Chev Blazer, GMC Jmmy

[BBT]

Any thoughts or experiences with these vehicles? How reliable are they? How is the gas mileage? I'm looking at them with an eye to buying. They are pretty decently priced for 2000 & up models, well-equipped.

[TA^Guy]

I'll sell you mine. :)

Nothing wrong with it, I just want a older one to cut up. :)


I love my S10. It's a 2001 with a 4.3 V6 and a 4L60E transmission.

A few problem areas to look for a worn ball joints (4x4 are the worst), worng door hinge bushings, fuel level gauge. Other than that I have about 60,000 miles on my truck and it runs prefect.

The thrid door is handy, but the back jumpseat is a joke. My 9 yearold ride back there and she hardly has enough room. The extended cab pretty much is just for extra passenger compartment room. The driving lights have to be turned on each time and the switch is turned to off eventime the vehicle is turned off. Unlike our GA where if I left the driving lights on, they would be on everytime the headlights came on. It was annoying at first but Im used to it now.

The 4L60E trannys are decent too esepcially since they are built for V8 motors like the LT1 they can more than handle the power of a V6.

Kelly also has a Blazer I'm sure he'll give you his run down. :)

[Chain]

2 words GAS HOG


My 75 blazer got 12 mpg...... of course it had a 400 in it :)

[dballz]

headaches headaches headaches

[Riley1123d]

My boss is on his 2nd chevy Blazer. He likes em, reliable.. although they eat up gas

[Night Wolf]

The 4.3 V6 is a very reliable engine, I have heard nothing but good things about them. 2 years ago my cousin bought an '88 Blazer with the 4.3, it was rotted out real bad, but it ran great, he beat on it really bad too, and it never failed him once, he is into VW cars, but said if he ever wants a truck it'll be a 4.3 V6 Blazer/Jimmy, he liked it that much.

I never liked them when they were out because they didn't seem very truck-like... but it appears now that compared to the junk called "SUV" today, the Blazer was actually a pretty solid little truck.

I would say it would be a good choice with one.

[SilverGA2001]

Originally posted by Night Wolf
The 4.3 V6 is a very reliable engine, I have heard nothing but good things about them. 2 years ago my cousin bought an '88 Blazer with the 4.3, it was rotted out real bad, but it ran great, he beat on it really bad too, and it never failed him once, he is into VW cars, but said if he ever wants a truck it'll be a 4.3 V6 Blazer/Jimmy, he liked it that much.

I never liked them when they were out because they didn't seem very truck-like... but it appears now that compared to the junk called "SUV" today, the Blazer was actually a pretty solid little truck.

I would say it would be a good choice with one.


:agree: The 4.3 a strong motor that just keeps coming back for more. My '88 Astro has 240,000 miles on it, and we're the original owners. Just keeps going and going and going... til it finally ran over that damn Energizer rabbit. I used it to tow 1200 miles total this summer, and it felt strong all season. It does suck down gas kind of quick, but if you can get to speed, hold the speed on flat ground, it's not to hateful to be honest.


My next tow vehicle will be another Astro with the 4.3 or a GM330 Blazer with the 4.3. Tough vehicles for their size. :)

[TA^Guy]

I get between 17-20mpg in my S10. I also have a ZQ8 suspension package with the G80 code rearend (limited slip 3.43:1)
Originally posted by dballz
headaches headaches headaches
Care to enlighten us?

So far our GA has been FAR mor eheadaches than my truck. Since day one my truck as been flawless operation. Wish I could say the same about our GA.
Originally posted by Night Wolf
The 4.3 V6 is a very reliable engine, I have heard nothing but good things about them. 2 years ago my cousin bought an '88 Blazer with the 4.3, it was rotted out real bad, but it ran great, he beat on it really bad too, and it never failed him once, he is into VW cars, but said if he ever wants a truck it'll be a 4.3 V6 Blazer/Jimmy, he liked it that much.

I never liked them when they were out because they didn't seem very truck-like... but it appears now that compared to the junk called "SUV" today, the Blazer was actually a pretty solid little truck.

