1987 Chevrolet Blazer K5

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.