A buddy of mine worked as a detailer at the Local GMC dealer, they sold a S15 Jimmy same thing as y’all’s Blazer, a lil old fellow and his wife purchased one and went home, about a week later he pulled back on the lot and asked the salesman to come out and look at it. Everything on the outside said GMC and everything inside said Chevy, they told him they’d order every interior piece with Chevy on it and get him GMC. He said no way that thing going be worth some big money one day, I wait and as of yet never seen it on Barrette Jackson. Enjoyed this so much!❤️
Definitely the best body style for the s-10. It appears to even have the original or at least old school Uniroyal spare tire on the back judging by the font
I have a 1985 blazer s-10 sport 4x4 with the factory 4.3 liter. got it in 2009 from my girlfriends parents so I'm the second owner, its in like new condition. it has tilt, cruise, air, power windows, rear defog, rear wiper, and 4-speed auto with overdrive. never had any real problems other than replace the battery and muffler. I drive it every day , and get a lot of compliments about it. I live in OREGON so I take it on the old logging roads , and go camping and hunting. I am 64 so its probably the last car I will own, love my blazer.
I always loved this generation S-10 Blazer and in my opinion are very underrated as a classic SUV. The 4.3 liter engine is obviously preferred but people should not write off the 2.8 models, they are just very slow. Good buy for how much you have invested.
Haha, he’s such a happy go lucky kinda guy, Brendon is great. I got a good laugh out of when you specified that the 4wd lever is working just fine, just not the 4wd itself. “Here you can see the 4wd selector and…. It works! you can move it into 4 high, 4 low………. It’s just the mechanicals that are broken.” It was a lot of good news till the last sentence, then I lol’d
I had a '91 with the 4.3 and G80, and even though I never took it off road, with the Wrangler Silentarmor tires it was absolutely unstoppable in the snow. Definitely keep it and fix what's broken.
Definitely keep it, possibly a future classic! I inherited my Grandfather’s 88 S10 with the 2.8 5 speed with 120k miles when he passed in 2017. Great truck, now it has 140k on it and always starts. Great in the snow. I would probably replace the 4wd actuator, they do go bad and somewhat easily accessible underneath the battery. I’ve put 235/75/15 Falken Wildpeak At3w on and only slightly rubs on full lock. You can raise the front a tiny bit turning the torsion bar keys if you want also. Keep up the good videos!
Grew up in my dad’s 1986 s-10 Blazer. He bought it used in the 90’s and kept it until 2006’ish. He swapped the original motor for a later MY 4.3L. Good memories helping with that project! Big upgrade. He had constant issues with the 4wd, specifically the vacuum lines. Can’t recall a significant time period when it worked continuously. He also had recurring rust problems around the rear spoiler above the lift gate. Too many memories with it!
Had a 94 with the 4.3l. It did pretty well up to about 120k miles. Then it had 2 significant problems - poured out bue smoke for a few seconds when starting it cold and the ABS threw a code that would have cost $2k to fix. Ended up selling it. Bought a 2004 Trailblazer to replace it - no regrets, the Trailblazer is a much better vehicle and the 4.2l I6 is a durable, very powerful engine. I still have the vehicle today with 237K miles with original engine and transmission.
I remember those things. With a manual 5-speed and the transfer case in low by quickly getting on and off the gas you can bounce the front tires off the ground. If you do it too many times though you'll break your transfer case in your high school parking lot.
I grew up in one of these. It was a 1989, I was 6-7 years of age, depending on time of year my parents bought it, but I do remember going to dealership to pick it up with them. I also learned how to drive a manual in that Blazer the day I turned 13.
Cool find! Fix the mechanical issues, put a mild lift and more aggressive tires on, run the off road course again! Maybe a rear Detroit locker if they have them for that differential. Be a fun, cool camping rig.
My first vehicle was a 1983 GMC Jimmy with four-wheel drive and a 2.8 L carburetor engine. The truck never really ran that great; it was very slow, and the body was rusted out. However, when I was driving around at 16 years old, I was the happiest kid ever. I loved my Jimmy. Looking back at all the good memories I had, I wonder where my truck is today?
Great video Brendon ,in todays market $1700 is like a lunch in the car industry, I sold a boat load of these new and used, that unit is still in good shape inside and out for a 36 year old SUV, the powertrain is very reliable and has another 100k in it with regular maintenance, A/C is a cheap fix and the 4WD lots of support for them still around and lots of them at the wreckers to get parts from and you have one of the best resources,Toby's auto , he is a good honest mechanic, its keeper and cheap to run 👍you could spend that money on far worse things that are money pits like Ford Explorers of that area, they were the hardest thing to sell on the used car lot
This style of body was and still is great. My first vehicle, back in 1998, was a 1991 S-10 pickup with the 2.5 L inline 4 cylinder and a 5-speed manual. Did not even have power steering. Was a great pickup and hauled quite a bit for it's size. Even got 35+ mpg on a good day. Not much power to speak of, but it was enough for me at the time. I have good memories of that truck. And as you showed, the gauge cluster was weird but cool. Thanks for the video, Brenden!
I had an '85 S15 GMC Jimmy, two tone white and metallic blue. Loved it! 2.8 litre engine was a little slow, but easy to fix! It went well off road as well. Thanks for posting!
Wow I’ve always loved these! My pops bought one brand new in 1984 with the 2.8L. It later became my first vehicle in high school in 1998. Had to get the trans rebuilt at just over 200k miles. Got well over 300k miles on the original motor. That truck took me everywhere…albeit very slowly! It was a dog but man was that a great truck!
I've owned about 10 over the years. The limited slip is weak, but an upgraded clutch pack will make all the difference. The 5spd is great for the trails once again with an upgraded clutch. They all tend to rust out around the hatch glass and roof area, even here in Florida
It would be interesting to see which way you go with it. Either just repairing it or slightly modifying it. I like seeing vehicles being brought back around in a way that is affordable.
These are the right size in my opinion; the new midsized vehicles of today are almost, and in some cases, larger than earlier full sized trucks. I had a '95 S-10 (truck) and loved it. I'd buy another, in similar size, in a heartbeat.
Wow, never thought you guys would have my first vehicle on this channel. Literally the same year as well. Mine was white though and fully loaded. Great times in it.
The good old 2.hate I mean 2.8. I had a similar S10 Blazer, but in black and it had sliding side windows. It had to be the slowest thing I’ve ever driven. You really had to plan ahead for merging and crossing intersections. I believe there were a few engine swaps available…for some reason I’m thinking the 3100 or 3800 something like that. 88’ I believe you could get the 4.3 V6. I believe the firewall was changed slightly to fit the 4.3 in the later models. I may be recalling wrong. It’s been 15 years plus since I messed with that Blazer.
