YES! You Can STILL Buy $2k Budget Off-Roaders, So I Did... Let's See Which Is Best In The Dirt!
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In this video we pitch the Chevy Blazer up against a Ford Explorer to see which is best!
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Blazer ZR-2 would be my pick. They were setup to go off-roading from the factory. If you're going to go with a 4WD, go all the way!
Not really bro they only have a 3 inch body lift and literally the same everything as a ls soooo I mean ….
*off road*
@@jamessawchuk5682 I use the 1999 zr2 t-10 4x4
@@DZNTZ178 "literally the same everything as a ls" that's bullshit, and this is coming from someone who daily drives an LS
Explorer with a 5 speed was a great score.
I had one. Shoulda kept it
@@toyyoda3710 I had mine around 2010 or 2011 or so. Ended up selling it for something that got better mileage but I wish I woulda kept it. It was in decent shape too
@@peterdragon6367 it’s a vintage workhorse
I keep my eyes open for a ZR2 or crew cab s10 pickups.
For sure. Although this guy really needs to learn how to drive stick, this was embarrassing to watch.
High Range 4WD is only for on road driving for instance snow. Never run high range like that ever
The Blazer is a ZR2 model. Wider axles, factory 3 in lift and factory Bilstein shocks ! Love it ! Trying to find one now.
I had a 2001, it was an awesome little truck
I'm a 16 year old and I drive my zr2 and I love it
Keep the cheap off-roaders coming! Loved the Cheap Jeep series before, would love to see more of this!
Absolutely!!
The fact that the Explorer is still moving under its own power at 31 years old is a win. And I’m pretty sure it’s over 200,000 miles based on its age and exterior condition, it was definitely not a garage queen.
hell i daily a 1994 f150 4x4 5.0 5 speed. it was owned by an old guy that lost his license and was only used to really go hunting and farm rig. only has 110k on it.
My dads 1971 duster works just fine…. Unrestored shitbox but it’ll do burnouts stop and turn what more could you ask
I valet'd an explorer from this era with 360k miles on it. Original engine and transmission. Quite interesting
@@hanzgrueber145 yeah if you watch a channel called utg uncle tonys garage he has a 1964 dodge dart that was owned by th same family since new and has over 1 million miles on it. it fires right up on the first crank.
Considering how many exploders died in Cash 4 Clunkers, I'm amazed that any one can still find these today, its even more surprising seeing them not beat to hell. I know for a fact that any explorer with an automatic transmission that's still driving is either having transmission issues or has at least had lots of transmission work done to it.
The locker in that blazer seemed more responsive than newer gm auto lockers.
The auto lockers engage using centrifugal force, so the older ones probably engage easier due to the springs being broken in.
My MIL had one of those blazers (4 door) and it was still strong with a trip to the moon on the odo. The 4.3L vortec is a great engine, heck the whole drivetrain is pretty stout. Definitely underrated rigs
Saw the blazer in the thumbnail, clicked immediately. That vehicle is as dear to me as 90s grunge and Christmas morning as a kid. Fond memories riding in the back with no seat belt ripping through the woods with my dad.
The whole idea of Low range is so you don’t need to slip the clutch. Driver mod would help a lot.
Loved the video, but you really need to use 4 low a LOT more. It makes the vehicles a LOT more controllable and also puts less strain on the engine and transmission because you're not reving it out building up heat in the engine and transmission just go get over small obstacles. I bet either vehicle would've just walked through the logs no problem in 4 low because they wouldn't be bucking all over the place. Sure would've been easier on the clutch too!
Had to shake my head when he complained about riding the clutch everywhere… so like, maybe… don’t?
Yes. This was pretty hard to watch, lol.
@@gogmorgoaway Not an off road guy driving a manual off road, they are going to ride the clutch.
Yes I agree as well. A lot of driver error. That Explorer would have made it!!
Lots of abuse in this video. I was waiting for a tie rod to come apart on the Chevy while he was driving over the logs.
