[2dogs2]

I bought a 89 blazer with over 100k on it, runs great, has a 7 1/2 western plow. I only use it for plowing my driveway which is about 200yds long with a 3 car garage in front.

1. Should I add a transmission gauge to it ? If so, what brand is good?

2. Don't know if the trans fluid has ever been changed, and have read and heard good and bad things about changing it if it has not been done on a regular basis. Would it be safe to change it or at least drain some of it and replace it with fresh ?

3. Since time is not a concern would it be better to plow in 4lo or 4 hi ? My driveway is dirt with a bit of an incline at one point, and a narrow bridge with drop offs on both sides. I really do not push the truck fast now except maybe on the incline. (mainly cause I don't want to go over the drop off)


Thanks...

 

[B&B]

How much time does it take you to plow the driveway?
In other words, how long is the truck used at any one time?

 

[2dogs2]

How much time does it take you to plow the driveway?
In other words, how long is the truck used at any one time?

Normal is 30 min / 55 was the max

 

[jbrow1]

30 minutes must be because you are taking your time doing your own house and being very careful. I'm guessing.

I would drive the blazer to warm everything up and then check the tranny fluid. Make sure it's full and leave it at that. Just my personal opinion. Check the transfer case and axle levels as well just to be safe. Those older parts are getting harder to find and not any cheaper. I just put a transfer case and driveshaft in my 1980 chevy and it's not like when I was 16 and parts were everywhere!! So take care of what ya have.

I wouldn't think you'd need a transmission cooler for the little you'll use it. But it wouldn't hurt anything either. Can't help ya with a brand as I don't know much about them.

Do you use plow shoes? I have done a long gravel drive like you describe since 94. Just now started using shoes. Makes much faster and less hassle. It's not bad without the shoes once it's frozen. Just have to go slowly and listen to what the plow is doing.

Oh yeah, 4-hi. I've never had a reason to plow in 4 low. Well only once and that was a very wet/heavy/deep snow that I should've done 3 times or more. Needless to say 4low didn't help and I was pulled out by a big cat loader who also finished the driveway for me.

 

[B&B]

Normal is 30 min / 55 was the max

I wouldn't consider an auxiliary cooler as a "necessity" in your case then...but you could install a temp gage to keep an eye on it if your wanted... be a good time to change the fluid and filter while the pan was down to add the temp sender also.

As far as using low vs high, it just depends on the situation and how the truck is set up.

Wet or very deep snow you might want to consider low range....but you shouldn't need it all the time.

 

[mikelawtown]

I had a 90 K5 for 5 years and plowed great..I did replace the trans because i lost reverse..I think they have a trans cooler but you wouldnt need that going slow anyway..Just make sure you change the filter and fluid..(nice and red)..check it now and if it is brownish then change it..I never used 4L as it worked great in 4H..