1987 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Restomod " 5.3L LS 4L60E 6-Inch Lift Frame-Off Restoration Full TMI Interior
Highlights
5.3L LS V8 engine
Mild performance camshaft
4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
4-wheel-drive
Approximately $7,500 recently spent addressing a transmission leak
Complete frame-off restoration
Body completely disassembled and refinished
6-inch suspension lift
Solid-axle 4x4 chassis
Leaf-spring suspension
Upgraded shocks
Power steering
Power brakes
Dual exhaust system
Full TMI interior from front to back
Digital gauge cluster
Upgraded stereo system
Subwoofer and amplifier
Polished aftermarket wheels
Aggressive mud-terrain tires
Removable rear hardtop
Dark-tinted rear glass
Chrome grille and bumpers
Chrome exterior mirrors
Updated clear-lens headlights
Factory-style K5 Blazer badging
Rear receiver hitch
This 1987 Chevrolet K5 Blazer combines the unmistakable square-body profile with modern LS power, a lifted 4x4 chassis, a completely redone interior, and the extensive restoration work required to make a classic Blazer present at this level. Finished in deep gloss black with extensive chrome trim, the truck retains the recognizable character of a K5 while benefiting from significant mechanical and cosmetic upgrades.
Powertrain & Drivetrain
Power comes from a 5.3-liter LS V8 equipped with a mild camshaft, giving the Blazer modern fuel-injected V8 performance with a more aggressive exhaust note and personality than a stock LS installation. The engine is paired with a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission, making this build considerably more comfortable for regular street use than many heavily modified vintage 4x4s.
Approximately $7,500 was recently spent repairing a transmission leak, representing substantial recent attention to the drivetrain.
The Blazer retains its traditional four-wheel-drive configuration with solid axles and the rugged underpinnings expected from a full-size K5.
Frame-Off Restoration & Chassis
This truck underwent a complete frame-off restoration, during which it was fully disassembled before being refinished and reassembled. The underside photographs help illustrate the extent of the build, showing the body separated from the chassis during restoration and a clean, refinished undercarriage.
The frame is finished in black, while the underside of the body presents cleanly and provides a good look at the suspension, driveline, fuel tank, and exhaust system. The truck uses traditional leaf-spring suspension with upgraded shocks and a substantial 6-inch suspension lift, giving it the tall, properly proportioned stance seen in the photos.
A solid rear axle, driveshaft, fuel tank, suspension hardware, and chassis components remain readily visible underneath rather than being hidden by excessive undercoating.
Exhaust
The LS V8 breathes through a dual exhaust system routed underneath the truck with separate mufflers and rear-exit piping. Combined with the mild camshaft, the system gives the Blazer the deeper V8 character appropriate for the build.
Exterior
The body is finished in a high-gloss black that works especially well with the Blazer's chrome exterior hardware. The front end features a bright chrome grille with Chevrolet bowtie, chrome bumper, updated clear-lens lighting, and the classic stacked rectangular headlamp arrangement.
Additional exterior details include:
Chrome front and rear bumpers
Chrome side mirrors
Chrome wheel-opening moldings
Factory-style K5 Blazer fender badging
Removable rear hardtop
Heavily tinted rear and side glass
Bright tailgate trim panel
Rear receiver hitch
The polished multi-spoke wheels and aggressive mud-terrain tires fill the wheel openings appropriately with the 6-inch lift, creating a muscular stance without losing the recognizable proportions of the original K5 body.
Interior
Inside, the Blazer has received a full TMI interior from front to back, giving the cabin a much more finished appearance than a typical modified square-body. The interior work extends beyond simply replacing the front seats and was completed as part of the overall build.
Instrumentation has been modernized with a digital gauge cluster, providing a clean contemporary display while fitting into the original dashboard location.
The audio system has also been substantially upgraded and includes:
Aftermarket stereo system
Dedicated subwoofer
Amplifier
Upgraded speakers
This gives the Blazer modern audio capability while maintaining the basic layout and character of the original square-body cabin.
Wheels, Tires & Suspension
The lifted chassis is complemented by polished aftermarket wheels wrapped in aggressive mud-terrain tires. Combined with the 6-inch suspension lift, solid axles, leaf springs, and upgraded shocks, the setup provides the commanding ride height expected from a properly built K5.
The underside photos also show a clean fuel tank installation, dual exhaust, refinished chassis components, rear differential, driveshaft, and suspension hardware, all of which reinforce the amount of work completed during the restoration.
With its 5.3L LS V8, mild cam, 4L60E automatic, 6-inch lift, full frame-off restoration, complete TMI interior, digital instrumentation, upgraded audio, and classic black-and-chrome presentation, this 1987 Chevrolet K5 Blazer offers the appearance of a traditional square-body with the drivability and performance advantages of a modernized restomod build.