This is becoming my favorite series on TFL. These affordable off roaders or any vehicles are attainable by most so it's something I could actually buy. I would like for you to do more with them when you get them. If BFG would donate tires for these two vehicles we would really see what they are capable of. I'd like for you to fix the cat and fix the coolant leak and drive them around awhile to see how they do. Thanks for the great video
Better to get some Cooper Discoverer AT or the ilk. BFG are for richies. Those of us who daily and 4x with S10 Blazers don't spend that kind of scratch on rubber.
@@TheCharleseye couldn't agree more! Coopers for the win!
@@TheCharleseye that's funny you should say that. I have cooper discoverer on my f150. I can appreciate that you like them but I don't like them at all. They have been awful in the rain. I looked at several reviews and nobody ever mentioned that. Also, after about 6 months of driving they started getting pretty loud. All tires are pretty expensive but the BFG KO2's were about 60 bucks more per tire. I put them on my FJ and they really are crazy good. They have been really good in the rain too. The Cooper's are difficult to pull off from a stop and are bad to fish tail on wet roads. My truck is a 2002 4x4 single cab F150 so it doesn't have any kind of traction control either. I had a cheap set of no name tires on it before the Coopers and didn't have near the problem on wet roads. Just my experience though and it may not be the same as yours. Have a great day buddy
@@TheCharleseye Walmart Goodyear Wrangler Radials are where it's at and you know it 😂
I have a lifted blazer on 32inch cooper stt pro ,very very capable, super fun and funny to watch people go wtf
I had two ZR2s from 2004-2010 or so. One was a 1998 regular cab 5-speed pickup, one a 2001 5-speed Blazer. Both were genuinely amazing off road for stock, affordable trucks, particularly the Blazer with its short wheelbase in the tight hardwood forest trails here in central Appalachia. Man, they were good. Mine were stock aside from some minor stuff (clutch, Hurst shifter, cool air intake, headers, exhaust, 32"x11.50" Mickey Thompson MTZs, and I put a rear Detroit Locker in the Blazer). They actually rode and handled well on the road, too, which was a surprise for me. Damn quick, too, all things considered. Neither of mine had the Auto 4WD function, maybe that was a later addition or only available with the automatic transmission. Also, that Ford power steering pump has probably been whining for 100,000 miles, haha!
i had 2 zr2s both ext cab s10 pick ups...i loved them both 2000 and 2004. now i have a first gen tacoma its everything i wish the zr2s were
@@colegehrman9895 My ZR2s would run rings around any remotely stock Tacoma in pretty much every possible way. Tacomas are pretty reliable, and that's about it.
The S10 pickup and Blazer Zr2 were ahead of its times because no other manufacturer made a purpose built off roader like these were. Many had 4x4 version but none had fender flares. Nissan and Toyota made some close but not this much. They are pretty rare too. I worked at a GM dealer in the 2000 and for every 500 s10 pickups or blazer their was only 1 ZR2 version
Yeah, these are really cool because if I remember correctly they also had a stronger rear end (the 8.5 in 10 bolt I think) the G80 locker, and the wider track with the 31" tire stock. I bet it would take very little work to get a 33 on one of these. They also had a pickup truck version, which I also think is really cool. I actually rather have one of those than the same year Tacoma, because the 4.3 makes a lot more power than the 3.4 in the taco.
@@trailrunnah8886 ...All 4.3 V6 S10's have the 8.5 rear but, the ZR2 had the 7.625 IFS Differential where the regular ones had a smaller ring gear...and the 1.5" wider stance and 1.5 to 2" lift....The ZR2's have different front leaf spring brackets that make them easy to spot....besides the wheel lfares...even the front inner fender liners have ZR2 codes on them...GREAT Vehicles but, I prefer my H3 Alpha Hummer with it's locking differentials....GM's BEST off-roader EVER!
@@ejgrant5191 Thanks for the info! Sounds like you know your stuff on these. I agree, the h3 alpha is an awesome rig, every once in a while I look at Marketplace for them and I never see any. I remember a few years ago I saw one for seven or eight grand, I should have snapped it up back then. Probably would sell for 15 now, haha.
I had '94 Explorer. The push button 4x4 and Low Range with the 4.0 was just a rock solid unit. Slow and thirsty, but with decent tires pulled out people from snow banks all the time in the winter. Always good for taking friends to parties in the middle of woods or fields too. Never got stuck.