I miss my old s10 Blazer, I had the last year of the boxy model, a 1992 with the vortec and old 700r4 trans. Was so reliable. Only problem I had was when I parked It for 9 months and the spider injection clogged on one cyl. Wasnt even a big deal swapping it out. And for some weird reason it didn't have rust like all the other s10 blazers. R-12 AC still worked too! I regret selling it just for a set of tires for my old Bimmer. Sold it with 210k miles.
I like it! I think it's worth giving some love. I have memories of these, when I was a kid my friend's mom had a red one of these in the early 90s. She'd bring us both to school and I remember my 12-year-old self thought the back seat was pretty comfy. I don't know what engine hers had, but I do remember it was a stick. As far as the 2.8, when I was a kid, my parents owned two 2.8L GM cars, and they both made it over 150k while my parents owned them into the late 90s.
I had an 89 with the 4.3L, and it was one of my favorite vehicles I've owned! I took it all over SW Colorado jeep trails, as well as a lot of the Front Range trails. I sold it with 220,000 miles. I still miss that truck.
Those were great trucks. The 2.8v6 was gutless but reliable. One issue they did have was cracked engine blocks. Another common issue with that generation of GM truck was door pin bushings. The doors would always sag terribly. I would fix it up. Nice old rig. I had an 89 4x4 with the 4.3v6. great engine!
Oh yeah the old door bushings lol don't forget on occasion fuel pump and heat and air system were issues and oil leaks but fact is cheap to work on and you could keep them a lifetime
These were not that good off road. My buddy had a brand new one in high school and it could not keep up with the Toyotas of other trucks of the era. I remember him having all sorts of issues with the 4x4 system. It did have alot of power with the 4.3 V6
@@nephrodoc4120 mine had the 4.3 TBI V6. Took it off road all the time. Only thing it ever broke was the torsion bar mounts. Sounded like 2 lil hammers going at it on the frame. 😂
I had an 89 GMC Jimmy Gypsy 4x4 with the 4.3 when I lived in southeast GA and it was the best little mud vehicle I've had. The interior was awesome as well with a digital dash and suede and corduroy seats. I miss the hell out of it, but I know I'll never find another like it. I currently have a 94 Sonoma short bed with the same TBI 4.3, so I'm still in the family.
Definitely a keeper! I always loved these old blazers. My dads best friend always bought 2 door ones and I loved riding in them. I drove a 91 a few times with the 4.3 and it was a lot of fun. I’d love to have one of these as a toy to knock around or take off road. If you have the time and some extra cash, I think putting a little more money into it would definitely be worth it.
My uncle had a black 87 red one, had it painted black, it was passed down to my cousin, then she replaced it with an explorer. Her dad kept the blazer for years and then sold it. The fuel guage bounced around on bumps. These, the cherokee, bronco ll were some of the best small suv's.
My dad bought his 90 S10 Blazer coupe in the early 90s used. A 2wd model with the tbi 4.3 he got bored with and left in my grandmothers yard in N.C. He sadly passed and left it to me to bring home and restore. I have a L33 ready to be installed and I am currently in the middle of a frame off restoration. I can't wait till it's done!
Shortly after I moved to Flagstaff, AZ in May 1983, I bought one of these. It was a bit of a rattle trap, BUT It had the G80 rear locker that would allow something like 15 MPH wheel spin, then it locked into a true mechanical locker that stayed locked until you took your foot off the gas or maybe once you exceeded 15 MPH. It actually got me out of some serious off road/deep snow situations, and handled washboard roads SO MUCH BETTER than the 84(? 84 1/2?) 4Runner front and rear solid axle I replaced it with.
My mom had 2. A late 80's 2 door and she bought a new 94 4 dr with the 4.3 multi port injection. I learned to drive in the later one and drove it all of the time. I loved that blazer, the digital dash was sweet 🤌🏼🤌🏼
I ordered a 87 S-10 blzr sport with the off road package and a 5 speed stick from the factory when I was in the military stationed overseas. I picked it up in New Jersey and drove it to california as it's break in. Lot's of mild off roading for a few years, then took it to England, drove it all over Europe, then several years in the US again. Finally decided to make it more off road worth in about 2000, lifted a couple inches and put a locker in the rear. Ran several simple trails in Moab like fins and things, top of the world, 7 mile rim, Hells gate etc and while it drug the skid plates a lot it's very smooth underneath and other than the rocker panels and the underside of the bumpers it got through things in good shape. Finally got rid of it at the 260k mile point when it was pretty much beat to death. Rebuilt the transmission once and a top end engine rebuild while I owned it. Loved that little thing
Ive got an '84 GMC S15 Jimmy with 56K miles and love it! Carfaxed and everything lol. Definitely fix the front diff, and just drive it for fun until you cant. Look into one of the cable operated actuators for the 4x4 for like $100....it helps a lot with that vacuum rats nest in these cars. Theyre so narrow it will fit down side-by-side trails, has the same width as some of the larger Razers.
Had a ‘93 S-10 4x4 pickup in high school and college. I loved it and drove it hard, but it also forced me to learn quite a few mechanical skills to keep it on the road. Replace that vacuum actuated 4x4 with a posi-lock kit, and it should make a fun off-road beater that you won’t worry about scratching.
When I was a kid, my mom got an ‘88 in blue brand new. It was a 4.3L and a 5sp. But it had NO radio. It was a great little rig. Lot of good memories in that.
wow that brings back memories, i had a 84 s-10 4 speed manual 2.8 carburated, i put chrome valve covers and breathers and flipped the air cleaner cover over, and ran 91 octane gas, with 104 octane boost in a bottle, mine had an after market sun roof, i thought i was so cool, ( the chicks dug it) i went every where in that thing, and if ya got your foot right, it would do the coolest one wheel burn outs, thanks for the memories, a true classic
I had one of these. Was an 88 with a 2.8 auto. Was two wheel drive. Did a 3800 V6 swap, lowered it two inches and gave it a mild cam and headers. Thing was so much fun to drive. Even though it wasn't for sale, I was randomly offered a decent amount for it, so I sold it. I regret it. It was bright blue, stock rims and white letter tires. It looked so good with it lowered two inches. It wasn't super low but it got rid of some fender gap. Also had a fiberglass roll pan, fiberglass cowl hood and fender flares. It was such a 90s hotrod. Those headers and flow masters sounded amazing. I'll shut up now, it was such a cool ride and I really miss it.
I bought one a few years back, 1987 2.8l, 5 speed with 216xxx kilometers on the clock. I love the thing it's a solid unit and will and has gone to a lot of places I never expected a stock blazer would make it. It's been in the yard for 3 or 4 years, but with a fresh battery, she'll fire up and be a daily again without an issue.
