My 72

[chrisok5]

Here's some photos of my newly picked up '72. I've been waiting years to be able to post in this forum!! Got a few things to sort out but it's a great start.

Short list of plans

• Either swap stall converter and flex plate (it's installed with some crazy washer set up and runs high) or upgrade tranny to 4L60E
• New tires - BFG AT2s
• Steering box frame brace
• Swap rear blocks for shackle flip

 

[lamberthkp]

Super nice! Looks like a great start, I love the first generation Blazers.

 

[ashman]

Looks like a pretty clean start. Looking forward to watching what you do with it.

 

[Desert_K5]

Looks good!

 

[red84]

SA WHEAT.....

 

[Greg72]

Chris,

Check out the BFG K02s.... they are a really good looking tire, kind of aggressive tread like the old mud terrain. They are surprisingly quiet though. I put a set of 33s on my DD and really like them.

-G

 

[AbramJ]

Chris,

Check out the BFG K02s.... they are a really good looking tire, kind of aggressive tread like the old mud terrain. They are surprisingly quiet though. I put a set of 33s on my DD and really like them.

-G

I second that, and have the exact same size on my DD.

 

[chrisok5]

Chris,

Check out the BFG K02s.... they are a really good looking tire, kind of aggressive tread like the old mud terrain. They are surprisingly quiet though. I put a set of 33s on my DD and really like them.

-G

Yup - I've wanted BFGs since they came out! Just need to get my local shop to get them for me.

 

[chrisok5]

Chris,

Check out the BFG K02s.... they are a really good looking tire, kind of aggressive tread like the old mud terrain. They are surprisingly quiet though. I put a set of 33s on my DD and really like them.

-G

Wait so AT and KO are two different? Guess I've been thinking about the KOs then. My father in-law put some on his Taco and I thought they were a newer AT.

 

[AbramJ]

They're the same, the actual name is "AT KO2"

 

[chrisok5]

They're the same, the actual name is "AT KO2"

Got it! Thanks.

 

[Greg72]

Wait so AT and KO are two different? Guess I've been thinking about the KOs then. My father in-law put some on his Taco and I thought they were a newer AT.

Chris,

There is a KO and a KO2...

The KO is the "AT" looking one, the K02 is the "MT" looking one.... I think BFG calls them both "AT" now, but the tread design on the K02 is more aggressive looking for sure than the KO.

This is the K02:




-G

 

[chrisok5]

So do you guys think I can fit some 35"s (315/75r16) I measured the rear block and it's a 6". It's got 4:11s in it so I figure it'll help the 3 speed? Looks like most folks rub when flexed without trimming and I don't plan to trim or go any higher. I like how it looks with the 33"s too. Just want to get the right tire size for the gears/tranny combo. I probably won't see over drive for at least a year.

I plan to run some light rutted trails and some rocks but nothing crazy.

 

[Greg72]

So do you guys think I can fit some 35"s (315/75r16) I measured the rear block and it's a 6". It's got 4:11s in it so I figure it'll help the 3 speed? Looks like most folks rub when flexed without trimming and I don't plan to trim or go any higher. I like how it looks with the 33"s too. Just want to get the right tire size for the gears/tranny combo. I probably won't see over drive for at least a year.

I plan to run some light rutted trails and some rocks but nothing crazy.

Sounds a little backwards Chris....

New tires aren't cheap and you'll have them for several years. If you want 33's and like the look you should stick with that. You will turn a few extra highway RPMs but the gearing will be more favorable for around town with the smaller diameter tire....

I could do all the calcs to figure out the exact differences, but my philosophy is to pick the tire size you want FIRST.....then build the rest of the truck around that decision (lift, fender mods, gearing, transmission, etc)


-G

 

[chrisok5]

Sounds a little backwards Chris....

New tires aren't cheap and you'll have them for several years. If you want 33's and like the look you should stick with that. You will turn a few extra highway RPMs but the gearing will be more favorable for around town with the smaller diameter tire....