I had a "92 and a 94" and did a lot of crazy things in both of them.... Never got stuck and never gave up...
Witness! I was pulled of a muddy snow bank by one of these!
I have a 93 4.0 auto but has the factory floor shift and locking hubs. I've also upgraded the rear to a limited slip. 31 inch Patagonia MTs very capable.
I like how these walk through these obstacles with ease and most of the new ones struggle. Put some tires on them, repair them a bit and hit the harder course
90s explorer's will always have a special place in my heart. My 1st car was a 2nd gen explorer. My mom still has a 1998 explorer eddie bauer with almost 220k miles and I still have a 2006 explorer limited 4.6 v8.
I have a 99
As someone who daily drives a ZR2, I saw the flares and couldn’t click fast enough.
How do you like your zr2. I just picked one up a few days ago. 129k miles. 2002. Any pointers? Thanks
I got lucky and came across a running and driving S10 (ENVOY) YES ENVOY. 126k fully loaded, heated seats, on board air, air suspension in the rear, power folding mirrors and factory HIDS....1998 got it fo FREE!!
I have a 1st gen 1993 Exploder that I love to death, lol. I won't get rid of it until it rusts into the ground. I love the way it drives! And Holy cow, I know how to drive it!
I love seeing Brendan go solo on this video. He’s got great camera presence and his commentary is to the point.
To get the explorer into 4 low next time, put it in neutral and hold the clutch in when it's already in 4x4..then press low range and it will engage.
Bought one for 300$ and I barely had someone show me that after off-roading without low for a few weeks, it was doing everything Jsut fine
Awesome video. I can't help feel that if the explorer were equipped w/ the factory limited slip and 3.73s (and a driver mod) that it would have faired better and been a more fair comparison. Either way glad to see some love given to a long forgotten and under appreciated off roader! Explorer for me hands down.
Completely agree. I daily a restored by me 1991 explorer. Beyond fun to drive. 4.10s and 33s make it a breeze.
This was never meant to be a fair comparison, as was stated by him I'm the video. It was just to show two different versions of what $2,000 can buy you. The Blazer had the ZR-2 package, which means it has a specially tuned off-road suspension package, a wider stance than your normal Blazer, lower axle gear ratios, rear locking differential, factory equipped 32" tall tires, and a slightly beefier rear axle than the normal Blazer. All this to say no matter how good of condition that Explorer was in, it would never hold a candle to the off-road prowess of the ZR-2 Blazer. Could you mod it to make it better off-road?... Sure, but that's more money, and you could also mod the Blazer and make it better-er! LoL
The one thing that Explorer has over the Blazer is reliability. Let's see how good of shape that Blazer's in after another 10 years. Also, if it matters to the person looking to buy, the Explorer is a little more practical being a 4-door, but that also brings to mind yet another reason the Blazer is better off-road: shorter wheel base of a 2-door = better break-over angle.
Really, the reason you can get the Blazer for the same money as that Explorer comes down to that reliability issue, plus people not really realizing what a ZR-2 package S-10 Blazer actually means, and how much better it is than just a standard S-10 Blazer. Functionally, they both have about the same remaining usable life/value.
Me?... I'd take the Blazer all day, everyday. Even if it's only going to last as long as the older Explorer, it still is 10 years newer the entire time you have it. That's 10 years less filth in the interior; 10 years less potential for abuse at the hands of other owners; and styling 10 years closer to being relevant! LoL. The extra off-road chops is just sweet, sweet icing on the cake! (But really, I'd buy a Jeep WJ over either of these... And I have!)
@@4WDriver I was comparing factory offerings that ford equipped 1st gen explorers with, saying it would have been a more fair comparison to the top off road package that gm offered in the blazer. That's all. And "can't hold a candle to the off road prowess?" that's a bit of a hyperbolic statement. Also, comparing the wheel bases of the vehicles, Ford offered a 2 door option in the first gens as well. Long wheel bases have an advantage over certain obstacles and terrain, where short wheel bases do as well on other obstacles and terrain. My only point was that comparing a base 4dr explorer to a zr2 top tier off road package with 32" tires and a rear locker was a lop sided comparison. Awesome video nonetheless.
