I wasn't exactly sure where to put this since I didnt see a gallery section and it seems like the photo gallery isnt working. Please move to the appropriate section.

This is the slow goings of my 1986 s10 Blazer 2.8L. I have BIG plans for this guy, but low funding is hindering a lot of it. herre is a short list of future goals.

350 swap
solid front axle swap
2" body lift
2" suspension lift
33" tires
complete black interior
roof rack with spare tire carrier
crash bar with brush guards
offroading lights all around
winch
repaint the entire vehicle fire engine red with black bed liner rocker panels
truck bed lining on entire floor instead of carpet
black ABS headliner
custom center console

Ive begun a little of the work. Converting the interior from blue to black seems to be the easiest and most wallet friendly, along with the bed liner coating on the floor. Here are some progress pics.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02091.jpg
isnt it amazing what a little wax and elbow grease will do to a paints finish?

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02077.jpg
badly oxidized

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02078.jpg
prepping for bed liner

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02080.jpg
still prepping for bed liner. This is the original color of the truck. I think it is much better than that
ugly baby blue color it is now.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02083.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02082.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02084.jpg
back section of bed liner finished

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02092.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02093.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02095.jpg
drivers side bed liner finished

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02094.jpg
began painting some of the interior pieces black. Im using a black plastic paint made by krylon

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02096.jpg
blue side

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02097.jpg
mostly black side.

Thats it so far. I will be updating this thread for the years to come with all my new pics.

Awesome, what ever happened to the audio build-up? (http://www.blazerforums.net)

Looking good, any pics farther away of the whole outside of the truck?

the audio build was put on hold for a while. I had a lot of other projects to do. Once I get the interior "swap" finished I should be able to start that up again. I will take a pic of the entire truck tomorrow.

What kind ofbed liner did you use?

That is the duplicolor bedliner. I got the first gallon and the roller kit for free.

Awesome! I love to see DIY's.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02106.jpg
Here is the pic of the entire blazer. Dont mind the mess. Its jsut proof that Im working on it :P

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02107.jpg
Here is the most recent pic of the drivers side blue to black conversion progress.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02110.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02109.jpg
Anyone have a clue what this electrical connection is supposed to be wired to and what its for?

ORIGINAL: bobditts
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02110.jpg
Anyone have a clue what this electrical connection is supposed to be wired to and what its for?


^^^ ANYONE?

That thing is supposed to go on the shock and then the plug connects onto it. Look at the other end of the shock and it should have a similar setup. It's for the defrost on the back window.

Thanks Jason. I will have to do some investigating. Does anyone happen to have a pic of what its suppsoed to look like?



Worked a little on the stereo today. As you can see the truck bed lining is all finished. It looks great. There are a few little areas I need to touch up but thats not a big deal. Ive decided to put 8" subs in the kicks. Eventually the 6" and the tweet will be in custom pods on the doors where the pockets are now. The kick panels are designed to be stepped on without any damage. I ran out of glass so the enclosure you see is only fleece with resin on it. Once I get more glass I will be strengthening the enclosure for heavy duty wear and tear. They will also be covered with truck bed liner and grilles will be installed over the subs. You can also see the VERY early stages of my custom center console Im working on.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20install/DSC02111.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20install/DSC02112.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20install/DSC02113.jpg

Ya I'll snap a pic of the shock wiring. What's the plans with the console?

awesome. thanks! Not quite sure yet about the console. Definitely going to have cup holders. Other than than, havent really had any ideas. Probably just a big storage area.

any luck getting that picture, Jason?

I'll snap it tomorrow after work, was busy tweaking my headlights tonight.

