tjs 72 Blazer Build

[tjsblazer]

So I decided to use 73+ front spring u-bolt plates so I could add a front sway bar down the road if I wanted. However the axle and housing on the 72 is 2.75 and 3.5" so I had to elongate slightly with an end mill and take 0.125" out of each hole.

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[tjsblazer]

I had to cut my original Fuel tank hanger bracket to get it out so I made a new one. I got some 3/8" cold rolled rod, shaped to match a factory one and cut some threads. I just need to add some black paint or powder.

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[tjsblazer]

Some more garage paint booth action. NV4500 transmission case this time.

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[tjsblazer]

Got a bag of items zinc plated. All the brake/fuel line clips. They had a minimum charge so I got the fuel fill pipe and some small brake parts that were all rusty redone.

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[tjsblazer]

These things are like a jigsaw puzzle. This took a service manual, some online pictures and a lot of my time. My first set of Drums ever. Calipers and rotors are soooo much easier. Ugghh, Right after I was done I noticed that the backing plate bolts were reversed to put the nut outside so I swapped them around.

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[tjsblazer]

It feels soooo good to finally be putting something TOGETHER. Too many months of taking apart and cleaning / painting. Have a couple of days to put back some chassis together. Hopefully some more updates over the weekend. Cheers.

[jimbosprint]

Nice update

[tjsblazer]

Got the springs hung. Rears were a b*tch with the bit of pre-load in them.

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[IronCanine]

Originally Posted by tjsblazer

Got a bag of items zinc plated. All the brake/fuel line clips. They had a minimum charge so I got the fuel fill pipe and some small brake parts that were all rusty redone.

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Isn't that just the best. I wish I had sent more stuff to be coated myself.

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by IronCanine

Isn't that just the best. I wish I had sent more stuff to be coated myself.

Yes, I'm glad I got them done. I was grabbing anything I could think of Chassis wise. I had some Grade 8 U bolts I got made at the local spring shop and got them plated in the same lot.

[tjsblazer]

Front axle back together. Thanks to those here who have recently gone before me, I was well versed on how to get the Ball joint pre-loads set correctly. I put new front axles in but they don't make the 71/72. Have to get 73+. Just means the larger U-joint. Just barely fits through the knuckle! Also the seal at the back of the Spindle is a little different, I had to machined my 72 spindle 0.125 deeper where the spindle bearing and seal go. In the end it all went together no problem after lots of homework ahead of time.

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[tjsblazer]

Getting the steering Gear box rehung.

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[tjsblazer]

Axles hung.

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[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by tjsblazer

Axles hung.

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Hey Jeff, nice work. Another one to follow. What coating did you use on your brake drums

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Hey Jeff, nice work. Another one to follow. What coating did you use on your brake drums

Thank you. I used high temp manifold/header paint.

[jaros44sr]

Originally Posted by tjsblazer

Thank you. I used high temp manifold/header paint.

Perfect idea,ty

[DeadheadNM]

Looks great! How are the hub dials holding up as regards the blue color and where did you get the plating done?

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Looks great! How are the hub dials holding up as regards the blue color and where did you get the plating done?

Thanks Pete. So far dials look the same as when they were first cleaned up. Mind you, they have just been sitting on my work bench.

[tjsblazer]

It was time to get the weight off of the 40 year old wooden saw horses that were holding it. I think the legs were about to snap off. They were fine when it was just the weight of the frame. So I have a "roller". I'll work on the hard fuel and brake lines over the next week.

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[tjsblazer]

I had 15 mins of play time left today before dinner so I managed to get the Clutch on the Engine.

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[GMC-YA68]

looking BADAZZ!

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Looks great! How are the hub dials holding up as regards the blue color and where did you get the plating done?

Sorry, I missed your second question. I just used a local plating shop in the closest city to me here in Ontario, Canada. They do all zinc, cadmium, nickel, and anodizing.

[grillzy]

Looking great!

[jaros44sr]

Jeff, if you are going to use the OEM spark plug wire looms, now is the time to mount the rear looms, they are a son of a gun to install once the engine is in. I used studs, easier for install

Great assembly work

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Jeff, if you are going to use the OEM spark plug wire looms, now is the time to mount the rear looms, they are a son of a gun to install once the engine is in. I used studs, easier for install

Great assembly work

You know I hadnt thought that far ahead. You bring up a great point. I'm going to start to think through some of the routing. I am going to run a set of Stan's TriY headers so I'm not yet sure if I will run plug wires over or under.
Thanks for the heads up.