I would say it would be a good choice with one.
My friend purchased a beater 1st gen S10 as a back up vehicle for his resturant. Every now and then I'd drive it, be it on delivery or to the dump, etc And that '92 pickup with a automatic tranny and a 4.3 liter V6 would rip the 1st to 2nd shift everytime. One day I ran to pick up our dishwasher in it and we lined up with a V6 firebird at a light (the kid had "TransAM" decals on it and ended up smoking him, and bad. lol Ask a member here named BlueZ, he's driven it and know that for a beatup pickup it was reliable and strong as hell.

[DoubleOZeroGAse]

i have a friend with an '03 Astro, he loves it, he tows his (I think its 18') boat in it all the time and the cargo area is huge, he has 3 huge RC planes back there now, along with all all the tools and spare parts...and plywood is no problem...never heard him complain about the gas mileage either...

[Night Wolf]

BTW Chevy 4.3 V6 = 350 with 2 cylinders chopped off. Very good engine.

[SilverGA2001]

Originally posted by Night Wolf
BTW Chevy 4.3 V6 = 350 with 2 cylinders chopped off. Very good engine.

Yep. But I don't think the first 4.3's (like mine) were balanced like the newer ones, so engines like mine still shake around like a V8. :lol: I got to ride around in a friends 98 once, and it felt nothing like mine, but still had more power.

[Subtle_Cynicism]

I've been told the Chevy Blazer is one of the worst vehicles to be involved in an accident with.

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by Subtle_Cynicism
I've been told the Chevy Blazer is one of the worst vehicles to be involved in an accident with.

... I read that too but as far as I am concerned, that statement is full of $hit :lol: ... picture it, 5000lbs full framed vehicle ... you do the math :)

[99GrandAMSE]

OK, the low down :)

I have a 2000 2-door LS 4x4 and in a nut shell, I love the styling, the ride and the power but it has got to be the worst vehicle that I have EVER owned for things breaking and the high maintenace it requires :( ... it tows a 5000lb trailer really well and handles very good in both city and highway driving; however, the best fuel mileage that I have ever been able to get with mine was 24/25 MPG on a "complete" highway run (in general combine city and highway runs, I wouldn't expect anymore that 18/19 MPG and it is proven the 4.3L gets 3 to 4 MPG more when running surpreme gas so you have to factor that in your calculation as the above mileage is using surpreme) ... anyway, for the price the have dropped to now, they are great being they are AWESOME rigs in the winter but if you don't like maintenance and prefer 28/30 MPG, the Blazer is NOT the vehicle for you :)

Any other questions, just ask as I have probably repaired or at least heard of all the Blazer problems over the past 3 years :lol:

[Big Joe]

Kelly, I was waiting for you to chime in on this one

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by Big Joe
Kelly, I was waiting for you to chime in on this one

... just call me the Blazer Guru :lol: ... on second thought, don't do that :nono:


:roflmfao:

[HeyDace]

I own an '87 F/S Blazer with a 4" lift, 33" tires and a .383 Stroker. Tell ME about miliage :lol:

I like the F/S blazers. I may have pics on here somewhere, if not I'll post what I have. Anyway, IIRC the 4.3 has prblems with the CPI leaking, you can get them aftermarket now. Other than that pretty good little trucks.

[HeyDace]

Here's another:

[BBT]

Ewwww...no...not the full-sizer. I'm looking at the 2000 up or so. The ball-joints I had heard about from my mechanic when my sister-in-law was considering one a few years ago. I dunno if they would be a big deal for me.

I'm not interested in towing, but hauling stuff inside. I am a part-time property inspector/manager sub-contracted to Royal Lepage Relocation Services, and so I frequently haul lawnmowers, shovels & supplies to & from the houses I have under my care. The GA just doesn't handle this stuff easily. Plus my 95 GA is getting tired.

Other choies include the S10 pick-up with a cap, or perhaps Chev Tracker (Suzuki Vitara) for the 4 cylinders & manual tranny. Maybe even a (ugh) Ford Ranger.

[SilverGA2001]

Originally posted by BBT
Ewwww...no...not the full-sizer. I'm looking at the 2000 up or so. The ball-joints I had heard about from my mechanic when my sister-in-law was considering one a few years ago. I dunno if they would be a big deal for me.

I'm not interested in towing, but hauling stuff inside. I am a part-time property inspector/manager sub-contracted to Royal Lepage Relocation Services, and so I frequently haul lawnmowers, shovels & supplies to & from the houses I have under my care. The GA just doesn't handle this stuff easily. Plus my 95 GA is getting tired.

