With so many new models of four-wheel-drive rigs on the market today, we've noticed a steady price decline in many of our favorite 4x4s from the past. We began to wonder, how hard would it be to find a budget beater and turn it into the ultimate trail machine? Our goal was to find a vehicle that was not only readily available anywhere in the country, but one that has many of the key elements we look for in a four-wheel-drive. We chose the legendary Chevy S-10 Blazer because for our money, the "box" series was the best buy.
We like how basic the interior...
We like how basic the interior and dash are in the Baby Blazer. This '92 was equipped with the pushbutton four-wheel-drive system and electronic dash that even with 145k on the odometer still seemed to work without issue. Don't get too hung up on cosmetics with these things, as they may have served hard time as someone's beater. Remember that a spray-in liner is only a carpet pull away.
A good wheelbase, plenty of cargo room, and a reliable drivetrain were a few of the determining factors that made the little Blazer stand out from the pack. What we've compiled here is a list of some of the highs and lows associated with the '83-'93 Chevy S-10 Blazer. Although there were dozens of packages and frilly options available through the years, we simply couldn't care less about automatic dome lights and redesigned cup holders. We found online classifieds (e.g., Craigslist.com, Recylcer.com, and Autotrader.com) to be the easiest way to track down a variety of Blazers in our area and we strongly recommend at least taking a few minutes to see the variety of prices and vehicles available around you. This is helpful when gathering an idea of an average price and will allow you to find the best deal possible.
A very popular used engine...
A very popular used engine on the market today is the 4.3L Vortec V-6. With its legendary powerplant and modest size, the heart of the S-10 Blazer will give you plenty of horsepower for tire-spinning mud runs and an abundance of torque for all your rockcrawling adventures.
One of the best things about...
One of the best things about living in the dry southwest is the absence of rust. With 15 years under its belt, this little Chevy was looking good in all the right places. One of the best characteristics passed down from the fullsize Blazer was the stout frame. Having a solid build platform opens you up to a world of possibilities down the road, welcoming heavy modifications such as motor and solid-axle swaps.
A few weeks of searching uncovered...
A few weeks of searching uncovered this jewel hiding in the back lot of a local garage. It had been sitting for three years, so the guys over at the shop threw in a battery and fuel pump and she fired right up. Though she blows a little smoke and isn't the most kissable gal at the ball, we think with a little TLC and a set of tires, she can still be a heck of a ride.
The most powerful of the box bodies and the one we would most like to get our hands on is the '93. The extra 35 horses gained by the optional 4.3L CPI (Central-Port Injection) version of the V-6 sends this Blazer to the top of the list along with a beefier transmission and improved transfer case. Although we prefer the dimensions of the two-door, we believe both lengths are more than capable.
High Points
* 4-Wheel & Off-Road 4x4 of the Year
* 100.5-inch wheelbase
* Insta-Trac four-wheel drive (first system to have a lighted action display of the gear position)
* Optional 2.8L V-6 rated at 110 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque
* Available locking rear differential
* Off-road package
* Power steering
* 3,106-pound shipping weight
* Tech IV 2.5L I-4 introduced in 1985, producing 92 hp and 134 lb-ft of torque
* '86 offered a fuel-injected 2.8L V-6 boosting hp numbers to 125 and 150 lb-ft of torque
* Readily available
Low Points
* Changed from V-belt to Serpentine setup in '87
* Tech IV 2.5L I-4 introduced in '85 producing 92 hp and 134 lb-ft of torque
* Open front differential
* Independent front suspension
* 2.0L I-4
* NP207 transfer case
The two-door version was the...
The two-door version was the first S-10 Blazer to hit the market in late 1982 and remained the only body style available until the unveiling of the four-door in 1991. Both 100.5-inch (two-door) and 107-inch (four-door) body styles provide a balanced wheelbase for most on- and off-road obstacles.
The fenderwell openings are...
The fenderwell openings are another big plus. Without a lift we think a meaty set of 31-inch tires would work nice. If you're thinking bigger, a little help from the Sawzall and an inch or two of lift should make room for 33s.
High Points
* 2.8L V-6 standard
* Beginning in April 1988 the legendary 4.3L V-6 became a powerful option, delivering 160 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque
* '89 introduced the New Process 231 transfer case with a 2.72:1 ratio
* 4.3 becomes standard in 1990
* Horsepower gains and a 4L60E transmission were both standard in '93
* 107-inch wheelbase four-door version
* '93 last year of "box" body style
* CPI version of 4.3L, 195 hp
* 5LM60 five-speed transmission
* Spacious interior and more cargo room with the addition of the four-door
Low Points
* "Locking sleeve" used in the front end to engage the central disconnect to power the front axleshafts
* 3.08 gears
* 207 transfer case
* Electronically actuated transfer case
* '93 last year of "box" body style
* Independent front suspension
From 1983 until the end of production, S-Series Blazers were only available with a 7.5-inch rear axle (also known as 7 5/8-inch) and the 8.5-inch.The front axles all have a 7.2-inch reverse-cut ring gear that uses a vacuum diaphragm to engage the front axle. Both 7.5- and 7.2-inch are 10-bolts with a front spline count of 27 accompanied by a C-clip 26-spline in the rear. Torsion-bar suspension controlled the independent front end, while a spring-under axle system carried the rear. One of the engineering advantages of keeping the springs below the axle was to aid in wheelhop and axlewrap prevention. Though not as common as the automatic transmissions, there was a stronger five-speed Hydramatic 5LM60 manual-transmission option starting in early 1991, thus replacing the 290 five-speed units that the earlier models received.