I`ll watch too.
Sounds like fun!
Sounds like fun!
CK5
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Blazer chalet off road rig build advice
- Thread starter rom67
- Start date
H20 Toie
1/2 ton status
so thats were it ended up
saw it for sale on craigslist and was tempted to go look at it
saw it for sale on craigslist and was tempted to go look at it
rom67
Registered Member
Really!? He said he had it up for some time and only one guy called on it. But never showed up.
H20 Toie
1/2 ton status
i never called him just saw it listed
rom67
Registered Member
I rushed to go buy it. It was a sweet find. All in tacked, was only missing the front spare tire mount. Inside was fully loaded with 2 bunk beds that were never used.
I've always wanted a chalet, but will probably never be able to afford one at the prices they've started going for.
I'll definitely watch you build yours though
I'll definitely watch you build yours though
rom67
Registered Member
In in the valley. Not to f ar from you. Ive been restoring vintage race cars for 14 years, near van nuys airport. Thus i know my way around shop equipment. So.... I'll be doing all the fab and metal work to it my selfI've always wanted a chalet, but will probably never be able to afford one at the prices they've started going for.
I'll definitely watch you build yours though
I was gonna say buy a welder but I think you probably have that covered!
I agree with the 6 lug SF. The Dana 44 axle will be fine. In addition the 4x4 version of the 14 b SF is wider than stock.
I might look into custom springs not off the shelf stuff. Good shocks. Like Bilstein would be the low end of what I'm talking about.
If that 400 runs keep it. I'm a huge fan of LS stuff but a chalet with a 400 is well it's rightous.
I agree with the 6 lug SF. The Dana 44 axle will be fine. In addition the 4x4 version of the 14 b SF is wider than stock.
I might look into custom springs not off the shelf stuff. Good shocks. Like Bilstein would be the low end of what I'm talking about.
If that 400 runs keep it. I'm a huge fan of LS stuff but a chalet with a 400 is well it's rightous.
rom67
Registered Member
Been tig welding for over 15 years. From hot rods to race cars, but never off road. Lol. Gonna start looking for 14 SF. So you would rather keep the SBC 400. Maybe put a 4L65e behind it and MSD atomic EFI for better mpg? Im trying to get everyones input. Maybe this will help me decide in what direction to go. My ultimate plan was to build it to handle long trips and some tough trails.
I would definitely do EFI. Although if the motor needs rebuilt I think an LS would be the way to go. I would do some sort of overdrive trans. 700, 4l60, 4l65, 4l80. Sure makes putting the miles on easier.
You know a 4wd is just a hot rod with a t case and front axle. Certainly the suspension is different but alot of the principles cross over.
Also there's this thing called Blazer Bash in Moab in Sept every year. Be awesome to see a chalet there.
You know a 4wd is just a hot rod with a t case and front axle. Certainly the suspension is different but alot of the principles cross over.
Also there's this thing called Blazer Bash in Moab in Sept every year. Be awesome to see a chalet there.
rom67
Registered Member
I would love to take it to the blazer bash gathering. I read, this year may be its last year.
No just the last year with the current organizer. New leadership is already in place
rom67
Registered Member
Sweet news. If i cant make it this year, i will the next
I would not put any money into that 44. If you think you are going to break it replace it with a 60 you will be miles ahead with a stock part.
That being said a 44 will take a bunch in its stock form. Lots of people wheel them with out any issues.
After looking at the cost of RCV axles yeah I would put a 60 in it before I bought them.
That being said a 44 will take a bunch in its stock form. Lots of people wheel them with out any issues.
After looking at the cost of RCV axles yeah I would put a 60 in it before I bought them.
rom67
Registered Member
So, no D44 with RCV axles!? Dana 60! Need to find one out here in SO CAL. I haven't had any luck. In that case go D60/14FF right!?
I think what @kgblazerfive is saying is that If you think you need RCV axles to keep a 44 alive (you don't, by the way), then just start with a 60. You stated you weren't going to go rock crawling in this, and 35's were your max tire size. A 44 is fine. And if you are going to go crawling and put this into situations that'll break the 44, then you need something other than a Chalet...
I would run it just like it is first and see what you think.
If you decide that the 44 needs to be improved then put in a 60/14. If you take you time shopping for a set up you could be in both for well under $1000. I paid $100.00 for my van 14 bolt and $15.00 for my HP60.
If you decide that the 44 needs to be improved then put in a 60/14. If you take you time shopping for a set up you could be in both for well under $1000. I paid $100.00 for my van 14 bolt and $15.00 for my HP60.
rom67
Registered Member
Ah i see.
rom67
Registered Member
What! Where!? Here in socal, i had a guy asking 2k for a D60 and i 14FF i can get for $450
