Whats going on everybody?
As you can probably tell from my username,
my name is Dan Watson

I do not own a blazer yet but have been interested in them for a long time.
Had several friends that owned 4X4 blazers, Jimmys, S-10s ect

I think the early 2000s 2 door Blazers and Jimmys have some of the best lines
with that sharp forward slanting back window and short wheelbase,
they look amazing in just about any format you put them in regardless of it is a serious ZR2 set up for offroading
or a 2 door Blazer set up with the ZQ8 suspension and Xtreme body pieces.

I am actually trying to decide exactly what I am looking for and have a few questions as far as the differences
on some of the above mentioned models.

Hopefully someone can help me out?

Here are a few of the questions I have to start with:

I feel like the ZR2 looks the meanest of all of them. I have heard there is frame differences between this and the regular 4X4 model. Is this true? If so, what are those exact differences?

I am hoping to start looking for one to purchase after the next 6 months or so.
just doing my research now.

I know I would probably be looking for one of the latest years like 02-05.
Are there any big differences in these years I should know about?
Is there any one of these years that is better or worse than the others?

I know it kinda sounds like I am all over the place on this but I still hope I can get some honest answers to help me figure this stuff out. Really looking forward to interacting with this community in the future!

 

Welcome!

Yes, the ZR2s had different suspension components and parts. The geometry of the frame at the front is different and the rear axles are different. The upshot is that you cannot with only bolt on parts turn a non-ZR2 into a ZR2. However, you can get close if you try really hard. :-)

As for years differences, look for the years for which there was a switch to a better fuel injection spider. I was able to do that on my 99. Also, look for the years that were prone to the bad lower-intake manifold (LIM) gaskets. I'm pretty sure ALL Blazers and S10s with the 4.3L engine had the same issues with the leaking remote oil cooler lines.

Options to look for would be the 4-button vs. 3-button transfer case and the Computer Controlled (i.e. automatic) Climate control vs the manual HVAC system.

If you can find a Blazer buyer's guide from those years, you can learn of the other options and decide which ones you would like to have while you are doing your search.