old style / new style blazer swap ??

[modifiedGMC]

I was wondering if anyone could help me out with a bit of a question. Got a 1985 GMC Jimmy 4X4 runs and drives BUT its been rolled over and crushed the cab. Will a 1972 or 1971 4X4 blazer body fit this this chassis OR the 85 running gear go under the 1971 / 1972 blazer? A nephew has the 72 body and said it's aproximately 105" center to center front axle to rear axle, I measured the 85 and it's about 108" so that's 3" longer. Any comments?

[Jurassic-1]

The frames are quite different . The 73 and up frames have a frame rail that is raised under the seats where the 69-72 has a flat frame.

[JimmyFloyd]

the drivetrain will work in the older blazer I believe.

[vtblazer]

Either option is possible, both option's need 'some' custom work.

The body swap being the bigger job of the two, having to deal with body mounts, totally different frame shape and axle location.

This might help some:
http://www.chuckschevytruckpages.com/models.html

[modifiedGMC]

I got to looking and saw the VIN plate & that the date of manufacture is 3/88 so would this be an 88 model or an 89 model?

[csa daddy]

what does your title say . an why not just put the 72 blazer together an have ol school body style an new model running gear

[modifiedGMC]

Originally Posted by csa daddy

what does your title say . an why not just put the 72 blazer together an have ol school body style an new model running gear

That's one option that's possible. The 88 runs and drives just got a crushed body. My nephew has the 72 and it also a 4x4 but needs alot of body and interior work. Don't know what kind of problems, if any, we'd run in to putting the 88 running gear under the 72. I know the 2 wheel stuff will work because I've done that before.

[vtblazer]

Originally Posted by modifiedGMC

Don't know what kind of problems, if any, we'd run in to putting the 88 running gear under the 72.

What's in the newer blazer for a drive train?

If it's the normal TBI'd 350/700r/241, then it's really about t-case position & drive lines.
There's room to slide the motor cross member forward but not much room to move it towards the firewall.

The 700r is 3"s longer than a stock th-350.

Here's another link for ya with some good basic tranny info:
http://www.race-track.com/news.asp?TOPIC_ID=532

However, if the 72's body is rough, be careful about getting into that particular swap, these body styles can be pretty indepth to repair - "rust wise"

[csa daddy]

can ya get some pics of the 72

[csa daddy]

can ya get pics of the 72

[modifiedGMC]

Originally Posted by csa daddy

can ya get pics of the 72

I haven't seen the 72 in person yet but I think it might not be worth the trouble to fix it if it needs as much as he told me. I'll just have to see it in person.

[Rochlow]

When I traded for my 70, I was told it was on a 84 frame. Which I tend to believe as the rear is a leaf spring suspension. I'm not sure when they stopped using trailing arms and went with leaf springs..

So based on that, I would assume it's possible. I'm hoping it's right, cause I might use an airbar from air ride tech and those are the spec's that I've been discussing with them.

[modifiedGMC]

Originally Posted by Rochlow

When I traded for my 70, I was told it was on a 84 frame. Which I tend to believe as the rear is a leaf spring suspension. I'm not sure when they stopped using trailing arms and went with leaf springs..

So based on that, I would assume it's possible. I'm hoping it's right, cause I might use an airbar from air ride tech and those are the spec's that I've been discussing with them.

My wife's dad has a 70 or 71 GMC 2 wheel drive that has leaf springs. On yours is the frame and suspension (springs, rearend, etc.) 84 model or just the suspension?

[Rochlow]

Originally Posted by modifiedGMC

My wife's dad has a 70 or 71 GMC 2 wheel drive that has leaf springs. On yours is the frame and suspension (springs, rearend, etc.) 84 model or just the suspension?

I'm told the whole thing is an 84 2wd (frame and suspension) But I'd have to have someone with more blazer/jimmy experience confirm it..

[modifiedGMC]

Originally Posted by Rochlow

I'm told the whole thing is an 84 2wd (frame and suspension) But I'd have to have someone with more blazer/jimmy experience confirm it..

I know the 2 wd suspension will work on them because I built a 69 GMC truck with 79 front suspension and modified Caddy rear.

[vtblazer]

all this time I thought we were discussing a 4x4.

[modifiedGMC]

Originally Posted by vtblazer

all this time I thought we were discussing a 4x4.

We actually WAS but I think it kinda got shifted to 2 wd too! I went back and edited the original postto include 4X4 LOL

[Rochlow]

Sorry, My bad...