Xtreme question

srv748 · 10-14-2009, 04:50 PM

Hey guys, Im looking to get an xtreme blazer in the near future (as long as certain factors come into play) and had a couple quick questions.

I have two options, both 2001's. First one is a 5 speed and heard that was rare, are they that hard to come by? 135k miles and has power everything with moon roof and tow package.

The second is auto, not power everything, just window and steering. It has 106K miles, 25K less miles which is good, but not sure if it has the towing package.

Both are the same price, so here are the main questions

1. is the 5 speed worth getting (has there been any known issues with the 5 speed)

2. was the tow package a standard option or not (i do plan on doing some mild towing but nothing too heavy

3. what is the tow rating of these with the tow package if anyone knows.

Sorry for all the questions but I cant find this out with my limited internet options at work and home computer has pooped out. Any help here would be great. Thanks all and love all the pics I've seen.

Fannatick · 10-14-2009, 05:52 PM

Hmmm...with the 4.3 a 5 speed is fun to drive. However with your towing plans, it might hinder the 5 speed.

I'm not sure about the towing package but I know the 4.3 can pull a lot, its the stopping part that gets complicated. Depending on what you're towing and how far, you might want to consider upgrading the brakes (just a recommendation).

I would try searching in the 4.3 or the blazer section for towing specs and other helpful hints/tricks.

G473R · 10-15-2009, 07:45 PM

I bought a auto and am still kicking myself in the ass for it now, but I wanted the 5 speed, the auto is geared for towing I believe. It's been a really nice truck and I've towed a uhaul 1,000 miles between IL and VA several times (before I put my rollpan on) plus made that trip over 20 times without towing anything. It handled great and got decent gas mileage I'll give it that (didn't have any brake problems). Something I have noticed though, my transmission gets hot as hell. Also just remember too, with a stick god knows what damage could be done to the transmission because of who drove it before. Totally up to you though, hope you do get one, it was my first car, going 6 years strong, no problems (cept my headlights right now...grrrr...).

srv748 · 10-15-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by G473R

I bought a auto and am still kicking myself in the ass for it now, but I wanted the 5 speed, the auto is geared for towing I believe. It's been a really nice truck and I've towed a uhaul 1,000 miles between IL and VA several times (before I put my rollpan on) plus made that trip over 20 times without towing anything. It handled great and got decent gas mileage I'll give it that (didn't have any brake problems). Something I have noticed though, my transmission gets hot as hell. Also just remember too, with a stick god knows what damage could be done to the transmission because of who drove it before. Totally up to you though, hope you do get one, it was my first car, going 6 years strong, no problems (cept my headlights right now...grrrr...).

I want the 5 speed over the other even if it has more miles, but like you said and I agree, you dont know whats been done to the tranny. So far in the past I havent had any issues with pre-owned sticks, so I have to go on faith, and of course I still dont even know if Im going to get one. I should find out next week.

skfury440 · 10-15-2009, 08:44 PM

5 spd FTW. Would not even think twice about it, even if it was toast I find these NV3500's on CL all the time.

srv748 · 10-16-2009, 05:35 PM

Well all the factors came into place and I should be heading to the dealers tomorrow to have a look. With enough luck, ill be driving home in one tomorrow evening. Im aiming for the 5 speed, but I will at least look at both.

I will have a spare 350 soon, so who knows, once I finish my 383 in my 86 s10 blazer, maybe I'll hook this one up too. But that will be a LONG time from now if it happens.

Wish me luck and if I get it, i'll post some pics of both.

srv748 · 10-16-2009, 08:37 PM

DAMN!!!!!!!! Just called about the 5 speed and its gone

. Guess Im gonna have to move on the the Auto.

The Auto has less miles and looks better (better color, stance, and rims) but I really wanted the 5 speed.

Bummer, but maybe it was a sign that I wanst suppose to get it because it was going to break down. THats my story and Im sticking to it.

s10xtremist · 10-16-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by skfury440

5 spd FTW. Would not even think twice about it, even if it was toast I find these NV3500's on CL all the time.

Dammit. I've been trying to find a low-mileage NV3500 for my '98 for six months now. All I find are rebuilt units for $800-$1000. I there a relatively easy and/or cheap way to make an NV from a full-size work in my S10?

/Hijack

skfury440 · 10-16-2009, 10:27 PM

The NV3500 AFAIK was used on all 4.3s, which were the base motors for fullsize trucks and vans. As long as the donor car has the 4.3 I think you should be alright, I believe you will need to modify the driveshaft length though. However I am no expert on this subject so you'd better ask in the appropriate section of the forum. One thing I do know is the Mopar NV3500s don't work with the GM ones. The ones I usually see on CL come from fullsize pickups.

DriftinBlzr · 10-17-2009, 11:53 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by s10xtremist

Is there a relatively easy and/or cheap way to make an NV from a full-size work in my S10?

I recall reading somewhere that the gear ratios are different between fullsize and S-series NV3500's.

Quote: Originally Posted by srv748

DAMN!!!!!!!! Just called about the 5 speed and its gone . Guess Im gonna have to move on the the Auto.