2.8s where junk boxes, the 4.3s where beasts. I had 85 2.8 manual 4x4 blazer, 89 4.3 4x4 truck, 86 4cyl truck 2wd, 2 98s blazers 4door and 2 door zr2. The 89 4.3 Tahoe 4x4 was by far the best truck out of all of then. I would love to find a 2wd 4.3 manual single cab 2wd but prices are crazy now on them.
I got a 1996 gmc jimmy in 2022 and absolutely love it! 1800 bucks before the hike in price, it’s a truck I lusted over when I was kid. Don’t ask me why lol. Just hit 180000 miles and still awesome
I had an early 80's GMC/S-10 truck 4x4 in the 1990s and took it offroad during a torrential rain storm in college in a creek. From what I learned the hard way is the 4x4 is controlled/activated by vaccum hoses. At first the hoses were old and leaked which made it dodgy in 4x4. I fixed all that the went into this flooded/rapid flowing creek and 4x4 went out and I got stuck in a flooding creek. What I did I climbed out and went under water to the underside of the truck and looked at the hose and connector. Hose had come off the connector. I pushed it back on and 4x4 worked again. All this was at night, in a rain storm, in no place anyone would find me and in a creek that was flooding based on the rate of downpour. Note: I was also very sick. I got bored in the dorm on a sat and felt really bored so I thought I'd do some mudding to cheer me up. Was a hair rasing experience.
KEEP IT. They all fetch for over $10k in great condition. If you were a kid in the 80’s/early 90’s, we all rode in one of these at some point. My Uncle had a beige 87, and my cousin had a black & red 91 2 door. Spent a lot of time in the back of both. One of my all time favorite designs. 2 door 4WD with the 4.3 and a 5 speed would really be a gem, but this is still such a classic looking truck in any configuration
That brings back to when I was 19 and had one. Mine was a 1988 with the 2.8 liter and I took that places where I probably shouldn't have but never got it stuck.
Here in West Virginia those squarebody S dime pickup and Blazers are still fairly popular. I have had several of the pickups and a good friend of mine still has a Blazer that is a 87 2.84 speed standard shift. And I have put the two trucks I had through absolute hell and back and they just keep on taking it. Very tough little trucks and both of mine and my friends were all 2.8 l and while they are not the most powerful engine they are definitely a tough little V6 I think for Seventeen hundred bucks you got one heck of a deal if you are having issues with the four-wheel-drive double-check to make sure the vacuum actuator on the inner Fender is retracting all the way and it is fully engaging the 4 wheel drive and not just partially as David said you definitely have a keeper especially with the interior being in that nice of condition
Yes, check the bolts holing the actuator to the fender. I had a95 S 10, all of the bolts fell out and I suddenly had no 4 wheel drive just when I really needed it. Put new bolts in and it worked for years until we needed a bigger truck.
I always loved these. My aunt had a new 86 4x4 Tahoe trim in WV. I always wanted one and still do if I could find one in decent mechanical condition. I live in the PNW now and would so take this hiking and camping up in the mountains. Still an awesome truck.
I had one of these the first year they went to 4 doors. What a great truck. It was unkillable. It had the 4.3L engine and I was able to drive that for the better part of 10 yrs. It was a 91'.
Your unknown phone holder area next to the transfer case selector is where the stick is for the manual transmission. Only optioned for 2.8 as far as I know. Never seen or heard of a 4.3 manual. I had a 89 with the 2.8 and 5 speed, loved it. Also, the center console makes a good cup holder, you just lose your arm rest.
My dad had a 1990 with the 4.3. It was awesome, sold it after the transfer case went bad in 2001. It cost $30k Canadian back then. Even had a digital dash, way ahead of it’s time.
I've had my 86 4x4 S10 blazer since I was 15 back in 2001 and later on it got a small block and big block swaps. But it has been off the road now for about 14 years due to sheet metal damage where the body mounts to the frame from a 3 inch body lift that the former owner installed. It had a but if rust and has just gotten much worse now. But I have plans on fixing modifying it starting next year and getting it back on the road. Mine seems to be one of the rare ones that had a tach where the gas gauge normally is
What you decide to use as a "phone holder" it's the space where the manual one's has the gear shifter/stick. On the right side of the transmission stick to select the mode (2wd/4wd) :D
My uncle had a 98 Jimmy with leather interior that went into a crazy huge crevasse to pull out our dock from the lake. And that thing had like 300,000 miles on it. It was awesome! A green one. 4 door though
My first vehicle was a 1988 GMC Jimmy 4.3L, I loved it. I ran it through the mud, though a couple snowmen, and to the ground as any 16 year old should. I had to replace a quart of oil every time I filled it up with gas. It's one of those "if I wont the lottery and had the money to restore" cars I would love to have.
I love fist gen s10 blazer, i've own a couple of those, all 4x4 but only one 5speed. If you find a 4.3L V6 with the 5 speed 4x4 you can offroad that thing and it will surprise you, but even the automatic is pretty good. The most common problem for the 4x4 system is the front diff vacuum actuator. You can replace it or make it a manual-engage system, or you could swap a 92-94 oldsmobile bravada front half-shaft and forget about it. Looking foward to see what you guys do with this little truck!
I had one of those & 4×4 didn't work in mine as well, turned out to be a vacuum issue. But over all it was a piece of junk, getting rid of it was the best decision I ever made.
My first vehicle was a 93 S10 with the 4.3 vortec. My 4x4 stopped working once and if I remember correctly the front differential is actuated off of a vacuum line, you may want to check it for leaks. Luckily mine had just slipped off and that fixed it. I bought mine in 2009 when I was about 15 for $1000, it had 125,000 miles on it but the brakes were frozen on it.
I am a Chevy technician and have been since the mid 90's. I know these 4 wheel drive systems very well. The front axle actuates with a cable from a vacuum actuator. The actuator was a common failure and also the vacuum switch on the transfer case. Also with the age of the vehicle the vacuum lines are probably rotted. You can get a manual cable actuator to replace the vacuum system. If I was closer I would fix it for you. I miss these old Blazers.
I had an 85 2.8V6 gutless, but I loved it - I miss it. I think the style looked great then and still does now. The older gauge cluster was much better than that one imho. Always a good buy. Keep it running. Go fishing with it.
Trucks actually in really good shape for almost 40 yrs old and a bonus you can pretty much buy every nut and bolt for these trucks not many of them left
I've had two S10. 89 four-wheel drive short bed pickup. And a 84 2-wheel drive Blazer that was lowered. Great vehicle both of them made it well into 200,000 MI.
I used to own the same year GMC S-15 Jimmy with the same two- tone color spec, same color interior (Sierra Classic trim) and it had the same rims and tires. I had it back in the late 80's and had a lot of fun with it. I would say restore this truck. There are days when I wish I had my Jimmy back again.
