Blazer Build Options - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

vtblazer · 08-07-2006, 06:43 AM

Okay, looking for informative input here.
Building a 4x4 blazer for my daughter to have as a driver.

I've built a good/solid blazer body from several different trucks/blazers so this isn't a survivor or anything,
just a 'little of everything' kinda build.
The blazer's complete but we know we won't be using factory interior already.

I'm picking up a 95 burb and I'm trying to decide if cutting the burb frame down and using it complete, drive train and all is the way to go or just do the engine/tranny swap into the original blazer frame...?

I like the idea of using all the 95 running gear but the electronics could get interesting.
Other biggies might be, steering column, ABS brake issues, master/booster fitment...I think the list could go on and on...

**special-K** · 08-07-2006, 07:37 AM

This is wild,By the time I read options,daughter,constructed body I was going to suggest a late-model IFS version for the little lady.Especially since it`s in your corral and you don`t want to get repetitive.Go for it,you hit the nail on the head right off the bat(er,hammer?).
Edit:Don`t forget a`68 front clip,of course.

tpi72blazer · 08-07-2006, 08:47 AM

For me, mechanical problems are much easier to overcome than electrical. If it was me, I'd use your existing Blazer frame, and build from it. Modifications such as fuel injection or a 4 speed automatic are simple swaps when you have a good wiring harness. Just my 2 cents.

Huck · 08-07-2006, 09:02 AM

As a daily driver, I would tend to try to use the new technology especially the fuel injection vortec and the overdrive transmission. The rest is really pretty basic but like you know, electronics can get a wee bit interesting but just think, after you master it, you can become the resource for every dumb, lazy, sob on this board who is too cheap to invest in a book or research. Could probably make mega $$$ providing guidance to jerks like me!!("Da, does anyone know where this wire goes and why??? What, Me buy a shop manual--when I can just ask everyone else to do the investigative work----!")hehehehe

Jason915 · 08-07-2006, 06:42 PM

Personally I'd swap the vortec engine and 4speed OD into the K5. The newer frames just hang low and the IFS may ride nice but I'd rather work on a solid axle. Softride springs late model swaybars ICE cold ac pwr windows locks, cruse. Sounds like you have a big project ahead. Sound fun though

70rs/ss · 08-07-2006, 06:49 PM

I was going to do the same thing except 68 burb on 95 burb frame. I would try to use the new stuff on the old frame. The new technology is nice, safe and comfortable as compared to the solid front axle. It is going to be a lot of work, but cut it in the middle and splice it together, if it works now it will work a few feet shorter and all that dash stuff can fit in the Blazer with some work, use it all, even the ABS will work.

bouncytruck · 08-07-2006, 06:53 PM

Remember that 72 crew bulit by Ricks with the late model IFS and dash? I'm not sure if it had a late model frame or the IFS was grafted to the original frame. Check out the ricks web site (I believe the URL is banned here so you'll have to look it up yourself).

Jason915 · 08-18-2006, 02:09 PM

Check this out VT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...17882850QQrdZ1

bpmcgee · 08-18-2006, 02:36 PM

VT,

I put a TBI system into my 71 blazer. I started with a late 80's vortec 350, and added the commander 950 FI system by Holley. It has the advantage over a transplated system that 1) It's configurable for any engine combination, not hard-coded like the GM one, and 2) It doesn't have any of the other body/security features built into it like the GM one.

Probably a system like that with a TH350 or 700r4 would be the best bet. The brakes/suspension, etc of the Blazer are just as good as anything you'll get up until '87. You just miss out on the ABS, really.

Brian

70rs/ss · 08-18-2006, 03:34 PM

Yeah, I like the way the truck is done, never though to do it that way, but a saws all and lots of welding and it will work. Just oper the tahoe up and set the Blazer skin on it and you have all the modern conveniences with cool exterior of a 30+yr old Blazer. I think the IFS and stuff could be grafted to the K5 frame as well, but you better know how to weld, cause if the front end breaks, well you know what. The factory welds them together, so if you use there factory seems and weld it good (6011 first then 7018) it will hold and be way cool.!!

Tynee · 08-19-2006, 06:43 AM

Ya know, that build wouldn't be for the faint of heart, but MAN would the end product be COOL!!!

08-07-2006, 06:43 AM	#1
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	Blazer Build Options Okay, looking for informative input here. Building a 4x4 blazer for my daughter to have as a driver. I've built a good/solid blazer body from several different trucks/blazers so this isn't a survivor or anything, just a 'little of everything' kinda build. The blazer's complete but we know we won't be using factory interior already. I'm picking up a 95 burb and I'm trying to decide if cutting the burb frame down and using it complete, drive train and all is the way to go or just do the engine/tranny swap into the original blazer frame...? I like the idea of using all the 95 running gear but the electronics could get interesting. Other biggies might be, steering column, ABS brake issues, master/booster fitment...I think the list could go on and on... Last edited by vtblazer; 08-07-2006 at 06:44 AM.

