87 Jimmy questions

[ohoffroader]

I bought a 87 Jimmy to replace my rotted out 79 Blazer. The blazer has 4 in. Skyjacker (?) suspension lift.

My wife just quit her job to stay home with the kids, and I am trying to build this on the cheap. I thought about making a trazer with the 79, but with money being tight, I might just swap parts from the 79 to the 87.
My question is this,
Part out the 79
Part out the 79 and reinstall the parts from the 87 for future project
Just buy the stuff for the 87 and continue with a trazer build

Im looking for a mild wheeler and a DD. I would like to run 35" tires and run rear disks. That brings me to my second question.
Should I do a 10 bolt rear brake conversion or look for 14 bolt? (Remember I am doing this on the cheap).

Thanks in advance.

 

[Metrodps]

Nice to see some more OHIO guys showing up! I say take the parts you need from the 1979 to make the 1987 better. Then replace on 79 and sell it.

I can't help on the upgrade of brakes never done it. Others have I am sure you will hear from them.

BTW The membership you bought will pay for its self before you know it. This is one heck of a site.

The crazy old NOS nut AKA the CK5 scrounger
Lawrence

 

[mr.smartass]

I'd definitely say take the parts off the '79 that you want and sell it. That'd give you more money to get the '87 where you want it and keep the '79 from sitting around and rotting more.

The rear disk conversion on the 14bolt I did was fairly cheap, but I didn't bother with a parking break so I saved money on the calipers by just using regular 3/4 ton calipers. Not sure about the 10 bolt conversion.

 

[TDAWG1]

Look for the 14blt That way it will only have to be done once when you go to upgrade. I am partial to the 87 JIMMY Its good stuff. So build the 87. I wheel mine and DD everyday. (dd everyday) guess thats wjy they call it dd haha Good Luck and you are in the right place for sure

 

[mr.smartass]

If you aren't to heavy on the throttle the 10 bolts can handle 35's just fine. The only problem I see with the 14bolt is that you'll have to find one that's the same gear ratio or regear which is going to cost more.

 

[thewestwon]

True, but you have to keep in mind that there's always going to be that nagging voice inside your head about how much you want that 14 bolt.

 

[ohoffroader]

Thanks for all the advise. Like I said it has to be on the cheap. Yes I do want a 14b, I really think in the long run it will be cheaper to buy a 14b, regear and do the disk brake conversion.

I have a friend that will sell me all of his chevy stuff, 86 cab,78 3/4 ton frame w/4 in lift, motor, trans. for $800. Its all in pieces just needs put together. I have yet to check it out. What do you guys think?

 

[Metrodps]

What is his address I can be there in a short!