How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

gringoloco · 02-03-2018, 10:30 AM

While searching the local classifieds for a 67 Mustang fastback or 69 Camaro project for my wife, I stumbled upon this 70 Blazer. Really, I wasn’t looking for another truck, I promise. I have enough going on with my 1970 pickup: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good C10, but the price was right, so I grabbed it without a real plan of what I wanted to do with it.

The 45 minute drive home revealed what I already knew: it needs a little TLC, and it rides like crap. What to do?

Below is a picture from the classified ad and one from my first fill-up on the way home:

gringoloco · 02-03-2018, 10:44 AM

I got it home with no issues, and promptly started tearing into it to see what I’m working with. It’s very solid underneath, with some minor rust issues peeking through a 10 year old, pretty well done repaint which was done in a F*rd color, medium wedgewood metallic blue. The real rust is in the upper windshield frame, as it had been sitting outside for a while. Overall, a pretty solid running/driving truck that just needs some lovin’ to get it right

gringoloco · 02-03-2018, 10:56 AM

I kept thinking about what I wanted to do with this old thing and remembered I had seen a new product on the market from Polite’s Deadend Garage out of Biloxi, MS. Pretty slick pieces that take care of upper spring mounting, c-notch, crossmember, panhard, and shock mounting.

(pictures borrowed from azproperformance.com)

CG · 02-03-2018, 11:03 AM

These are excellent pictures! They really show how their set up works, thanks!

Looking forward to see the shots of the front suspension 4x4 to 2 wheel.

EDIT: Just saw those were borrowed pics ... I totally missed those when I was trying to get better shots of how their stuff worked.

gringoloco · 02-03-2018, 11:09 AM

While I was pondering the conversion, I decided to put together this dirty photo-hack of what it might look like as a 2-wheeler. I was instantly sold. This thread will now serve as a 4wd to 2wd Blazer conversion walk-through, using stock or stock-like parts. There are a few conversions here on the board, including my own previous endeavors, that leave many questions unanswered. I hope to remedy that as we proceed here.

The order has been placed with DEG, so look for updates as the sparks begin to fly

gringoloco · 02-03-2018, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

These are excellent pictures! They really show how their set up works, thanks!

Looking forward to see the shots of the front suspension 4x4 to 2 wheel.

EDIT: Just saw those were borrowed pics ... I totally missed those when I was trying to get better shots of how their stuff worked.

Check out K5 swamp thing on instagram for some pics of a rolling chassis using these parts: http://www.imgrum.org/user/k_5wampthing/4217446393

**nlped** · 02-03-2018, 11:34 AM

I’m in for this one too... but don’t give up on the truck!

**lks dcvn** · 02-03-2018, 11:45 AM

Ok - in for this one. I have a 71 4wd blazer running/driving project in the garage right now that I may go this route on... haven't decided what I want to do with it yet. This thread may change that though. You going to keep it 6 lug or swap it all to 5 lug as part of the process?

smbrouss70 · 02-03-2018, 12:12 PM

I'm watching!

rwade · 02-03-2018, 12:22 PM

What’s the cost on the rear notch kit? I’ve got a project in mind these would work nicely on

Wade

babyblueoval · 02-03-2018, 12:36 PM

Subscribed!

Maybe this will give me motivation to finish my 4x4 to 2x4 Porterbuilt C4 swap.

darkhorse970 · 02-03-2018, 12:54 PM

I’m in!

gringoloco · 02-03-2018, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nlped

I’m in for this one too... but don’t give up on the truck!

Never! It’s part of the family

Quote:

Originally Posted by lks dcvn

Ok - in for this one. I have a 71 4wd blazer running/driving project in the garage right now that I may go this route on... haven't decided what I want to do with it yet. This thread may change that though. You going to keep it 6 lug or swap it all to 5 lug as part of the process?

Plan is for 5 lug, so I can do the torq thrusts. Any 12-bolt or 10-bolt axle from 71-87 will slide right in and are readily available cheap. Even new replacement axles are relatively inexpensive. I have pondered using the 6-lug conversion discs and 15” wheel vintiques steelies with dog dishes, but the 20” TTs just look so good...

Quote:

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

I'm watching!

This is at least partially your fault, thanks for tagging along

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwade

What’s the cost on the rear notch kit? I’ve got a project in mind these would work nicely on

Wade

azproperformance.com has it for $645 shipped. I went direct through DEG and added a second crossmember for $100, which will locate above/near the spring perches to minimize framerail flex. Also got a set of their front shock relocators for $80.

