i finally deleted my oil cooler lines. ground off part of front differential case to allow filter clearance. dropped front end of front drive shaft, and lifted motor slightly without unbolting l/side mount to allow filter removal and install. used short filter. i believe a long one will fit but have concerns about differential movement on bumps as there is little clearance between differential yoke/shaft and filter. have a new motor mount but have concerns about condition of differential mount bushings and movement. i believe there is a bypass in block at oil filter pad and am not sure if i need a bypass filter. vehicle has 441k miles and thinks it is bulletproof. would hate to prove it wrong! any input on what i did that wasn't necessary or could have done differently is appreciated as i am buying a 2002 model for my daughter and will probably be repeating this task on hers. thanks!

 

Did your Blazer not also have an oil cooler connection to the radiator?

My 1999 has that which is nice for when I'm towing.

 

yes. i kept all salvageable parts as i used to tow a boat and plan to again sometime. left side motor mount was shot and removing oil lines
facilitated its replacement. oil lines were rusted and i had "patched" them to hold me over. decided to try the deletion at this time. so far so good. will know more come warmer weather.