1978 Russet Metallic 4x4

[phillipm]

Things are happening though! That's awesome.

[buffydores]

So here's the much more appropriate plaque produced by Phillip. Phillip uses "laser beams". Notice we went with fillets instead of right angles and chamfers. No glossy mess. Looks like a freakin' plaque. Made of adhesive backed metallic material. I asked Phillip to make me two in case little fingers do their damage in the future.

[buffydores]

And the comparo.....



One looks like a sticker. The other does not. Looks like brushed aluminum.

[phillipm]

You get it applied to the dash yet???

[buffydores]

Not yet. Waiting on the tranny and transfer case to get back and installed. Probably two weeks.

I did get an update today on the transfer case. Apparently the NP203 was in pretty good shape.

[buffydores]

The transfer case and transmission are rebuilt and ready to go.

The shop is in the process of installing the twin stick kit for the NP203. The factory lever mechanism is just a messy beast. The Offroad Design kit is much cleaner. I'll loose the 4x4 indicator light feature, but I think I'm competent enough to figure it out without the light.

The TH350 is now built for a little hammering with the RamJet 350.





Probably have it buttoned up at the first of next week.

[phillipm]

Man that looks great!

[buffydores]

Originally Posted by phillipm

Man that looks great!

I talked to Verne at Transfer Case Express. He's their old school guy that works on the NP203s. Apparently he cut his teeth early on rebuilding 203s and 205s. He's a big fan of the 203 case. Although heavier and longer than the 205s, the full time abilty and toughness make it a formidable box. Speaking from experience, I know the kind of abuse that me, my father and his friends dealt out. This box never failed. Verne only needed to replace some bearings, seals and a shifting fork/collar (which I can't perceive anything wrong with). Think about that. This truck has who-knows-how-many miles on it, and the meat is in great shape. Feels real good. While I was checking in at the shop, I dropped off a B&M 12 Bolt Cover for them to install out back. I had it powdercoated satin black for it to blend in. I'd prefer a Hickey cover, but I can't wait forever. Ultimately, this is probably a better cover anyway.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by buffydores

I'd prefer a Hickey cover, but I can't wait forever. Ultimately, this is probably a better cover anyway.

Unfortunately that's probably true!

[buffydores]

Still looking like next week. Checked in for updates. They're cleaning up the hard fuel lines and various connections. Going premium semi metallic on the brakes. Front pads were pretty worn. One of the rears was leaking. Twin stick is installed. Needed to offset slightly to the right.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by buffydores

Still looking like next week. Checked in for updates. They're cleaning up the hard fuel lines and various connections. Going premium semi metallic on the brakes. Front pads were pretty worn. One of the rears was leaking. Twin stick is installed. Needed to offset slightly to the right.

I've had multiple pads on the Blazer since getting it done. They all dusted like crazy except for these!

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1029451&jsn=2

[buffydores]

Why so many sets of pads?

[phillipm]

First set came with the truck they were 16 years old and didn't want to stop. Second set would leave my wheels literally BLACK after 2 days of driving. Those were the NAPA Gold ones. And then this set I've got now. Love them. It's weeks of driving before I see dust starting to build and that might even just be road dust.

[buffydores]

Originally Posted by phillipm

First set came with the truck they were 16 years old and didn't want to stop. Second set would leave my wheels literally BLACK after 2 days of driving. Those were the NAPA Gold ones. And then this set I've got now. Love them. It's weeks of driving before I see dust starting to build and that might even just be road dust.

That's cool. I've had good experience with the ACDelco semi-metallics. Those suckers can grab. Since I don't run chrome, dust has been less of an issue.

[buffydores]

They're finishing up the front driveshaft and everything should be done.

So here's a little tidbit. I had an ulterior motive in going through the major components on the Blazer. Back in March, I had a wild hair and decided to put in an application to the 2017 Copperstate Overland. Space is limited on these glamping overland trips, but I couldn't think of anything more epic I could reasonably experience with the Blazer and a good friend. Thus, I wanted to make sure we didn't crap out in the desert.