Jason at DEG was great to talk to, answered all of my questions and then some, sent me a bunch of pics, and offered free shipping. Satisfied customer so far.

Quote:

Originally Posted by babyblueoval

Subscribed!

Maybe this will give me motivation to finish my 4x4 to 2x4 Porterbuilt C4 swap.

Yes, what’s taking so long? I’ve not finished three Blazers in the time you’ve not finished 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkhorse970

I’m in!

Come on in, the water’s warm

PEDROSKI · 02-03-2018, 01:32 PM

Looking forward to this conversion. Really like the rendering you made and it just leads me back to the Torq Thrust for my own k5. Classic styling.

**Palf70Step** · 02-03-2018, 05:08 PM

I am here to see the carnage, I mean transformation

CG · 02-03-2018, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gringoloco

Check out K5 swamp thing on instagram for some pics of a rolling chassis using these parts: http://www.imgrum.org/user/k_5wampthing/4217446393

Thanks for the link. Im not an Instagram user so I don't see this kind of stuff. I have no idea what size tire and wheel that guy is using but I like the fact that he has some decent sidewall.

Ill keep watching your build here. You do great work

**rustytruck50** · 02-03-2018, 06:11 PM

Cool!!! I've hopped on the train, too!

smbrouss70 · 02-03-2018, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PEDROSKI

Really like the rendering you made and it just leads me back to the Torq Thrust for my own k5. Classic styling.

I know, right? I'm liking those TTII's... Hmmmm...

gringoloco · 02-03-2018, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PEDROSKI

Looking forward to this conversion. Really like the rendering you made and it just leads me back to the Torq Thrust for my own k5. Classic styling.

Couldn’t agree more. I see other styles I like, but nothing ever competes with the TTs. I even did a version of the chop with Ramblers, which I like a lot, but they just looked like a platinum, diamond-crusted grill. I immediately deleted it and set the above as the plan of action

Quote:

Originally Posted by Palf70Step

I am here to see the carnage, I mean transformation

Oh, there will be carnage

Quote:

Originally Posted by CG

Thanks for the link. Im not an Instagram user so I don't see this kind of stuff. I have no idea what size tire and wheel that guy is using but I like the fact that he has some decent sidewall.

Ill keep watching your build here. You do great work

Thanks! His wheels are 17” Coys c-55 with 255/50 and 275/50. Proven tire combo that looks and fits right on these trucks. I’ve just gotten so used to the 20s that anything else looks wrong to me now...

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustytruck50

Cool!!! I've hopped on the train, too!

Choo-choo, here we go!

Quote:

Originally Posted by smbrouss70

I know, right? I'm liking those TTII's... Hmmmm...

But, you have some *****in’ wheels already. Don’t derail that train

**jaros44sr** · 02-03-2018, 07:41 PM

Should be an interesting swap. Although, you are not going this direction, I always wanted to see if I could do a swing arm suspension with coil overs on a 4x4. Maybe I'll get some ideas as you progress

C10_ustacould · 02-03-2018, 08:33 PM

Subed... you rat!

twp1 · 02-03-2018, 08:39 PM

I'm In!!!

gringoloco · 02-03-2018, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Should be an interesting swap. Although, you are not going this direction, I always wanted to see if I could do a swing arm suspension with coil overs on a 4x4. Maybe I'll get some ideas as you progress

Porterbuilt has a bolt-in coilover conversion; not in my budget right now. I think you could also make the NoLimit or RideTech parts work. Either way, trailing arm crossmember and notch placement should be similar/same.

Quote:

Originally Posted by C10_ustacould

Subed... you rat!

I’ll take that as a compliment

Quote:

Originally Posted by twp1

I'm In!!!

Woot! Here we go

sprint_9 · 02-03-2018, 10:32 PM

Awesome, Im excited to see this come together, I kind of want to do a blazer myself sometime.

whitesilverado · 02-04-2018, 10:17 AM

Your going to be using very nice product. Mine coming out good.

