78 2wd Blazer - LS Swap and more..

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by dragonball98312

The trim sets it off nicely

Appreciate that. Thx.

[aboesec10]

what did that steering box set you back?

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by aboesec10

what did that steering box set you back?

Well it turned out that my steering gear was cracked (most likely from a previous accident) and I needed to purchase a new core as well. Total with the new core and the rebuild using the heavier valve and the PS pump flow was about $800. Not cheap, that's for sure. In fact I'm pretty sure with all the parts I've done I probably could've put a pb fab drop member in this thing for not much more money.

However, with that said I've never not been satisfied with the guys at Lee's Steering. They, in my opinion, are the best of the best!

Phillip

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by phillipm

Well it turned out that my steering gear was cracked (most likely from a previous accident) and I needed to purchase a new core as well. Total with the new core and the rebuild using the heavier valve and the PS pump flow was about $800. Not cheap, that's for sure. In fact I'm pretty sure with all the parts I've done I probably could've put a pb fab drop member in this thing for not much more money.

However, with that said I've never not been satisfied with the guys at Lee's Steering. They, in my opinion, are the best of the best!

Phillip

You joke about running a Dropmember,...
but the Extreme version now requires NO FRAME NOTCH.
Plus it gets you 3" of extra ground clearance compared to a stock crossmember/a-arm set up.
And the addition of rack and pinion steering.

Seriously,... for guys wanting a low static drop these are the ticket.
Run your stock spindles and get the coilover dropmember and go.
That 3" of extra ground clearance is worth it.
Especially if you are looking at "rack and pinion swaps" anyway.
(the only down side is you have to run Porterbuilt tubular a-arms)
But the option to go lower with drop spindles and/or bags in the future is easy.

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by lolife99

You joke about running a Dropmember,...
but the Extreme version now requires NO FRAME NOTCH.
Plus it gets you 3" of extra ground clearance compared to a stock crossmember/a-arm set up.
And the addition of rack and pinion steering.
Seriously,... for guys wanting a low static drop these are the ticket.
Run your stock spindles and get the coilover dropmember and go.
That 3" of extra ground clearance is worth it.
Especially if you are looking at rack and pinion swaps anyway.
(the only down side is you have to run Porterbuilt tubular a-arms)
But the option to go lower with drop spindles and/or bags in the future is easy.

Oh I'm not joking! LOL. That's what I would've done knowing what I know now.. Hopefully someone else can read through this and make the right decision up front.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by phillipm

Oh I'm not joking! LOL. That's what I would've done knowing what I know now.. Hopefully someone else can read through this and make the right decision up front.

Its not too late,...

[phillipm]

Well we're in DEEP!!!

Probably enjoy it like this for the moment. It drives absolutely great so if I don't plan to go lower at the moment then I don't see a reason to change.

Side note, I laser the logos onto the PB Fab parts so those guys aren't far from me. If you've got a tie rod adjuster with the PB fab logo on it, it came through my shop on it's way out there.

[phillipm]

Okay I take that back, that's way more than I'm into this setup for!!!! Wow. I do understand how much better the PB stuff is. Just can't split with that kind of cash right now. Never realized how expensive the parts were.

[lolife99]

I got 4300.00 without drop spindles and brakes.
I added a sway bar too.
Coil over shocks definitely add o the price compared to bags.

Still love your blazer.

[Dads79GMC]

I searched your thread and couldn't find it; what radiator are you using? You mentioned you purchased your fans from Cooling Components. I like the combo! Thanks Mike

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

I searched your thread and couldn't find it; what radiator are you using? You mentioned you purchased your fans from Cooling Components. I like the combo! Thanks Mike

The radiator was a unit from rock auto that was originally for a 70 chevelle. The unit was actually about 1.5" too short so I had to build some stations to raise it up. I tried to look for it but don't see it offered now.

[Dads79GMC]

Thanks. I appreciate the information

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Thanks. I appreciate the information

No problem! If anyone has questions just let me know.

[phillipm]

Well we braved the 118* weather and did the Squarebody Syndicate run to Brother's over the weekend. While it was hot I definitely didn't complain as many braved it without A/C! Unbelievable, but hats off to those guys. Here are a few pics from the weekend. We had a great time and really enjoyed meeting and talking with so many cool people. Here are some pics.

[lolife99]

Great pics!!!

[OutlawDrifter]

Very cool, thanks for sharing!

[Dads79GMC]

Last time I just skimmed through this build; tonight, I read all of it! Awesome build! I took from it a tons of info to stick in my kit-bag! Would loved to have seen a detailed how-to on the cluster. Maybe I'll try that on my second pile of truck? Mike

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

Last time I just skimmed through this build; tonight, I read all of it! Awesome build! I took from it a tons of info to stick in my kit-bag! Would loved to have seen a detailed how-to on the cluster. Maybe I'll try that on my second pile of truck? Mike

Thanks a lot. I appreciate that. Which part of the gauges were you wanting to see more on, the speedo and tach or the smaller ones?

[68Timber]

So many cool trucks...

[schpeen]

way cool

[aboesec10]

got a couple questions on your vintage air swap. Ive rebuilt all of my factory ac stuff and while very cold the airflow still leaves a lot to be desired. I did vintage in my c10 and love it but I'm curious if the vintage in the blazer makes much of a difference in the back seat area. My kids complain that its hot and they can't feel the factory ac at all..

[phillipm]

Originally Posted by aboesec10

got a couple questions on your vintage air swap. Ive rebuilt all of my factory ac stuff and while very cold the airflow still leaves a lot to be desired. I did vintage in my c10 and love it but I'm curious if the vintage in the blazer makes much of a difference in the back seat area. My kids complain that its hot and they can't feel the factory ac at all..

Well I can't speak to how much leakage your current factory air setup has, but ours was terrible. The vent above the AC controls wouldn't even blow past the steering wheel. Basically had to have the driver's two as well as the center vent on you to even begin to feel the air on our factory setup. We were loosing so much out the bottom heater vents is was nuts. And, while yes the diverter door parts are still available from GM you're still dealing with old technology in my opinion.

I'm not going to say the passengers in the back seat or going to "feel" direct air blowing on them from the front. This is why all new GM full size SUV's have a separate rear air kit. However, I will say that this unit moves about 2x to 3x more air than our factory kit did. That volume does allow the cab air to get turned over much quicker.

To me it would still be cool to try and install a rear air kit in the blazer.

To that accord we're going to be installing the extra optional upper door weather stripping in our truck to further help seal up the cab. The more you can seal this thing up the better the outcome will be.

[aboesec10]

awesome, Thanks man.

[Dads79GMC]

Originally Posted by phillipm

Thanks a lot. I appreciate that. Which part of the gauges were you wanting to see more on, the speedo and tach or the smaller ones?

I would like to know specifics on the speedo and tach. Thought you mentioned you purchased the smaller ones, not five inch?? Did you direct wire all the gauges?

Thanks Mike

[phillipm]

TO EVERYONE THAT MAY READ MY THREADS. AS AN AVID USER OF PHOTOBUCKET.COM FOR OVER 15 YEARS ALL OF MY PICTURES AND HOT LINKS HAVE BEEN NUKED. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY WILL EVER GET BACK AS I'M NOT WILLING TO PAY $400.00 RANSOM TO DO SO.

Thank you for your time.

Frustrated,
Phillip