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-   -   Stepson Build (https://blazerforum.com/forum/builds-48/stepson-build-86160/)

JDMcQ 06-15-2014 08:20 PM

Stepson Build
 
4 Attachment(s)
Hello all.

Been lurking about for a few months now gathering some information. Thanks to all that have gone before and lent their experiences.

My stepson (Andrew) got his first vehicle this year. A 2001 Blazer LT 4x4. 65,000 miles, leather, some nice options. It came from North Jersey with a check engine light. Scanner read lean condition. They didn't know what to do about it, we used the opportunity to get a pretty good deal. We had thought it could be intake manifold gaskets and were prepared to do the repair at the house. Turned out to be a loose intake hose. 30 seconds with a screwdriver and no more issue!

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1402881656

Andrew had a vision for what he wanted his truck to look like. He had been a little envious of my 2003 Tacoma I sold a few years ago. I bought it new and slowly added mods over years. Full OME suspension, 33's, rock sliders, tube bumper, etc. This would also be an opportunity for him to learn a little about working on vehicles. Something his biological father does not believe in.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1402881656

We decided to keep the Blazer a little more mild that the Tacoma was. The Chevy still has to get him to school and work and be relatively cost conscious to drive.

After exhaustive research, we settled on the Rough Country 2.5" lift and a set of 31's. Tall enough to help him stand out a little, but still sensible. While we have it apart, the suspension and steering will be freshened. New bushings,tie rod ends,ball joints and a one ton idler arm. The old man wheels will be addressed with a set of black, D-hole steelies to be determined. We will also be blacking out the chrome on the bumper and wheel arch molding.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1402881656

We also removed the body side molding. Much cleaner.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1402881656

JDMcQ 06-15-2014 08:28 PM

3 Attachment(s)
Tear down began yesterday morning. He go dirtier than I did. Lot's of grease and rust under there.

The driver side torsion bar was stuck in the key. Removal was not pretty , it involved a cutting wheel an air chisel and a MIG welder.

We found the drivers side CV boot to be slinging grease. New axles were added to the list of parts to be replaced along with new bump stops as one was missing and the other so soft as to be useless.

I took the opportunity to pressure was the frame while it was apart. We will throw some paint at it later this week and hopefully start hanging new parts next Saturday.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1402882104

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1402882104

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1402882104

JDMcQ 06-15-2014 08:31 PM

Been looking at these wheels:

Black Rock Wheels Steel Type D Window Black | 4WheelOnline.com

They are 16x8, with an available 5" backspacing.

We are trying to keep the width in the front under control while still clearing the frame on turns. With a 265/70/16 tire, they would tick out 2" wider than stock. Reasonable for sure.

Anyone have any thoughts?

Carrico4 06-15-2014 09:54 PM

my crager wheels i had on my first blazer were either 4 or 4.5" backspacing and stuck out pretty good, those should be fine, maybe a hair or so out.

rexmburns 07-01-2014 12:17 PM

Any update on this thing?

JDMcQ 07-02-2014 08:56 AM

1 Attachment(s)
Sorry, been crushed at work lately.

The front end is back together and sitting on the wheels. Tackling the rear this weekend.

One observation is that the one ton idler arm bracket from Synergy Offroad interferes with the fan. First we had to trim the shroud to get it in there, then when we started it and put it in gear, the engine rocked a little and the fan brushes the bracket. Synergy swears it should fit, but clearly they are incorrect. Perhaps it is meant for ZR2s only?

Still working on a wheel/tire package. The 16x8, 5" backspacing wheels are special order from the manufacturer and are 7-8 weeks out.

We removed the grille and bumper to black out the bumper and trim. It will go back on this weekend.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1404309401

Kong1970 07-02-2014 09:30 PM

Looking good so far. I dig the wheels you chose, can't wait to see the finished product.

Jamaroon 07-02-2014 10:30 PM

Post a pic of the idler arm bracket, it should fit no problems.

Tajohns34 07-03-2014 06:36 AM

You can always swap it for an e-fan set up.

JDMcQ 07-04-2014 12:23 PM

6 Attachment(s)
As you might imagine, it is a little tight getting a camera in there. I did the best I could, removed the upper fan shroud to help with the view. As per the instructions, the bracket bolts to the bottom idler arm hole, then is slid to the top of the hole. The center link is parallel to the crossmember left to right and top to bottom. there is also no binding or noticeable drag (aside from the tighter feeling of the new parts and steering stabilizer).

Any advice is certainly welcome.

https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1404494581
https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1404494581
https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1404494581
https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1404494581
https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1404494581
https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1404494581
https://blazerforum.com/forum/attach...ine=1404494581


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