New guy questions.

[SRLRacing]

Hi I'm new to Blazers my uncle recently gave me a '77 he bought new that's been holding his fence up for the past 8 years. Even though it had a fresh crate motor (<1000mi) I promptly threw that out and turned it into a fire breathing monster.

I am not a major off road guy my Blazer is mostly street use with the occasional mud, snow, sand, dirt, and trail trip. I have more horsepower than any 30 year old Chevy truck should ever have (400ci 425hp or so). 2300 Stall. I'm running 32" Maxxis mudders with no lift beyond that the truck is stock. I would like it to not kill me when I try to stop or steer. Right now it is about to do both. The only things it seems to do right is go like hell and eat premium gas. So basically think of it as a sport truck with a mild off road tendency. I don't do jumps, whoops, rocks, anything that makes me feel like I am about to roll, I try to keep all 4 wheels on the ground.

I feel like Jed Clampit driving down the freeway, is this just how they are and is there any way to economically improve the steering?
What do steering dampers do and will the twin damper kit help?
Do sway bars help on these things at all?
I want a winch. How big of one should I get?
How do I get this thing to stop!!?!?!?!?!?! I can't even begin to tell you all the near misses I've had. Though my cam can't be helping any.
What are rocker boxes?
Are lockers or limited slip worth it for me? How bad are they on and off the road?
I want to do the top conversion (I am looking for the parts just see my ad in Parts Wanted) Is there anything I need to know about it that was left out of the article?
And what am I forgetting?

I know nothing about building a 4X4 and for the most part rarely need one living on the beach in so cal, but there are times I need it and I like the idea of a convertible street rodded 4X4 truck.

 

[Big Blzn]

Holy crap, my head hurts. Where in So Cal do you live? Seem if you lightened up in the skinny peddle a little half your problems would be solved. Just do a search on each question you posted and you will have more answers than you can read in a single sitting. Good luck with everything.

BTW, you will get a better respose from other members if you only ask several questions at a time. Start other threads on other questions. Too many questions is painful to read and answer. SEARCH, SEARCH, SEARCH.

 

[SRLRacing]

hahaha I just recently moved to north sd (the no man's land between oceanside and temecula) but I am a south oc guy through and through. the skinny peddle is why I put that motor in. I just want to make sure I don't get killed going to big bear or when those idiots start slamming on their brakes through San Clemente... but yeah on the huge posts alot of times message boards get angry with alot of posts so I figured this is more of the same, guess not

 

[Bent77]

First thing first, why no stoppy? Lack of vaccum becasue the can has no vac, or is there another issue?

What's the steering doing? Are all of your bearings, lugs. tie rod and drag ends good condition and tight?

 

[stus84]

I think you need a parachute. Do you have any 1/4 mile times with that rig?

 

[Mudstud]

Steering-
I'd look at the frame behind the steering gear box for cracks. Have someone turn the wheel back and forth several times while you look at every joint- draglink ends and tierod ends. Watch the box for movement- It shouldn't move at all. Check the ball joints too. If you don't know how just ask. This simple inspection should reveal any steering issues you may have.

Braking-
Check the condition of the brakes. Look for leaks especially around the wheel cylinders. My bet is if it's been sitting for that long the rear wheel cylinders are seized- there are not working. They are only like $8 each and simple to replace.

Let us know what you find.

 

[Big Blzn]

And we don't believe you even have a blazer until we see PICS. Give us Pics!!!!

 

[fireplug]

How do I get this thing to stop!!?!?!?!?!?! I can't even begin to tell you all the near misses I've had.

Well you could but then we might think you're an asshat rather than just a clown.

Listen if you are that daft to blow all that money on a motor before the truck even stops safely then you really need to give your head a shake.

One close call is more than you should need to take the truck off the road until the problem is addressed.

 

[SRLRacing]

First thing first, why no stoppy? Lack of vaccum becasue the can has no vac, or is there another issue?

What's the steering doing? Are all of your bearings, lugs. tie rod and drag ends good condition and tight?

I think the vacuum is partially to blame but I was thinking a vacuum canister and rear disc but I cannot find a rear disc brake kit for a reasonable price.

and the steering is like watching a old hollywood movie with the rolling scenery it does not bug me too much but if I can improve it

 

[SRLRacing]

I think you need a parachute. Do you have any 1/4 mile times with that rig?

A parachute and maybe an anchor. If I had to guess the truck would run a mid to high 12.

 

[SRLRacing]

Well you could but then we might think you're an asshat rather than just a clown.

Listen if you are that daft to blow all that money on a motor before the truck even stops safely then you really need to give your head a shake.

One close call is more than you should need to take the truck off the road until the problem is addressed.

I do like stopping. The motor has been in for 2 weeks and adjusting my driving habits (more anticipation) is all it took to keep the near misses to a minimum. But I would still like to stop better