78 2wd Blazer - LS Swap and more..

[OutlawDrifter]

liltroy on this board had the same thing with his ls(also an ly6) swap into a short stepper, i wonder if the ly6's had an issue?

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

liltroy on this board had the same thing with his ls(also an ly6) swap into a short stepper, i wonder if the ly6's had an issue?

For some reason the 6.0's are more likely to have bearing issues.. Not sure why really.

However, we picked up a brand new long block from a local dealer who put out a sale on some engines. Guess it pays to know people some times. We turned in the old one as a core and now we're putting this brand new 6.0 back in.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by tinydb84

Ouch...

And that was just the #1 main and cap. I'm sure it didn't get better going back!

[aggie91]

Love this build. To bad about the engine, but that new one should be even nicer.

I saw about the tube you added to the transmission cross member, but what transmission cross member is that? Is that the stock 2wd Blazer cross member?


Thanks!

[phillipm]

Cool, thanks Karl.

You are correct, the cross-member was the stock 2WD blazer unit.

[phillipm]

Well, here are some of the photos of the Blazer put all back together. New engine runs great, and my Dad is charging the A/C today. As long as that goes okay then we're all set.

[TooTall]

in case I missed it.

Was there anything on how you did the A/C lines and wiring to make it work? I saw where you have the compressor mounted in the stock location.

[68Timber]

Beautiful!

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by TooTall

in case I missed it.

Was there anything on how you did the A/C lines and wiring to make it work? I saw where you have the compressor mounted in the stock location.

I didn't really go into it. However I used parts from www.coldhose.com to get it all hooked up. I bought my condenser on E-bay from a shop in Iowa. It was the largest that I could fit. I'd say there were a couple adapter fittings that I needed to make it work. If there is something specific that you are wondering about feel free to ask. It works fairly well, however I think I might be taking it all out and putting a Vintage Air Gen IV kit in. They are just light years ahead in technology compared to this system.

[phillipm]

Just an update on the Blazer. I need to raise it up some. My front lower control arms are only 2.75" from the ground and they hit pretty much anything thicker than a leaf on the ground. I also will need to raise the rear some to match. I plan on starting in on this tonight.

The drivers side seat foam needs to be replaced. Does anyone sell that by it's self? I of course only need the bottom section. Just thought I'd ask.

[68Timber]

There was a thread about replacement seat foam recently, IIRC you can buy it for bench seats but not buckets.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by 68Timber

There was a thread about replacement seat foam recently, IIRC you can buy it for bench seats but not buckets.

Yeah I saw that too. No help. Haha. I've talked to my interior guy and he's going to try and just rebuild the bottom with new foam. I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

[phillipm]

Got some time on the Blazer last night. I was able to get the front springs swapped out with the 1" drop springs. So far it looks like it raised the truck 1.25". I've now got 4.25" of clearance at the LCA. From my research that should be just fine. I may put new shocks on it to control the movement more if I still have an issue. But I don't foresee one.

Hoping to run over and grab my new leaf springs on Wednesday. Then I can get the back lifted up and 1" or maybe 2". I'll just have to see what looks best.

My new measurement at the front fender is 26" from there to the ground.

[OutlawDrifter]

Tucking just the right amount of tire up front!

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by OutlawDrifter

Tucking just the right amount of tire up front!

Cool thanks. Just picked up my front wheels and tires from having them re-balanced. I think the guy that did them the first time maybe had a few puffs before. They were quite a bit off.

[phillipm]

Just a small update. I ran over to my buddies house and picked up an extra pair of leaf springs he had in his shed. Well, they are much longer than the one that I've got! Like 4" longer! So, I decided to just pull one leaf out of his pack and add to mine in an effort to raise the truck a couple inches.. I'm not sure if 1 leaf will do it so I'll just have to trial and error it I think. I was only got one side done last night but this weekend I will get the other side done as well. before I left I sprayed the other side with PB blaster so it should all come apart easily. Side note, someone installed the front spring eye bolts before they put the body on the frame so the bolts were going the wrong direction. Nothing surprises me any more...









I also got around to slash cutting my tail pipes. I had left them just straight and long while I confirmed that their placement would work..









Another project I'm working on is adding a small panel in the console to hold a couple cigarette chargers and a USB charger. I also have an XM roady head unit that I'd like to mount on here. Once it's all don'e I'll sand blast it and paint it the same color as the console.

[buffydores]

Never heard back from you on the cruise servo. You still interested in selling?

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by buffydores

Never heard back from you on the cruise servo. You still interested in selling?

Shoot yeah. Let me get some pics of the cruise stuff next time I'm out in the shop.

[lolife99]

There were two different length leaf springs. 52" and 56".
Blazers had the 52" version.
And that bolt you're talking about was done that way at the factory.
I alway push them out a little and cut the head off, and remove it the easy way.
Cost the price of a new bolt, but saves a lot of time and agony.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by lolife99

There were two different length leaf springs. 52" and 56".
Blazers had the 52" version.
And that bolt you're talking about was done that way at the factory.
I alway push them out a little and cut the head off, and remove it the easy way.
Cost the price of a new bolt, but saves a lot of time and agony.

Wow that's crazy to me! I've got it in the other way now so good to go I guess. Thx for the reply.

[tobiahr]

If my memory is correct the bolt was done that way as a safety precaution so that if the nut came off the bolt couldn't back all the way out.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by tobiahr

If my memory is correct the bolt was done that way as a safety precaution so that if the nut came off the bolt couldn't back all the way out.

That's crazy. Guess we'll never really know. I've owned dozens of Camaros and other gm leaf sprung cars. Never run across that ever. Thanks for the reply.

[PEDROSKI]

CPP lca should raise your clearance aswell.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by PEDROSKI

CPP lca should raise your clearance aswell.

Okay cool. Thanks!

[phillipm]

Just another quick update. I got the leafs all finished. Just as a recap I added one leaf between my bottom and helper. It seems to have raised the truck about 3/4" but has also raised the spring rate so it doesn't sink down so far with fuel in it! Over all with the new front springs and the new rear leafs finished it drive and rides awesome. I drove in to work today and didn't bottom out or hit my control arms even once. Also my tires don't hit when I turn anymore either. So that's a double bonus.