S-10 Blazer vs Bronco II

What exactly are the differences. Did the S-10 Blazer RWD come in manual?

Was looking at this bronco.. hmm http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5503960472.html

or manual http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5481828992.html

Avoid any S-10 Blazer with the 2.8L, I can tell you that. The 2.8L was a tough engine in FWD applications (Tough, not powerful) but turned 90* they were absolute garbage.

My impression was the Bronc was a little closer to the utility end of SUV while the Blazer was more sport. What are you looking to do with it? Bronc is just a Ranger with a camper top, so all the good and bad about an old Ranger. Simple, unkillable, not particularly comfy...

Just want to roll around town, short trips. I don't have a work commute. Something fun, maybe stuff my bike or a kyak in the back. Ideally the S-10 Blazer would scratch the itch of RWD V8 or V6 without the Nova/Malibu/Mustang tax.

The carbureted 2.8 v6 that that bronco II has is a steaming pile of poo. The later EFI 2.9 or 3.0 engines were much better, but not great. The also run much better with a manual transmission. I can tell you from personal experience that a 4cyl manual B-II will put more power to the ground than a 2.8 AT B-II.

My personal opinion, don't buy either one, buy the best XJ or ZJ with a 4.0 that you can afford.

HappyAndy wrote: My personal opinion, don't buy either one, buy the best XJ or ZJ with a 4.0 that you can afford.

I second the motion. Get a ZJ. They have the best seats ever, pretty capable in stock trim and the 4.0L is a honey of an engine. Plus, cheap ZJs seem pretty common.

The bronco was built as more of a workhorse. Most of them had great 4low pulling ability due to the gearing. My dads wasnt real highway friendly and it rode rough compared to the same era s10 blazer but it would climb and pull things the blazer couldnt.

For your needs id probably go with an s10 blazer and that hurts because im a ford guy.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/8n6L6qGJ_E0?list=PL8HILNMicoi6frBzfDro05x0W-44D1ZWz

Okay, S-10 Blazer is it.

Anyone learn me? years I should look for, motors, etc?

We owned the last year of the box - a red 4-door 1994 4x4. I really liked the truck but the dash had stupid gauges. The 4.3 was rated at 200hp and the entire truck seemed faster than our 2003 Trailblazer at 270hp.

We owned two cars with sucky gauges - the 1994 S10 Blazer and a 1985 Pontiac Grand Am.

Both the S10 and S10 Blazer were offered in an Xtreme package. If you're looking for a 2wd sport truck, this is what I would recommend with the 4.3L engine.

Run away from the 2.8l in s10s definitely.everyone I've known that has had a s10 has had front end issues.

My dad has a 86 bII. Bought it for 800 bucks, drove it for 8 years with a 2 hour commute one way everyday. Parked it because it was too small for concrete work. 4 years later I put a battery in and it started within 5 sec. His is the 2.8l carbed 4x4. I was pretty impressed with that car, got about 24 highway too

The 80s s-10 by GMC or Chevy really tickle my fancy. 2 door a must

I know tons about the s-series. 2.8 ain't bad, as long as it's 87 up with tbi. All of them need front end work. There's simple upgrades that make them handle much better. 700r4, or 5 speed available. You can swap from one to the other pretty easily.

87-93 are what you want. 4.3 or 2.8, 2wd. 2 door. What else do you want to know?

Also after looking at the links.....5k is quite a lot for a bII

S10 P/U & Blazer are hard on ball joints, idler arms and pitman arms. Small, non lube components and heavy wheel/tires.

Dusterbd13 wrote: I know tons about the s-series. 2.8 ain't bad, as long as it's 87 up with tbi. All of them need front end work. There's simple upgrades that make them handle much better. 700r4, or 5 speed available. You can swap from one to the other pretty easily. 87-93 are what you want. 4.3 or 2.8, 2wd. 2 door. What else do you want to know?

Great! Help me find one in my area? Raleigh NC

Ready to go, or need stuff?

Dusterbd13 wrote: Ready to go, or need stuff?

Ready to go. I'm a shade tree mechanic at this point. Don't even have a parking spot really. Street parking. Budget about $3-5k.

How far you want to go to get it?

Dusterbd13 wrote: How far you want to go to get it?

Would like to stay local. But I have a 2013 Volvo C30 that girlfriend can drive back home while I drive the s-10 home.

First or second generation?

Dusterbd13 wrote: First or second generation?

87-93 preference, but wouldn't mind something same body style

RWD too. Have no use for 4 x 4

I'll see what I can dig up.