Un-4x4'ing a blazer? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ochre · 08-29-2005, 05:27 PM

I thought there was a thread about this, unfortunately as we all know search is down and there wasn't any info to be found in the FAQ's section. Basically I want to know if its possible, and if so how, to turn a 4x4 blazer into a 2x4 without hunting down a 2x4 blazer frame (which are few and far between), rather if I can swap out the front axle for a 2WD truck suspension? Thanks for the info.

LUV2XCLR8 · 08-29-2005, 05:46 PM

Yeppers, just need a complete front crossmember set-up from a 2wd
p/u, need to drill a couple of holes I think, not a direct bolt in but it's
pretty close, could be a few other minor things to hash out, u need a
few more opinions from others, I am by no means an expert at it.

2wdBlazer · 08-29-2005, 09:36 PM

Remember 2wd's are coil sprung in the rear so if you favor a better ride, leafs are not the way to go.

bouncytruck · 08-29-2005, 11:46 PM

Isn't someone converting a 4wd frame to a coil sprun 2wd frame right now? I thought I remembered seeing pictures.

Livrat · 08-30-2005, 12:18 AM

I have done 8 of the 4X4 to 2WD conversions in various configurations.. the easiest way it to get a complete 71 72 2WD truck as you will need the entire front crossmember with suspension.. all the front brake lines and steering box, the front radiator core support mounts.. the automatic crossmember and trans linkage.. assuming you want an auto trans.... I usually cut off the 2wd frame just in front of the cab remove the crossmember from the 2wd frame.. knock the rivets out of the core suppor mounts.. and front crossmember ( the one just under the radiator).. then cut each frame rail into 3rd's.. so you have three flat pieces.. then you can lay each piece on top of the blazer frame line up some existing holes and bolt togther then "transfer punch" the bolts holes for the suspension crossmember, then drill away!!.. (one little hint here.. always start with a small drill bit for a "pilot hole and work your way up to the proper size it make things so much easier).. Then I put in a "mock up engine and trans with the tranny crossmember just sitting in.. then drill it wherever it lands using 12 inch long drill bits so you can drill through both top and bottom frame rails..
For the rear end there are a number of ways to go.. all depending on your skills and equipment.. if you do not have or know how to use a welder the easiest way is to use a complete coil spring assembley and carefully measure where the holes go for the trailing arm center support/drill and bolt it all in..
My favorite way is to leave the stock Blazer leaf springs and put the rear end on top of the springs and weld on new perches and lower shock mounts. It leave the ride height about perfect to me.. I do like them fairly low!! I also like to cut a coil and a half out of the front springs..
The other way is to use factory 2WD rear leaf spring perches, but that makes it a real low rider and you will have to "C" the frame and go to drop spindles in the front..
Here is a pic of one of my conversions using the stock 4X4 rear springs and a coil and half cut from the front springs..

vtblazer · 08-30-2005, 07:00 AM

There's a 2wd blazer for sale in the trucks section that's going fairly cheap.
I think it's only $1500 for the entire blazer.

bouncytruck · 08-30-2005, 11:46 AM

Here's the link to the one VT mentioned...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...?s=&forumid=36

hotrodhomi · 08-30-2005, 03:58 PM

I think your link is incorrect or something.

bouncytruck · 08-30-2005, 04:35 PM

hum, not sure how that happened.

Try this one.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=170138

Here is another one that someone posted a link to in the "trucks for sale" section - its a conversion - in SF area.

http://www.craigslist.org/pen/car/93978933.html

hotrodhomi · 08-30-2005, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

Here is another one that someone posted a link to in the "trucks for sale" section - its a conversion - in SF area.

http://www.craigslist.org/pen/car/93978933.html

Thanks for the heads up. I'm trying to contact him. Does anyone know anything about this?

LUV2XCLR8 · 08-30-2005, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

Thanks for the heads up. I'm trying to contact him. Does anyone know anything about this?

It looks pretty sharp / solid, that's about all I know about it

bouncytruck · 08-30-2005, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

Thanks for the heads up. I'm trying to contact him. Does anyone know anything about this?

It was listed on CL before, but it wasn't listed as a conversion. I believe a board member called on it and discovered it was a conversion. I think the asking price was higher before too, but I can't be sure of that.

Pop's72 · 08-30-2005, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

It was listed on CL before, but it wasn't listed as a conversion. I believe a board member called on it and discovered it was a conversion. I think the asking price was higher before too, but I can't be sure of that.

That was me...
The price was $4,500 and there was no mention of a conversion before. Sent questions to their Craigslist reply, but didn't receive any information back.

Bouncy is the man when it comes to 2wd Blazers for sale.

I was looking twice a day until I bought mine. Oops, that slipped, I'm not ready to come out yet!!

