One of the bigger stories to come out of GM in 1983 were the new smaller Blazer and Jimmy. They were 6-10 inches lower, 15.3 inches shorter, 14.8 inches narrower and 1200-1400 pounds lighter than the old full-size model. Standard power was a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, but better was the 2.8-liter V-6. The Blazer/Jimmy could be had with 2-wheel drive or a 4-wheel drive that allowed the driver to switch from 2WD to 4WD at any speed from the drier’s seat. Just pull the lever, pause, and in less time than it took an Audi Quattro to lock its differentials, you’ve added or subtracted two drive wheels. Rumor was Opel was very interested in this system for its Manta rally cars and it would have been an ideal counter to the Quattro, which suffered whenever it had to rally on dry pavement with its full-time 4-wheel-drive. This patented drive system was also quite handy in the standard Blazer/Jimmy, which could be outfitted with a very non-truck interior to make it the new generation of American station wagon… and an alternative for buyers who never would have considered a Blazer or Jimmy in the past.
What Junkies are Saying