Other choies include the S10 pick-up with a cap, or perhaps Chev Tracker (Suzuki Vitara) for the 4 cylinders & manual tranny. Maybe even a (ugh) Ford Ranger.


Well, for hauling stuff inside, I'd say forget the 95-2003 Blazer then, and get an Astro if you still want the V6 power. I haul all sorts of stuff in my van. Right now there's a 200 pound piece of tree trunk where the seat once was. The 3rd row was removable, and then I took the middle row out just to have more luggage and storage room. This summer when our walking mower died, I had it and it's replacement in the back of the van, with room to spare. :) When I go camping, I store my firewood in the back of the van because A) nobody can steal it when it's locked up in there, and B) it helps keep the wood dry and ready to burn in case it rains.

[VanishingImage]

if you can find them go for the Cyclone or Typhoon(forget which one is the GMC Jimmy) They came with turbo's on the 4.3. I heard they were pretty quick for the type of vehicle they were. My buddy has an 88 Chevy Blazer,lowered about 2.5 all the way around and chrome 18's. He says it has poor gas milage but its got a nice look to it(I agree).

[Night Wolf]

Originally posted by VanishingImage
if you can find them go for the Cyclone or Typhoon(forget which one is the GMC Jimmy) They came with turbo's on the 4.3. I heard they were pretty quick for the type of vehicle they were. My buddy has an 88 Chevy Blazer,lowered about 2.5 all the way around and chrome 18's. He says it has poor gas milage but its got a nice look to it(I agree).

lol, the Cyclone and Typhoon aren't exactly a vehicle you would use as a daily driver and to haul stuff around.

Now, they are rare, and thus pretty expensive to boot.

I too, have heard bad Blazer crash test ratings.... but I dunno, like Kelly says, it dosn't add up... plus those crash test things really don't mean anything, I'd say the Blazer is just as good, if not better then any other small truck... and you can't even compare them to wannabe trucks like Rav4 and Sportage and stuff.

[SilverGA2001]

Originally posted by Night Wolf
lol, the Cyclone and Typhoon aren't exactly a vehicle you would use as a daily driver and to haul stuff around.

Now, they are rare, and thus pretty expensive to boot.

I too, have heard bad Blazer crash test ratings.... but I dunno, like Kelly says, it dosn't add up... plus those crash test things really don't mean anything, I'd say the Blazer is just as good, if not better then any other small truck... and you can't even compare them to wannabe trucks like Rav4 and Sportage and stuff.


I've heard bad things about the Astro before too, but it's like your Caddys, it's big, it's heavy, and it's built like a damn tank. I'd feel bad for any car I hit with it.

[TA^Guy]

Guys your killing me here.. It's "Syclone". And yes a well beat up one cost about $4000, and your talking about a truck that is almost 15 years old.

ALso a side note, my father owns a '00 Blazer LS and only problem he has were his ball joints and the slides on the brakes need to be dismantaled and regreased.

[RocketFast321]

Originally posted by SilverGA2001
Yep. But I don't think the first 4.3's (like mine) were balanced like the newer ones, so engines like mine still shake around like a V8. :lol: I got to ride around in a friends 98 once, and it felt nothing like mine, but still had more power.

I don't like the newer astros you can't feel the the bumps, you only just hear them. As for the 4.3 it a very good motor. When thing people replace on them when i was at autozone was water pumps and Alt. Maybe a tranny seal here and their.
I like this pic from my friend's coke van
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/3626/astro279k7zm.jpg

[BBT]

Originally posted by VanishingImage
if you can find them go for the Cyclone or Typhoon(forget which one is the GMC Jimmy) They came with turbo's on the 4.3. I heard they were pretty quick for the type of vehicle they were. My buddy has an 88 Chevy Blazer,lowered about 2.5 all the way around and chrome 18's. He says it has poor gas milage but its got a nice look to it(I agree).

Niether of those is quite what I'm looking for. :lol:

I don't really want an open pick-up truck (I'd have to put a cap on it), so a Blazer or Jimmy would be preferrable. Two or 4 doors would work just as well for carrying tools, supplies & such. And maybe the little dog I someday hope to get.

Thanks for the info guys. Keep it coming.

