If you could do it all over again...

[CUCV2]

Foundation

Starting with the right vehicle is half the battle in my book. I like the CUCVs because they come with one tons, 4.56 gearing, detroit locker in the 14BFF, some had the posi in the front axle, stronger frame, skidplates, injected diesel, clevis mounts, bare bones interior, etc.. Another good option would be to get a 87+ K5 and find some 1 ton CUCV axles to put on it. Both would be pretty capable rigs right out of the gate.

 

[BGKYK5]

My thoery is that the driver/owner evolves along with the truck. I think with a first truck, there is some value to playing with it near stock for a while to see how you like to wheel and what your style is before shelling out big $ for major mods.

Now that I have said that, I am going with 3/4 tons, rear discs, a 4" lift, and 38"s before I even drive it.

 

[Cowboy_80]

Can you tell us why you would do it in that order?

Cage first for safety reasons. I've come really close to flipping it a few times doing moderate stuff. Axles/gears before tires because you can still wheel with 5.13's riding on 31's, but it's hard to push 38's with 3.51's. I would also lock the rear before the front. I've seen folks lock the front first and break axles every time out. Manual tranny for the granny gear, nicety, not always a necessity. Bumpers/winch are also things that are nice, but not an immediate need. Body adjustments can be done at anytime since cutting metal off or beating it out of the way is a relatively free mod.

 

[fireplug]

I am totally happy with where my rig is going to end up. That comes from a lot of time to deliberate and research.

What I would change:

My mindset. I really wanted a Blazer. And I really, really want a dual purpose rig (streetable and trail capable).

The better way would be to have a Blazer for the fun street cruising and towing a dedicated trail rig CUCV.

I would NOT try to DD the rig while wheeling/building. It becomes a huge PITA, slows the project down, and causes you to be too 'careful'. Having another vehicle lets you tear into it with abandon and wheel it the same way!

I'd wheel whatever rig stock (or nearly) for at LEAST a season to better decide what build direction to go.

 

[onetonbb74]

woulda started with a short bed, kinda hard to find a pre 76 short bed though.

 

[AZ79K5Project]

I would have gotten a different K5 and did everything the same.