1972 Blazer build 454 D60 14B FF

[DemkoG]

This is my first time posting here, but I have been reading a lot the last couple of weeks. My build is going to be a long one because I am going to driving it this winter.

Background on the blazer the PO built it for sled pulls at 4H fairs so its been beaten on but for the most part is real solid. He had some tall 40-44 inch tires on it that I did not want so we brought the price down and I found some 31 inch tires witch make the lift look ridiculous, and the gearing is incredibly short now.

The body needs work but nothing too bad. Thought I would do a first build post.

Drive line is a 454, sm465, np205, D60 front with LS and a 14 bolt FF with a governor in the back. I believe its a 6 inch suspension lift with also 2 inch blocks in the back. and a 3 inch body lift.

What I want out of the truck is a good tow vehicle (sold my excursion), I have a 24 foot enclosed trailer and a 19' boat, no real long hauls. A good summer toy and some thing that is not bad in the snow. I know that is asking a lot but I left out gas mileage.

The plan freshen up the 454, nothing too crazy but we will see when I get in their. I would like to get a nv4500 if the budget allows it. and bring the lift down about 5 inches. clean up the chassis and axles. the body I want to be nice so the regular sheet metal work. as for interior I am not sure I want to leave it simple.

[DemkoG]

Pics to come later today

[wannabefastcrf]

Interesting for sure. Do you think you will have any issues pulling such a large heavy trailer with a short wheel base? Ill be looking forward to your project and to see how this turns out.

[DemkoG]

I agree the short wheel base is not ideal for towing and can be a bit squirly at times but I don't pull long distances. I have towed it with a standard cab short bed f350 before wasn't bad just not a smooth ride.

[DemkoG]

[Chulisohombre]

Looks like its decent. Ive towed quite a bit with my blazer but nothing that big. 20 ft trailer with another blazer on it was the most. So probly 7 thousand with the trailer weight. Mines got 4 inch Lift on 35's. I wouldn't go much bigger than that if I was towing. Still gives it a decent lift and tires for four bying and a small enough lift that it still pulls pretty good without squatting and can use a standard drop hitch.

[underliner6]

Is that a 2-link rear set up or is that some kind of traction bar?

Nice blazer too! Looking forward to the build!

[Chulisohombre]

There are springs. That looks like pinion mounted traction bar. It connects to the transfer case and the pinion bolts on the 14 bolt.

[underliner6]

Originally Posted by Chulisohombre

There are springs. That looks like pinion mounted traction bar. It connects to the transfer case and the pinion bolts on the 14 bolt.

Very cool! Thanks for info.

[Chulisohombre]

I think dyi4x makes them. I've seen a few of them in varying forms on trucks from another site.

[DemkoG]

Chulisohombre

I was planing just that for lift and tire package, it also looks the best in my opinion. I think it has a 6 inch lift springs and a 2 inch block in the back so take out the block and different springs for the front.

Yes it is a traction bar not sure of the make.

[Chulisohombre]

Tuff country ex rides are what I've seen a lot of guys running. Best off the shelf spring that I've heard. If you plan on bigger bumper or winch get the standard springs so the front doesn't sag.

[DemkoG]

Thanks I will keep that in mind hombre.

Just thought I would post a link to the project that I am finishing up before I can do much on the Blazer. Warning it is a bit more road queen then the blazer is going to be.

http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showthread.php?t=153512

[Chulisohombre]

That should have been ez ride springs. My phones auto correct hurts sometimes more Than helps. Lol. The jeep looks Good. Looks like you have the skilz needed to Do Just About anything. Nice lift in the workshop by the way.

[DemkoG]

Thanks Hombre this hobby has become more and more serious over the years and now feels like a second job kinda steels money instead of making it though.

[docstheman]

Is that vent on the side made into the fender?

[DemkoG]

ya they were welded on and rusting off, their from a late 80's rx-7, they will be going away. I have one replacement fender so far.

[Chulisohombre]

Yeah I hear us. It is definitely a second job sometimes but the money goes out the door instead of back to the bank. Parts don't get any cheaper either. I see you're in suffield. I deliver up there sometimes.