02-03-2018, 10:30 AM	#1
gringoloco A guy with a truck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Germany, for now Posts: 5,921	How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd While searching the local classifieds for a 67 Mustang fastback or 69 Camaro project for my wife, I stumbled upon this 70 Blazer. Really, I wasn’t looking for another truck, I promise. I have enough going on with my 1970 pickup: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good C10, but the price was right, so I grabbed it without a real plan of what I wanted to do with it. The 45 minute drive home revealed what I already knew: it needs a little TLC, and it rides like crap. What to do? Below is a picture from the classified ad and one from my first fill-up on the way home: Attached Images __________________ -Chris Instagram _elgringoloco_ '70 Short-Wide How to: Ruin a perfectly good C10 ‘70 Blazer ConversionHow To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd '72 Highlander How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good K/5 (SOLD) '72 Blazer 2WD How to: Ruin a perfectly good Blazer (SOLD) '05 Yukon Daily Driven (not so stock) Yukon (SOLD) ‘07 Yukon Denali (daily) Members met list: SCOTI, darkhorse970, 67cheby, 67cheby'sGirl, klmore, porterbuilt, n2billet, Fastrucken, classicchev, Col Clank, GSFMECH, HuggerCST, Spray-Bomb, BACKYARD88, 5150, fine69, fatbass, smbrouss70, 65StreetCruiser, GAc10boy Last edited by gringoloco; 02-03-2018 at 01:10 PM.

02-03-2018, 10:44 AM	#2
gringoloco A guy with a truck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Germany, for now Posts: 5,921	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd I got it home with no issues, and promptly started tearing into it to see what I’m working with. It’s very solid underneath, with some minor rust issues peeking through a 10 year old, pretty well done repaint which was done in a Frd color, medium wedgewood metallic blue. The real rust is in the upper windshield frame, as it had been sitting outside for a while. Overall, a pretty solid running/driving truck that just needs some lovin’ to get it right Attached Images __________________ -Chris Instagram _elgringoloco_ '70 Short-Wide* How to: Ruin a perfectly good C10 ‘70 Blazer ConversionHow To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd '72 Highlander How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good K/5 (SOLD) '72 Blazer 2WD How to: Ruin a perfectly good Blazer (SOLD) '05 Yukon Daily Driven (not so stock) Yukon (SOLD) ‘07 Yukon Denali (daily) Members met list: SCOTI, darkhorse970, 67cheby, 67cheby'sGirl, klmore, porterbuilt, n2billet, Fastrucken, classicchev, Col Clank, GSFMECH, HuggerCST, Spray-Bomb, BACKYARD88, 5150, fine69, fatbass, smbrouss70, 65StreetCruiser, GAc10boy

02-03-2018, 10:56 AM	#3
gringoloco A guy with a truck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Germany, for now Posts: 5,921	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd I kept thinking about what I wanted to do with this old thing and remembered I had seen a new product on the market from Polite’s Deadend Garage out of Biloxi, MS. Pretty slick pieces that take care of upper spring mounting, c-notch, crossmember, panhard, and shock mounting. (pictures borrowed from azproperformance.com) Attached Images __________________ -Chris Instagram _elgringoloco_ '70 Short-Wide How to: Ruin a perfectly good C10 ‘70 Blazer ConversionHow To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd '72 Highlander How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good K/5 (SOLD) '72 Blazer 2WD How to: Ruin a perfectly good Blazer (SOLD) '05 Yukon Daily Driven (not so stock) Yukon (SOLD) ‘07 Yukon Denali (daily) Members met list: SCOTI, darkhorse970, 67cheby, 67cheby'sGirl, klmore, porterbuilt, n2billet, Fastrucken, classicchev, Col Clank, GSFMECH, HuggerCST, Spray-Bomb, BACKYARD88, 5150, fine69, fatbass, smbrouss70, 65StreetCruiser, GAc10boy

02-03-2018, 11:03 AM	#4
CG BlahBlahBlah Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wa. Posts: 19,989	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd These are excellent pictures! They really show how their set up works, thanks! Looking forward to see the shots of the front suspension 4x4 to 2 wheel. EDIT: Just saw those were borrowed pics ... I totally missed those when I was trying to get better shots of how their stuff worked. __________________ … … … … … … … … ... … … … … … … … … … … …

02-03-2018, 11:09 AM	#5
gringoloco A guy with a truck Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Germany, for now Posts: 5,921	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd While I was pondering the conversion, I decided to put together this dirty photo-hack of what it might look like as a 2-wheeler. I was instantly sold. This thread will now serve as a 4wd to 2wd Blazer conversion walk-through, using stock or stock-like parts. There are a few conversions here on the board, including my own previous endeavors, that leave many questions unanswered. I hope to remedy that as we proceed here. The order has been placed with DEG, so look for updates as the sparks begin to fly Attached Images __________________ -Chris Instagram _elgringoloco_ '70 Short-Wide How to: Ruin a perfectly good C10 ‘70 Blazer ConversionHow To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd '72 Highlander How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good K/5 (SOLD) '72 Blazer 2WD How to: Ruin a perfectly good Blazer (SOLD) '05 Yukon Daily Driven (not so stock) Yukon (SOLD) ‘07 Yukon Denali (daily) Members met list: SCOTI, darkhorse970, 67cheby, 67cheby'sGirl, klmore, porterbuilt, n2billet, Fastrucken, classicchev, Col Clank, GSFMECH, HuggerCST, Spray-Bomb, BACKYARD88, 5150, fine69, fatbass, smbrouss70, 65StreetCruiser, GAc10boy

