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1973–91 K5 Blazer, second generation chassis

5 aftermarket chassis and subframes from 3 builders, compared with keeping and upgrading the original frame.

Art Morrison Enterprises, Frame-Werx, Roadster Shop

Aftermarket chassis

Prices checked Oct 2, 2026

Compare Builder & product Type Front Rear Price
Original chassis Keep it and upgrade itFull ladder frame (open C-channel rails; shares the C/K pickup chassis) Factory 4WD: solid Dana 44 (or 10-bolt) on leaf springs; Saginaw recirculating-ball box. Some 1969-72 2WD versions had coil IFS Solid 10/12-bolt axle on leaf springs Kits from $4,294.94Cheapest kit in each area
Roadster Shop 1973-91 Blazer Slammed SPEC Full frame IFS, power rack & pinion, RS forged spindles, eccentric upper A-arm mounts Parallel 4-bar, coilovers or air bags, Ford 9in housing, 31-spline axles $15,495 Base price (starting configuration, before options) Source
Frame-Werx Frame Werx Custom IFS Chassis for Classic 4X4 Chevys Fits 1967-91 Chevrolet K10 / K5 Blazer / Suburban (4x4) Full frame GMT900-based IFS and brakes 5-link $17,900 $17,900 or $6,000 deposit Source
Roadster Shop 1973-80 Blazer Legend Series Fits 1973-80 Chevrolet Blazer (also fits 1969-80 Blazer, 1973-80 C/K10) Full frame OEM GM (new Chevy 1500) 4x4 IFS, Fox 2.5 Factory adj coilovers, GM front diff, Silverado 13in discs Deaver custom leaf springs, Fox 2.0 Perf shocks, GM 12-bolt 3.42 posi, 12in discs $40,995 Category listing 'From/Base $40,995'; product page shows 'From $96,440' (configured incl… Source
Roadster Shop 1973-91 Blazer RS4 Full frame Solid axle: Currie Rock Jock HP Dana 44, Tru Trac, RS Fast Link 1.75in triangulated 4-bar, Fox 2.5 coilovers Solid axle: Currie Rock Jock HP Dana 60, Tru Trac, triangulated 4-bar, Fox 2.5 coilovers $44,995 Base price (starting configuration, before options) Source
Art Morrison Enterprises AME Offroad Chassis Fits 1967-91 Chevrolet/GMC pickup & Blazer (4x4) Full frame Not detailed (off-road/pre-runner geometry) Not detailed Quote only Source
Tick up to 4 to compare side by side.

Reading these prices

Starting prices aren't always comparable. Some include suspension, steering and brakes; some are a bare frame or front clip and the rest is extra. Check the Front and Rear columns and each product's notes before comparing totals. "Price on request" means the builder quotes each build. Confirm with the builder before you order, and send corrections through our contact page.

Upgrade the original chassis

How it's built
Full ladder frame (open C-channel rails; shares the C/K pickup chassis)
Front suspension
4WD: solid Dana 44 (or 10-bolt) on leaf springs; Saginaw recirculating-ball box. Some 1969-72 2WD versions had coil IFS
Rear suspension
Solid 10/12-bolt axle on leaf springs
Weak spots
The frame cracks at the steering box mount, and the front leafs ride harshly. Stock steering geometry is vague and binds when the truck is lifted or the axle articulates.

Stiffening the body or frame? We list 2 kits for this car, such as frame rails, subframe connectors and braces, on its Chassis stiffening page.

Suspension and steering kits for the original chassis

AreaKitWhat it doesPrice
Front suspension Rough Country 4in Lift Kit, 52in Rear Springs (73-76 K5) SKU 19530 Front and rear leafs, N3 shocks, raised steering arm $849.95 Rough Country list; 73-76 only Source
Front suspension TCI Engineering (Total Cost Involved) 1969-1991 K5 Blazer Pro Touring IFS Bolt-on crossmember IFS with Ridetech coilovers; street conversion that replaces the solid axle $6,395 Sale price (reg $7,106) Source
Rear suspension TCI Engineering (Total Cost Involved) 1973-1991 K5 Blazer/Jimmy 4-Link Rear Suspension 541-5100-00 Adjustable 4-link with Ridetech coilovers; lowered 2WD street use $2,895 Sale price (reg $3,217) Source
Steering Motor City K5 Crossover Steering System, 69-91 Blazer GK39GM Side-to-side drag link for Dana 44; needs flat-top knuckles $549.99 Motor City K5 list Source