Well.....I just got word today that my application was accepted. So, for the next few weeks, I'll be in a frenzy prepping the Blazer before shipping it off to Arizona. I would love to hear everyone's input on preparations, because I do admit, outside of some basic camping, I'm pretty green to this scene.

[buffydores]

Almost there folks. The shop decided to add limiting straps for the front suspension because of the amazing droop available with the custom ORD springs. We also added some more travel to the driveshaft because it was pulling loose at full droop. Everything else has been tested to their satisfaction. I'll get my hands on it at the end of this week and put some miles on it.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by buffydores

Almost there folks. The shop decided to add limiting straps for the front suspension because of the amazing droop available with the custom ORD springs. We also added some more travel to the driveshaft because it was pulling lose at full droop. Everything else has been tested to their satisfaction. I'll get my hands on it at the end of this week and put some miles on it.

How's the new fuel system doing??
Posted via Mobile Device

[buffydores]

Supposedly well, but I want to drive it myself for a bit.

[buffydores]

Hey Folks: Got the rig back. I put 50 miles on it today and checked things over. It bled a quart of transfer case fluid over everything because the speedo cable was not even finger tight. Easy fix, but highlighted an interesting tidbit. The end housing was clocked clockwise about 90 degrees from where I remember it before the rebuild. Wonder if that's the proper setup. This transfer case had been worked on before so who knows what happened.



The rear diff cover is dope. I like the stiffening bolts that keep things from flexing inside. I had it powdercoated black because, unless it is a Hickey cover, I really don't want too much attention there. The magnetic drain plug is a nice feature.



They got the new fuel setup installed and the driveline slop is gone...so silky smooth. I'm afraid the bill for this work was aggressive; however, quality mechanic work rarely comes cheap. Wish I had the time to do the work myself, but three young children and the need to get it ready for the Copperstate Overland trumped shop time for me this time.

[phillipm]

Dude I concure. No way GM would've put the cable down like that!
Posted via Mobile Device

[buffydores]

After reviewing a bunch of pictures, it looks like most kick out left(driver side) underneath and pointed slightly up, but, there are plenty of exceptions in all kinds of directions. When I reinstall my right angle speedo adjuster (1.25:1), the cable will be entering in that same direction.

Two more pics. The shop installed a charcoal canister to eat fumes. Nice out of the way location. You can see some transfer case fluid that got on the vent hose for the rear diff.



And here's the twin stick installed:

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by phillipm

Dude I concure. No way GM would've put the cable down like that!
Posted via Mobile Device

Yeah, that's not right. Mounted like that, you can shear the ratio adapter off and dump ATF on the ground, damaging your case in the process so the unit's no longer rebuildable. I'd make them fix that. Sorry to chime in with a negative, but that needs addressing. Looking forward to seeing your truck on the trail event and want to see you finish it too!

[buffydores]

Originally Posted by 68Timber

Yeah, that's not right. Mounted like that, you can shear the ratio adapter off and dump ATF on the ground, damaging your case in the process so the unit's no longer rebuildable. I'd make them fix that. Sorry to chime in with a negative, but that needs addressing. Looking forward to seeing your truck on the trail event and want to see you finish it too!

I'm not as concerned. There is quite a bit of clearance there. I'll holler at the rebuilder to get his input on the matter.

[buffydores]

I added this tie down centered in the rear of cargo area. Between the rear seat frame and the tire carrier, I have some good points to attach to, but nothing all the way to the rear. I'm never gonna have anything truly heavy back here, so this sucker should do the trick. I even added a rubber isolator to prevent rattling.

[68Timber]

I know that's centered high in the middle behind the tank skid plate, but given the level of excellence you've set and achieved on the rest of the truck, I wouldn't keep and own someone else's error now.