4wd to 2wd conversion

[amashal]

I have been looking for a 70-72 2wd blazer with no luck. How much work would it be to convert a 4wd to 2wd. There are few 4wds available in my area. I've seen a couple conversions on here and was just wondering if it is worth the effort. Any suggestions, links to info, etc would be greatly appreciated.

[TonyJohnson]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=269604
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=86005
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=175443

[LUV2XCLR8]

Originally Posted by amashal

I have been looking for a 70-72 2wd blazer with no luck.

I find one about every 3 months, and have owned 2 in the last year. If you
are NOT willing to travel you better start converting a 4wd. If you ARE, I'd
keep your eyes on Evil bay and other places, and of course right here also.

[bouncytruck]

Sport truck did an article on it that shows mostly the high-level items needed for the swap. You can find a link to the article at http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=284008

If your going to run air bag or modify the suspension, I say why not save your self some money upfront and start with a 4wd.

[Mint68]

How does this effect the value of the blazer? Obviously it would be cheaper than a comperable 2wd, but in conparison to 4wd? Is it worth less as a 2wd than it was as a 4wd, or visa versa?

[bouncytruck]

I think it all depends on how you do the work and where you are. 2wd Blazers are a hot item right now. Since there weren't very many produced, the few real ones are quickly becoming worth a fortune. If you do a good job on the conversion and install some custom suspension, there's no reason to loose value. If you're gonna do a lame job, just keep it a 4wd.

Personally, I really want a bagged 2wd. I'd buy a conversion if it were done right without looking back, but I wouldn't pay the same as a factory 2wd in equal condition.

[amashal]

Thanks for the links and info guys. I am pretty sure I am going the conversion route. Plan on bagging whatever I get.

What about the rear? I have seen bagged with trailing arms and bagged with 4 links. Any preference and reason? Don't have much experience with either set up.

[jmuck]

I personally would 4-link it so it would go lower and keep the same pinion angle as it moves. Here is a pick of my blazer I converted and a pic of a 4-link set up.

[bouncytruck]

jmuck - Is your 4-link a kit or did you fab it? Can you do a 4-link without such extreme frame modifications?

[amashal]

This is one I am going to check out. What do you guys think? Good start or be patient and look around a bit? There's no top but even if I had one I don't think it would ever be on it.


http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/610668841.html

[Classic Heartbeat]

I would look closely at that one. It looks to me the lower fender to door gap is larger than it is up higher. That can indicate some seriouse rocker box and body mount rust. The fender looks to be a replacement, so it might be installed wrong also, but I somehow dont think so. Looks like he could have welded the pipe bumper to the frame also. Not worth $1500.00 IMO. WES

[lks dcvn]

- what are you looking to spend - they are all over the country and the cost varies so much from one place to the next...

I live in Ohio and would not look at that one for $1500 (but that is just me).

I look for these trucks daily (all over the country) - sort of a hobby I guess - some times you find good stuff - other times - you find junk...I don't buy everything I find - but I have found some good deals that I just couldn't make work.

You are also looking at the wrong time (spring) if you want a bargain - people are pulling them out of the garage to sell to people who are looking for a summer convertible - the best deals can be had in the fall months or if you keep watching - with foreclosures and the economy being sketchy now - you might find some people unloading some nice toys they don't need to pay some bills off.

Good luck in your hunt. Keep us posted. I would say keep looking though.

Tom

[Jtrux]

Originally Posted by amashal

This is one I am going to check out. What do you guys think? Good start or be patient and look around a bit? There's no top but even if I had one I don't think it would ever be on it.


http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/610668841.html

That's a joke, I wouldn't buy that no matte what the price, they'd have to give it to me.

[amashal]

Well....

After reading what ya'll think, I am going to pass on looking at this one. It's the closest one to me that I came across. I guess that's what caught my eye.

To answer your question lks dcvn, I have a few g's to spend to start off. I have found some online but unfortunately nowhere close to me. Not a whole lot of these around N. Texas unless I am just looking in the wrong places. If you run across one post it here (if that isn't asking too much).