@@elliotdawson8355 dude, are you daft?! Why are you arguing with me?... That was EXACTLY what I was saying as far as it being,, as you put it, "a lopsided comparison". My point was that of course it's a lopsided comparison... Because IT WAS NOT MEANT TO BE A COMPARISON (as the guy hosting the video said himself near the beginning of the video)! As for my statement about the Explorer not holding a candle to the off-road prowess of the ZR-2:. NOT hyperbolic at all. If you knew enough about these vehicles, you would understand why. Even the "off-road worthiest" trim-level Explorer isn't designed to be anywhere near as capable as the ZR-2. Even later model Fords that came in an actual off-road package known as FX-4 were not as off-road focused as the ZR-2. Not to mention the Explorer never even came in an FX-4 package anyway.
Maybe you just aren't that familiar with older vehicles, so to put it in a way you might better understand: The ZR-2 is more similar to an F-150 Raptor, than an F-150 FX-4 in terms of how much tweaking and tuning went into making it better for off-road.
The name of the Ford Traction-Loc rear diff may make it sound like it was a locker, but it was not; it was a clutch-pack type limited slip. Even when they were working and not completely worn out, they added very little to off-road performance. Clutch-pack limited slip diffs are meant more for improving traction in inclement weather and slippery road conditions, not boosting off-road capability. I've owned a 3rd gen (2002) Explorer that had the Traction-Loc, and even as early as 2008 when I bought it with only 50,000 miles on it, the Traction-Loc was worn to the point of being non-functional. Furthermore, I'm not even sure in 1991 that Traction-Loc was an option on the Explorer.
To sum it all up, this could never have been a fair comparison, nor was it intended to be. The ZR-2 Blazer was a somewhat rare, specialty vehicle designed to be more off-road focused than your average Blazer or any other average SUV. It's in an entirely different class when it comes to off-roading.
@@4WDriver typical internet dude, immediately assuming that I'm "arguing" with you. Am I daft? Absolutely not. I made an innocent comment on how the two vehicles were put head to head in an off road challenge with being very different trim levels (base vs top tier 4x4 package), and you replied with two dissertations on why that was "daft" of me to point out. Not arguing with you my dude, I've been modding first gen explorers since 2007 and know their capabilities.
Its a 4 door Bronco II with a 4.0L engine. Same front clip, same dash, same trans, same seats even. It might have a 8.8 .diff. rather than a 7.5.
I had a 2000 Blazer ZR2 and that thing was a factory monster off road. Went through some deep crossings and thick mud and nothing stopped it. Also the 4.3 was bullet proof, took it to Bahrain when I was stationed there and it never overheated in the summer and the AC always blew cold, in 120 degrees. Drove it across country several times too.
I definitely feel like the ford was set up for failure. It’s a 4 door suv with no lockers vs a zr2 blazer with a factory locker and more ground clearance, not to mention the 2 less doors/weight. I digress
The first gear ratio once in 4Low on that 4L five-speed drivetrain was godly. use low range hubs-locked it's ok on that stuff
I had a '91 Ranger 4.0 5sp 3.73 supercab xlt- jumpseats & slider vent. It was Hank Hill Red also. I miss it.
Make sure the clutch and its hydraulic parts are all renewed by 200k miles. Likely engine seals and HG too. Once maintained this slow and steady 4.0 will keep you going. Or just drive it broke demo derby style
Love the ZR2! I have a 1999 S10 ZR2 regular cab and it is VERY capable stock.
I have a 1999 S10 ZR2 extended cab. Love that truck!
My ZR2 is a '95 regular cab, auto with the manual 4x4 shift. I've had it for 27 years. It's great offroad cause it's light and small. Just turned 153,000 miles and just had the transmission rebuilt. Love the little truck and I often get offers from strangers to buy it but I'm not selling it anytime soon.
@@skiptheroad ....I sold my 1998 S10 regular cab 5speed M/T ZR2 in 2020 when a guy offered mr $5600 for it @ a gas station....Bought a 2020 Colorado ZR2 but, something tells me that the Colorado probably won't make it to 176,000 miles like the S10 did🤣
I managed to find it in the barn, at the weekend , for $2000,1999 dodge ram 1500 5.9 V8 quad cab ,slt laramie 4x4 with 103k miles...red with silver lover cladding
Major score!
