1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Hi everyone. I started this project back around April. I had a k5 tub, a 4x4 frame and a c10 parts truck. I looked for a 2wd k5 but here in Michigan they are far and few between. So I decide that I would make my own. I did a lot of research before I started and still am. This is a slow steady project. I'm aiming for 2 years to have a running moving k5. Hopefully it will be DD able. Right now I have all the big things.
1980 k5 tub $150
4x4 k5 frame $0
Parts c10 $100
2 Full quater panels $150
Vortec 5.3 $500
4l60e $150
Front end parts $100

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

This was after 40+ rivets removed. Got all the 4x4 stuff out

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

This is the parts truck that I pulled the rear suspension, axle, front suspension and front clip.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

After about 2 solid days of measuring I got the front and rear suspension in.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Flipped the rear axle and painted the back half of the frame.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

I blocked up the body by myself to roll the frame under

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Finally got the body on the frame. Now I'm ready to strip the interior to get the replacement floors in.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Im in to see the rest .

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Wow, great job! You may beat your 2 year deadline at this rate.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Thanks, right now I'm just trying to get the cheap stuff done. All my money is going into my first turbo hayabusa build right now.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Cool to see someone frim mid-MI as I was born and raised in Bay City. Are you looking for a lowered 2wd Blazer or close to stock height? I ask because it lookes like you used the 4x4 rear hangers/springs which won't net much drop even with the flip.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Don't forget that the 4x4 front spring mounts are actually different than the 2wd mounts. I'm actually in the process of swapping frames right now because my 2wd one is bent and I found a 4wd one to replace it with. The bottom of the front 2wd spring mount is even with the bottom of the frame and the 4wd one is lower than the frame rails.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

I'm want it lowered but not slammed right now. The 56 inch spring pack is out of the c10. The hangers are 4x4 ones but used those just because they were on the shelf ready to go. I want to get the motor/transmission and front clip on. Then play with ride height from there. Thanks for the heads up on the spring hanger. I didn't know the front one was different.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

cool ,getting some of the big stuff done right away

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Welcome to the site! That's one hell of a good start, nice progress.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Thanks everyone. This stuff I find easier. The hard part will be all the body work and breaking done the engine harness myself. This will be my first crack at serious bodywork. Busier can you post some pictures of your 2wd blazer?

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

So I started ripping the interior out of the blazer. The rust is worse than I thought. The floor, rockers and quarters are rusted bad. The whole side is sagging at least 1/2 inch. Does anyone know where I can find the correct dimensions so I can start rebuilding this.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Click on my username and profile links, there's a pic there. Right now it has the engine out.

Can you post pics of the rust?

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Picture of the rocker

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

The inside corner that always rusts

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

I haven't fixed rust like that but check out russgt's thread on his 76, he made similar repairs on his truck.

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

very nice so far

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

any updates?

Re: 1980 k5 blazer 2wd conversion
 

Any updates ?