I don't know exactly how it attaches to the shock. If they come that way new, or if you have to put the terminal around it. I don't ever have to use my rear defroster.
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/1514/hatchshock1jw1.th.jpg (http://img81.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hatchshock1jw1.jpg)http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/941/hatchshock2cg9.th.jpg (http://img205.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hatchshock2cg9.jpg)

Here is how it's attached at the glass end.
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/3394/hatchshock3et7.th.jpg (http://img81.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hatchshock3et7.jpg)

hmm. I will have to take a look tomorrow and see how easy it is to put back on there. Thanks for the pics. Huge help!

come to think of it, I dont think I even have a defroster in my rear glass! I will definitely have to double check, but I dont ever remember seeing the defroster elements in the glass. SOB!

So next week I am going to a SharePoint class funded by the govt. I will be making a $650 profit just by going. That is going to fund my new exhaust (replaces the 22 year old exhaust). Im getting the dynomax catback + walker intermediate pipe + new cat (not sure which one yet. If you have any recommendations for an OE replacement cat, let me know. Remember, I dont know how, nor have access to welding so I need bolt on stuff.

Small update without pictures. I just replaced the tranny pan gasket for a 3rd time (second time I forgot to put the filter back in - DUH!). It doesnt seem to be leaking anymroe - YAY!. I also replaced the fule filter - PITA!!!! I cant understand why chevy decided to put it in the engine bay behind the powersteering pump. Also changed the front disc brake pads. Cranked the blue beast over this afternoon after pouring in some new tranny fluid and it started up without a problem. My check engine light doesnt come on anymore (it used to come on for a few minutes then it would dissapear until you put it back into park). It doesnt sound like its occasionally misfiring anymore. And it idles almost like a dream. It hasnt died on me at all when going from reverse to drive like it normally does. Im very happy with the results. Now I just need to replace that damn exhaust.

So great news!!!! I just got back from my emmisions testing and........ PASSED!!!!! woohoo. I was very nervous about not passing. Comparing this years results to 2 years ago, my CO2 and NOX whent down yet my CO and HC readings doubled. Anyone know what I can do to lower those back down or what might cause it?

I just changed out the O2 sensor. That was a small challenge. I ended up having to drop the wheel well and getting at it with my impact wrench and the O2 sensor socket. Was a breeze after that. Put plenty of anti seize on the new sensor and screwed it back it. Havent really driven it so I dont know if it did anything at all. The old one didnt look too bad. Only a very thin layer of white crusted sediment. Cat replacement comes next. Not that anyone seems to be reading this anyways so I doubt any of you really care. lol

Those are boring updates! I see you didn't last long on s10forum, can't speak your mind there or ban hamma.

More pics of your interior color conversion.

Im not banned, you can customize your title over there. I put the word "banned" in. youve just been PUNKD! haha. I just ordered my exhaust last night so when that arrives, more exciting pics to follow.

I havent finished the color conversion yet but I will provide more pics once I jump on that again.

So Ive come to the conclusion that to complete the list of upgrades in my first post would be a complete waste of money for 2 reasons.

1. I may have to move in 1 year and wont be able to bring the balzer with me, forcing me to sell it and lose most of the money I put into the thing.

2. I can buy a K5 blazers with a solid front axle, 350, and lift for under $2000.

Seems to be a waste of money when I can buy a bigger/better blazer with all the upgrades I want on it for a fraction of the cost.


Exhaust shipped today and should get it on saturday. If I have all the parts I need, it will be going in this weekend with pics provided. Im very excited.

Why wouldn't you be able to keep the blazer? Just keep at it and if ever you want to still do the SAS and 350, buy a K5 and swap over the s10 body to it!

because the air force will only pay to move 2 vehicles. I would have to pay out of pocket for the blazer. Im not going to pay more to move a vehicle than what it is worth lol.

So I just spent the last few hours attempting to remove my exhaust - well most of it. I unbolted everything and removed the clamp just before the cat. The damn then wont come out. It seems that where the cat meets the Y pipe, it is rusted solid. in the process of removing bolts, I ended up accidentally dropping my impact wrench on my front tooth chipping the bastard. Not a good day.