I had an 89 S-10 Blazer with the 4.3L and I had to rig the front hub axle lock because the vacuum regulator was crap. The 4x4 fails on every single GM product of this generation, especially if it spends any time in the rust belt. I still loved the heck out of that thing with a 4.3L V6 in such a small SUV.
As long as the frame and underside isn't rusted out, that Blazer is absolutely worth saving. Some elbow grease and a little more money invested you can have a nice work/play vehicle for under $5K. I think you can even bring that paint back to life with a little buffing.
I had a gold and green 88 S10 rwd with a long bed and the trailer package. It was actually called Tahoe trim back then. The 4.3 was such overkill for it that even with 120k on it, when it hit second, it would roast the tires for a second. That Was at 35 mph with an automatic. It was a great vehicle. It never asked for much.
I love the S10 platform. I owned 5 of them Chevy and GMC and even one 4 door GMC jimmy the s15 version. I had a 91 GMC sonoma that I put a v8 in that was slammed. That was so fun to drive. I rebuilt a few 700R4 transmissions for them. I loved them all. The only one that was 4wd was the 4door jimmy and it was great. Had the digital dash and working AC with leather it was awesome! I wish I still had all of them.
GM should bring back this boxy body small blazer not the car like blazer they have right now, that should not even be called blazer because it looks like a car .
I had a 1984 with the 2.8. A rod went through the block. I wanted to put a 350 with trans I had on hand. Back then everyone said it was a bad idea. So I got 2.8 block and had it rebuilt. It was worse than the first. That was money down the drain. I remember trying to keep the carb from freezing up at 50 below zero. That began my long relationship with fuel injection.
I had an 89 S-15 Jimmy, which was the GMC equivalent. It had the 4.3 and was a climbin' sum-baitch. It could also tow a 20' boat no problem. Man, watching this makes me wish I'd never sold it.
I like this type of S-10 blazers. I owed at least 2 and both had the 2.8 which isn't a good engine like the 4.3. I wasn't a fan of the carburetor on my first S-10 however I did like the 2 barrel throttle body on my second S-10. I did a small upgrade and added a throttle body spacer, K&N air intake, Flowmaster exhaust and a little more beef type of tires, but nothing extreme, just enough to help with traction. I drove over a dry river bed with sand and rocks and got far deep out there from where I entered in and I was very impressed. Sand wasn't extreme and some parts had more sand, but the rocks got crazy in a lot of areas. 4 high for the most part and 4 low was key on the harder parts. I got so far out there do to having so much fun then I realize that I better get back in case if I break a axle or something, I was alone on that river. I been to that location twice in Nv. This video had reminded me of that time and thank you for this video. 😊
Would like to see you check out a 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 (or GMC Envoy). Much better vehicle with far superior engines (4.2 l I6 is a gem). I have owned both an S-10 Blazer and still have a 19 y/o Trailblazer. You can buy good examples of Trailblazers all day for $2-5k.
I had an 88 S10 Blazer, white with a similar blue interior. The drive train was less than stellar. the 2.8 V6 was underpowered, constantly shifted in and out of OD on the highway. The HG went (under warranty), dealer fixed that but then the bottom end ended up with a rod knock (likely from the coolant in the oil). Luckily both were covered under warranty. Trans went at ~70k, that one cost me out of pocket. I used it as a commuter vehicle and got rid of it at 200k. Rust was definitely becoming more and more of an issue (NEPA vehicle). Always liked the looks of these, but I think the 4.0L XJ Jeep is a far superior vehicle in many ways. Still daily driving my 2001 XJ now with ~265k miles.......
I bought a mint body 86 Blazer last fall for my winter beater. 4wheel drive was about the same kinda wonky hard to get back into 2wd, but 143k miles on the 2.8 and it went 1,000 more before the motor went up in a smokey firey mess on the side of the highway. But atleast the coolant resevior cap went flying and all the coolant spilled out putting the small flame out with it.
Great content as usual, I'll tell you first hand experience in 1984 my friend bought the same model 4x4 Blazer with the 2.9 V6 4 spd auto, I bought a Toyota 4x4 pickup with the legendary RE 2.4 4cylinder 5 spd manual we both had about 5000 miles on the vehicles after a year. At that point my friend s-10 blazer was having issues with engine cooling all covered under factory warranty and fixed without question so we took a trip to the kern river in july so wasn't super hot maybe 90's we planed on doing some lite off-roading along the river camping and fishing, swimming for the holiday weekend. Well the blazer never made it, it overheated on the 5 fwy and the 14 fwy in the middle of the night. Of course our trip was over because I would never leave my friend stranded, my friend soon bought a Toyota 4runner and never had an car problem again.
A buddy of mine worked as a detailer at the Local GMC dealer, they sold a S15 Jimmy same thing as y’all’s Blazer, a lil old fellow and his wife purchased one and went home, about a week later he pulled back on the lot and asked the salesman to come out and look at it. Everything on the outside said GMC and everything inside said Chevy, they told him they’d order every interior piece with Chevy on it and get him GMC. He said no way that thing going be worth some big money one day, I wait and as of yet never seen it on Barrette Jackson. Enjoyed this so much!❤️
Definitely the best body style for the s-10. It appears to even have the original or at least old school Uniroyal spare tire on the back judging by the font
Back when everything had Uniroyal Tiger paw tires. 😂
Looked like a Uniroyal Laredo spare. Probably a P2357515.
I have a 1985 blazer s-10 sport 4x4 with the factory 4.3 liter. got it in 2009 from my girlfriends parents so I'm the second owner, its in like new condition. it has tilt, cruise, air, power windows, rear defog, rear wiper, and 4-speed auto with overdrive. never had any real problems other than replace the battery and muffler. I drive it every day , and get a lot of compliments about it. I live in OREGON so I take it on the old logging roads , and go camping and hunting. I am 64 so its probably the last car I will own, love my blazer.
I always loved this generation S-10 Blazer and in my opinion are very underrated as a classic SUV. The 4.3 liter engine is obviously preferred but people should not write off the 2.8 models, they are just very slow. Good buy for how much you have invested.
Lots of dudes when I was in college in NM would swap chevy 350s in them. And they would be instant beasts!
‘91-‘95 with 4.3 were a favorite. Had 3 of them. Look for a vin with “w” vs “z” for the vortec motor. IMHO 👍🏻
@@TaTanka362 the vortec spider injected 4.3s were dogs even with the increased power. Plus that awful spider.