[SilverGA2001]

Originally posted by RocketFast321
I don't like the newer astros you can't feel the the bumps, you only just hear them. As for the 4.3 it a very good motor. When thing people replace on them when i was at autozone was water pumps and Alt. Maybe a tranny seal here and their.
I like this pic from my friend's coke van
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/3626/astro279k7zm.jpg



Haha, my Astro is so old that it's odometer only goes to 99,999, and it's seen that at least twice... :D


I don't really want an open pick-up truck (I'd have to put a cap on it), so a Blazer or Jimmy would be preferrable. Two or 4 doors would work just as well for carrying tools, supplies & such. And maybe the little dog I someday hope to get.


I'm telling ya, get an Astro or Safari. You can get a pretty good one cheap, since they didn't have the best resale. Their RWD with a powerful enough V6, and they'll haul more then a GM 330 Blazer will. I just put a fence up for my grandpa, and I went to Lowes and got all the stuff I needed, including 12 foot posts, and all the 8 foot railings, five 80 pound concrete bags. It all fit inside that van so well. I think with a truck, the posts would have been hanging over the back of the bed. I stuffed 2 lawn mowers in there this summer. We went camping and my gf likes to collect wood that people leave on their site when they go home, so we brought back more then 400 pounds on top of what we already had. With the 2,500 pound trailer on the back and all that wood and then the luggage, the van sagged about 3 inches and still pulled like a trusty mule. :lol:

You could even find a fleet Astro that's got a rubberized floor past the driver and passenger seat. That leaves the entire back of the van empty with no fabric to tear up or beat on. It's noisy, but if you're using it for work, hauling, and want your equipment secured, it's a great way to go.

[92CamaroRS]

from what you want to do, i think the S10 style truck would be your best bet. Topper or not.

[Night Wolf]

some family has an older Astro, it is AWD and he swears by it, he hunts with it and goes thru lots of snow and says it is impossible to get it stuck.

I never cared for the Astro, they looked weird, but they seem to be good.

[TA^Guy]

Before my dad has his blazer he had a Astro AWD with a 4.3. It was a nice van when he got it, but my father likes to hit stuff and not take good care of his vehicles.

Probally get a AWD one cheeper than a 4x4 Blazer, but I like the looks of the '98+ S-series better.

[BBT]

I should clarify that I'm not looking to be hauling hundreds of pounds of stuff. Just a lawnmower, weed whacker & cord & a few tools in summer, and salt & shovels, maybe an electric snowblower, in winter. I really just want an easier way to carry stuff without having to knock the mower right down to get it into my trunk every couple of days.

And I for sure do not want any sort of van, mini or otherwise. :D

Anybody got any thoughts on Ford Explorer or Ranger?

[99GrandAMSE]

... well, I'll tell you this, I had a '92 2-door Explorer (bought it from my Dad who bought it new) and it was literally twice the vehicle my Blazer is and if the truth be known, my next 4x4 vehcile will undoubtedly be either an Explorer or SporTrak ... Currently, Dad has a 2001 2-door Explorer and is it a great vehicle ... in my opinion, the drive better and get better mileage than otehr in its class :)

[92CamaroRS]

Originally posted by BBT
I should clarify that I'm not looking to be hauling hundreds of pounds of stuff. Just a lawnmower, weed whacker & cord & a few tools in summer, and salt & shovels, maybe an electric snowblower, in winter. I really just want an easier way to carry stuff without having to knock the mower right down to get it into my trunk every couple of days.

And I for sure do not want any sort of van, mini or otherwise. :D

Anybody got any thoughts on Ford Explorer or Ranger?

even if you dont intend to haul hundreds of pounds of things, since you are gonna be hauling things that contain gasoline it wouldnt be a bad idea to not have them sharing the compartment with you or anyone else. and then you wont get mad if you scratch the bed or something

[BBT]

Oh no. No gas in the vehicle. It is an electric mower.

[92CamaroRS]

i still say the truck would suit ya better

[beckybun]

My fiance has an S10 Blazer and for the most part we like it. It's nice when we don't feel like crammin into the GA or the vette (before he sold it). It's nice to be able to just chuck stuff in the back and not have to worry about it fitting. It doesn't get the best mileage though, I think you're doing great if you get 18 highway. It's had a lot of repairs done on it lately, but that's to be expected on a 10 year old car.

