The Neutered Jimmy (4X4 to 2X4)

[beonkey]

Originally Posted by bigblock68

looking good....you're making it look easy!!

Well thank you. It looks like it is going fast, but it has been since November. Just started posting pics. Now moving on to new gas tank which looks like fun with the filler tube issues.

Your blazer looks perfect! Very nice. I am jealous. What rim/tire size is that?

[gringoloco]

Spring perches look good! Front can always go lower; 3" spindle, 3" spring, 1" kick up on the 4wd framerails, and a 1" crossmember section would net an 8" drop. Are you c-notching the rear? If not, you're prolly pretty close to the limit as is. Keep up the good work
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[bigblock68]

thanks..coys,20x8 and 20x10.put my filler behind the marker,any spot you decide has its own challenges!

[beonkey]

Originally Posted by bigblock68

thanks..coys,20x8 and 20x10.put my filler behind the marker,any spot you decide has its own challenges!

Looks great! thank you

[beonkey]

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Spring perches look good! Front can always go lower; 3" spindle, 3" spring, 1" kick up on the 4wd framerails, and a 1" crossmember section would net an 8" drop. Are you c-notching the rear? If not, you're prolly pretty close to the limit as is. Keep up the good work
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Yeah think it will someday be bagged with a drop member. For the meantime I want to get it driving then do the fine tuning.
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[JOHNORO]

Just found this thread
Looks great... subscribed
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[beonkey]

Thank you John! Hope to drive it soon.
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[beonkey]

OK, Earlier I stated how the rear shock crossmember is where most have said you need to fab something. I started with that route and basically copied the upper rear shock mount from CPP as it only fits in a actual 2WD frame. I cut it all to size, then a buddy welded it together and welded the shock mounts on.....I still didn't like it. The crossmember didn't look or fit correctly and I felt that the shocks were still laid down too much. I scrapped the whole idea and crossmember then called Rob at No Limit Engineering and for $169 and a days wait this 30 minute install was at my front door. What a relief. Definitely a great solution out back and shocks are at what seems to be a great angle.






I also cleaned up the splash apron and started mocking up the new face...4 headlights to 2!





I got it running for a split second, but it has no exhaust. Next stop is the Exhaust shop and then someone to swap in my Posi from the old 4WD axle. Maybe I will get this thing on the road for a year or so in its underwear(primer).

[gringoloco]

Nice fix on the shocks. Will be curious to see how it rides. Keep it up!
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[zammer]

Very nice! Good choice on going to 2wd!!! they rule !

[beonkey]

Finally took the Jimmy...Blazer...whatever it will be on it's Maiden 2WD voyage. I went about a mile to slowly dive into the steering and brakes that I redid. Ran great after some help from my Brother (DUSTINU) getting it timed just right. Need longer shocks in the rear and larger rims as I am afraid to get a blow out with the shock mount WAY below the scrub line. Priorities...wheels before paint, oh well!

[Slammed66]

Soooo jealous, loving the build!!
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[beonkey]

Originally Posted by Slammed66

Soooo jealous, loving the build!!
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Thanks! I'm jealous of your list of vehicles!!!
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[Wasted Income]

Awesome!

[beonkey]

Originally Posted by Wasted Income

Awesome!

Thank you! Your blazer build is one of my favorites....I check in on it all the time. great Job!
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[notsolo]

Glad you got to drive it. Stance looks good too...Did you find a parking brake solution? Disk or drum? ...Just finished mine up, made a new bracket to complete what I had started... Got photo's if you need em... Ed.

[beonkey]

Originally Posted by notsolo

Glad you got to drive it. Stance looks good too...Did you find a parking brake solution? Disk or drum? ...Just finished mine up, made a new bracket to complete what I had started... Got photo's if you need em... Ed.

Thank you. Yeah very fun to take it out finally. I did get the e brake completed. Made a bracket and welded some guides in. I also realized that the front was not sitting as low as I would like. After quick investigation I saw the springs were not seated properly and dropped it about 1.5" more. I will post pics soon. I am now loving how it looks.
Thank you again for the photo offer. Much appreciated. Post them, your setup was looking sweet.
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[beonkey]

Well the jimmy had been sitting on two flats for a while. I bought some boss 338 from a vendor on here and installed them. TNT motorsports, great guy to work with. I know everybody has them but they look good and are cheap.
Let me know what you think.

[ATTACH]
[/ATTACH]

[notsolo]

Looks Really Bad...as in B.A....Kind looks like your doing 75mph in the driveway.

[beonkey]

Originally Posted by notsolo

Looks Really Bad...as in B.A....Kind looks like your doing 75mph in the driveway.

Lol
Thanks. Going to drive it for a while in its spray can primer then paint it someday!

[Low Elco]

Looks good! Nice work!

[beonkey]

Been a while since an update......

So, work has been very busy and 2 kids keep me running around all of the time.
Since I have upgraded the wheels I had some rubbing issues on the inner rear fender wells. This was cured by a rear sway bar that I got on CL for $80. The gentleman I bought it from has some ridiculous rides and I was contemplating buying a used motor from him to swap into the Jimmy. Well you know how when you see a good deal you should buy it then? I didn't... so he sold it to someone else! oh well. I did get the green light from the wife to spend some money on a head and cam swap after she was feeling bad about my misfortune. I started peeling away at the heads of the motor and I found a silt substance in the back of the head, wiped it on a cloth and grabbed a magnet....well it was metal.
After reviewing a lot of crate motor pricing on here and comments online I set out to find a local shop to rebuild my motor. ORANGE ENGINE is where I decided to take it and let me tell you that I thought customer service had been lost in the online ages, but it is hiding in it's final resting place of Orange Engine in Anaheim CA. Jim explained all of my options, gave me free pick up and delivery, valve covers and even let me bring it back for a tune up. I was getting texted pics while the build was happening and am overly pleased with what I got. I decided to go more reliable than power, so we went with a Vortec motor and heads. This sounds great with a mellow idle cause of the ZZ4 grind cam. It has nice power, but it is not a race truck. I feel comfortable getting the family in it and driving around town or to the beach...etc. Jim even text me a week later asking how I like the motor.
So this would be the 3rd or 4th time having the motor out and I am not eager to do this again anytime soon. I just want to drive it for a while now.
Here are some pics.

[Tom Vogel]

[QUOTE= I just want to drive it for a while now.
QUOTE]

Good for you!! Have some fun.

[beonkey]

UPDATE: I have just been driving this on the weekends and wanted to work on a little project again. I bought a 68 wheel from the forum here and shrunk the diameter. Of course I could have never done it without seeing the threads here that coach me through this stuff. Best money I have spent on my ride is subscribing to this forum!
The wheel is not perfect by any means, but $60 for the wheel and some JB weld for a custom subtle look. It is 15.5" now.

[beonkey]

Finally got some paint on this Jimmy.




Next up some porterbuilt DM and bags. Can’t take that back seat out though cause the kids will hate me. Lol.