Those SUVs were rugged reliable my first car was a 1990 S10 blazer 4.3 they will outlast any Cherokee guarantee you
Had both the 2.8 literally the transmission fell off lol 4.3 was a tank good mpg and only issues where the vortex systems
Haha, he’s such a happy go lucky kinda guy, Brendon is great. I got a good laugh out of when you specified that the 4wd lever is working just fine, just not the 4wd itself. “Here you can see the 4wd selector and…. It works! you can move it into 4 high, 4 low………. It’s just the mechanicals that are broken.” It was a lot of good news till the last sentence, then I lol’d
First gen S-10s are still my favorite. I've had a couple S-10 Blazers and a couple S-10 trucks. This is such a trip down memory lane. lol
I had a '91 with the 4.3 and G80, and even though I never took it off road, with the Wrangler Silentarmor tires it was absolutely unstoppable in the snow.
Definitely keep it and fix what's broken.
Definitely keep it, possibly a future classic! I inherited my Grandfather’s 88 S10 with the 2.8 5 speed with 120k miles when he passed in 2017. Great truck, now it has 140k on it and always starts. Great in the snow. I would probably replace the 4wd actuator, they do go bad and somewhat easily accessible underneath the battery. I’ve put 235/75/15 Falken Wildpeak At3w on and only slightly rubs on full lock. You can raise the front a tiny bit turning the torsion bar keys if you want also. Keep up the good videos!
Grew up in my dad’s 1986 s-10 Blazer. He bought it used in the 90’s and kept it until 2006’ish. He swapped the original motor for a later MY 4.3L. Good memories helping with that project! Big upgrade. He had constant issues with the 4wd, specifically the vacuum lines. Can’t recall a significant time period when it worked continuously. He also had recurring rust problems around the rear spoiler above the lift gate. Too many memories with it!
I owned a 1991 and absolutely loved it. Mine was a 4 door with the 4.3L. It had 4x4 issues too but man was it a good runner. I wish I still had it.
Had a 94 with the 4.3l. It did pretty well up to about 120k miles. Then it had 2 significant problems - poured out bue smoke for a few seconds when starting it cold and the ABS threw a code that would have cost $2k to fix. Ended up selling it. Bought a 2004 Trailblazer to replace it - no regrets, the Trailblazer is a much better vehicle and the 4.2l I6 is a durable, very powerful engine. I still have the vehicle today with 237K miles with original engine and transmission.
I remember those things. With a manual 5-speed and the transfer case in low by quickly getting on and off the gas you can bounce the front tires off the ground. If you do it too many times though you'll break your transfer case in your high school parking lot.
I grew up in one of these. It was a 1989, I was 6-7 years of age, depending on time of year my parents bought it, but I do remember going to dealership to pick it up with them. I also learned how to drive a manual in that Blazer the day I turned 13.
Cool find! Fix the mechanical issues, put a mild lift and more aggressive tires on, run the off road course again! Maybe a rear Detroit locker if they have them for that differential. Be a fun, cool camping rig.
My first vehicle was a 1983 GMC Jimmy with four-wheel drive and a 2.8 L carburetor engine. The truck never really ran that great; it was very slow, and the body was rusted out. However, when I was driving around at 16 years old, I was the happiest kid ever. I loved my Jimmy. Looking back at all the good memories I had, I wonder where my truck is today?
Great video Brendon ,in todays market $1700 is like a lunch in the car industry, I sold a boat load of these new and used, that unit is still in good shape inside and out for a 36 year old SUV, the powertrain is very reliable and has another 100k in it with regular maintenance, A/C is a cheap fix and the 4WD lots of support for them still around and lots of them at the wreckers to get parts from and you have one of the best resources,Toby's auto , he is a good honest mechanic, its keeper and cheap to run 👍you could spend that money on far worse things that are money pits like Ford Explorers of that area, they were the hardest thing to sell on the used car lot
This style of body was and still is great. My first vehicle, back in 1998, was a 1991 S-10 pickup with the 2.5 L inline 4 cylinder and a 5-speed manual. Did not even have power steering. Was a great pickup and hauled quite a bit for it's size. Even got 35+ mpg on a good day. Not much power to speak of, but it was enough for me at the time. I have good memories of that truck. And as you showed, the gauge cluster was weird but cool. Thanks for the video, Brenden!
I had an '85 S15 GMC Jimmy, two tone white and metallic blue. Loved it! 2.8 litre engine was a little slow, but easy to fix! It went well off road as well. Thanks for posting!
Wow I’ve always loved these! My pops bought one brand new in 1984 with the 2.8L. It later became my first vehicle in high school in 1998. Had to get the trans rebuilt at just over 200k miles. Got well over 300k miles on the original motor. That truck took me everywhere…albeit very slowly! It was a dog but man was that a great truck!
I've owned about 10 over the years. The limited slip is weak, but an upgraded clutch pack will make all the difference. The 5spd is great for the trails once again with an upgraded clutch. They all tend to rust out around the hatch glass and roof area, even here in Florida
somehow mine is rust free. no idea how since it's been beat to death multiple times
It would be interesting to see which way you go with it. Either just repairing it or slightly modifying it. I like seeing vehicles being brought back around in a way that is affordable.
Needs a 350 v8 swapped in. I had a friend in college that had one. It went like a stabbed rat.
update the suspension would help greatly.
Solid axle swap.
These are the right size in my opinion; the new midsized vehicles of today are almost, and in some cases, larger than earlier full sized trucks. I had a '95 S-10 (truck) and loved it. I'd buy another, in similar size, in a heartbeat.
in a heartbeat of america? todays chevy truck.
Wow, never thought you guys would have my first vehicle on this channel. Literally the same year as well. Mine was white though and fully loaded. Great times in it.
The good old 2.hate I mean 2.8. I had a similar S10 Blazer, but in black and it had sliding side windows. It had to be the slowest thing I’ve ever driven. You really had to plan ahead for merging and crossing intersections. I believe there were a few engine swaps available…for some reason I’m thinking the 3100 or 3800 something like that. 88’ I believe you could get the 4.3 V6. I believe the firewall was changed slightly to fit the 4.3 in the later models. I may be recalling wrong. It’s been 15 years plus since I messed with that Blazer.
Frame was different
I challenge you to drive a nissan serena with the 2.8 N/A diesel ;)
I miss my old s10 Blazer, I had the last year of the boxy model, a 1992 with the vortec and old 700r4 trans. Was so reliable. Only problem I had was when I parked It for 9 months and the spider injection clogged on one cyl. Wasnt even a big deal swapping it out. And for some weird reason it didn't have rust like all the other s10 blazers. R-12 AC still worked too! I regret selling it just for a set of tires for my old Bimmer. Sold it with 210k miles.
