1990 K5 to 1972 K5

[hgs_notes]

I may be able to get a deal on a 1990 K5 for parts and wanted to check with people that have more experience with 4x4's in general and with the second gen K5's. I know people have swapped bodies on trucks and blazers to the newer chassis before, but not me. I am pretty familiar with the 67-72 4x4s, but not the newer ones. I started a thread on the 73-91 Blazer board, (thanks to jonboy and badpeanut for info) but there may be more info on this subject here.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=242891

Any years that I should stay away from because of weak tranny or transfer cases? Any years more desireable because of quality of components used? If the 90 doesn't work out for me (might already be sold), I need to know what I'm looking for for donor vehicles. Not that I have anything against the newer style, it's just that somewhat complete 1st gen K5's are harder to come by and more expensive. I want to increase my options for my low buck build. I like the idea of fuel injection, OD tranny, etc. But also like simplicity. Less electronics makes for easier, cheaper swap.

[eedgell]

I have asked some of these same questions on frame swap, and it seems to be a bit of a pain. Dont know about low buck either to do it right. Lot of work involved. Might be better of with the original to start with. Never done it, dont know, but thats what I hear.

[Chris27]

Wheelbase is longer on the '73-91 Blazers. Frame would have to be shortened to fit a '69-72.

[special-K]

Cool idea,no real advantage.If you have a 1st gen Blazer with a good body,you`ll have the matching frame.Where are you going to find an excellent "body only" for a 1st gen Blazer?There are more frames than bodies.Drivetrain is a swapable.ack to square 1.The 73-91s are a cool no longer made vehicle in themselves.They are abundant,that`s for sure.Lots of rusty ones,too.That`s where all these converted old trucks,Trazers,and cars come from...all the Blazer frames and running gear laying around.

[hgs_notes]

Originally Posted by special-K

Cool idea,no real advantage.If you have a 1st gen Blazer with a good body,you`ll have the matching frame.Where are you going to find an excellent "body only" for a 1st gen Blazer?There are more frames than bodies.Drivetrain is a swapable.ack to square 1.The 73-91s are a cool no longer made vehicle in themselves.They are abundant,that`s for sure.Lots of rusty ones,too.That`s where all these converted old trucks,Trazers,and cars come from...all the Blazer frames and running gear laying around.

I have a 72 Jimmy bought from a junkyard. No drive train. Finding running gear from a 1st gen K5 is way harder than the 2nd generation.

[special-K]

That`s what I`m saying.It`s easier to just install newer running gear in the old Jimmy.It`s the body that`s hardest to come by,then the frame.Everything else is swapable.If you want original drivetrain,that`s not as hard as you`d think.I have two Blazers(70 & 72) with hard parts/bad bodies.