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Old 06-03-2007, 08:03 PM   #1
AJ4X4TJ
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BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

Blazer Nation,

I need your help in fixing the following Problems considering the current Setup below.

Problems:
Loose steering wheel.
vibration over 35 mph.
Bad handling and braking.
Dangerous driving and it throws off to either side on braking. It rides all over the road.

Setup:
6" Skyjacker on 37" Boggers.
Stock setup for steering wheel.
Drum brakes on all wheels.
Brake booster only, no Hydro booster.
Front steering wheel stabilizer.
See pictures for more info.

Thank you for all your time and help in advance.
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Old 06-03-2007, 10:33 PM   #2
BUDDY
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Thumbs up Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

So, let me get this straight. You're running 37 inch boggers with drum brake & no power assist? Holy crap! DEFINITELY upgrade to discs!! At least in he front. Drum brakes are marginal at best with stock sized tires. That would be my first advice. Regarding the steering, I'd recommend the XJ shaft
upgrade or something from flaming river or Ididit.

Also, make sure that you're tires are balanced. Boggers aren't exactly street friendly, but you should be able to control you truck.

You've got a really nice looking truck, make sure you don't wreck it after all the hard work you've put into it.

HTH,
Buddy
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Old 06-04-2007, 12:32 AM   #3
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

I think the main cause of your problem is your emblem is a bit crooked. Fix that than you'll be riding on clouds.

Evan
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Old 06-04-2007, 12:52 AM   #4
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

You're running some big meats there that aren't very good street tires. I think you can expect a certain amount of bump-steer, wandering, etc with those tires, but it sounds like you are experiencing something more severe.
1) Have your alignment checked out.
2) You might want to consider cross-over steering and a solid steering shaft as Buddy suggested.
3) Check your frame around the steering box to make sure it is solid. With those tires, you should probably add that into your service routine as a precaution. If you do see cracks, it is best if you catch it early.
4) Upgrade your brakes before you squash a miata.
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Old 06-04-2007, 01:20 AM   #5
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

yea i had same problems with boggers, i had to mess with the tow the alignment to get it right but another thing u definetly need to get rid of the front drum brakes.
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Old 06-04-2007, 01:40 AM   #6
AJ4X4TJ
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

Thank you guys for all the tips you gave me so far.
First thing i did was correcting the emblem and of course that wasn't the problem!!! What else can you think of "Kool K5"? It ain't crooked anymore!

Yes, you are right, I think drum brakes are going to squash a Miata or a Bronco!
Where do i buy an upgrade kit to disk brakes considering i'm running original axels? i looked at few places and didn't have much luck.
And what is the best product that you suggest for the crossover steering wheel? Where can i buy it and what would it cost?

Is there anything else that i can think of in order for me to get a better ride on my Blazer?

Thank you all for the great help.
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Old 06-04-2007, 06:00 AM   #7
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

In reality, your entire drive train is now undersized for the tires your running.

If you want to fix it right, go to at least a set of 3/4 ton axles. (if not 1 tons)

4whl discs would be a nice upgrade from only doing the fronts and will make a big difference in stopping distances.

Hydro assist steering set up will get rid of the bump steer.
Cross over will help too.

What's your current gear ratio?
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Old 06-04-2007, 11:25 AM   #8
AJ4X4TJ
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

My gear ratio is stock.
I know that one day I'll need to need to replace the existing axles with much heavier duty ones.

I still need your help in finding where i can purchase the items that you all suggested i should replace on my Blazer.

Thanks again.
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Old 06-04-2007, 11:33 AM   #9
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

If it's an open knuckle front axle,you can just get rotors,hubs,etc from another axle or swap another axle in.
I agree with VT though,those axles wont last long with them tires.Atleast add a 14 bolt rear and get the 3/4 ton front hubs on it and convert to front discs.If you plan to wheel it,you should really step up to a dana 60 front and 14 bolt rear with discs all around

Last edited by 1969k10stepside; 06-04-2007 at 11:34 AM.
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Old 06-04-2007, 12:29 PM   #10
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

Your stock gear ratio is probably going to kill your power and fuel efficiency too. You probably need to be running in the 4.56 range for those tires.

If you have closed knuckles, just find a front axle from a 72 or a 71 with disks from someone who swapped in a bigger drivetrain. Check on CK5 - there are a lot more guys over there that have done the swap and quite a few in SoCal. Also, look on Pirate4x4.com, but be ready to be riduculed for no reason.
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Old 06-04-2007, 01:40 PM   #11
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

It looks like your droped drag link is laying on its side which isnt going to help with your steering issues. Depends on what your ging to use the Blazer for as to what upgrades you need. If its just a show/parade queen the axles would be fine for a while but if our going to do any trail riding I would at least swap the rear axle for a FF14 bolt. You will have to get new 8 lug wheels. Maybe try to find a matched set of 3/4 ton axles to swap...you should be able to find a FF14 bolt and 8 lug corp 10 bolt with 4.10 gears pretty reasonable. Try to get a 14 bolt with a detroit already in it. There are plenty of upgrades in store if you want to get serious.
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Old 06-04-2007, 01:49 PM   #12
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

Quote:
Originally Posted by AJ4X4TJ View Post
I still need your help in finding where i can purchase the items that you all suggested i should replace on my Blazer.
AJ, park your self in a comfy chair and surf the site for a few hours.
Everything your asking about or think you need help with is all here for the taking.

Surf the truck section, surf the 4x4 section, surf the FAQ section...it's all in there.

Better yet, become a subscriber and post a 'wanted to buy' post for that disc brake mod your about to do.

Jump in like the rest of us had to do...the waters fine.
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Old 06-05-2007, 11:08 AM   #13
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Re: BLAZER NATION - Help Needed!

[QUOTE=onetonk5;2206273]It looks like your droped drag link is laying on its side which isnt going to help with your steering issues. QUOTE]

Definitely agree. Make sure it's adjustor sleeves are tightened down so the drag link isn't flopping around when you are driving. That would make it very sloppy of course!
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