02-03-2018, 11:34 AM	#7
nlped Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hayden, Al. Posts: 4,148	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd I’m in for this one too... but don’t give up on the truck! __________________ Carter 1968 Chevy SWB Fleet... Walt 1963-1/2 Ford Falcon Futura...Martha

02-03-2018, 11:45 AM	#8
lks dcvn Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 4,346	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd Ok - in for this one. I have a 71 4wd blazer running/driving project in the garage right now that I may go this route on... haven't decided what I want to do with it yet. This thread may change that though. You going to keep it 6 lug or swap it all to 5 lug as part of the process?

02-03-2018, 12:12 PM	#9
smbrouss70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Rayne, LA Posts: 2,784	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd I'm watching! __________________ 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

02-03-2018, 12:22 PM	#10
rwade Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Louisiana Posts: 970	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd What’s the cost on the rear notch kit? I’ve got a project in mind these would work nicely on Wade

02-03-2018, 12:36 PM	#11
babyblueoval Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 835	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd Subscribed! Maybe this will give me motivation to finish my 4x4 to 2x4 Porterbuilt C4 swap. __________________ Jim '71 Blazer-Porterbuilt Dropmember C4/LS1/6L80E '57 VW beetle - Oct. 2006 Hot VW's pg. 87 - 350hp intercooled, turbocharged, EFI 2.3liter and 5spd in the works '87 BMW 325i - daily driver

02-03-2018, 12:54 PM	#12
darkhorse970 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Monroe, LA Posts: 2,105	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd I’m in! __________________ Keith SOLD - 1963 C10 Short Fleet 350/700R4 4/6 drop 1967 GMC Super Custom - Short Fleet COPO concept w/427 BBC T-400 w/Doug Nash overdrive 4/6 Drop, Buddy Buckets, etc... Frame Off (In Progress) I call it "Vulgar Display of Power" 1980 Silverado Original paint 49k Original miles 4/6 drop Check out my build thread here: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post6209941

02-03-2018, 01:32 PM	#14
PEDROSKI Registered User Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dallas tx Posts: 138	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd Looking forward to this conversion. Really like the rendering you made and it just leads me back to the Torq Thrust for my own k5. Classic styling. __________________ 72 2wd k5 blazer 86 c10 "Red",76 2wdK5 "Bertha",77 2wdK5 "48",79 c10"Buster" GONE

02-03-2018, 05:08 PM	#15
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,082	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd I am here to see the carnage, I mean transformation __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

02-03-2018, 06:11 PM	#17
rustytruck50 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Papillion, Ne Posts: 897	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd Cool!!! I've hopped on the train, too! __________________ -Doug '05 RCSB Sierra 2WD '71 Sierra 2WD Longbed '98 Silverado K1500 Xcab...sold '72 Highlander"Raymond"...sold

02-03-2018, 07:41 PM	#20
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,700	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd Should be an interesting swap. Although, you are not going this direction, I always wanted to see if I could do a swing arm suspension with coil overs on a 4x4. Maybe I'll get some ideas as you progress __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim



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02-03-2018, 08:33 PM	#21
C10_ustacould A day late and $1 short... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Northwest FL Posts: 3,877	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd Subed... you rat! __________________ Buck Instagram: C10_ustacould 1963 SWB Fleet Side 528 Desert Beige Milly 1967 SWB Step Side 506 Medium Blue The Old Girl 1968 SWB Fleet Side 503 Light Green Ellie SOLD 1965 SWB Fleet Side 507 Light Blue Prescription Strength SOLD 1971 SWB Fleet Side 521 White Shiro SOLD 1968 SWB Step Side 503 Light Green My Old Farm Truck SOLD

02-03-2018, 08:39 PM	#22
twp1 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Arkansas Posts: 351	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd I'm In!!!

02-03-2018, 10:32 PM	#24
sprint_9 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: 9 Posts: 862	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd Awesome, Im excited to see this come together, I kind of want to do a blazer myself sometime.

02-04-2018, 10:17 AM	#25
whitesilverado Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Inland Empire, CA Posts: 18	Re: How To: Ruin a Perfectly Good 4wd Your going to be using very nice product. Mine coming out good.

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