I like it! I think it's worth giving some love. I have memories of these, when I was a kid my friend's mom had a red one of these in the early 90s. She'd bring us both to school and I remember my 12-year-old self thought the back seat was pretty comfy. I don't know what engine hers had, but I do remember it was a stick. As far as the 2.8, when I was a kid, my parents owned two 2.8L GM cars, and they both made it over 150k while my parents owned them into the late 90s.
I had an 89 with the 4.3L, and it was one of my favorite vehicles I've owned! I took it all over SW Colorado jeep trails, as well as a lot of the Front Range trails. I sold it with 220,000 miles. I still miss that truck.
Those were great trucks. The 2.8v6 was gutless but reliable. One issue they did have was cracked engine blocks. Another common issue with that generation of GM truck was door pin bushings. The doors would always sag terribly. I would fix it up. Nice old rig. I had an 89 4x4 with the 4.3v6. great engine!
4.3 is a fantastic v6
Oh yeah the old door bushings lol don't forget on occasion fuel pump and heat and air system were issues and oil leaks but fact is cheap to work on and you could keep them a lifetime
Don’t think so ever saw a 2.8 make it to 100k miles. Mine sure didn’t. The 4.3 was a dramatic improvement.
These were not that good off road. My buddy had a brand new one in high school and it could not keep up with the Toyotas of other trucks of the era. I remember him having all sorts of issues with the 4x4 system. It did have alot of power with the 4.3 V6
@@nephrodoc4120 mine had the 4.3 TBI V6. Took it off road all the time. Only thing it ever broke was the torsion bar mounts. Sounded like 2 lil hammers going at it on the frame. 😂
I had an 89 GMC Jimmy Gypsy 4x4 with the 4.3 when I lived in southeast GA and it was the best little mud vehicle I've had. The interior was awesome as well with a digital dash and suede and corduroy seats. I miss the hell out of it, but I know I'll never find another like it. I currently have a 94 Sonoma short bed with the same TBI 4.3, so I'm still in the family.
looks like a great little platform to build a great trail rig off of
Definitely a keeper! I always loved these old blazers. My dads best friend always bought 2 door ones and I loved riding in them. I drove a 91 a few times with the 4.3 and it was a lot of fun. I’d love to have one of these as a toy to knock around or take off road. If you have the time and some extra cash, I think putting a little more money into it would definitely be worth it.
My uncle had a black 87 red one, had it painted black, it was passed down to my cousin, then she replaced it with an explorer. Her dad kept the blazer for years and then sold it. The fuel guage bounced around on bumps. These, the cherokee, bronco ll were some of the best small suv's.
6:44 Chevy was thinking ahead.
My dad bought his 90 S10 Blazer coupe in the early 90s used. A 2wd model with the tbi 4.3 he got bored with and left in my grandmothers yard in N.C. He sadly passed and left it to me to bring home and restore. I have a L33 ready to be installed and I am currently in the middle of a frame off restoration. I can't wait till it's done!
Shortly after I moved to Flagstaff, AZ in May 1983, I bought one of these. It was a bit of a rattle trap, BUT It had the G80 rear locker that would allow something like 15 MPH wheel spin, then it locked into a true mechanical locker that stayed locked until you took your foot off the gas or maybe once you exceeded 15 MPH. It actually got me out of some serious off road/deep snow situations, and handled washboard roads SO MUCH BETTER than the 84(? 84 1/2?) 4Runner front and rear solid axle I replaced it with.
My mom had 2. A late 80's 2 door and she bought a new 94 4 dr with the 4.3 multi port injection. I learned to drive in the later one and drove it all of the time. I loved that blazer, the digital dash was sweet 🤌🏼🤌🏼
I ordered a 87 S-10 blzr sport with the off road package and a 5 speed stick from the factory when I was in the military stationed overseas. I picked it up in New Jersey and drove it to california as it's break in. Lot's of mild off roading for a few years, then took it to England, drove it all over Europe, then several years in the US again. Finally decided to make it more off road worth in about 2000, lifted a couple inches and put a locker in the rear. Ran several simple trails in Moab like fins and things, top of the world, 7 mile rim, Hells gate etc and while it drug the skid plates a lot it's very smooth underneath and other than the rocker panels and the underside of the bumpers it got through things in good shape. Finally got rid of it at the 260k mile point when it was pretty much beat to death. Rebuilt the transmission once and a top end engine rebuild while I owned it. Loved that little thing
Ive got an '84 GMC S15 Jimmy with 56K miles and love it! Carfaxed and everything lol. Definitely fix the front diff, and just drive it for fun until you cant. Look into one of the cable operated actuators for the 4x4 for like $100....it helps a lot with that vacuum rats nest in these cars. Theyre so narrow it will fit down side-by-side trails, has the same width as some of the larger Razers.
Had a ‘93 S-10 4x4 pickup in high school and college. I loved it and drove it hard, but it also forced me to learn quite a few mechanical skills to keep it on the road. Replace that vacuum actuated 4x4 with a posi-lock kit, and it should make a fun off-road beater that you won’t worry about scratching.
When I was a kid, my mom got an ‘88 in blue brand new. It was a 4.3L and a 5sp. But it had NO radio. It was a great little rig. Lot of good memories in that.
wow that brings back memories, i had a 84 s-10 4 speed manual 2.8 carburated, i put chrome valve covers and breathers and flipped the air cleaner cover over, and ran 91 octane gas, with 104 octane boost in a bottle, mine had an after market sun roof, i thought i was so cool, ( the chicks dug it) i went every where in that thing, and if ya got your foot right, it would do the coolest one wheel burn outs, thanks for the memories, a true classic
I had one of these. Was an 88 with a 2.8 auto. Was two wheel drive. Did a 3800 V6 swap, lowered it two inches and gave it a mild cam and headers. Thing was so much fun to drive. Even though it wasn't for sale, I was randomly offered a decent amount for it, so I sold it. I regret it. It was bright blue, stock rims and white letter tires. It looked so good with it lowered two inches. It wasn't super low but it got rid of some fender gap. Also had a fiberglass roll pan, fiberglass cowl hood and fender flares. It was such a 90s hotrod. Those headers and flow masters sounded amazing. I'll shut up now, it was such a cool ride and I really miss it.
Great vehicle, best style compared to the later models.
I bought one a few years back, 1987 2.8l, 5 speed with 216xxx kilometers on the clock.
I love the thing it's a solid unit and will and has gone to a lot of places I never expected a stock blazer would make it. It's been in the yard for 3 or 4 years, but with a fresh battery, she'll fire up and be a daily again without an issue.
2.8s where junk boxes, the 4.3s where beasts. I had 85 2.8 manual 4x4 blazer, 89 4.3 4x4 truck, 86 4cyl truck 2wd, 2 98s blazers 4door and 2 door zr2. The 89 4.3 Tahoe 4x4 was by far the best truck out of all of then. I would love to find a 2wd 4.3 manual single cab 2wd but prices are crazy now on them.