08-07-2006, 07:37 AM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,852	Re: Blazer Build Options This is wild,By the time I read options,daughter,constructed body I was going to suggest a late-model IFS version for the little lady.Especially since it`s in your corral and you don`t want to get repetitive.Go for it,you hit the nail on the head right off the bat(er,hammer?). Edit:Don`t forget a`68 front clip,of course. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~ Last edited by special-K; 08-07-2006 at 07:39 AM.

08-07-2006, 08:47 AM	#3
tpi72blazer Tpi72Blazer Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Colorado Posts: 92	Re: Blazer Build Options For me, mechanical problems are much easier to overcome than electrical. If it was me, I'd use your existing Blazer frame, and build from it. Modifications such as fuel injection or a 4 speed automatic are simple swaps when you have a good wiring harness. Just my 2 cents. __________________ Indian - the other money pit

08-07-2006, 09:02 AM	#4
Huck Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Shelbyville, KY Posts: 3,269	Re: Blazer Build Options As a daily driver, I would tend to try to use the new technology especially the fuel injection vortec and the overdrive transmission. The rest is really pretty basic but like you know, electronics can get a wee bit interesting but just think, after you master it, you can become the resource for every dumb, lazy, sob on this board who is too cheap to invest in a book or research. Could probably make mega $$$ providing guidance to jerks like me!!("Da, does anyone know where this wire goes and why??? What, Me buy a shop manual--when I can just ask everyone else to do the investigative work----!")hehehehe

08-07-2006, 06:42 PM	#5
Jason915 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 693	Re: Blazer Build Options Personally I'd swap the vortec engine and 4speed OD into the K5. The newer frames just hang low and the IFS may ride nice but I'd rather work on a solid axle. Softride springs late model swaybars ICE cold ac pwr windows locks, cruse. Sounds like you have a big project ahead. Sound fun though __________________ 1971 GMC K1500 SWB Fleetside, 4" skyjacker softride and, 14 Bolt FF, HD Dana 44 4.10's 1970 K5 TBI conversion lifted etc SOLD 1968 C20 camper truck SOLD “To ban guns because criminals use them is to tell the innocent and law-abiding that their rights and liberties depend not on their own conduct, but on the conduct of the guilty and the lawless.” Jeff Snyder

08-07-2006, 06:49 PM	#6
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: Blazer Build Options I was going to do the same thing except 68 burb on 95 burb frame. I would try to use the new stuff on the old frame. The new technology is nice, safe and comfortable as compared to the solid front axle. It is going to be a lot of work, but cut it in the middle and splice it together, if it works now it will work a few feet shorter and all that dash stuff can fit in the Blazer with some work, use it all, even the ABS will work.

08-07-2006, 06:53 PM	#7
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Blazer Build Options Remember that 72 crew bulit by Ricks with the late model IFS and dash? I'm not sure if it had a late model frame or the IFS was grafted to the original frame. Check out the ricks web site (I believe the URL is banned here so you'll have to look it up yourself). __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

08-18-2006, 02:09 PM	#8
Jason915 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 693	Re: Blazer Build Options Check this out VT http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...17882850QQrdZ1 __________________ 1971 GMC K1500 SWB Fleetside, 4" skyjacker softride and, 14 Bolt FF, HD Dana 44 4.10's 1970 K5 TBI conversion lifted etc SOLD 1968 C20 camper truck SOLD “To ban guns because criminals use them is to tell the innocent and law-abiding that their rights and liberties depend not on their own conduct, but on the conduct of the guilty and the lawless.” Jeff Snyder

08-18-2006, 02:36 PM	#9
bpmcgee Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 2,181	Re: Blazer Build Options VT, I put a TBI system into my 71 blazer. I started with a late 80's vortec 350, and added the commander 950 FI system by Holley. It has the advantage over a transplated system that 1) It's configurable for any engine combination, not hard-coded like the GM one, and 2) It doesn't have any of the other body/security features built into it like the GM one. Probably a system like that with a TH350 or 700r4 would be the best bet. The brakes/suspension, etc of the Blazer are just as good as anything you'll get up until '87. You just miss out on the ABS, really. Brian Last edited by bpmcgee; 08-18-2006 at 02:36 PM.

08-18-2006, 03:34 PM	#10
70rs/ss Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Northern AZ Posts: 7,271	Re: Blazer Build Options Yeah, I like the way the truck is done, never though to do it that way, but a saws all and lots of welding and it will work. Just oper the tahoe up and set the Blazer skin on it and you have all the modern conveniences with cool exterior of a 30+yr old Blazer. I think the IFS and stuff could be grafted to the K5 frame as well, but you better know how to weld, cause if the front end breaks, well you know what. The factory welds them together, so if you use there factory seems and weld it good (6011 first then 7018) it will hold and be way cool.!!

08-19-2006, 06:43 AM	#11
Tynee I miss this truck. Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Lexington, KY U.S.A. Posts: 2,863	Re: Blazer Build Options Ya know, that build wouldn't be for the faint of heart, but MAN would the end product be COOL!!! __________________ '07 GMC Acadia SLT. Sweet ride. '08 Crew Cab Z-71 short bed. Really like this truck A LOT.



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