I've got this truck that I've been driving occasionally but really want to step it up. My original transfer case and transmission need to be rebuilt or replaced. So, my first question is if I wanted to upgrade, what would you guys recommend as relatively easy to get replacements? The truck is not lifted, street use only. My next question is what would be a good way to improve suspension and steering characteristics? It has a 350 engine from a '76 Camaro. Runs great and the body is very good. In summary, looking for more more dependability and better ride and handling. Thanks
CK5
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'73 Blazer Updates
- Thread starter RJG
- Start date
That is a loaded question. The MAW (Might As Well) bug could bite you quickly. What transmission is in it and why does it and the transfer case need rebuilding? What is it doing that it needs ride and steering upgrades?
One big issue all of these trucks have is the frame cracking around the steering gear area. Check ball joints and tie rod ends. Is the steering gear sloppy? Are the leaf spring bushing wore out? There is a lot more that could be dealt with.
One big issue all of these trucks have is the frame cracking around the steering gear area. Check ball joints and tie rod ends. Is the steering gear sloppy? Are the leaf spring bushing wore out? There is a lot more that could be dealt with.
Thanks for the reply. Note that I don't have much mechanical aptitude/ability but have at least two friends that are loaded with it. I will closely check all the thing you mentioned. When I got the truck, it had a 4" lift which I took out, sold the 35" tires and went back to stock size. However, I never changed the shocks. The transfer case only works in 4wd. I don't engage the front lock outs but obviously the front drive shaft is always spinning. So, I need to do something with the transfer case and while at it, thought I MAW look at upgrading. Steering is loose when going down the road at 60mph, there is a load of play in the wheel, I believe that virtually all major components (and probably a bunch of minor ones) are original to the truck.
x2 on that. To have the ball joints done by someone else is not cheap but makes a big difference in driveability. Sway bar bushings and leaf spring bushings need to be checked. U joints need to be looked at at least. New drivelines aren't that cheap anymore. The steering gear box patch from Offroad Design is just good insurance and not that expensive. I had to do all of the above as mine were really bad. Bushings worn in half, ball joints trashed, etc. My steering box area on my 77 Jimmy was okay, but did the patch anyways. Only thing left are the leaf spring bushings.
Joel
norcal
Being a '73 there a good possibility you have a 203 t-case that is full time 4wd, unless it has had a part time kit installed.
Easy way to identify the case is see if it has two separate housings. The range box is cast iron (right behind the trans) and the output housing is aluminum where the chain and front/rear outputs are.
Normally a 203 equipped truck will only have chrome caps on the ends of the hubs and no lockout units. But a part time conversion would have lockout hubs.
Personal preference would be to swap out the 203 for an actual part time case. 205 would be a closer bolt in or 208/241 if you are willing to deal with adapting them into the earlier truck.
Easy way to identify the case is see if it has two separate housings. The range box is cast iron (right behind the trans) and the output housing is aluminum where the chain and front/rear outputs are.
Normally a 203 equipped truck will only have chrome caps on the ends of the hubs and no lockout units. But a part time conversion would have lockout hubs.
Personal preference would be to swap out the 203 for an actual part time case. 205 would be a closer bolt in or 208/241 if you are willing to deal with adapting them into the earlier truck.
Thank-you. I will take a hard look everything mentioned. Would changing out the shocks help with ride quality assuming that everything else (as already mentioned) is taken care of? Any shock recommendations? Again, no lift or off-roading.
I'm an idiot. Yes, shocks will help out a lot too. I run Monroe Sensa Track load adjusting shocks, but I don't think that will be what you want. They work great for me, but my Jimmy is pretty heavy with tools and equipment and I spend a decent amount of time down in the creek for work. I also have Skyjacker add a leaf springs all the way around and with the crappy roads in our county, my Jimmy rides better than our F250 service truck at work.
Joel
norcal
New shocks will be an improvement. If yours are 5+ years old. Do you have dual shocks in front? With stock tires and today's shock technology you only need one set. As above an automatic came with NP203 full time t case, and locked hubs. Stick came with NP205 and manual hubs. If a part time kit hasn't been installed in the NP203 it will only drive in hi or low Loc, with front hubs unlocked. Need the part time kit to drive in normal hi and lo. If your trans is a Turbo 350 you'll want to find a 27 spline input NP205 to swap in for almost bolt in swap, you need to adjust rear drive shaft, or find one from NP205 blazer.
Get one of your buddies to show you how to check over the front steering components, check the frame for cracks where steering box is bolted. If cracked you'll want to address this asap.
Good luck welcome to the addiction
Get one of your buddies to show you how to check over the front steering components, check the frame for cracks where steering box is bolted. If cracked you'll want to address this asap.
Good luck welcome to the addiction