A friend had a 4.3 truck, it was a burnout machine.
I got a 1996 gmc jimmy in 2022 and absolutely love it! 1800 bucks before the hike in price, it’s a truck I lusted over when I was kid. Don’t ask me why lol. Just hit 180000 miles and still awesome
My cousin had an '87 and I distinctly remember being scalded by those belt buckles 😂
Had a 84 many years ago. Loved it and still love the looks of them
I had an early 80's GMC/S-10 truck 4x4 in the 1990s and took it offroad during a torrential rain storm in college in a creek. From what I learned the hard way is the 4x4 is controlled/activated by vaccum hoses. At first the hoses were old and leaked which made it dodgy in 4x4. I fixed all that the went into this flooded/rapid flowing creek and 4x4 went out and I got stuck in a flooding creek.
What I did I climbed out and went under water to the underside of the truck and looked at the hose and connector. Hose had come off the connector. I pushed it back on and 4x4 worked again. All this was at night, in a rain storm, in no place anyone would find me and in a creek that was flooding based on the rate of downpour. Note: I was also very sick. I got bored in the dorm on a sat and felt really bored so I thought I'd do some mudding to cheer me up. Was a hair rasing experience.
KEEP IT. They all fetch for over $10k in great condition. If you were a kid in the 80’s/early 90’s, we all rode in one of these at some point. My Uncle had a beige 87, and my cousin had a black & red 91 2 door. Spent a lot of time in the back of both. One of my all time favorite designs. 2 door 4WD with the 4.3 and a 5 speed would really be a gem, but this is still such a classic looking truck in any configuration
I learned driving on my dads 91 2 door with 4.3 the whole family loved it and we had it for almost 15yrs
Thanks guys .... Have a good Monday everyone ✌️
That brings back to when I was 19 and had one. Mine was a 1988 with the 2.8 liter and I took that places where I probably shouldn't have but never got it stuck.
I still like the way that Rollin box looks. Even 35 years later. I saw the 1st one when I was 7. Still an amazing vehicle
Here in West Virginia those squarebody S dime pickup and Blazers are still fairly popular. I have had several of the pickups and a good friend of mine still has a Blazer that is a 87 2.84 speed standard shift. And I have put the two trucks I had through absolute hell and back and they just keep on taking it. Very tough little trucks and both of mine and my friends were all 2.8 l and while they are not the most powerful engine they are definitely a tough little V6 I think for Seventeen hundred bucks you got one heck of a deal if you are having issues with the four-wheel-drive double-check to make sure the vacuum actuator on the inner Fender is retracting all the way and it is fully engaging the 4 wheel drive and not just partially as David said you definitely have a keeper especially with the interior being in that nice of condition
Yes, check the bolts holing the actuator to the fender. I had a95 S 10, all of the bolts fell out and I suddenly had no 4 wheel drive just when I really needed it. Put new bolts in and it worked for years until we needed a bigger truck.
I bought one of these a couple months ago and pulled out the manual trans and put it in my solid axle swapped s10.
I always loved these. My aunt had a new 86 4x4 Tahoe trim in WV. I always wanted one and still do if I could find one in decent mechanical condition. I live in the PNW now and would so take this hiking and camping up in the mountains. Still an awesome truck.
I had one of these the first year they went to 4 doors. What a great truck. It was unkillable. It had the 4.3L engine and I was able to drive that for the better part of 10 yrs. It was a 91'.
Your unknown phone holder area next to the transfer case selector is where the stick is for the manual transmission. Only optioned for 2.8 as far as I know. Never seen or heard of a 4.3 manual. I had a 89 with the 2.8 and 5 speed, loved it. Also, the center console makes a good cup holder, you just lose your arm rest.
My dad had a 1990 with the 4.3. It was awesome, sold it after the transfer case went bad in 2001. It cost $30k Canadian back then. Even had a digital dash, way ahead of it’s time.
On those old ones, there is a vacuum solenoid that locks the front diff when the 4x4 is engaged and when the fail it does what your Blazer is doing
I've had my 86 4x4 S10 blazer since I was 15 back in 2001 and later on it got a small block and big block swaps. But it has been off the road now for about 14 years due to sheet metal damage where the body mounts to the frame from a 3 inch body lift that the former owner installed. It had a but if rust and has just gotten much worse now. But I have plans on fixing modifying it starting next year and getting it back on the road. Mine seems to be one of the rare ones that had a tach where the gas gauge normally is
my first vehicle was a 1991 blazer... i loved that thing.. best $800 i ever spent, drove that thing for years with just brakes and tires put on it.
I'd still say it's worth fixing up. Anxious to see updates along the way. Thanks for sharing!!
What you decide to use as a "phone holder" it's the space where the manual one's has the gear shifter/stick. On the right side of the transmission stick to select the mode (2wd/4wd) :D
My dad taught me to drive in a 84 s10 with the 2.8. It was so fun to drive, I imagine the Blazer was very similiar.
Nothing else compares today. I currently own two and have had several over the years.
My uncle had a 98 Jimmy with leather interior that went into a crazy huge crevasse to pull out our dock from the lake. And that thing had like 300,000 miles on it. It was awesome! A green one. 4 door though
My first vehicle was a 1988 GMC Jimmy 4.3L, I loved it. I ran it through the mud, though a couple snowmen, and to the ground as any 16 year old should. I had to replace a quart of oil every time I filled it up with gas. It's one of those "if I wont the lottery and had the money to restore" cars I would love to have.
I love fist gen s10 blazer, i've own a couple of those, all 4x4 but only one 5speed. If you find a 4.3L V6 with the 5 speed 4x4 you can offroad that thing and it will surprise you, but even the automatic is pretty good. The most common problem for the 4x4 system is the front diff vacuum actuator. You can replace it or make it a manual-engage system, or you could swap a 92-94 oldsmobile bravada front half-shaft and forget about it. Looking foward to see what you guys do with this little truck!
If it’s the vacuum line model of 4x4 you can use a c clamp to push in the device that locks the front end in. It’s on the left when you open the hood.
I had an 87 blue and white one with the same engine. Weak as water but still fun to drive … my 4wd worked good.
Spent a lot of time behind the wheel of these. With the 2.8 and the 4.3. The 4.3 was a HUGE boosted in torque.
I had one of those & 4×4 didn't work in mine as well, turned out to be a vacuum issue. But over all it was a piece of junk, getting rid of it was the best decision I ever made.
My first vehicle was a 93 S10 with the 4.3 vortec.
My 4x4 stopped working once and if I remember correctly the front differential is actuated off of a vacuum line, you may want to check it for leaks.
Luckily mine had just slipped off and that fixed it.