I really need to take some pictures!!!!!

Ochre · 08-30-2005, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bouncytruck

hum, not sure how that happened.

Try this one.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=170138

Here is another one that someone posted a link to in the "trucks for sale" section - its a conversion - in SF area.

http://www.craigslist.org/pen/car/93978933.html

Thanks for the linkage, but SF and GA are a bit of a stretch to drive from MN

hotrodhomi · 08-30-2005, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pop's72

I really need to take some pictures!!!!!

Yes you do!

Ochre · 08-31-2005, 10:20 PM

Comparatively (has anyone done this?) how hard is it to swap chassis between a '69-72 blazer and a 73-91 2WD K5? Just curious difficulty as opposed to swapping front suspension out of a 2WD truck and fabricating in coil springs/trailing arms for the rear so the ride quality is better

smbrouss70 · 08-31-2005, 11:01 PM

I bought a 70 blazer tub that was sitting on a 73 and up blazer chassis, and I can tell you that the wheelbase of the newer chassis is 2 inches longer than that of the older one. Also the frame rails must be further apart (wider), because the tub won't even rest on the newer frame level from side to side, one side has the tub resting on the rocker box and the other side is sitting the way it is supposed to. In conclusion, the frame would have to be shortened, narrowed, not to mention that all of the body mounts for the bed area are in slightly different areas so those would need to be addressed. That is why I found a 72 4x4 frame that is in the process of being converted over to 2wd, just seems easier in my opinion.

hotrodhomi · 09-01-2005, 01:19 AM

[QUOTE=Pop's72]That was me...
The price was $4,500 and there was no mention of a conversion before. Sent questions to their Craigslist reply, but didn't receive any information back.

QUOTE]
WTF I've been trying to get ahold of this guy for two days. You would think if you want to sell something, that you would do something with your FN messages. His wife must be making him sell it. If he doesn't get back to anybody, no one will buy it.

Pop's72 · 09-01-2005, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

WTF I've been trying to get ahold of this guy for two days. You would think if you want to sell something, that you would do something with your FN messages. His wife must be making him sell it. If he doesn't get back to anybody, no one will buy it.

I know how you feel, no reply, nothing...

If he is doing it just to get his wife off his back then more power to him, if not he is screwing himself every time he lowers the price. Do I hear $3,500?

hotrodhomi · 09-03-2005, 03:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pop's72

I know how you feel, no reply, nothing...

If he is doing it just to get his wife off his back then more power to him, if not he is screwing himself every time he lowers the price. Do I hear $3,500?

Its for sale again. He added wheels and wants $2000 more but still will not contact me. WTF! his loss I guess.

Pop's72 · 09-03-2005, 05:42 AM

Hmmmmm, well if you like the wheels it still is an ok buy. It all depends on how well the conversion was done.

Looks like he wants people to email him with a call back number so he doesn't have to play email tag. Funny thing, email tag requires you email people back.

Since you are relatively close and if you like the rims I would give the guy your number and see if he calls back.

08-29-2005, 05:27 PM	#1
Ochre Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 78	Un-4x4'ing a blazer? I thought there was a thread about this, unfortunately as we all know search is down and there wasn't any info to be found in the FAQ's section. Basically I want to know if its possible, and if so how, to turn a 4x4 blazer into a 2x4 without hunting down a 2x4 blazer frame (which are few and far between), rather if I can swap out the front axle for a 2WD truck suspension? Thanks for the info.

08-29-2005, 05:46 PM	#2
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,475	Yeppers, just need a complete front crossmember set-up from a 2wd p/u, need to drill a couple of holes I think, not a direct bolt in but it's pretty close, could be a few other minor things to hash out, u need a few more opinions from others, I am by no means an expert at it. __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T Last edited by LUV2XCLR8; 08-29-2005 at 05:47 PM.

08-29-2005, 09:36 PM	#3
2wdBlazer The Blazer King Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Valrico, Fl (Tampa) Posts: 1,213	Remember 2wd's are coil sprung in the rear so if you favor a better ride, leafs are not the way to go. __________________ 72 2wd Blazer. Its the superbichinest, megacoolinest, superflowinest.