If you don't NEED the Blazer now, wait until another 5-speed Xtreme comes along. Don't settle for something you don't want or you'll be kicking yourself everytime you see what you originally wanted for sale.

Later, Doug

srv748 · 10-19-2009, 04:27 PM

If you don't NEED the Blazer now, wait until another 5-speed Xtreme comes along. Don't settle for something you don't want or you'll be kicking yourself everytime you see what you originally wanted for sale.

Later, Doug[/quote]

I will need something soon and I really want a blazer. A 5 speed would be better, but I can certainly be happy with the auto.

I talk to a guy i know who happened to look at the 5 speed not that long ago and wouldnt buy it. he said the tranny had a prob and its a dinky little dealer who doesnt offer financing, just cash so Im glad it worked out the way it did. I couldnt make it to the other one this weekend due to work so I'll try again next week and go from there.

SnoMan · 10-19-2009, 05:20 PM

My blazer isnt and extreme but i definatly agree with the others; 4.3 plus 5 speed equals fun. It pulls really hard and has tons of power. And yes, they are definatly not as common. Took me almost 7 moths to find my 4x4 but the wait was definatly worth it

Fannatick · 10-20-2009, 05:00 PM

Yeah it took me a while too. I had to drive to Maine to buy it (I'm from NY). It was worth it though.

bwhitfield24 · 10-21-2009, 11:28 PM

I'm in TX and my 5 speed blazer came from GA, and my 5 speed pickup came from FL.... I say it's worth it!!

Xebeth · 10-28-2009, 02:49 PM

While driving a 5 speed can be fun, I prefer an auto any day of the week (unless I'm wanting to race, but if that's the case, I wouldn't be doing it in a Blazer anyway).

I do not regret getting my Blazer in an automatic one bit.

srv748 · 10-28-2009, 04:57 PM

Well they were both sold before I got to them. I 'll jsut try to focus my time and money on my 86 blazer build.