I could do all the calcs to figure out the exact differences, but my philosophy is to pick the tire size you want FIRST.....then build the rest of the truck around that decision (lift, fender mods, gearing, transmission, etc)


-G

I figured you'd keep on 33"s but I was also a bit misleading in my post. I guess I meant to say, I'm fine with the look of the 33"s but would like the tires to fill in the wells more if I could get away without rub.

I also would want to be able to run the highway more than I can now. There's a lot in the Bay Area and as it is now, RPMs are screamin.

But I think what you're saying is, if the long goal is not to lift and trim and eventually have OD... best bet 33"s?

Oh and one more clarifying point is I wouldn't mind trimming inner fenders, I just want to keep the outer fenders in tact.

 

[Greg72]

I figured you'd keep on 33"s but I was also a bit misleading in my post. I guess I meant to say, I'm fine with the look of the 33"s but would like the tires to fill in the wells more if I could get away without rub.

I also would want to be able to run the highway more than I can now. There's a lot in the Bay Area and as it is now, RPMs are screamin.

But I think what you're saying is, if the long goal is not to lift and trim and eventually have OD... best bet 33"s?

Oh and one more clarifying point is I wouldn't mind trimming inner fenders, I just want to keep the outer fenders in tact.

Unfortunately, it seems like when you get the "visual" balance of the tire size vs. wheelwell opening gaps perfect....you get a combo that will rub. The 33's may seem a bit "lost" in the wheelwhells but they probably won't rub either.

So.... the challenge is to figure out where you are willing to compromise. You CAN put a 35" tire if you want. It will take a few hundred RPM off your highway RPMs and will look cooler, but then you will need to either make sure you have a stiff enough leafspring to keep the tires from touching the fenders.... or come up with a bumpstop that will limit uptravel.... or move the front axle forward 1"..... or some combination of those.

Like I said.... it all comes down to the tire size you really want. I can help you plan everything else around that choice, but you will need to make some concessions (performance and/or $$$) to make it all work.

Post up all the driveline / gearing specs, highway RPMs now, and actual tire measurement for the existing setup and I can start running some numbers for you.




-G

 

[Lieferson]

Whats nice about the 315/75r16 is they are closer to a 34 than 35, maybe try and find a cheap set of used H2 wheels and tires off CL and test it out since you're running 8 lugs, then just pop em off and re-sell them afterwards once you've tested it. Just an option. Zero rates will help with rubbing and centering that wheel/tire too

 

[So.Oregon K5'r]

I'm running the KO2 on my 2009 silverado 4x4 stock size 17's. They are not noise at all on the highway and perform quite well in the mud, but I didn't do any serious 4 wheeling.

 

[chrisok5]

Unfortunately, it seems like when you get the "visual" balance of the tire size vs. wheelwell opening gaps perfect....you get a combo that will rub. The 33's may seem a bit "lost" in the wheelwhells but they probably won't rub either.

So.... the challenge is to figure out where you are willing to compromise. You CAN put a 35" tire if you want. It will take a few hundred RPM off your highway RPMs and will look cooler, but then you will need to either make sure you have a stiff enough leafspring to keep the tires from touching the fenders.... or come up with a bumpstop that will limit uptravel.... or move the front axle forward 1"..... or some combination of those.

Like I said.... it all comes down to the tire size you really want. I can help you plan everything else around that choice, but you will need to make some concessions (performance and/or $$$) to make it all work.

Post up all the driveline / gearing specs, highway RPMs now, and actual tire measurement for the existing setup and I can start running some numbers for you.




-G

Some things never change!!! Finally made time for a quick freeway run.
205
TH350
4:11s

50 mph; 2800 rpm

Thanks for your help and input.

Thanks to everyone else for help and input as well!!

 

[chrisok5]

So a buddy was telling me that these metric tire sizes vary. For example, if I got 315/75r16, I'd still need to specify that I want a 33", 34", or 35" profile? That's so confusing. Is that true?