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Need help working on my Blazer

handloader90

handloader90

Building!
Joined
Sep 14, 2013
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Hello,

I'm new on here and want to get my blazer setup to go wheelin. I have never worked on a vehicle before and I'm looking for some help.

I've got an '85 Blazer with a tired 350 pulled from an '85 Subruban and rebuilt 700r4, it's got a 6" lift on 37" tires. I don't know what the gears are. It's also my daily driver.

I want to put an ORD shackle flip on the rear and some 4" springs on the front, ORD Cross over steering and steering box brace kit and probably a whole bunch of other stuff. I've got a buddy who wants to sell me a 383 stroker with a th350 and I'm thinking about going through with that and dropping it in there.

I'm just looking for someone to show me the ropes and help me/ teach me to put this stuff on there right and help and teach me how to build my blazer and take care of problems that come up so I don't have to pay a mechanic to do it, also looking for somebody to go wheelin with.

I live in Colorado Springs, but I'm currently deployed and I'll be back in the beginning of November.

If you'd be willing to help me out let me know. Thanks.
 
I'm sure we have some guys around there, Honestly the best way I've found to learn is to get a set of cheap tools, look up what you want to do and (carefully) rip and tear away. And ask questions.

But be very very careful learning on your daily driver. Bosses tend to get upset when you cant come in to work because your truck doesn't have heads on it, because you realized AFTER you pulled them that the local store didn't have them in stock...And MPs will have your stuff towed if it sits in the barracks lot for 3 months without moving

I'm pretty sure there are some guys in the area on here, maybe they will chime in later
 
Thanks for the advice, I just don't want to mess anything up too bad and want to make sure the stuff I want to do gets done right, I'm sure after I do it once I'll retain the knowledge. I have a '06 trailblazer too that my Wife uses so it's ok if the blazer is down for a few days.
 
What he said. Be realistic about your abilities/budget. Start with the small stuff. Drivetrain swap can wait if your current junk is running ok.

As for some of your plans

1. Lift/Tires - the 4" front and shacle flip is a popular choice for a lot of reasons, but you won't be able to wheel with 37s without fender trimming. More like 35s. You can go bigger than 37s with aggressive trimming.

2. I suggest you get your suspension and axles how you want them first if your current drivetrain runs ok. That way if you have to get custom driveshafts etc, the rest is already in order and you won't be 'chasing' modifications.
 
I'm definitely gonna start tinkering around with it when I get back and try to figure some stuff out on my own. Everything is running ok, I might swap my 350 for a 383 stroker, but other than that everything's fine.

I plan on dropping down to 35's when I drop down to 4" lift and shackle flip. Just looking for someone to help me do these things right.
 
There's a few of us in the area. We can do a build day. You provide pizza and liquid refreshments.

If your not swapping in bigger axles, stay 35 or under on the tires.

Let us know when you get back.
 
70jimmy and ktoutfront thanks for writing, I'll PM both of you when I get back. Beer and pizza is no question. I'm considering 1 ton axles in the future maybe, but for now I just want to get the ORD parts on and put some 35's on it.
 
Forget about the other engine and transmission. Waste of time and money.

If your 350 runs fine leave it. A TH350 swapped in place of a TH700R4 is a down grade.

The TH700R4 is very similar internally to a TH350. It just has a deeper first gear (better for off roading), and an overdrive fourth gear (better for on highway).

Find out what axles you have, and what gears. Money spent on gearing and lockers is ten times better spent than on the engine.

You say you want cross over steering. That requires some work with 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton axles. It is much easier with a Dana 60, but are you needing that?

Martin
 
i agree start with the axles and suspension first then gearing and lockers then do motor and tranny. you can get a 14ff for under a couple hundred. you can drop in a cheap 3/4 ton front with it till you find or have the money for a dana 60 front. $ for $ i believe the 14ff is the best upgrade that someone can do to a blazer
 
Ft Carson has a great shop to work out of. I was out there this summer working on my buddy's Jeep. I forget what the special name is they have for the shop. Anyways, you can check in and you get a bay plus access to any tools you need. I think some people had project cars there long term in a storage lot out back. There were a couple old chevy's in the shop while I was there, so you may be able to find some guys to give you a hand.
 
Thanks to everyone for your replies and advice. I do want to put 1 ton axles with detroit lockers in them. I don't know what would be the best gearing for my truck, I want to drop the lift down to 4" and put 35's on it. My truck is a daily driver, but I want to hit some trails in the mountains from time to time and commute between Colorado Springs - Castle Rock - Denver from time to time also. I'm gonna have the engine checked out when I get back and if nothing major is going on with it I'll leave it in there. Also, I believe the shop on Carson is called the "Auto Craft Shop/ Center".

Thanks again and I welcom any other advice that you guys have for me.
 
If you have the means go with a selectable locker up front for daily driving.
 
82355 said:
If your 350 runs fine leave it. A TH350 swapped in place of a TH700R4 is a down grade.
Click to expand...



Quoted for truth ^^^


The P.O of my suburban swapped in a th350 and a 12 bolt rear axle when he killed the stock stuff and I would LOVE to have OD for the highway hauls.
 
Sometimes. I guess when you are use to it, it doesn't bother you.

Martin
 
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