[RocketFast321]

Originally posted by SilverGA2001


You could even find a fleet Astro that's got a rubberized floor past the driver and passenger seat. That leaves the entire back of the van empty with no fabric to tear up or beat on. It's noisy, but if you're using it for work, hauling, and want your equipment secured, it's a great way to go.

I hate riding in the back of the coke van, because it has that fence with no door. My friend loves to slam on the brakes or gas.

some family has an older Astro, it is AWD and he swears by it, he hunts with it and goes thru lots of snow and says it is impossible to get it stuck.
If I ever get a AWD astro
http://www.overlandvans.com/files/testvan00.jpg
http://www.overlandvans.com/0104_gallery.html

[SilverGA2001]

Originally posted by RocketFast321
I hate riding in the back of the coke van, because it has that fence with no door. My friend loves to slam on the brakes or gas.


If I ever get a AWD astro
http://www.overlandvans.com/files/testvan00.jpg
http://www.overlandvans.com/0104_gallery.html


You'd be glad that cage is there if you were ever up front and slammed the brakes. When I worked for that electrical company, we'd take our Chevy Expresses out each day. We hauled everything we needed with us. So one day I was hauling a spool of 6-3 wire, probably about 150-200 pounds, and I was just cruising through town when someone pulled out in front of me. I slammed the brakes on and knew it was going to stop in time, but then I hear this sound... deep rumbling noise, like a big rock falling down the side of a hill... Well, when we'd loaded that spool, it was at the very back, behind ladders and other heavy objects that wouldn't move, so we braced it to keep it out of the rear doors.. but all that stuff was offloaded at the job site then. So when I hit the brakes, there was nothing stopping it from coming right at me. That spool hit that metal cage so hard it blew a section of it out at the bottom. :lol: Scared the bejeeeesus out of me. :)

[2001GAGT]

BBT, My father has had two Blazers and one Jimmy. 93 Blazer and a 96 Blazer, and now has a 01 Jimmy. Now of them really gave him any trouble. THe ball joints on the new ones are lose form the factory (Dumb I know) but if you take it to a dealership for inspection that know this and will pass it if they are withing GM Spec. (Around here anyway). Plus if they are gone go aftermarkect and spend a couple $ and get the lifetime ones. He has taken the 01 to PEI 3 times this year and said he got good gas mileage. I froget what it was but it was around or higher then Kelly's but Dad's has the tow package with 3.73 gears and I think Kellys has the 3.42. (Correct me if I am wrong). When you are looking, Jimmy always seem to have more options on them. For example in order to get some options on Dad's Jimmy on the Blazer he would have had to get the Trail Blazer.

All in all they are a pretty good little truck I like them and am looking for one for a winter auto. Plus the 4.3 will really take a beating.

Oh here is a Pic of his

[Night Wolf]

Keep in mind, if you want a more luxury Blazer...

the Oldsmobile Bravada will fit, you get AWD, leather seats, auto climate control etc...

Plus it's an Oldsmobile, so that alone is cool :cool: :)

[99GrandAMSE]

Originally posted by Night Wolf
Keep in mind, if you want a more luxury Blazer...

the Oldsmobile Bravada will fit, you get AWD, leather seats, auto climate control etc...

Plus it's an Oldsmobile, so that alone is cool :cool: :)

Oh yeah ... if you were worried about fuel mileage before, you really should look at a 4.3L AWD :(

[2001GAGT]

Kelly they are not too bad dad's 96 was AWD, I didn't like it because you had no control of the the Transfer case.

[Night Wolf]

Originally posted by 2001GAGT
Kelly they are not too bad dad's 96 was AWD, I didn't like it because you had no control of the the Transfer case.

That is what any AWD system is like.

[ChevelleSSLS6]

K5 (full size) blazer- the removalbe hardtop ones rock, the early 90s ones are still cool though. Sucky mpg sucks though.

s10- 2.8v6 is weak, swap in a GM replacement 3.4HT on the early ones, you can't kill the 4.3, my older brother tried to in his 1st car (88 astro van with the cool blue grid gauges)

[SilverGA2001]

Originally posted by ChevelleSSLS6
(88 astro van with the cool blue grid gauges)


Like mine. :D