Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sandking · 06-12-2008, 11:50 PM

I bought this 1972 Blazer last summer to fulfill my "ultimate" vehicle needs. The catch was a limited budget (Do those words even work in the same sentence???). My goal for this is for the Blazer to be able to go in just about any terrain that I want it to. It will not be "the best" at anything, but at least I can do it all to a point. I like the dunes, hardpack desert and street. I come from high speed desert vehicles, trucks and buggies. This Blazer will also prerun and chase for a Class 1 truggy that a friend of mine is also building and hoping for a 2010 season of racing in the MDR series (local So Cal desert racing). Again, this will be a street friendly, all around vehicle. It will have a lower center of gravity then most of the 4x4 you typically see..............

I will be doing 95% of this work myself. The only things I need to send out to be done will be the transmission work, gearing in both axles and then the machining in the motor. Enough of the boring stuff, here are my plans.........

Full cage front to rear, top to bottom. All to be done in 1.75x.120 DOM tubing.

The front will be using the stock 44 axle (until it breaks), 14" coilovers, raduis arms, pan hard and x-over steering. It should pull about 15" of travel (not articulation).

The rear will also use the stock 12 bolt (until it breaks) and have a 4-link design with a cantileever shock set-up. I do not want the shocks to go through the bed, thats the reason for the canti design. I should be able to pull 20"-22" of travel easily with this setup.

The motor will be the original motor, but I will build it to about 400-420 hp. It will have a nice cam, aluminum heads, intake, upgraded valve train, headers, etc.

For the trans, I will be removing the 4-speed and the 205 it has now and replacing it with a th350 with the 205 xfer case. I will have the trans fitted with upgraded cltches and a manual/auto valve body. I want the auto for the luxury and the ability for my wife to drive occaisionally (sp?)

The interior will have PRP suspension seats. Buckets in the front and a 42" bench in the rear. I will have four 4-point harnesses also.

Tires are 35x12.50x15 BFG A/T with cheapie steel "Soft 8" wheels.

Here are some pics. I only have limited time and budget to do this, it will be a long build. These first pics are how it looked before I started............

sandking · 06-13-2008, 12:01 AM

Although these pics may not be in order, here are some progress pics........

sandking · 06-13-2008, 12:16 AM

More.............

sandking · 06-13-2008, 12:23 AM

More...........

19gmc67 · 06-13-2008, 12:27 AM

thats one hell of a cage,keep up the great work

sandking · 06-13-2008, 12:30 AM

More.........

uno67 · 06-13-2008, 12:39 AM

very sweet
subscribing to this one

sandking · 06-13-2008, 12:40 AM

These last few are the way it sits now...........

sandking · 06-13-2008, 12:46 AM

And last for now.............

sandking · 06-13-2008, 12:49 AM

Thanks for the kind words!! It is a work in progress. Some parts still need more bracing and/or plating. Someday, someday..............

PBFAB.COM · 06-13-2008, 01:15 AM

VERY impressive!!!!

First off... you have some tube bending skills!

What notcher are you using?

vtblazer · 06-13-2008, 05:24 AM

Very sweet front section!

Definitely watching this one and steeling some ideas.

X2 on the tubing skills, nice.

Rokcrln · 06-13-2008, 06:25 AM

WOW!

Kevin
LFD Inc.

Chevyman63 · 06-13-2008, 07:00 AM

Very nice...and impressive as well.

sandking · 06-13-2008, 08:57 AM

Thanks for the kind words. The notcher is the JD Notchmaster. The best $249 I have ever spent.

**ChiefRocka** · 06-13-2008, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandking

Thanks for the kind words. The notcher is the JD Notchmaster. The best $249 I have ever spent.

Cool man...I have a JD model 4 bender....have had it for about a year, and still haven't used it...still need a pump for it.

I will look into that notcher, when the time comes.

Rokcrln · 06-13-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandking

Thanks for the kind words. The notcher is the JD Notchmaster. The best $249 I have ever spent.

I have the JD model 3 and it has worked great for about 10+ yrs now. I have one of their older notchers that is about warn out so I might look into the Notchmaster or it may be the same as what I have now but new

I built mine into a job site tool box when I went to full hydro or as my wife says when I started getting OLD.

Kevin
LFD Inc.