I cut out my exhaust today. The 22 year old stock exhaust was so rusted together that it wasnt worth the effort to try and seperate it all. So I got out my old sawzall and went to town.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02114.jpg
Old vs most of the new. The Y pipe is on its way.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02115.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02116.jpg
Engine pics.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02117.jpg
Look Ma, no AC. Energizer, they keep going, and going, and going...

oh, forgot to point out the size of the stock cat vs the new cat. The new cat is the OE replacement too. Awesome how far technology has come.

The difference in cat size was the first thing I noticed. Sucks about the tooth that's never any fun.

Thats why I have free medical. I already hada dentist appt scheduled for monday for a filling, I will just have them dull the sharp edges on the tooth while I m there.

so the following pics are of the reasons why I think I passed my emissions testing. Due to all of the holes, the tool they put on the end of the exhaust to take measurements obviosuly wasnt getting accurate readings. Enjoy!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02118.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02119.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02120.jpg
muffler was rusted clean through on 3 of the 4 bottom edges

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02121.jpg



Im still waiting for my Y pipe.

Y pipe came in today. What a PITA that was putting in. For anyone wanting to attempt this, here are the steps:

- Remove your front crossmember
- Install the y pipe studs into the header on the passenger side only
- Screw the Y pipe into place on the passenger side
-lower your drivers side front wheel well
- hold the y pipe in place and screrw in the header studs through the y pipe flange
- secure the pipe into place with the nuts
- dont reinstall anything until the entire exhaust is in and you tighten everything down


here are some pics of what I did while I was bored and waiting for the Y pipe to arrive in the mail
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02126.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02127.jpg

some might say tis a waste of paint, but I think it looks nice. Incase anyone is concerned about the paint with heat, it is high heat engine paint.

so the exhaust is in and HOLY SH!T!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldnt be happier. ok, well I could be a little happier if it had the rumble of a real truck instead of just whipster quiet, but im still very happy. The truck is SO quiet now. I bet it dropped a good 50 decibels. I no longer have the exhaust leak under the hood so the engine sounds a lot quieter too. pics are coming

enjoy.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02133.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02132.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02131.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02130.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02129.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer%20interior/DSC02128.jpg




Next project, installing my roof basket and saddle blanket seat covers (when they get here)

Decided to do a little offroading today. I happened to see a dirt road on the backside of the air force base Im stationed at (outside the fence). Wasnt sure where it went so I decided to take a little detour on the way home from work. I had no idea the other world that existed just on the other side of the hill. MILES of trails. Nothing spectacular, but enough to make me happy for my first time off road with the blazer. Actually had to use 4 low in a couple spots. Enjoy the pics. Notice the nice new roof basket?

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/Offroading/DSC02503.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/Offroading/DSC02504.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/Offroading/DSC02505.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/Offroading/DSC02506.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/Offroading/DSC02507.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/Offroading/DSC02508.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/Offroading/DSC02509.jpg


Not bad for a stock suspension and slightly larger tires.

Trucks in really nice shape, glad to see you finally enjoying the blazer.

Wow, your truck looks great. The roof rack really...er um...tops it off. heehee

And can you say jealous? That off-roading area is great! Wow, nice find.

Nice build that rack looks excellent

where in CO? I am currently buying an 88 to replace my 85. I cant wait to get out of some trails here in CO as well. by the way i'm in the Northern Colorado, Fort Collins Area.

Your Blazer looks good!

thanks bud. Im in the denver area. Not too many trails in my immediate area. The blazer doesnt prefer to go on long trips so I cant wander too far. This project is pretty much on hold for the winter.

Hey what color scheme were looking to paint your blazer? I don't recognize a few of the names you used describing your scheme. I'm a novice at this stuff. But your project really inspires me to get going on mine (though im not doing as much work as you are). Your wanted colors sounds like the colors on my 92(see avatar) but im not sure. Awesome work!