The ZR2 equipped Blazers were just awesome backin the day. Awesome little 4x4 runabouts 😉
Brendan sounds like he's having as much fun as anyone and it really makes the video enjoyable.
I had a 2000 Chevy Blazer ZR2 with a 5-speed manual transmission, it was an absolute Beast off-road! Wish I never got rid of it.
I bought a 91 2 door 5 speed explorer for 800 as a winter beater. Figured I'd drive it 2 years or so and scrap it. That was 7 years ago..... still daily driving it today and love it! Have done a lot of stupid stuff and never broke it, mainly regular maintenance. Not taking anything away from the blazer, they were pretty cool with the zr2 package, but I'd take the explorer anyday!
ZR2 had one , never got stuck. Was so fun, wish I had kept and swapped s 5.7 into it.
My 2003 S10 blazer ZR2 was $3,250. Mine also had the transmission redone, newly redone interior and runs really nice. I think the price of blazers have gone up though from $2000
Dang! That 5 speed Explorer is a score! The center console isn't even broken!
Cool vid. Please use 4-low on those uphill logs and rocks etc. They would have walked it and more mechanical sympathy gets you further without breaking stuff. 🙏🏼 Keep on wheelin👍🏼
WISH there were vehicles like these with rocker panels and suspension still intact here in the upper Midwest! And with problems like the ones those have, that's nothing!
Same here in the New England states. 😖
I had a 93' 2 door ford explorer that i bought for $500 from a local dealership. That thing was a tank. It got me through a really bad snow storm and just kept running. The only things i had to replace were the thermostat and blower motor
4 low is your and your truck's best friend, especially with a standard trans.
I tend to use 4 low more than 4 high except in snow. It's so much more comfortable for the truck to not strain the driveline.
Best combination in the world is good tires, 4L and a winch. Forget the drama of rocking and tire spinning. On the first few moments of a stuck, relax, reach for the winch control and a tree strap and idle it out.
It's worked for me since 1975 and a 40 year career as a professional corporate prospector on 3 continents.
You’re crazy if you don’t think that explorer is 200K+ lol Great video!
It’s from a rust belt and deals with severe sun. Red & grey are the two colours that oxidize the most. The interior tells the story. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s only 125,000. If you just take a vehicle through drive through car washes or never get underneath to REALLY get the dirt out, a vehicle can rust just sitting as it rains, that dirt soaks up the water and stays wet for days!! Seen it many times in the area I live which is a rust belt as well.
I wouldn’t otherwise guess the mileage as I’m not there in person to accurately do so.
Have a 91 explode ..Been through 15 harsh wyoming winters and still pops off every time its needed ..Beast has never let me down ..
Man I remember when I bought my my 14 year old 96 XJ for $1400 bucks. Those days are long gone. I wish I still had it. Now people have to look to the Exploder, Blazer, and there's tons of ZJs with problems out there. That's a pretty nice Blazer for the money though--you can get a universal California cat on Amazon for about $300.
I love my '03 s10 pickup with the Zr2 package. Take the swaybars off these rigs and as long as you have some experience picking your lines, they are very surprisingly capable. Mine is still stock minus some skid plates, and I've done some 6-rated trails with little issue. I've been wheeling a long time so experience helps, but for the average person going to a campsite or having some fun on the weekend, they're more than capable enough to have a pretty good time in.
I owed a 1991 Explorer with Limited Slip 3.73 and 5-Speed. I took it through the desert all the time, in and out of dry river beds, flash-flood ruined dirt trails, and all with just proper off-road tires and Rancho 5000 shocks. I bought my 1991 Explorer in 1997 with 80k mikes on it. I picked it because the 1991 Explorer was named 4x4 of the Year in 1990 by Four Wheeler magazine. The drivetrain was nearly bulletproof. That’s what made the Explorer a winner.
