1990 Chevrolet Blazer K5 454

Location: Ocean, New Jersey

Why It's Curated: This 1990 Chevrolet Blazer K5 is for sale in Ocean, NJ. This K5 represents a comprehensive build focused on serious off-road capability, anchored by a potent 454 big block V8 sourced from a 1999 Suburban and paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The inclusion of locking differentials front, center, and rear creates a formidable traction management system that transforms this classic SUV into a genuine trail weapon. With only 15,000 miles on the completed build, this Blazer showcases the extensive mechanical work and recent maintenance that has gone into creating a reliable, high-performance off-road machine. The fresh orange and white paint scheme gives this iconic square-body a distinctive presence, while the comprehensive nature of the build—detailed in the accompanying build sheet—demonstrates the level of commitment to creating something truly special from this beloved American 4x4 platform.

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Model History: The 1990 Chevrolet K5 Blazer represents the final evolution of one of America's most iconic full-size SUVs, marking the end of an era that began in 1969. Built on GM's robust GMT400 platform, the 1990 model year introduced significant refinements including improved NVH characteristics, updated interior appointments, and enhanced structural rigidity compared to its square-body predecessors. This generation benefited from lessons learned during two decades of K5 production, incorporating feedback from military applications, civilian users, and the burgeoning recreational off-road market. The K5's removable fiberglass top and fold-down rear window made it uniquely versatile among full-size SUVs, while its solid front axle and robust transfer case established it as a serious off-road contender straight from the factory. What distinguished the K5 Blazer from contemporaries like the Ford Bronco and Dodge Ramcharger was its combination of Chevrolet's proven small-block V8 reliability with a chassis engineered for both utility and recreational use. The 1990 model year's position as the swan song of the removable-top K5 has made it particularly significant to collectors, as Chevrolet transitioned to the four-door Tahoe format the following year. The K5's influence on American SUV culture cannot be overstated—it pioneered the concept of the lifestyle utility vehicle while maintaining genuine capability. Today, these final-year K5s are increasingly sought after for both restoration and modification projects, prized for their robust mechanicals, distinctive styling, and the nostalgic appeal of representing the last of the true convertible SUVs from Detroit's golden age of truck-based utility vehicles.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1990
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Blazer K5
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: 15,000 on the build
Mileage Verification: True Miles Unknown
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Automatic
Number of Forward Gears: 4
Engine: 454 Big Block out of a 99 Suburban
Exterior Color: Orange/ White
Interior Color: Grey
State of Registration: NJ
Vehicle Location: Ocean, NJ
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Customization:
Half cab removed to provide full convertible to windshield (think 73–75 K5 Blazer), windshield reinforced during build, full roll cage from rear (2”) to front (1 ¾”), full soft-topper soft top, full 1974 K5 Blazer hard top.

Engine:
1999 Suburban 2500 454 c.i. Vortec (mileage 41,174 when installed, approx. 15,000 miles since) and remote oil cooler.

Transmission:
700R4, complete rebuild with Corvette servos, Kevlar clutches, shift kit, etc. (650 h.p. build), twin coolers, B&M 28K GVW in front of radiator on Derale Performance remote with electric fan mounted above rear driveshaft, transmission temperature gauge. Transmission dropped/inspected/resealed/new gaskets/new fluids in March 2025.

Transfer Case:
Atlas II 4-speed, ratios: 1:1, 2.0:1, 2.72:1 & 5.44:1 with twin Atlas cable shifter (85.4 final crawl ratio with 3.06 1st gear trans, 5.44 transfer case and 5.13 axle gears). Transfer case dropped/inspected/resealed/new gaskets/new fluids in March 2025.

Front Axle:
Currie Pro-Rock Dana 60 with 5.13 gears, Detroit Locker, Yukon Chrome-Moly 4340 35 spline inners and outer axle shafts, Warn Premium 35 spline locking hubs, spring perches re-drilled to move axle 1" forward, 5/16” custom cover and 1-ton Chevrolet disc brakes. New bearings, seals, master kit, ECGS kings April 2025.

Rear Axle:
Corporate 14 bolt with 5.13 gears, Detroit Locker, Yukon Chrome-Moly 4340 axle shafts, 5/16” custom cover and 1-ton TSM disc brakes with emergency brakes. New bearings, seals, Adams/Moog 1350 pinion yoke, U-joints, master kit April 2025.

Drive Shafts:
Rear: High Angle Driveline 1350 CV’s with 1350 U-joints on both ends.
Front: Tom Woods custom with 1410 transfer case side and 1350 axle side U-joints. New Adams front driveshaft/U-joints April 2025.

Front Suspension:

5.5” BDS springs, Offroad Design extended HD shackles, Offroad Design spring relocation/offset spring (total of approx. 7” lift), modified Ford upper shock towers, Rancho 9012 adjustable shocks, Offroad Design greaseable polyurethane bushing, extended stainless brake lines and extended polyurethane bump stops.

Rear Suspension:

4” BOS springs, Offroad Design 4” rear shackle flip, extended HD shackles, Offroad Design spring relocation/offset spring (total of approx. 9” lift), custom upper and lower shock mounts, Rancho 9012 adjustable shocks, Offroad Design greaseable polyurethane bushing and extended stainless brake lines.

Steering:

Offroad Design crossover steering with ORD Heavy Duty Aluminum Tie Rod (1.5” o.d. tie rod x 7075 solid bar aluminum), RockStomper 4” drag link, Offroad Design bolt-in steering brace, PSC Motorsports hydraulic assist rock ram with Moroso power steering cooler.

Brake System:

Chevrolet 1-ton hydro-boost with aforementioned disc brakes (see axles).

Front Bumper:

Custom built “wedge” bumper with Warn 12,000 lb. winch and roller fairlead and dual integrated recovery shackles.

Rear Bumper:

Custom DPI tube bumper, rear corner/taillight protection, integrated receiver hitch and dual integrated recovery shackles.

Rock Sliders:

DPI custom built rock sliders with integrated “push/nerf” bars.

Wheels:

MRW 17”×10” Extreme Duty Beadlocks.

Tires:

Yokohama Geolander X-MT 40/13.5R17 (99% tread life – 2024)

Interco 42”×14”×17” Irok Super Swampers (40% tread life)

Miscellaneous:

Dual batteries with selection switch/off switch

Ceramic coated manifolds

Dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers (wrapped with header wrap)

Jensen head unit with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Alpine speakers

Exterior & Interior:
Repainted

Cloth interior
See build sheet
Working Heat: No
Working Air Conditioning: No