventive maintenance wise, is there a checklist somewhere that lists what to do and what fluids/parts to use?

 

Engine oil & filter, of course, then front/rear diffs, transfer case, tranny + filter ... then depending on how bad either look ... coolant & p/s fluid.

Throw in a new air filter, plugs, cap/rotor & maybe even wires, & you'll be set for quite a while.

 

If the transfer case has clutches in it, use ONLY that GM transfer case fluid. First thing I learned here.
Second thing: only the AC Delco cap and rotor.