Had a 200k mile explorer and loved it. Bought for $1900, spent maybe $500 a year on deferred maintenance, bought tires, and it rocked and rolled for 6 years. Sold it for $1600. Worked out to about $100/mo plus gas. Worth every penny
I picked up a 2003 Durango recently for $600. It has bad compression, but I still think it was a steal. Body and interior are in really good shape for their age and 250k miles.
Growing up my first car war a 1994 Ford Explorer with a 5 speed manual, after that car I had a 2000 GMC Jimmy (The GMC version of the Blazer). Both were great! I especially loved the explorer but the Jimmy I feel would have lasted forever with that 4.3L Vortec under the hood, sadly it was a bit maintenance heavy. Anyway I appreciate this video, it brought back some great memories!
Zr2-short wheelbase-locker-torque-All good stuff
This is great! There is always an affordable option to a hobby and these are great examples. Nicely done.
Had the '93 Ranger XLT back in the day with the 4.0 and the 5spd manual. That thing kicked ass. Ice Cold AC and was plenty of power for that light truck. Power steering was always loud and never failed.
I think you need practice on your manual shifting skills. Most who off rd a stick through tough condition's would go ahead and go to 4 low to keep from killing it like you did and allow's for a better off roading experience . Both were good in their day and welcome to the channel
Excellent video! I love the what you can buy for cheap videos. Brendan is an excellent addition. You can tell he lives what he's doing and really knows his stuff! Keep it up!
Brendan is not poisoned by the new car industry.
2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazers/GMC Envoys. They are remarkable durable, especially with the 4.2l I6 engine. Most are 4X4s with low range transfer case, rear solid axle, about 8 in of ground clearance, tow hooks, and underbody protection. Not a Wrangler but still quite capable for many offroad trails - especially if you equip them with some decent tires.
that ZR2 was way ahead of its time. From the factory you got bilstein shocks, a 3.73 with limited slip, rear sway bar, 4" wider, 2" lift, and 31" offroad tires. Granted, doesn't hold up to today's offroad packages but when they launched these in 94, nobody was doing that.
The Explorer is an XLT so I'm pretty sure it has the limited slip rear end. But after about 80,000 miles you need to replace the clutch packs if you want it to work like new again. Plus they had a tendency to put the packs in wrong right out of the factory, so It's worth swapping out, just to get the clutch packs in there the right way. I've done this to my 92 explorer and it would walk right up those ruts no problem. It's about a $100 dollar fix if you can do the work yourself. Just have to remember to soak the clutches in friction modifier over night before they are installed or it gets real squeaky.
Great info!
Great video! I love seeing older vehicles like this on the channel! I'm still hoping to see a mid-late 2000's Chevy Trailblazer 4x4 with a G80 though. I drive one as a daily and I think it would actually do really well off-road and could probably handle some of the Colorado trails!
Looking for the WRONG GM vehicle....Look instead for a H3 Hummer "Alpha" with an "Adventure Package" off road option with the 4:1 low range and locking differential...The GM V8 powered "Rubicon"! Best of the bunch!
Back in the 80s and 90s my Godfather was a engineer at Ford. He was part of the team that designed the push button 4x4 system that is on that Explorer. He came to visit one time and brought a Bronco that was set up with a experimental pushbutton 4x4 setup. He said he wanted to go get it stuck, so we did. First decent mud hole we hit something broke and were dead in the water. Just left it there burried in a mud hole out in the middle of nowhere. He said that someone from Ford would come get it. Something about studying about how it broke.
That twin Ibeam seems to treat you a lot nicer than GMs independent. I’m a firm believer in that twin traction beam axle all the way up until you want a lift kit. Then just get the solid axle and save yourself the headache. But as far as daily driving I love the easy mechanical abilities of the twin traction beam and I love it’s straight axle like reliability to lockup and go
More of this!!!! Best TFL concept for a long time
I love my 4 door 02 GMC Sonoma 4X4. It's great in the snow ❄️ never been stuck .
That blazer actually sounds kinda nice
I bought a 2002 Explorer from someone moving for $500, word of mouth deal, had to go.. Was taken care of well, interior is nice too . 4.0 motor, 225k when i bought it. Newish tires, heat/ air working. Door locks sometimes stick on certain doors, replaced front hubs as they are known for that, not hard to do.. Runs great, rides smooth, bought it for the 4wd, drove it in the snow and mud last winter and it worked great, never worried me a bit. Hauls a ton in the back too. Boring ? yes if you don't like reliable rides.
