Looking into a blazer

[softballnrd27]

So we are looking into a vehicle that can cart all 5 of us around on family camping, hunting, fishing trips. We also need to be able to tow an 18 ft pontoon boat or a pop-up camper. I have settled on the blazer platform but can't decide which year, are there any reasons to go with a certain model? Pre-76 with full convertible or 77 to later? It will get driven alot and on longer road trips as well. My plans are: Dana 60/14 bolt FF, 6.0/4l80e swap, 35 to 37 in tires, and I want it to be reliable and capable on and off road.

[68Timber]

I think 78 was the first year for the rear bench seat to have a foot-well to go with it, before that it was just a seat bolted to the bed. Maybe not a big deal for your needs, except that they would fold up out of the way increasing rear cargo area. After that, if you're replacing all the axles and drivetrain, I can't think of much else that'd matter aside from the full-vert years you already mentioned.

[swissarmychainsaw]

I was in your shoes a while back. Really like convertibles, really like Blazers.
But, with a young child it was hard to justify putting my little guy in the back of an open truck with lap belts and no roll bar.

I went with a suburban (after asking advice here) and have never looked back.
You said FIVE? Yeah, Suburban!

Mine is a tank and is more than capable off-road (it can do more than I ask of it usually). Shoulder belts in the back!

And, if you get the 1991 2500 you can get the 4l80e for free!

Think on it! :-)

[eighteenninetytwo]

With 6 and 8 year old I have added roll bar and I am in the process of changing out the rear seats for Yukon 3rd row seats which com with integral shoulder belts. Realistically though mine is never going to be used REALLY off road or rock climbing, generally nothing more extreme than the odd two / three miles or so dirt track when camping or fishing.

[softballnrd27]

We will be doing alot of driving on the beach so topless is a must. I will be swapping in a newer interior that has integrated shoulder belts in the rear and a cage.

[eighteenninetytwo]

if you're doing that anyway then pre 76 full convertible gives the best options in the sun without doubt.