52 GMC Envoy Burb meld/build

[Dan Bowles]

Goody goody gumdrops, I like surprizes!!

[BBEEP]

Originally Posted by Dan Bowles

Goody goody gumdrops, I like surprizes!!

My grandma used to say that!

[Bigblue29]

Suspense is killing me...

[T Hilde]

Just remember, on this build there is no such thing as too many pictures.

[DARKASS04EXT]

BBEEP... I first saw info about this build on TRAILVOY.COM. I believe you posted under "1952 ENVOY". I know members there would love to see some pics of the progress. Keep up the great work.

[BBEEP]

O.K., so I tried widening the fenders 2 inches on by 52 Envoy/Burb and it didn't do the job. The tires still rub front and rear. I know I could radius those fenders, but I would like to try some 1-ton front fenders. Does anyone have a pair of GMC or Chevy truck fenders out there?

Also, does anyone know what the difference is between the Chevy and GMC fenders? My truck is a GMC and I will keep it that way regardless of what I find, just curious.

[BlueJeep]

From what I've read, the difference between chevy and GMC fenders involves the running light, and some of the inner fender holes being different. That's nothing for you.

Also, although you'll hear conflicting reports on this, but I believe what you're looking for are 1.5 ton and up fenders, as my 1949 3800 1 ton (single wheel, had 9' stepside bed) has the exact same wheel openings as a 1/2 ton.

Post up pictures of the clearances with the widened fenders, so we can help you brainstorm.

[BBEEP]

Test fitting the passenger fender after widening 2 inches. I can turn the front of the 28 inch tall tire out, and it hits the top of the tread about 75% out. Turning it in, the back of the tire hits almost immediately. If I put a shorter tire on it, that will help some, but then it is really low. (still completely stock AWD chassis & suspension) I'm going to get some measurements off of my 50 School Bus to see if the 1 1/2 ton fenders will work better. Any other ideas?


Obviously I haven't straightened the frame yet. I want to get things mocked up, then send it out while I am dipping the parts that I will use.

[67chevy2wd]

Try a different backspacing on the rim? Not sure how much more you could move the wheel in without it looking goofy though.

[Dan Bowles]

As a daily Trialblazer driver, 268k miles, while you have it down, get into the splined disconnect, clean it up good, and put improved grease in it! Lots of discussion on Trailvoy.com but I suspect you know this. Mine took a dump this winter and still waiting to get it fixed. Also, get a good look at your exhaust manifold. I've just had my second one go bad. Other than that...drive the double-toothpicks out of it!!

On the fenders...hmmmm...big bolt is one way to go but just not sure what else to do.

[BlueJeep]

It looks like you need one of about two things. Either you need the body to sit higher so that you can use your existing setup, or you need larger wheel openings in the front. I don't imagine different backspacing is an option, looking at the wheels that are on it now. Since it's AWD, narrowed control arms aren't an option. I think what I'd do is section the front fenders and use the existing wheel openings, just make them larger and higher.

I think you ultimately may need to take the same approach as these guys:

[Dan Bowles]

Bluejeep has something there...the first COE looks like he's radiused the wheel wells AND flared them out. You might be getting some style points there!!

[BBEEP]

Yup Dan, very cool. The fender does go back into the doors, being a coe, but very nice. Would be cool if I could snub nose it, too.
I printed the pic, I'll take it to the shop tomorrow.

[Cautrell05]

You probably already know this but with the envoy awd you need to keep all 4 tires close in size or the transfer case module gets confused. Seriously though, you got the body on that far. making the tires clear isnt that big of a deal compared to what you have accomplished so far. Keep it up.

Nick

[BBEEP]

Originally Posted by Cautrell05

You probably already know this but with the envoy awd you need to keep all 4 tires close in size or the transfer case module gets confused. Seriously though, you got the body on that far. making the tires clear isnt that big of a deal compared to what you have accomplished so far. Keep it up.

Nick

Thanks for the encouragement! Also, the reminder! I had a problem when I bought street tires for my John Deere 4x4 and I definitely don't want another problem like that.

[hgs_notes]

I said it once before, but about a 2" body lift might help a lot.

[Cautrell05]

Also the base trailblazers and envoys came with 16 inch wheels so that may be an option also.

Nick

[DARKASS04EXT]

Originally Posted by Cautrell05

Also the base trailblazers and envoys came with 16 inch wheels so that may be an option also.

Nick

depending on the model Trailblazer/Envoy they came with 16" and 17".

BBEEP... If your using an XL envoy you will have to stay with atleast the 17" wheels. The LWB Envoy(XL) and Trailblazer(EXT) must use the 17" because the front brakes are larger than the SWB versions.

I didnt notice what model Envoy your using, if its the SWB you can use 16"+.

[Dan Bowles]

I forgot about that detail. I've got 16"s on mine, my buddy has the EXT with 17"s. Now I know why!! I can at least steal his rims...

[DARKASS04EXT]

Originally Posted by Dan Bowles

I forgot about that detail. I've got 16"s on mine, my buddy has the EXT with 17"s. Now I know why!! I can at least steal his rims...

[BBEEP]

Using the short wheel base, with 17's. I'll have to check, but at first glance it looks like it has the bigger brakes.

[DARKASS04EXT]

Originally Posted by BBEEP

Using the short wheel base, with 17's. I'll have to check, but at first glance it looks like it has the bigger brakes.

It shouldnt have the larger brakes on it. All SWB come with the standard size rotor and calipers. The XL/EXT have larger dia rotors and different calipers. The only SWB that has the larger brakes is the SS. I see you actually have an SS, so match the caliper to the envoy. From what ive been told the EXT and SS run the same brake setup. The EXT/XL use it for the added weight, while the SS uses them for the performance gains. The EXT calipers have "ribs" on top of the caliper unlike the SWB calipers. Hope this helps some.
Also, over @ Trailvoy.com, we have other members that would be able to set you up with the info you may need.

[BBEEP]

Bought fenders and hood from a 49 GMC 2-ton today for $60 total. Looks like if we cut the front 1/3 from the original fenders and graft them to these truck fenders, it will be a winner. They are a little wider, taller, and the flare out some. The hood is actually 'pancaked'. The hood will have to be shortened by about 3 inches. I'll post pics as I can to show what I mean.

[Dan Bowles]

You'll have to post pics because I can't see the 1/3 thing. Nothing lines up, the big fenders fit over top of the small ones!

[BBEEP]

What this did was give me a different shaped opening. The front opening of the 2-ton was too far forward, as well as the fender being 3.5 inches longer. Attaching the front of the Burb fender cured both things. The 2-ton also sits about two inches higher, which gives the hood a pancaked look. Still have to shorten the hood the 3.5 inches.
I will raise the running board to be flush with the body and shorten the rear hang of the front fender and the front hang of the rear fender. (say that 3 times real fast!)