'91 Crew cab, 2wd to 4wd - Dual Duty Family Truckster - saggy door

[stan1688]

I recently sold my '91 Blazer to Nick (revvin7) up in Nebraska. I sold it to help pay down on our debt and to get something that would work better as a daily driver and wheeler, along with better access to the back seat, since we have a young one in a car seat.

Here's a pic of the blazer:

I've been casually cruising Craigslist for the last couple months looking for crew cabs. Specifically, a newer one that had fuel injection. And better yet, a '91 with a 4l80e. There were three to four '91's within driving distance of me, all 2wd. All but one were out of my price range.

After two trips, two hours away, I brought home this gem:

Interior isn't bad, just a little dirty:

I thought the motor had 234,000 on it until I found out on the way home that the odometer doesn't work (but the cruise control works!!!). It's pretty tired, to say the least:

I found the exhaust leak as I was taking these pics. Looks like a broken stud/bolt:

And my reasons for going for a 1-ton:
1. stronger frame
2. 454
3. stronger transmission (this one is supposed to have been recently rebuilt)
3. hydroboost
4. dana 70 rear axle (so I can run stock H1 beadlocks)


My plans (in no particular order):
-ditch the flatbed
-convert to 4wd
-rebuild/replace the motor
-shorten the wheelbase
-lift
-cage
-narrow front and rear?
-freshen up the interior a bit
-give it some paint




Progress is going to be pretty slow, as funds are pretty low right now. One of these days, I'll do a rendering of what I hope it to look like.

Thanks for looking!

 

[Babaganoosh]

Sounds like a cool build I will be watching. How do you plan to do the SAS?

 

[stan1688]

More than likely I'll use Kert's b52 brackets with stock length lift springs. I've debated making my own brackets, but it's a lot less work to get some pre-made ones. In a perfect world, I'd like some of ORD's custom springs front and rear. We'll see what happens.

I'm going to buy used parts whenever possible. And if used parts aren't available, I'll hold out until a sale comes up.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Gotcha, you might want to check out MrK5's build. He used the B52 setup and had to modify them to correct his caster issues. The arch in the frames are different, these 2wd drive frames are a little goofy setting 4wd stuff on.

 

[stan1688]

Yep, I've been following Scott's thread. I'm hoping I don't have to space down the mounts like he did. I've looked but don't remember right now, but I think stockk5 and chevysmith used b52s to sas their crew cabs.

 

[chevysmithz71]

Scotts build is great for reference. Here is one I put together a while ago, maybe it will help. I would wait and just keep your search going for used parts. Using here and Pirate I would think you can get most your parts. Good luck

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=301421

 

[stan1688]

Thanks for posting that. I actually went back through it last night. Man, that thing is clean.

I also went back though stockk5's thread. He used the mounts from a 4wd truck.

 

[Big Ray]

I've been collecting parts for my 2wd to 4wd project...I plan on using one of these for getting the front set correctly.

 

[stan1688]

I've considered one of those. Do you plan on putting that under the frame and welding it in place?

 

[Big Ray]

yep...add some gusseting too. it's going under my burb.

 

[82355]

I have those seats in one of my Suburbans, I LOVE them.

Martin

 

[y5mgisi]

Subscribed!

 

[-stew-]

I've been collecting parts for my 2wd to 4wd project...I plan on using one of these for getting the front set correctly.

What is that?

 

[Deuling]

What is that?

Looks like a front spring hanger

 

[stan1688]

I have those seats in one of my Suburbans, I LOVE them.

Martin

I figured that's what they were from. They were pretty comfortable on the ride home. They'll probably stay in there until I get some suspension seats in the distant future.

Subscribed!

Looks like a front spring hanger

Yep.

 

[Bowtie85]

Subscribed

 

[Big Ray]

What is that?

front spring forward mount... apparently the 2wd frames are taller where the front shackle goes, and that causes caster issues. This drops the front of the spring down which brings the caster to spec.

 

[stan1688]

I made my first purchase for the crew cab...

Anyone have a good link to steering wheel removal and installation? I haven't done any searching yet, but thought I would ask.

 

[y5mgisi]

There are a couple tools required. A steering wheel puller, and lock plate compressor tool. Don't even bother if you don't have those tools. You can conceivably make them, but they are cheap enough to buy and most auto parts stores stock them.

 

[chevysmithz71]

I've seen this type of wheel many times but what do they actually fit? Trucks, camaros, what years? I like them. Good purchase