08-29-2005, 11:46 PM	#4
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Isn't someone converting a 4wd frame to a coil sprun 2wd frame right now? I thought I remembered seeing pictures. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

08-30-2005, 12:18 AM	#5
Livrat Member #1049 Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Troy Montana Posts: 3,940	I have done 8 of the 4X4 to 2WD conversions in various configurations.. the easiest way it to get a complete 71 72 2WD truck as you will need the entire front crossmember with suspension.. all the front brake lines and steering box, the front radiator core support mounts.. the automatic crossmember and trans linkage.. assuming you want an auto trans.... I usually cut off the 2wd frame just in front of the cab remove the crossmember from the 2wd frame.. knock the rivets out of the core suppor mounts.. and front crossmember ( the one just under the radiator).. then cut each frame rail into 3rd's.. so you have three flat pieces.. then you can lay each piece on top of the blazer frame line up some existing holes and bolt togther then "transfer punch" the bolts holes for the suspension crossmember, then drill away!!.. (one little hint here.. always start with a small drill bit for a "pilot hole and work your way up to the proper size it make things so much easier).. Then I put in a "mock up engine and trans with the tranny crossmember just sitting in.. then drill it wherever it lands using 12 inch long drill bits so you can drill through both top and bottom frame rails.. For the rear end there are a number of ways to go.. all depending on your skills and equipment.. if you do not have or know how to use a welder the easiest way is to use a complete coil spring assembley and carefully measure where the holes go for the trailing arm center support/drill and bolt it all in.. My favorite way is to leave the stock Blazer leaf springs and put the rear end on top of the springs and weld on new perches and lower shock mounts. It leave the ride height about perfect to me.. I do like them fairly low!! I also like to cut a coil and a half out of the front springs.. The other way is to use factory 2WD rear leaf spring perches, but that makes it a real low rider and you will have to "C" the frame and go to drop spindles in the front.. Here is a pic of one of my conversions using the stock 4X4 rear springs and a coil and half cut from the front springs.. Attached Images Last edited by Livrat; 08-30-2005 at 12:20 AM.

08-30-2005, 07:00 AM	#6
vtblazer Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Central Vermont Posts: 8,538	There's a 2wd blazer for sale in the trucks section that's going fairly cheap. I think it's only $1500 for the entire blazer. Last edited by vtblazer; 08-30-2005 at 12:39 PM.

08-30-2005, 11:46 AM	#7
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Here's the link to the one VT mentioned... http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/f...?s=&forumid=36 __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

08-30-2005, 03:58 PM	#8
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	I think your link is incorrect or something.

08-30-2005, 04:35 PM	#9
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	hum, not sure how that happened. Try this one. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php3?t=170138 Here is another one that someone posted a link to in the "trucks for sale" section - its a conversion - in SF area. http://www.craigslist.org/pen/car/93978933.html __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L Last edited by bouncytruck; 08-30-2005 at 04:37 PM.

08-31-2005, 10:20 PM	#16
Ochre Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 78	Comparatively (has anyone done this?) how hard is it to swap chassis between a '69-72 blazer and a 73-91 2WD K5? Just curious difficulty as opposed to swapping front suspension out of a 2WD truck and fabricating in coil springs/trailing arms for the rear so the ride quality is better

08-31-2005, 11:01 PM	#17
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,782	I bought a 70 blazer tub that was sitting on a 73 and up blazer chassis, and I can tell you that the wheelbase of the newer chassis is 2 inches longer than that of the older one. Also the frame rails must be further apart (wider), because the tub won't even rest on the newer frame level from side to side, one side has the tub resting on the rocker box and the other side is sitting the way it is supposed to. In conclusion, the frame would have to be shortened, narrowed, not to mention that all of the body mounts for the bed area are in slightly different areas so those would need to be addressed. That is why I found a 72 4x4 frame that is in the process of being converted over to 2wd, just seems easier in my opinion. __________________ Steven "If dogs don't go to heaven, when I die I want to go wherever they went." -- Will Rogers R.I.P. Oscar R.I.P. Ratchet 1967 Pontiac GTO - Dad was the Original Owner 1970 Chevy 2wd SWB "Oscar's Truck" 1970 Chevy 2wd Blazer "Ratchet's Blazer" 2013 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax/Allison Z71 LTZ "Brown Sugar" 2017 Chevy Suburban "BDB" 2020 Chevy Blazer Premier "Foxy" Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Shop Build

09-01-2005, 01:19 AM	#18
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	[QUOTE=Pop's72]That was me... The price was $4,500 and there was no mention of a conversion before. Sent questions to their Craigslist reply, but didn't receive any information back. QUOTE] WTF I've been trying to get ahold of this guy for two days. You would think if you want to sell something, that you would do something with your FN messages. His wife must be making him sell it. If he doesn't get back to anybody, no one will buy it.

09-03-2005, 05:42 AM	#21
Pop's72 It's ok to stare... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 669	Hmmmmm, well if you like the wheels it still is an ok buy. It all depends on how well the conversion was done. Looks like he wants people to email him with a call back number so he doesn't have to play email tag. Funny thing, email tag requires you email people back. Since you are relatively close and if you like the rims I would give the guy your number and see if he calls back. __________________ -Matt 1971 Blazer/Jimmy : Factory 2WD, Factory AC, Crate 350



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