I need to buy myself a new (used) truck this year.

I have a Tahoe or K-Blazer at the top of the list.

Nothing newer than 1998.

Not so much a 4 wheeler, but I do want to be able to tow a Class III and I drive in a lot of really crappy winter conditions.

I happen to LIKE manually locking hubs but they seem to be an endangered species, especially on newer vehicles.

I don't want to go TOO old, not because of the age, but because I need something in really good shape and the older I go the less likely I am to find a really cherry example.

So...
Looking for some input on what's out there in terms of what 4wd systems chevy has used, what years had 3-speed autos and what years had 4-speeds, as well as what model. (Like THM350 vs700R4 vs 4L80e)
Also, what model years to look for and which ones to avoid and any particular problems to watch out for.

Basically, I know the broad picture but not the details, because I haven't kept track.

Thanks in advance

If you want to stay w/the ability to have manual hubs, I'd suggest either a Blazer or Suburban up to 1991. The Sub will give you a little more wheelbase for towing. They are still solid axle fronts. You can get a cable actuator for the front axle connect on the IFS trucs. I think it is called PosiLock. If you do go newer, I'd look for a 96-98 w/ the Vortec engine. The 700r4/4L80E was in better shape by the late 80's. More than likely that is what you will find in a 1/2 ton.

heres my advice,,,,get a 95 to 98 2 door tahoe.if you like locking hubs,,do what i did. put a d44 under the front. you wouldnt have to go nearly as high as i did.

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=showMyPhoto&albumID=50914317&photoID=50914448&security=QYfNSg

rod -
The suburban is a little overkill for my needs.
too bad of course, because I do like a solid front axle. I do think I am most likely to find a vehicle in the 95-98 range.
What year do the manual locks disappear?


4x4 -
I was kind of thinking 2-door like you said. The only problem with that being that most Tahoes seem to be 4-doors.
You link doesn't work for me. I get a message that says: "You do not appear to be the owner of this album."
So, what did you do? Pull out the IFS and hang a D44 in it's place? What did that cost you? I mean, I know it ain't a simple job.

Originally posted by nakona

What year do the manual locks disappear?


In reality, they went away in 1980. In 81 they started w/the crappy automatic hubs. But, they are a simple switch to get real hubs. The SFA conversion would be nice. There are some good ones that I have seen.

try this one

http://community.webshots.com/photo/50914317/50914448QYfNSg

OK, that link works. Nice truck.



Question for either of you...

How do the auto hubs work in the 90's era trucks?

Basically, from start to finish, what happens when you engage 4wd?


I know in the old systems you locked the hubs to the axle shafts and then when you threw the lever you engaged the transfer case, sending power down the front driveshaft to the differential which then sent power to each wheel. Well, the left front wheel anyway, unless you had some kind of locker up front.


But I'm not sure how these new systems work or if it's still possible to do things like convert to manual hubs.

89-91 blazers came from the factory with a 454 as an option.

on the ifs trucks,,,,it has cv shafts. when you put the tcase in 4wd,,,a switch in the tcase sends electric power to the front diff,,engaging a actuator that locks the diff in. your cv shafts turn no matter if your in 2wd or 4wd. only in 4wd will the front pull. this system sucks. if its real cold,.or wour in water,,sometimes the front wont engage.

The PosiLock kit takes care of the actuator. That way you can contol front enguagement.

Originally posted by 4x4man
on the ifs trucks,,,,it has cv shafts. when you put the tcase in 4wd,,,a switch in the tcase sends electric power to the front diff,,engaging a actuator that locks the diff in. your cv shafts turn no matter if your in 2wd or 4wd. only in 4wd will the front pull. this system sucks. if its real cold,.or wour in water,,sometimes the front wont engage.

Really?
The system is so badly designed that you have to add an aftermarket part to make it work right?
Crap! And the whole reason I need 4wd in the first place is because of the winter conditions I drive in a lot.

Is this sort of system on ALL the Tahoes or are there years I can avoid?

And can someone build me a time machine and snag me an '85 K-Blazer?

It's not just GM's. A guy that works for me has a 95 Dodge, and the system on it sucks, too.

too bad,i had a 84 k5,,built. great shape and the a/c worked too,,sold it for 2000 bucks

all tahoes are like that. just a fact of life.i like the 95 year the best for GM trucks and sport utes. 95 has the newer interior,but kept the TBI engine. i dont care for the vortec. if you was a GM tech like i used to be,you wouldnt like them either.

Originally posted by charlo
89-91 blazers came from the factory with a 454 as an option.

No they didn't...TBI 350 was as big as it got in those years. The only 89-91 4wd with a factory 454 was the One ton. Check the VIN, the 7th and 8th position is a truck body type and engine size. If it has a "8W" there take a pic. 8 is for Blazer and "W" is for the 454.

Rene

Originally posted by 4x4man
too bad,i had a 84 k5,,built. great shape and the a/c worked too,,sold it for 2000 bucks


Ohhh, torture me now why doncha...


Now, what you said about the vortec...

That's interesting. Especially considering that it's real likely that any Tahoe I buy would have one.

Can you tell me what the problem with vortec is?
If it's bad enough I'll avoid them.


BTW...
as a side issue, but an important one, I am very concerned with the cost of ongoing maintainence, especially in the SECOND hundred thousand miles. That's why I'm not looking at the japanese trucks even though there are a few that are good.

Is ongoing maintenence costs the problem with the vortec?

in my experience,,fuel pumps, and intake manifold gaskets go like crazy. they are just plastic. i just personally dont like the engine

Really? I had no idea.
They have such a good rep.

Originally posted by nakona
Really? I had no idea.
They have such a good rep.

they do.. and they produce lots of power.. seems to be nothing wrong with vortecs.. i guess if your a gm tech you see all the problems coming in every day and not the hot dounuts and burnouts the majority of vortecs are doing.. :D