I bought mine in 2009 when I was about 15 for $1000, it had 125,000 miles on it but the brakes were frozen on it.
I am a Chevy technician and have been since the mid 90's. I know these 4 wheel drive systems very well. The front axle actuates with a cable from a vacuum actuator. The actuator was a common failure and also the vacuum switch on the transfer case. Also with the age of the vehicle the vacuum lines are probably rotted. You can get a manual cable actuator to replace the vacuum system. If I was closer I would fix it for you. I miss these old Blazers.
Where yo located I might need a fix
I had an 85 2.8V6 gutless, but I loved it - I miss it. I think the style looked great then and still does now. The older gauge cluster was much better than that one imho. Always a good buy. Keep it running. Go fishing with it.
Wow, the rear glass stays up, impressive! Everyone I knew that had one had a pair of vice grips in the back to keep the glass up.
I am on my 3rd one ! the 2.8 can be modded , some have front and rear posi and 410 gears and they can use up to a 30 x 9.5 tire without a lift .
I had two of those s10 blazers and loved them and they are excellent in the snow!
Trucks actually in really good shape for almost 40 yrs old and a bonus you can pretty much buy every nut and bolt for these trucks not many of them left
Brendan and Tommy makes a great team but is always a privilege to see David! I think that the Blazer worth it!
Owned a 90 S15 Jimmy in high school. Had the 4.3 V6. Loved it ❤
You need to pick up a first generation DUrango and give them a try.
I've had two S10. 89 four-wheel drive short bed pickup. And a 84 2-wheel drive Blazer that was lowered. Great vehicle both of them made it well into 200,000 MI.
I used to own the same year GMC S-15 Jimmy with the same two- tone color spec, same color interior (Sierra Classic trim) and it had the same rims and tires. I had it back in the late 80's and had a lot of fun with it. I would say restore this truck. There are days when I wish I had my Jimmy back again.
I had an 89 S-10 Blazer with the 4.3L and I had to rig the front hub axle lock because the vacuum regulator was crap. The 4x4 fails on every single GM product of this generation, especially if it spends any time in the rust belt. I still loved the heck out of that thing with a 4.3L V6 in such a small SUV.
As long as the frame and underside isn't rusted out, that Blazer is absolutely worth saving. Some elbow grease and a little more money invested you can have a nice work/play vehicle for under $5K. I think you can even bring that paint back to life with a little buffing.
If the 4x4 is not working the vacuum line running to the front differential may be bad or the vacuum plunger
The interior is in great shape! I need that exact color !
I had a gold and green 88 S10 rwd with a long bed and the trailer package. It was actually called Tahoe trim back then. The 4.3 was such overkill for it that even with 120k on it, when it hit second, it would roast the tires for a second. That Was at 35 mph with an automatic. It was a great vehicle. It never asked for much.
I love the S10 platform. I owned 5 of them Chevy and GMC and even one 4 door GMC jimmy the s15 version. I had a 91 GMC sonoma that I put a v8 in that was slammed. That was so fun to drive. I rebuilt a few 700R4 transmissions for them. I loved them all. The only one that was 4wd was the 4door jimmy and it was great. Had the digital dash and working AC with leather it was awesome! I wish I still had all of them.
GM should bring back this boxy body small blazer not the car like blazer they have right now, that should not even be called blazer because it looks like a car .
I had a 1984 with the 2.8. A rod went through the block. I wanted to put a 350 with trans I had on hand. Back then everyone said it was a bad idea. So I got 2.8 block and had it rebuilt. It was worse than the first. That was money down the drain. I remember trying to keep the carb from freezing up at 50 below zero. That began my long relationship with fuel injection.
I had an 89 S-15 Jimmy, which was the GMC equivalent. It had the 4.3 and was a climbin' sum-baitch. It could also tow a 20' boat no problem. Man, watching this makes me wish I'd never sold it.
I like this type of S-10 blazers. I owed at least 2 and both had the 2.8 which isn't a good engine like the 4.3. I wasn't a fan of the carburetor on my first S-10 however I did like the 2 barrel throttle body on my second S-10. I did a small upgrade and added a throttle body spacer, K&N air intake, Flowmaster exhaust and a little more beef type of tires, but nothing extreme, just enough to help with traction. I drove over a dry river bed with sand and rocks and got far deep out there from where I entered in and I was very impressed. Sand wasn't extreme and some parts had more sand, but the rocks got crazy in a lot of areas. 4 high for the most part and 4 low was key on the harder parts. I got so far out there do to having so much fun then I realize that I better get back in case if I break a axle or something, I was alone on that river. I been to that location twice in Nv. This video had reminded me of that time and thank you for this video. 😊
Would like to see you check out a 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 (or GMC Envoy). Much better vehicle with far superior engines (4.2 l I6 is a gem). I have owned both an S-10 Blazer and still have a 19 y/o Trailblazer. You can buy good examples of Trailblazers all day for $2-5k.
I had an 88 S10 Blazer, white with a similar blue interior. The drive train was less than stellar. the 2.8 V6 was underpowered, constantly shifted in and out of OD on the highway. The HG went (under warranty), dealer fixed that but then the bottom end ended up with a rod knock (likely from the coolant in the oil). Luckily both were covered under warranty. Trans went at ~70k, that one cost me out of pocket. I used it as a commuter vehicle and got rid of it at 200k. Rust was definitely becoming more and more of an issue (NEPA vehicle). Always liked the looks of these, but I think the 4.0L XJ Jeep is a far superior vehicle in many ways. Still daily driving my 2001 XJ now with ~265k miles.......
I bought a mint body 86 Blazer last fall for my winter beater. 4wheel drive was about the same kinda wonky hard to get back into 2wd, but 143k miles on the 2.8 and it went 1,000 more before the motor went up in a smokey firey mess on the side of the highway. But atleast the coolant resevior cap went flying and all the coolant spilled out putting the small flame out with it.
Great content as usual, I'll tell you first hand experience in 1984 my friend bought the same model 4x4 Blazer with the 2.9 V6 4 spd auto, I bought a Toyota 4x4 pickup with the legendary RE 2.4 4cylinder 5 spd manual we both had about 5000 miles on the vehicles after a year. At that point my friend s-10 blazer was having issues with engine cooling all covered under factory warranty and fixed without question so we took a trip to the kern river in july so wasn't super hot maybe 90's we planed on doing some lite off-roading along the river camping and fishing, swimming for the holiday weekend. Well the blazer never made it, it overheated on the 5 fwy and the 14 fwy in the middle of the night. Of course our trip was over because I would never leave my friend stranded, my friend soon bought a Toyota 4runner and never had an car problem again.
When I was in high school I had an 85 s10 blazer with a 2.8L I loved my blazer still wish I had it