Are there any manual Blazers/Jimmy's

[canadianK5]

Hey guys. I'm posting here as I would like to ask the second gen blazer/Jimmy owners one question. Is there anyone running a manual transmission. This has been bugging me for a while. I've got a 72 K5 with an automatic. I've just assumed that the auto was a cool opition to have in the early seventies. Regardless, I'm not an automatic fan, and have wondered what driving a manual blazer would be like. I've done some research at http://brochures.slosh.com and it states that a manual transmission was standard on 69-91 blazers/Jimmys. Yet, when I check out ebay, and the trader/buysell here in Canada, almost 99% of the ones for sale are automatics. What gives? Were manual transmissions that undesirable? From what I have read the sm465 is bomber with a great reputation. Odd question I'm sure, but if anyone has an idea s about the lack of manuals, let me know. I would almost consider selling my first gen for a manual trans blazer. I know you can swap in a manual, but that's a question for another post another time. Thanks guys

Marc

[special-K]

My`90 is a manual.It was factory ordered:Silverado,manual hubs and trans,vinyl seats,and crank windows.It`s an exception to the rule for later 2nd gens.A/c and automatics have become "must haves" these days and it`s hard to find manuals except in smaller sportier cars.The manual works great,you do give up o/d though.They are geared so high it doesn`t matter,but would help gas consumption.BTW,175,000 miles no problems and original clutch.NOW FOR SALE $3,000

[Captkaos]

From what I have found the majority of the blazers purchased were Automatics. The ones that weren't are hard to find, and are never for sale. (around here)

[bagged74]

My 72 2wd was a manual. kinda sucked for cruising, but fun for playing around.

[six point 0]

its just about done. and it will be up for sale in the next few days. I have one w/ the sm465, have updated a few things, and will send you some pix if interested. now that I have had both, i prefer the automatic. thats why I'm selling mine. the gas mileage is a little better w/ the manual, but it much nore like driving a truck. feel free to email me @ happy_idiot@comcast.net if you would like some pix or more info.
ted

[special-K]

Six point 0,Where are you located and how much?Are you going to post it in the "For Sale" section?

[da-burb]

I just got a 74 2wd blazer with the ever popular 3 spd on the column. At least it did come with A/C even with the cheapo 3 on the tree.

[Strictly Gravy]

I got an 88 350 TBI with the SM465 4-speed. I absolutely love it! I used it to tow a 5000lb trailer from chicago to georgia with a side trip to the blueridge mountains and appalachians without any problems. Its even better on my jobsite cuz it is a decently wooded/hilly area with alot of mud( its a water plant), and I have to use the granny first gear alot when towing things around and climbing hills, The clutch is starting to slip, but I already have one along with a new starter, radiator, and a few other odds and ends going in the week after thanksgiving.

Its funny cuz as I am saying this one of the guys was towing a trailer up a small hill out my window and he is just spinning his tires in the mud. HAHAHAH.

[SSC's76]

Theres one sitting behind the shop not for sale though. The lady who owns it bought my jeep. It's a 80 or 81 Jimmy 4 speed granny, 4x4, 305 it even has AC. I cant seem to figure out why GM decided a 305 3.23 ratio combo would move this beast.

[Zoomad75]

My 75 was originally equipped with the 4speed. (Still is and always will be) Mine even came with the tilt column too. I love the fact that it's a manual. It is the only way to go off road, for me at least. Driving up and down rocky/snow covered trails makes the granny gear priceless. Plus a SM465 is practiacally bullet proof and you don't have any cooler lines to get whacked and dump all the fluid off road.

There were a lot built in the earlier years, but the later ones had less and less built. Shoot, not many people know how to drive a manual trans now. Sucks, but it's a fact of life.

The other reason, you might not see as many of the old blazers now with a manual is people swapping them out for Auto trannies. I'll be the first to admit that the lack of an OD gear makes for crappy mileage. Some swap for a 700r4, some just want to be able to drive without the fun. Then you get some of them donating the 4 speed parts to another guy's project. It all just boils down to personal preference.

I jumped on mine when I got the chance and that was with a blown engine. I wanted it for the fact that it was a 75 (full convertible) and a 4 speed truck. It is just more fun to drive off road.

Here's a shot inside mine (sorry for the darkness)

[special-K]

I`m gonna keep my`90.I want to swap the 4.10 3/4t axles,4"EZ-Rides,and 35"MTRs on black steelies from my `burb.Then do a full-top conversion(soft & hard)and roll cage.Give it a second life as a strictly fun Blazer.If I end up traveling much in it,I`ll bolt an NV4500 I have to the NP241.
I`m doing this`cuz I decided to swap the 6.2/4L80E/NP241 from the Suburban into a`72 K/20 I have that I`m putting a service body(low-profile Reading)on and 1t axles under that are laying around.I`ll be able to have my dream work truck for when I want to use it.