That is the cleanest '86 I've seen in a while. I like the spray on bedliner, nice build!

your trucks body looks great, even with faded paint its better then i've ever seen. did u get black interior, or did u paint it? to do awesome work, with a small budget like myself as well, do all the work ur self. i dont have must exp. but try it out and if it does work when try some thing different. and if u have to buy some tools to do that job buy them, u will always have them and can do the job again later, at half or more the price of getting a pro to do it. check out my truck and see, i have no exp. and i think it turned out awesome. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3133529 let me know how things go and ask me any thing u like

Are those 30's?

235/75/r15

i am getting a 1986 s10 blazer, 2wd. i am wondering and wanting to know what all i can do toit. if you could help me at all please email me at bignick30125@yahoo.com

My first time 4 wheelin was in Colorado Springs, up at the USAF academy. 1983 US govt S-10 4X4 pickup....Lots of snow. If you take the backroad that runs along the mountains, you can find some pretty awsome trails running up into them. Jack's Valley is cool, too.Up on the very north end, north of north gate. If you have your AF i.d., just ask one of the gate guards directions to some of the trails, or check out the map inside the guard houses. Let 'em know where your going, and they shouldn't have any problems with you toolin' around. Great trout fishing on that base, too.

Nice build. I really like what you did with the interior.

Thanks!

OK so here is my newest update.

Ive been working on this thing almost everyday sicne the warmer weather decided to grace me with its presence. First on my list was to tackle my overheating problem. I literally could not drive around the block without the temp guage maxing out and steam coming off the cooling fins on the radiator. I tried the easy things first - tstat, temp sensors, radiator cap. No go. Next was the water pump and a new heavy duty radiator. Since the current radiator was the original (23 years old) I figured it was most likely the route of the cause. Sure enough, I was right.

My next problem was new tires. Easy fix. However I still ran into issues. I bought some crager soft 8s with the 4.75" backspacing. Wrapped them nicely with Big O bigfoot 30" tires. Cranked the tbars (not that it did much anyways since those are also 23 years old) and installed my brand new 1.5" shackle lift in the rear. Installed the new rims, backed out the driveway, turned the wheel and nothing but SERIOUS rubbing! Pulled back in the driveway, put the original rims and tires back on, and ordered my 2" body lift.

Today I replaced the windshield wiper motor and resoldered the circuit board. Now my wipers work again. yay.

After my body lift comes in, I will take some new pics and post. I still need to finish converting the interior to black and build my sub enclosure, finish my amp install, and figure out how I want to install my 6.5" components up front.

So this project is now on hold. I may be buying a monstorous 1989 K5 blazer instead and selling the little S10 blazer.

Thats terrible! Keep the little S10!

The S10 blazer is going to stay.... for now. Eventually I will get my K5 with the ever popular 350 small block. I will be attempting the 2" body lift and replacing the rear shocks today. Pics to come

So I have the passenger side of the blazer body lifted. Definitely helped a lot!. I was swapping out the rear shock at the same time and ended up snapping a bolt. Time to go to home depot and find another one.

Blazer is lifted! Looks pretty damn good too! Too dark for pictures right now so those will have to come tomorrow. My only problem now is that it is stuff in 4 wheel high. I think I know what the problem is, so hopefully it will be an easy fix.

You tease! You couldn't wait to post could you!! LOL

this thread is useless without new pictures!!! Someone should tell the OP to update this crap!

Oh wait, thats me!












OK so ........... I literlly JUST finished getting ol' Blue up and fully operational again! The picture below shows a part (I believe its called a 4x4 shift modulator) which sits on the passenger side fender wall. I never loosened it (honestly never even noticed it there before) and the cable to the transfer case was very tight. I loosened it up and used the supplied brackets to relocate it.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03103.jpg
this is what happens when you read directions but dont fully understand them and do it anyways.

Here is what my blue beast currently looks like
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03107.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03108.jpg



Tomorrow Im taking it in for an alignment and then time to start enjoying the road (and offroad) again!

Nice!

