how are jimmys/blazers?
Sep 18, 2006 | 11:26 AM
#13
Launching!
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 269
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From: Pensacola, FL
Mid 90's Blazers/Jimmys have pretty sorry brakes. The later years are better, but you're still better off all around with a well kept high mileage Cherokee with the straight 6. They are like cockroaches...in the good sense.
Dec 15, 2006 | 02:50 AM
#14
Originally Posted by 03NHSilvy
the powertrain is pretty stout. The things to look for are the intake manifold gasket likes to leak sometimes, as do the oil cooler lines (the filter is remote mounted). The biggest issue on these trucks in the front end, you'll want to check the balljoints, wheel bearings, and steering linkage CAREFULLY, as failures in these components is common. I had a 98 Jimmy, leather and the whole 9 yards. Pretty comfrotable truck, I had to replace most of what I mentioned above, but it was still a decent truck. 98+ have 4 wheels discs, which I'd try to get . All have pushbutton 4x4, and there are some issues there as well, with the vacuum actuater on the axle and the encoder (shift) motor right on the transfer case being the most common problem areas.
Dec 15, 2006 | 07:43 AM
#15
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 487
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From: Da 'Cuse, NY
To check the steering/ball joints, jack up the front of the vehicle...put your hands on the wheel at 3 and 9 o'clock postions and try to wiggle the wheel. If there is alot of movement, then the tie rod ends are probably bad. Now place your hands at 6 and 12 and try to wiggle the wheel...if there is alot of movement then the BJs are probably on their way out. The wheel bearings you can usually tell on a test drive...they sound like a loud humming noise inside that changes pitch when you turn the wheel at speed.
I doubt you'd have any signs of probs. at 52K, but w/ S-10s, anythings possible. I owned a '99 4WD p'up and a 5" lifted '98 ZR2 p'up and they had their fair share of problems, just like '03 NHSilvy said. The '98 was better than the '99, but it still lost 4WD, the intake leaked, plus a ton of nickel and dime stuff. I'd stay away from the S-10s and go w/ the 4.0 XJ Cherokees, even if they are more $$. You'll be ahead at the end w/ less repair bills. My DD/winter beater '94 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/ the 5.2 V8 and 170K is practically bulletproof.
I doubt you'd have any signs of probs. at 52K, but w/ S-10s, anythings possible. I owned a '99 4WD p'up and a 5" lifted '98 ZR2 p'up and they had their fair share of problems, just like '03 NHSilvy said. The '98 was better than the '99, but it still lost 4WD, the intake leaked, plus a ton of nickel and dime stuff. I'd stay away from the S-10s and go w/ the 4.0 XJ Cherokees, even if they are more $$. You'll be ahead at the end w/ less repair bills. My DD/winter beater '94 Jeep Grand Cherokee w/ the 5.2 V8 and 170K is practically bulletproof.
Dec 15, 2006 | 01:19 PM
#17
TECH Regular
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 487
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From: Da 'Cuse, NY
Yeah, it's called the PosiLok, it replaces the actuator in the front axle. You still have to push the button on the dash to get the t-case engaged, but then you pull the cable to engage the front axle.