**nightmare** · 06-13-2008, 09:15 AM

Very nice indeed. Should be a very stout rig once finished.

One question though, how are you going to be able to get to the engine? From what I can tell, there's only one removable piece to allow for access.

sandking · 06-13-2008, 10:32 AM

You're right. The front bar right now is removable. The bar going across from shock mount to shock mount will have "tube connectors". I have not installed those yet untill my upper shock mounts are officially in place. These are the connectors.......

Jtrux · 06-13-2008, 03:02 PM

That's pretty impressive.

Big J · 06-13-2008, 03:10 PM

Awesome project.

Looks like a solid start to a solid rig. How much room would it take up if you did go through the rear floor to mount the coilovers? Just wondering.

sandking · 06-13-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big J

Awesome project.

Looks like a solid start to a solid rig. How much room would it take up if you did go through the rear floor to mount the coilovers? Just wondering.

Its not really a space issue, its just that in order for a 2.5 coilover to go through the floor, you need at least a 6" hole. This being somewhat street legal and my daughter sitting in the back, I dont want debris going through the hole. Besides, it will allow alot more noise too. I suppose I could box around it, but I think the cantileever would be a different touch while being quite affective.

**nightmare** · 06-13-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandking

You're right. The front bar right now is removable. The bar going across from shock mount to shock mount will have "tube connectors". I have not installed those yet untill my upper shock mounts are officially in place. These are the connectors.......

Cool. I figured that this was thought of, but it never hurts to ask. Good build.

BACKYARD88 · 06-13-2008, 03:49 PM

Holy cow! That's a lot of tubing

Looks good

tdkosta · 06-13-2008, 06:05 PM

Wow- I can't wait to see this one finished. How much time do you have into this one? Nice job!

Can you build a tube around my 4 year old for me? He's always getting banged up after running full speed into everything. It doesn't have to have the tube connectors to let him out, I'll just leave it permanently attached to him.

06-12-2008, 11:50 PM	#1
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build I bought this 1972 Blazer last summer to fulfill my "ultimate" vehicle needs. The catch was a limited budget (Do those words even work in the same sentence???). My goal for this is for the Blazer to be able to go in just about any terrain that I want it to. It will not be "the best" at anything, but at least I can do it all to a point. I like the dunes, hardpack desert and street. I come from high speed desert vehicles, trucks and buggies. This Blazer will also prerun and chase for a Class 1 truggy that a friend of mine is also building and hoping for a 2010 season of racing in the MDR series (local So Cal desert racing). Again, this will be a street friendly, all around vehicle. It will have a lower center of gravity then most of the 4x4 you typically see.............. I will be doing 95% of this work myself. The only things I need to send out to be done will be the transmission work, gearing in both axles and then the machining in the motor. Enough of the boring stuff, here are my plans......... Full cage front to rear, top to bottom. All to be done in 1.75x.120 DOM tubing. The front will be using the stock 44 axle (until it breaks), 14" coilovers, raduis arms, pan hard and x-over steering. It should pull about 15" of travel (not articulation). The rear will also use the stock 12 bolt (until it breaks) and have a 4-link design with a cantileever shock set-up. I do not want the shocks to go through the bed, thats the reason for the canti design. I should be able to pull 20"-22" of travel easily with this setup. The motor will be the original motor, but I will build it to about 400-420 hp. It will have a nice cam, aluminum heads, intake, upgraded valve train, headers, etc. For the trans, I will be removing the 4-speed and the 205 it has now and replacing it with a th350 with the 205 xfer case. I will have the trans fitted with upgraded cltches and a manual/auto valve body. I want the auto for the luxury and the ability for my wife to drive occaisionally (sp?) The interior will have PRP suspension seats. Buckets in the front and a 42" bench in the rear. I will have four 4-point harnesses also. Tires are 35x12.50x15 BFG A/T with cheapie steel "Soft 8" wheels. Here are some pics. I only have limited time and budget to do this, it will be a long build. These first pics are how it looked before I started............ Attached Images

06-13-2008, 12:01 AM	#2
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build Although these pics may not be in order, here are some progress pics........ Attached Images

06-13-2008, 12:16 AM	#3
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build More............. Attached Images

06-13-2008, 12:23 AM	#4
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build More........... Attached Images

06-13-2008, 12:27 AM	#5
19gmc67 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: collierville,tennessee Posts: 122	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build thats one hell of a cage,keep up the great work

06-13-2008, 12:30 AM	#6
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build More......... Attached Images

06-13-2008, 12:39 AM	#7
uno67 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Tucson, Az Posts: 185	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build very sweet subscribing to this one

06-13-2008, 12:40 AM	#8
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build These last few are the way it sits now........... Attached Images

06-13-2008, 12:46 AM	#9
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build And last for now............. Attached Images

06-13-2008, 12:49 AM	#10
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build Thanks for the kind words!! It is a work in progress. Some parts still need more bracing and/or plating. Someday, someday..............