Very nice i like it

Finally pics! haha

Looks great! Now lets get some offroad pics!

those will ahve to wait. I took it in for an alignment today and firestone said that the ball joints are so bad that it was not possible to align the front end. YAY more work!

*EDIT* just ordered me a full set of power performance ball joints.

That looks really nice. I wish I had the time, money and ability to do such. Really makes me miss my old 86 s-10, I've never liked driving anything as much as I did it.

Thanks everyone. So not only do I hve to replace the ball joints, but the tranny has to come out this weekend for a rebuild. Just when I thought I had everything working great!

Dropped the tranny today. First time I have ever done anything like this. Holy crap what a PITA!!!!!


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03120.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03121.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03122.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03123.jpg

Oh yeah, I had to replace my tranny this past week. I had to take off the transfer case to re-install it. It was so counterbalanced I couldnt get it in there by myself. I am going to do a bedliner kit to my 87, but i'm going to add some sand to it so it will have some more grip to it!

the sand is a good idea. I think i am going to add another layer on top of mine and spread some sand on the top of it.

anyone know what this connection is for on the very top of the bell housing?

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/vacuum.jpg

is it a breather tube of some sorts?

so here is an update (with pics!!!)

I got the transmission rebuilt by AAMCO. While attempting to bolt the damned thing back up to the engine, I accidentally ended up damaging the bottom of the oil pan. In order to swap the oil pan I had to lift the engine off the mounts so I just decided to yank the thing all the way out. This will give me a chance to clean it up a bit, replace some otherwise difficult to get to engine items, and fine tune a few things.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03162.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03163.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03164.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03165.jpg

Looks like fun! Yea I believe that little hose on the tranny is a breather/overflow vent type deal.

working on painting the oil pan, misc brackets, swapped ou the knock sensor, distributor cap and rotor, removing whats left of the AC/heating components (freed up a LOT of space by the firewall), cleaning the valve covers, and trying to figure out how to adjust the valves. Ill take some more oictures and post them later today.

just ordered new exhaust manifolds, chrome edelbrock valve covers, 200A alternator, and gaskets for previously mentioned items. Going to power wash the motor hopefully tomorrow or thursday. this thing is nasty dirty!

doing great man

I love it! This inspires me to have a project truck to work on, this thing is gonna be one sweeeet ride when your all done.

new shiney red oil pan
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03168.jpg

not so dirty anymore
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03169.jpg

awaiting the chrome valve covers
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03170.jpg

who has 2 thumbs and cant be bothered by heat or AC? THIS GUY!
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03173.jpg

Eh I would try and find a non a/c blower housing and put that on. Or at least cover the holes up. Or better yet, lots of 1/0 runs through them!

I plan on cutting a piece of sheet metal to cover the holes. The more I look at it, the more I think its a great place for a second battery. Now if only I knew how and had the equipment to weld!

What all would you need to hook up a second battery?

offroad lights, winch, and mild audio system.

mild update. I got the engine back in today. After shining it up and replacing a few parts ofcourse. rebuilt tranny should be reconnected by the end of the weekend. Enjoy the pics!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03317.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03318.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03319.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03320.jpg

so before my blazer is mechanically put back together, I have already started my next project. I ripped ou tthe dash (literally), completed the heat/AC delete and am planning my custom dash build. The 4 8" subwoofers I have been trying to find a good spot to install, will be upfiring across the dash. Basically the dash will be a big subwoofer enclosure that just so happens to have gauges and a spot for the radio. Pictures to follow ofcourse.

That is looking very very nice, my friend.

I love that roof rack! What brand? I was looking at similar Thule/Yakima racks but those cost $800

I forget the name of it but it only cost like $120. Works great for carrying the spare tire. that is the only reason why I wanted it. it is very sturdy 2 piece design and came with the mounting brackets. I will look for the receipt and post up the link when I do.

Thats a great price for a rack seeing as I only want one for looks. Do post! That would be great, thanks!

its called a rola roof basket. Looks like prices have gone up a bit. I cant find the site I purchased it from anymore.

http://www.topoftheline.com/cargo-roof-rack-basket.html

Awesome! I'll be looking around the internet for a reasonable online dealer. Thank you!

