93 Blazer Beater / Plow Vehicle?

[CurseTheSky]

I've been looking around for a good deal on a cheap plow vehicle for the coming winter. I'm looking to spend under $3k, and the less I spend, the better. My requirements are something that is decently reliable, 4x4, not rusted out, and hopefully already has a plow attached. Being road worthy would be a huge plus, but not required if it's cheap enough.

One listing I found is for a 93 Blazer. It has the 4.3L Vortec V6, auto transmission, 4x4, leather interior, power windows & locks, and remote start. They said it's currently painted flat black, and it has "some rust," mainly on the passenger side rocker. They said the frame and all major body panels are in good shape, though. It comes with a Fisher Speedcast 4-way plow, electric over hydraulic pump, all quick disconnect connections. Rebuilt title (any way this can be a problem?), around 200k miles, and they said it was their daily driver until several months ago. $1300.

It sounds like a great deal to me considering the plow setup. Obviously I need to go take a look at it (~1 hour away) to assess the rust and make sure everything is in good working order. Before I do, I wanted to get the ATG opinion. I'm really not a fan of SUVs, but as long as these things are known for being reliable and up to the task, I won't balk at it.

What do you guys think? Any major known problems to look for (weak transmission, major rust areas that can be hidden, etc.) or are these things relatively solid?

 

[Tristicus]

You could probably find a cheap Silverado single cab V8 that would have a bit more balls, that way you could throw stuff in the back easier too. Not sure how much snow you have to plow though.

 

[CurseTheSky]

You could probably find a cheap Silverado single cab V8 that would have a bit more balls, that way you could throw stuff in the back easier too. Not sure how much snow you have to plow though.

Just a dirt / gravel driveway. It's hilly (4x4 is a must), and about a tenth of a mile long at most. We were using a garden tractor (riding lawnmower) with a snow blower attachment, but the thing is very hard on your shoulders (lifting the snow blower up constantly), sometimes spins even with wheel weights and chains, and the snow often blows back in your face. A neighbor came by this winter and plowed our driveway for us when we had a freak storm that dumped 2-2.5 feet of snow on us overnight (in Connecticut :|). Watching him plow the entire thing in about 2 minutes flat was the final straw against the snow blower.

I'm hoping to pick up an actual truck at some point in the future. For the time being, this thing will (hopefully) be registered so that it can be taken places when needed. When I manage to save up and find a decent deal on a semi-modern truck (99+ probably), I'll most likely let whatever plow vehicle I have go unregistered and just use it for the dirty work. That's the plan, anyway...

The hardest part is finding a decent vehicle with a complete plow setup for this cheap. I'm not as excited about the Blazer as I am about having something that runs and plows right out of the gate. 😉 However, if Blazers are known for common major problems, I'd probably pass on it.

 

[bruceb]

I also second the idea of a V8 powered truck / SUV for this job. You know, most likely, once you buy it the first winter will be an easy one.

 

[JCH13]

A buddy of mine in a similar situation switched FROM a plow TO a snow blower/tractor setup (an ag tractor, not a glorified lawn mower) for two reasons. the first being that plows can build up banks and narrow your driveway considerably. Apparently it got to the point where he had to take his tractor and dig up most of the banks and dump the snow somewhere else. The second reason being that the truck rotted apart because it didn't get used very often. I think an unforeseen benefit was that the snow blower didn't rip up any rocks from his driveway.

FWIW he uses a snowmobile helmet to avoid the snow-in-face annoyance.

 

[thedarkwolf]

The rebuilt title just means it isn't worth anything which seems to already be taken into account at $1300 for the suv and plow setup.

How much is the plow worth by itself? You could always use it for a year or so while looking for a good deal on a cheap v8 truck. Then sell the blazer for $500 or scrap it.

 

[herm0016]

i would not use an S-10 blazer for a plow, if it is a full size it will probably work. the 4.3 may be a little low on power for that job too. you could always buy this and use it, then when you find a better truck just install the plow on the new truck and scrap or sell the blazer.

plows add a lot of weight to the front, so you may want to check out the steering and suspension very well before you buy, it is is sagging you can add a leveling kit or add a leafs, depending on the suspension type.