10-14-2009, 04:50 PM	#1
srv748 Sox Nation Age: 30 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36 Location: Tucson AZ User is: OffLine	Xtreme question Hey guys, Im looking to get an xtreme blazer in the near future (as long as certain factors come into play) and had a couple quick questions. I have two options, both 2001's. First one is a 5 speed and heard that was rare, are they that hard to come by? 135k miles and has power everything with moon roof and tow package. The second is auto, not power everything, just window and steering. It has 106K miles, 25K less miles which is good, but not sure if it has the towing package. Both are the same price, so here are the main questions 1. is the 5 speed worth getting (has there been any known issues with the 5 speed) 2. was the tow package a standard option or not (i do plan on doing some mild towing but nothing too heavy 3. what is the tow rating of these with the tow package if anyone knows. Sorry for all the questions but I cant find this out with my limited internet options at work and home computer has pooped out. Any help here would be great. Thanks all and love all the pics I've seen.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-14-2009, 05:52 PM	#2
Fannatick Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 884 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question Hmmm...with the 4.3 a 5 speed is fun to drive. However with your towing plans, it might hinder the 5 speed. I'm not sure about the towing package but I know the 4.3 can pull a lot, its the stopping part that gets complicated. Depending on what you're towing and how far, you might want to consider upgrading the brakes (just a recommendation). I would try searching in the 4.3 or the blazer section for towing specs and other helpful hints/tricks.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-15-2009, 07:45 PM	#3
G473R Drop &amp; Destroy Age: 23 Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 191 Location: Springfield, IL User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question I bought a auto and am still kicking myself in the ass for it now, but I wanted the 5 speed, the auto is geared for towing I believe. It's been a really nice truck and I've towed a uhaul 1,000 miles between IL and VA several times (before I put my rollpan on) plus made that trip over 20 times without towing anything. It handled great and got decent gas mileage I'll give it that (didn't have any brake problems). Something I have noticed though, my transmission gets hot as hell. Also just remember too, with a stick god knows what damage could be done to the transmission because of who drove it before. Totally up to you though, hope you do get one, it was my first car, going 6 years strong, no problems (cept my headlights right now...grrrr...).
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-15-2009, 08:36 PM	#4
srv748 Sox Nation Age: 30 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36 Location: Tucson AZ User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question Quote: Originally Posted by G473R I bought a auto and am still kicking myself in the ass for it now, but I wanted the 5 speed, the auto is geared for towing I believe. It's been a really nice truck and I've towed a uhaul 1,000 miles between IL and VA several times (before I put my rollpan on) plus made that trip over 20 times without towing anything. It handled great and got decent gas mileage I'll give it that (didn't have any brake problems). Something I have noticed though, my transmission gets hot as hell. Also just remember too, with a stick god knows what damage could be done to the transmission because of who drove it before. Totally up to you though, hope you do get one, it was my first car, going 6 years strong, no problems (cept my headlights right now...grrrr...). I want the 5 speed over the other even if it has more miles, but like you said and I agree, you dont know whats been done to the tranny. So far in the past I havent had any issues with pre-owned sticks, so I have to go on faith, and of course I still dont even know if Im going to get one. I should find out next week.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-15-2009, 08:44 PM	#5
skfury440 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 302 Location: Anchorage User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question 5 spd FTW. Would not even think twice about it, even if it was toast I find these NV3500's on CL all the time.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-16-2009, 05:35 PM	#6
srv748 Sox Nation Age: 30 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36 Location: Tucson AZ User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question Well all the factors came into place and I should be heading to the dealers tomorrow to have a look. With enough luck, ill be driving home in one tomorrow evening. Im aiming for the 5 speed, but I will at least look at both. I will have a spare 350 soon, so who knows, once I finish my 383 in my 86 s10 blazer, maybe I'll hook this one up too. But that will be a LONG time from now if it happens. Wish me luck and if I get it, i'll post some pics of both.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-16-2009, 08:37 PM	#7
srv748 Sox Nation Age: 30 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36 Location: Tucson AZ User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question DAMN!!!!!!!! Just called about the 5 speed and its gone . Guess Im gonna have to move on the the Auto. The Auto has less miles and looks better (better color, stance, and rims) but I really wanted the 5 speed. Bummer, but maybe it was a sign that I wanst suppose to get it because it was going to break down. THats my story and Im sticking to it.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-16-2009, 09:35 PM	#8
s10xtremist Man, what da hell?! Age: 27 Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 388 Location: State Capitol Raceway, Louisiana User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question Quote: Originally Posted by skfury440 5 spd FTW. Would not even think twice about it, even if it was toast I find these NV3500's on CL all the time. Dammit. I've been trying to find a low-mileage NV3500 for my '98 for six months now. All I find are rebuilt units for $800-$1000. I there a relatively easy and/or cheap way to make an NV from a full-size work in my S10? /Hijack
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-16-2009, 10:27 PM	#9
skfury440 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 302 Location: Anchorage User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question The NV3500 AFAIK was used on all 4.3s, which were the base motors for fullsize trucks and vans. As long as the donor car has the 4.3 I think you should be alright, I believe you will need to modify the driveshaft length though. However I am no expert on this subject so you'd better ask in the appropriate section of the forum. One thing I do know is the Mopar NV3500s don't work with the GM ones. The ones I usually see on CL come from fullsize pickups. Last edited by skfury440 : 10-16-2009 at 10:28 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-17-2009, 11:53 AM	#10
DriftinBlzr Registered User Age: 27 Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 43 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question Quote: Originally Posted by s10xtremist Is there a relatively easy and/or cheap way to make an NV from a full-size work in my S10? I recall reading somewhere that the gear ratios are different between fullsize and S-series NV3500's. Quote: Originally Posted by srv748 DAMN!!!!!!!! Just called about the 5 speed and its gone . Guess Im gonna have to move on the the Auto. If you don't NEED the Blazer now, wait until another 5-speed Xtreme comes along. Don't settle for something you don't want or you'll be kicking yourself everytime you see what you originally wanted for sale. Later, Doug Last edited by DriftinBlzr : 10-17-2009 at 11:55 AM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-19-2009, 04:27 PM	#11
srv748 Sox Nation Age: 30 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36 Location: Tucson AZ User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question If you don't NEED the Blazer now, wait until another 5-speed Xtreme comes along. Don't settle for something you don't want or you'll be kicking yourself everytime you see what you originally wanted for sale. Later, Doug[/quote] I will need something soon and I really want a blazer. A 5 speed would be better, but I can certainly be happy with the auto. I talk to a guy i know who happened to look at the 5 speed not that long ago and wouldnt buy it. he said the tranny had a prob and its a dinky little dealer who doesnt offer financing, just cash so Im glad it worked out the way it did. I couldnt make it to the other one this weekend due to work so I'll try again next week and go from there.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-19-2009, 05:20 PM	#12
SnoMan Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 120 Location: Hilton NY User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question My blazer isnt and extreme but i definatly agree with the others; 4.3 plus 5 speed equals fun. It pulls really hard and has tons of power. And yes, they are definatly not as common. Took me almost 7 moths to find my 4x4 but the wait was definatly worth it
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-20-2009, 05:00 PM	#13
Fannatick Registered User Age: 25 Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 884 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question Yeah it took me a while too. I had to drive to Maine to buy it (I'm from NY). It was worth it though.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 11:28 PM	#14
bwhitfield24 Insert witty title here. Age: 23 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,572 Location: Crowley, TX User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question I'm in TX and my 5 speed blazer came from GA, and my 5 speed pickup came from FL.... I say it's worth it!!
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-28-2009, 02:49 PM	#15
Xebeth I win Age: 19 Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 64 Location: Vernon, AL User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question While driving a 5 speed can be fun, I prefer an auto any day of the week (unless I'm wanting to race, but if that's the case, I wouldn't be doing it in a Blazer anyway). I do not regret getting my Blazer in an automatic one bit.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-28-2009, 04:57 PM	#16
srv748 Sox Nation Age: 30 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 36 Location: Tucson AZ User is: OffLine	Re: Xtreme question Well they were both sold before I got to them. I 'll jsut try to focus my time and money on my 86 blazer build.
	[Reply w/Quote]