UPDATES!!!!


engine back in and looking shiny. YAY chrome!
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03327.jpg


dash out awaiting rebuild
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03328.jpg


Im thinkng 4 8" subs across the dash
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/blazer/DSC03329.jpg

hey buddy good luck with the project. i have a 88 blazer im currently dropping my 400 smallblock in and its turning out to be a major pain in my ass haha had to put a 4" suspension lift on it just for the motor to freakin fit!

here is what im thinking for the gauge cluster. simple and basic. I already have all the gauges (autometer). The only thing I might change is instead of flat all across the top, making it a slight arc.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c203/bobditts/Dash%20build/dash.jpg

I'd go with a slight arc, that would give it a bit of spice.

No rev counter? I know its an automatic, but I like having one in mine (mechanically identical to yours from factory)

nope, no tach. It is an auto like you said and I dont plan on doing any engine performance mods to it so I dont see the need.

Installed the torsion bars today, connected the y-pipe to the exhaust manifolds, and finished some wiring. Filled the t-case with fluid. About ready to crank it over. A few more small items and it will be good to go. Only took me 5 months!

OLE BLUE LIVES!!!!! A few small things I still have to do before I take it for a test drive. I quickly cycled through all of the gears and they all sounded perfect. The belts are a little squeeky though. Does that mean they are too tight, or too loose?

I would say in need or replacing or too loose. Don't forget your alignment before you drive it too much.

I also heard too loose from other people as well. I will try tightening them up. They are in great shape so im pretty sure they dont need to be replaced.

Just drove Ole Blue around the block a couple times. Seems to be running excellent. Im about to go get it above 25 Miles and hour. Hope nothing catastrophic happens.

I headed out early this morning with a buddy (05 jeep liberty w/ tow package thank god) for an hours drive out east to some farmland to go target shooting. Make it 90% of the way then the engine died. Realized the fuel pump wasnt working. I was determined to go shooting so we hooked up the tow strap and he pulled me the rest of the way. Once we got there I decided to go over the basics and found a popped fuse. Ended up replacing it and it works great again. THANK GOD!!!! If anything major breaks on this thing im parting this b!tch out!

why did you put the 2.8 back in? i can understand wanting a pretty engine bay and all, but it seems like polishing a turd. was the small block swap out of the question?

i put the 2.8L back in because I just paid to have the tranny rebuilt. Also, I dont have the funds for a 350 swap because I spent $1500 on the tranny. The engine only has 17000 miles on it so why not put it back it? I runs just fine.

so the blazer has been occasionally turning itself off when idling. I happened to be under hte hood today while the blazer was idling and just wiggling wires around. When I wiggled the 3 wires that got to the TPS plug, the engine started idling faster. Seems like I have a small break in one of those wires. Should be an easy fix. Im very happy I found the problem so easily.

http://i309.photobucket.com/albums/kk396/Syndicate05/Blazer%20Door%20Pods/Door82.jpg

an idea for what? Im confused why you posted this in my thread.

im guessing for your door speaker you wanted to put in

Thats a 10" subwoofer in the door. Did'nt mean no harm sorry

no harm done. I was just confused on what you were trying to show me. Door looks good but i prefer sound quality over show.

old thread but its about to get back up and going
So since I put the engine back in some months ago, Ive been having a very consistant problem. Basically when the engine warms up, it idles like crap. Ive replaced several parts having to deal with the ignition system and the fuel delivery. Basically after 1000 miles of driving it, I finally figured out with the problem was and I feel like an idiot. I forgot to plug the wire harness into the EGR solenoid when I put the engine back in. OOPS! Completely explains my symptoms. The timing is out of whack now, but I plan to fix that tomorrow with a timing light. Hope to have it running like new by tomorrow. Once that is done, its time to concentrate on the dash build. Pics to follow!