Both are great values..I had a 1997 Explorer, 4L, stick that i sold afrer 250K miles. That truck was great in snow (i lived in Michigan at the time) and the (Cologne) 4L engines were bullet proof along with the Mazda transmission.
I would like to add a few tips, 1 when you don't have lockers, tire placement and momentum is key, 2 use low range in the rocks, logs, that 5 speed probably would have idled up without ever touching the gas, 3 I now y'all didn't hit any mud in this video but when y'all do, quit trying to creep through in low range! In the mud you want high range and lots of momentum and wheelspeed! Still an awesome channel though!
Oh man you are bringing it back. My first car was a 98 blazer ZR2. A tough suv..it was in amazing and loaded but every month or so something else would break. Thing was a tank and got me into 4x4s. It did have probably close to 300k miles though the odometer said 150k. Ended up selling it when my mechanic warned me the engine was starting to knock. Really wish i h ad kept it and put a motor in later on. The factory sticker was still looking brand new on the frame.
i had a 97 gmc jimmy 4 door and it was a beast off road. had a set of 31x10.50 procomp xterrains. it had the factory lsd and was all it needed. it had the 4.3 and also had a chip in the computer which made it really come alive. i would drag a trailer aircompressor for construction that weighed around 4k lbs. i would drag it all around the jobsites with it. there was one hill the was long and steep and my boss was like we are gonna have to hook it up to the dozer to get it up and i told them go get it and then took off up the hill without slipping a tire. it was a beast with plenty of power and traction.
Sick Blazer. Glad to see it kickin
you could get some of the earlier blazers with stick shifts. idr what year they stopped. my family had several s10s and blazers and they are tough as nails and would go about anywhere. never had one of the old explorers but i know they where super capable as well. all those old truck based suvs where.
Hard to believe these 2 were purchased for less than $6k let alone under $2k. Been looking for an affordable ZR2 but like everything now they’re gold
I brought a single cab zr2 for 1500 this week
Maintenance is easier in the explorer. I had a 1990 Ranger with the 4.0L. I loved that engine and that truck. Did eventually lose 1sr and 2nd gear in the automatic trans. Had it rebuilt and was good to go. I would love to get a cheap explorer for a winter heater off-roader.
Where are you finding any 4x4 for 2 grand? Every single 4x4 ad i see is like "its a burned out husk, missing paperwork, needs head gaskets, has 400k miles, flood damage, haunted, no transmission, filled with bees, selling for friend and I won't answer questions, don't ask it's still available, bring your own trailer, $7,000 firm I know what I got"
... and that's the best deal within 500 miles of me.
haunted 👻 😅
Greeting from Ontario, Canada...salt/rust belt. If you can find a ZR2 that is still roadworthy grab it and run! Factory lift, Bilsteins and G80 etc.
Haha. I bought a 1998 Blazer ZR2 new. Actually ordered it from a dealer in Grand Forks, ND where I was stationed in USAF. Loved it EXCEPT for the VERY squeaky spare tire carrier that I nor any dealer ever solved.
The explorer was leaps ahead of the blazer! Just lookup sales numbers from 1991
I got my super clean 02' Blazer ZR2 off Craigslist 6yrs ago for $3k (Houston area) & she's very clean, still a smooth running beast.. Getting 16mpg in town & 18 on highway. That 4.3ltr is a beast of an engine! Cold A/C & you can't even feel the Engine running while sitting at a red light.
The 4x4 actuator is a pain but Dorman just released a thicker Rubber Boot Actuator that should last years.
I did have to get a new Tranny, she's had almost 300k miles when I bought her but I'll never sale it. Know one has ever sat in the back seats or passenger seat & I love it.
I bought my 1992 Daihatsu Fourtrak nearly 3 years ago for just over twice your suggested budget and although I only take it down to our allotment which is mild off roading, it's so much fun and super handy for every day use as well.
Must admit it does lead an easy life and I've cleaned and re-painted the underneath which should help keep it on the road for years to come hopefully.