06-13-2008, 01:15 AM	#11
PBFAB.COM Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Mesa,Az Posts: 3,981	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build VERY impressive!!!! First off... you have some tube bending skills! What notcher are you using? __________________ www.PorterbuiltFabrication.com Phone: 480-297-2621 E-mail: sales@pbfab.com Find us on FaceBook under Porterbuilt Fabrication Specializing in Chassis and Suspension Components for your Classic Chevrolet Truck. We offer components from the following manufacturers: Porterbuilt Accuair Ridetech (Air Ride Technologies) Air Lift Wilwood Intro Unisteer ECE Gotta Show Air Lift Borgeson CPP Supporting this forum since 2003!

06-13-2008, 05:24 AM	#12
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build Very sweet front section! Definitely watching this one and steeling some ideas. X2 on the tubing skills, nice. Last edited by vtblazer; 06-13-2008 at 05:24 AM.

06-13-2008, 06:25 AM	#13
Rokcrln Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Winters Ca. 95694 Posts: 4,843	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build WOW! Kevin LFD Inc.

06-13-2008, 07:00 AM	#14
Chevyman63 Can't wait to retire!! Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Corunna, MI Posts: 1,575	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build Very nice...and impressive as well. __________________ 2009 4x4 Chevy Crew Cab 6.0 1989 4x4 Siverado (270,000 miles) 1972 4x4 Blazer 2007 Chevy Cutaway 1 ton 1970 Corvette (sons project) RIP - CLR 10/11/09

06-13-2008, 08:57 AM	#15
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build Thanks for the kind words. The notcher is the JD Notchmaster. The best $249 I have ever spent.



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06-13-2008, 10:32 AM	#19
sandking .....I am working on it..... Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anaheim Hills, Ca Posts: 960	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build You're right. The front bar right now is removable. The bar going across from shock mount to shock mount will have "tube connectors". I have not installed those yet untill my upper shock mounts are officially in place. These are the connectors.......

06-13-2008, 03:02 PM	#20
Jtrux I'm a poor spectator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 2,287	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build That's pretty impressive. __________________ 2006 Jeep Unlimited IMPACT ORANGE 1993 Chevy 2500 4x4 ExCab LWB 454/NV4500 Tow rig 1977 Ford F100 2x4 LWB 1st truck I owned, still have it!!! 1979 Ford F150 4x4 SWB Built Ford Tough!!! 1971 Chevy Blazer 350 / SM465 / NP205 UNDER CONSTRUCTION Soon to have a LQ4 6.0!!!

06-13-2008, 03:10 PM	#21
Big J Its lookin' like a Blazer! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Gods Country, KY Posts: 1,773	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build Awesome project. Looks like a solid start to a solid rig. How much room would it take up if you did go through the rear floor to mount the coilovers? Just wondering. __________________ BAZINGA! My Build

06-13-2008, 03:49 PM	#24
BACKYARD88 On the fast track to nowhere.. Join Date: May 2006 Location: Splendora, Texas Posts: 5,316	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build Holy cow! That's a lot of tubing Looks good __________________ -Mike Owen- Support the board here! 71 Chevy short fleet build thread Double D Norwood, Houston, Cecilia, Jackson, Monroe and counting

06-13-2008, 06:05 PM	#25
tdkosta Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 781	Re: Here is a "Not Your Typical" 4wd Blazer build Wow- I can't wait to see this one finished. How much time do you have into this one? Nice job! Can you build a tube around my 4 year old for me? He's always getting banged up after running full speed into everything. It doesn't have to have the tube connectors to let him out, I'll just leave it permanently attached to him. Last edited by tdkosta; 06-13-2008 at 06:05 PM.

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