The original ball joints finally started going bad around 190,000 miles which, IMHO isn't bad! The ball joints were replaced by myself. I replaced the inner and outer wheel bearings along with the hubs just so everything in the front end was fresh. Total cost for this was $325...try doing this on a newer vehicle--it would probably run at least $500.
The heater blower motor bearings started making a horrid noise--the blower motor was easily replaced in about 20 minutes. This was around $30.
The alternator went out and had to be replaced, but this was only about $30. Cheap!!
It eats gas if you drive it hard.
These have been the only "real" problems I've had with it and for the age and mileage, it's to be expected.
I really liked this Blazer... the reason I say "liked" is because it's now seriously damaged due to hitting a cow a few nights ago.
The cow didn't fare so well, but myself and the passenger with me escaped unharmed. I even drove it home that night. There is no way I could have done this with my 2002 F-150--it wouldn't have been driveable.
The insurance company will probably total the Blazer as estimates are $3500 to fix it. It's been a great rig... tows my boat well, drives like a champ on snowy/icy roads, turns on a dime and has never left me stranded out in the boonies.
I wouldn't hesitate to drive across the country entirely off-road in the Blazer as it's darn reliable.
I'm in the process now of looking for another one just in case this one is a total.
Most of us just go to the supermarket when we want to pick up some steak. It seems you took extreme measures!
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