2WD or 4WD? That is the question...

[jjzepplin]

I recently found a new frame for my 72 Blazer. It was a 4x4 but converted to 2wd. Has disc front end and posi rear. Frame still has all mounting holes for hangers etc.
Question is keep it 2wd or go back to the 4wd the Blazer was originally?
P.S.
I already have a decent 1970 swb p/u 4x4. (avatar)

[jjzepplin]

Anyone?

[bouncytruck]

Keep it 2wd. You can always find another 4wd.

[jjzepplin]

I guess you are right. I just have all the parts to make it 4wd and don't have everything to make it 2wd. I guess I could sell the 4wd stuff and buy the 2wd stuff. Already have engine and tranny just need stuff like motor stands and tranny x-member. But I guess a t350/np205 should pay for that.

[bouncytruck]

If you want a 4wd, I bet you could find someone to trade with.

[jjzepplin]

Does anyone have any pics of stock 2wd rear spring upper mounting and all four shock mounts? That part has not been done yet.

[Firebirdjones]

Which do you need more? 2 wheel or 4 wheel? That's how I choose, and chose to buy a 4x4 blazer because we needed a 4x4 in the fleet,,,already have too many 2wd cars so it was an easy decision.

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Which do you need more? 2 wheel or 4 wheel? That's how I choose, and chose to buy a 4x4 blazer because we needed a 4x4 in the fleet,,,already have too many 2wd cars so it was an easy decision.

Well I have a 1970 swb 1 ton 4x4 already that is almost in running condition. Just gotta put the electrical in and fenders/grill. All the old parts are going on the front of the wrecked Blazer after I switch out frames. It sure would be a lot easier to install the axles with the frame not under the tub though.
I have a running 307 th350/np205 and 3.73 axles with posi's.
The 2wd gear is disc front and posi rear as well.
Conundrum.

[GuyO]

2 wheel drives are so much rarer and appear to be in high demand. So if you are thinking about resale, well done 2 wheel drives sell at a premium. A decision point for me is - if it already is not original (numbers matching) it wouldn't matter much about originality to convert it. 2 wheel drive topless Blazers when dropped are such an eye popper I would be very tempted to convert it. I too am in a similar situation, except we already have a 3.73 posi 2 wd GMC C1500 so we are keeping the mostly original 72 Blazer CST 4wd and have been looking at different ride heights to give the coolest look.

[jjzepplin]

I am missing the front calipers/brake lines and the rear springs and top spring mounts or I would really be leaving it 2wd and would not ask the question. It will definitely be a pieced together vehicle no matter which way I go so resale would not be at premium anyway.
I think I will put my 4wd parts on Cl locally and see if I get a good response and maybe look for the 2wd stuff. Oh also missing tranny x-member. Any one know if the 4wd member will work?

[notsolo]

Here is what I have done with my conversion to 2wd, rear perches were built for coil springs 3x3 angle with 1/4" plate under frame and angle... 2wd frames spread in rear. most other truck parts are interchangeable trans cross member can be bought new or used...Plenty of info here....just ask ...Ed

[jjzepplin]

That is right nice of you. I am still contemplating this and your pics will help. Thank You!

[jjzepplin]

OK so I am going with the 2wd. Thinking about bagging it. Whats the best place to get an affordable bagging system. Do I need compressors and tanks? I am on a non existing budget and will need to sell my 4wd axles and 205 auto case and 350 trans to support this decision. Could it be done? I eventually want a four speed muncie in the truck. I have the pedals, bell housing and all linkage but the tranny and shifter.

[truckster]

Just my 2 cent's worth, and I know there will be plenty of people who disagree with me, but in my humble opinion the Blazer was meant to be a 4wd vehicle. Of course, you're in Florida, which is a little different from Utah...

[jjzepplin]

You have a point truckster, however, She was a 4wd for the first 37 years. I am from California and this old girl has been through the Rubicon 4 times with no problems. I was going to go to Utah to climb those pretty rocks but the wife left and took the kids. Long story. So I ended up in Florida and It got totaled one day by and old guy who said he did not see me coming. He should have heard those 36" swampers and those flowmasters! Anyways, all the rockcrawling gear went on the 70 swb p/u and after the swap I found a frame. Isn't easy finding anything in Fl that isn't junk. Nice Blazer by the way.

[truckster]

Thanks. I definitely don't mean any disrespect; I appreciate anyone who saves a classic vehicle from the crusher. My brother-in-law has a 56 Plymouth. Not really my thing, but I definitely appreciate the work that goes into it and the fact that it's going to be on the road for a long time because someone cares about it.

Sorry to hear about your misfortunes, but I hope you get your Blazer on the road soon.

I actually had my Blazer in Florida in July, by the way. Cruised around Orlando and St. Augustine a little bit. Unfortunately, tropical storm Debbie decided to visit Florida the same time I did (and my top was in Utah).

[jjzepplin]

Originally Posted by truckster

Thanks. I definitely don't mean any disrespect; I appreciate anyone who saves a classic vehicle from the crusher. My brother-in-law has a 56 Plymouth. Not really my thing, but I definitely appreciate the work that goes into it and the fact that it's going to be on the road for a long time because someone cares about it.

Sorry to hear about your misfortunes, but I hope you get your Blazer on the road soon.

I actually had my Blazer in Florida in July, by the way. Cruised around Orlando and St. Augustine a little bit. Unfortunately, tropical storm Debbie decided to visit Florida the same time I did (and my top was in Utah).

I drove mine out from Cali. Nice drive isn't it? Sorry bout the storm but that sort of thing happens round here. I'm thinking soft top now as my fiberglass is aging quickly. I think this may be as close as I will ever get to having that "Convertible"...

[jjzepplin]

OK so I have run into a problem. The rear springs have no place to mount as the frame not wide enough there because it is a 4wd. I guess I could steal the leaf system off the other frame and stuff that 4.11 posi in there. I will check this 2wd to see if it's worth saving. But that posi is looking at me funny

[Wasted Income]

Originally Posted by jjzepplin

OK so I have run into a problem. The rear springs have no place to mount as the frame not wide enough there because it is a 4wd.

Did you see what notsolo posted in post 11?

[jjzepplin]

Yeah I saw that post # 11. I might do that but I thought the leaf system is just sitting right over there. No fabbing and looks a little better. And 4.11 posi... I will check the 2wd in a couple minutes to see what's inside. Guy I got it from said it's a posi but don't they all. Just like everyone has a corvette engine.
I am just running out of moolah and that old thing is calling me!

[jjzepplin]

OK so I found the guy that sold me the frame was mistaken (whould a thunkit) And the 2wd rear end is open. Question. Will the axles and brakes swap over to the posi unit I have? I am going with the leafs. I think this will eliminate that trailing arm carrier thing and give easier routing for exhaust? I don't have the funds for bagging anyway.

[Wasted Income]

As long as the housings are the same length, everything should swap over. I assume you're staying 6 lug?

[jjzepplin]

I was going to try to keep the 5 lug axles in the 2wd housing. The front discs are the same 5 on 5. the posi is 6 lug. Are there any spline changes fro these years? I guess i could just pull one of each out and inspect them. Never had a posi before will these axles both come out the same way?

[Wasted Income]

The splines are the same between a 5 lug and 6 lug 12 bolt. Yes, the axles should come out the same...pull the center pin, push the axles in, drop the c-clips.