1973 4wd to 2wd K5 Blazer Build

[pbeguy]

Something bugged me about the way the wheel sat in the wheel well. I modified the new perch to position the axle 1 inch forward. It looks correct now. I am sure I will have to order a new driveshaft anyway because I am using the TH-400 for this build. It came with the yoke still in it.

[pbeguy]

Have not had time to work on the Blazer in a while. Got it pulled home this weekend so I can put in a few hours at a time. My before and after makes it worth the frame swap.

[lolife99]

Looks great!

[pbeguy]

Seems like forever since I posted last. Got the engine pretty much done. Vortec heads with the valve guides cut down. Comp cam, lifters, springs and push-rods. All new gaskets and seals. Rebuilt Holley. Cleaning up the serpentine set-up to install. Going to tackle the transmission next. Found a guy that is willing to put it the TH400 back together for a great deal. Found some sheet metal for it. Still need a better tailgate.

[rodstored-72]

nice build, will be following along....

[SCOTI]

I'm in too. The frame swap was a good idea to save lots of little headaches!

[pbeguy]

Started tearing down my 700r4 for a quick rebuild. I have an ATSG book coming and all the parts I will need. It already has some upgrades and I can not wait to mate it to the motor and get it installed. Also going to put a 3.42 disc rear in to the Blazer.

[pbeguy]

Well, it took some time but I finally got the 700 rebuilt. It was not so difficult but I had a lot of online help. I followed the series of YouTube videos from Transmission Bench and was careful on each step. Luckily, I have a connected TV in my garage and could pause and rewind the couple dozen times I needed to. I added a B&M kit and used the ASTG book also. I am putting a new stall converter (1900 rpm) as per the comp cam recommendations. I ordered a new speedo gear that matches my tires and gear ratio.
On to the next phase.

[SCOTI]

Added some bling during assembly

[LT7A]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

Added some bling during assembly :cool:

Had to squint at that picture ;)

[pbeguy]

If it works as good as it looks I will be very happy. I was very careful on the rebuild. If it does not work like it should, I will not build one again. I can see why people just buy a new or let a reputable company build one. It was a time consuming project.

[pbeguy]

Thought I would put some pics up of my molasses soak. (1 gal molasses / 5 gal water) I just let them sit for a week or two and rinse the parts off. I know some people pressure blast them but that is a lot of work. These parts were pretty crusty.

[pbeguy]

Today was a big day. Finally got the Blazer in my garage at the house. I have been working on it at a mini storage. The motor and tranny are ready to put in. The new disc rear end setup is ready also. It is time to get some work done. I ordered some parts to bag the front. The rear axle flip makes it low enough in the back. I need to put a small notch in it for clearance. I will add more updates soon.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by pbeguy

Today was a big day. Finally got the Blazer in my garage at the house. I have been working on it at a mini storage. The motor and tranny are ready to put in. The new disc rear end setup is ready also. It is time to get some work done. I ordered some parts to bag the front. The rear axle flip makes it low enough in the back. I need to put a small notch in it for clearance. I will add more updates soon.

I replied to another thread w/this info. Thought it's worth mentioning here as well since it's a similar situation....

One 'watch-out'…. Burbs/Blazers are known for issues when c-notching. If you notch it, I would verify there's the same amount of travel available above the different as well. Otherwise, you'll clear @ the axle tube but still hit @ the floor.

I highly recommend 'over-doing' the c-notch if planning to tow. A simple bolt-in raised floor allows for better frame rail height above the notch & ample pumpkin clearance (win/win). It doesn't have to steal too-much interior compartment space. Even raised just 2" allows for a superior ('safer' since you're a family guy) set-up & wouldn't be that noticeable.

[pbeguy]

Thanks SCOTI.
I will never use it for anything other than a fun driver. I do plan on making sure on the spacing and I may bag it later anyway. My last build had an 11" notch to lay rocker on 31" tires.

I do appreciate the heads up.

[LT7A]

Congrats on getting it home.