I had a 1992 Chevy s10 blazer "tahoe edition" digital gauge cluster, black vinyl seats, 4x4 and that little hunk of metal would not get stuck anywhere even on street tires!
The cats plugged up and i had to gut the exhaust out the side so she could breath and yeah she lasted me a few winters, a few mud bogs, the vacuum lines blew out so you had to engage the transfer case first... the have someone under the hood and reach past the battery to pull the puck on the front diff to lock her in completely. But man i miss that truck so damn bad!😔
Love the ZR2 I had a 96 Jimmy 2dr. It was built like a Sherman tank. Wish I never got rid of it. My Sister bought it new! Having 76 and more recent a 89 full size Blazer. A 78 and 96 Jimmy! Now I have 03 Tahoe Z71! We called the smaller versions Blazetts and Bronquetts! I am local to you and we consider more than 2 wheels on the ground not 4 wheeling! But still going straight up a hill in 4 wh. low is cool in my old age!
i’ve had an 86 blazer and i now have two 95 ttb ford rangers… safe to say the blazer wasn’t all that good and this ttb stuff is AWESOME
Getting a Blazer ZR2 is like having a Raptor of the make, and at that price, what a steal, these trucks can do mud, snown, and rocks. And the Baja or Mojab. A steal.
My god, I haven't seen a 1st gen brick nose Explorer on the road in at least 10 years. That 4.0 OHV is solid and will run for a long time.
Early Explorers seemed less troublesome. I don't think they'll had the same timing chain setup as later models.
I had a ZR-2 back in the day, it was awesome. The Explorer Sport was Fords response to the 2 door s-10 blazer. Depending on the packages ordered they came with larger firestone a/t tires than most 4 doors but not the 31’s that were standard on the ZR-2. These are great examples of “cheap” off roaders. Get some good tires on them and you’d be surprised what they can do compared to the new suv’s.
The locker is the key
I owned a 2005 S10 blazer...4x4.
The 4.3 v6 wasn't bad...and it LOOKED like the zr2...so pretty cool looking.
As the PROUD owner of a bright yellow 2003 Zr2, my baby can off road without giving me any hassles. I've had her for 5 years, and wouldn't trade her for anything.
I owned both back in the day and the ZR2 is way sweeter. Mine was dark green with the factory power sunroof and console, loved it. This one here has the rare foglights. 2 Grand is not even believable!
I got a 1998 Ford Explorer v8 (5.0) that has been a lot of fun working on!
Had a ZR2 Blazer back in the day, did very well off road. Also made it through multiple nor’easters, several times with tremendous amounts of snow on the road. Never got stuck.
I run a stock 2001 s10 offroad through trails. Mud, rocks, hills, trees... I have no issues that you had on those little rocks. Yes, the s10 weighs less than the blazer, but, I use 4x4 low. You may try that. It will crawl up most of that with no speed needed.
For the abs... Check the ground wire to the fender. 80 percent of the issues are the ground.
This reminds me of old school Top Gear, thanks man
When I was a teen I had an old Ford ranger with the 4.0 and the coolant was bone dry. Never a drop of coolant from a leak and it never once overheated. The engine had a tick but it always ran strong. I miss that truck.
I have a 2000 S10 ZR2, one amazing truck. The ZR2’s go for more like $5,000, but if you find a more beat up one you can find them for lower. 205,000 miles, still kicking and the 4.3 makes plenty of power for the little thing.
I’m actually looking to buy a cheap 4X4 right now. I’m leaning heavily towards the S10 Blazer with the ZR2 package. I don’t do a lot of off roading but I want something that will do well in the snow.
There's nothing wrong with the power steering pump on the Explorer. It's just being a Ford.
put some KO2 or Duratrack tires and maybe some decent shocks on each and you could go nearly anywhere with either.
This is great! I actually really like both of these vehicles. I think the first gen TTB Explorer is still a very handsome looking SUV, and would make a great overlander. This one definitely needs to become a project and get a Jurassic Park paint job, it even has the right wheels on it. I've always liked those S10 ZR2s, in fact I check Marketplace on a pretty regular basis for them.
Great idea!
1996-2001 Explorer with the 5.0 AWD is the way to go