72 blazer project

[nitsuj]

well just got a few quick questions with some more than optimistic answers that im hopin for. well right now im on deployment in the desert, i get back here in a few weeks and i finally picked out the engine i wanted to do my swap in. its a really nice rebuilt turnkey 496. my question with this is will i need to move my engine mounting brackets on the frame to be able to mount the 496 from the stock 350? or any other clearance issues that anyone has encountered while replacein a small block with a big block? also i was looking to replace the turbo 350 with a 5 or 6-speed manual. any suggestions on a really good tranny? there is no corrosion on this truck, its in awesome condition so im not planning on doin any muddin or anything like that so any gearing suggestions for overall setup such as performance and eco would be appricated with this 496, 5 or 6-speed tranny, 35in tires on 15 or 17 in wheels, 2 in lift from stock front and back. will begin to post pics when im back....i cant wait

[Ridnhi]

I can't help you with the engine or tranny question, but I'm pretty sure that if you are going to run 35's you will want a alteast 4in of lift. I run 35's and I have a tough country e-z ride 6 in. lift. Thank you for your service and when you get home post some pics, we all would love to see it.

[nitsuj]

yea i was plannin on puttin another few inches on it when i got the chance, i did notice that there wouldnt be a whole lot of clearance esp. in the rear for the 35's. thank you for your help and we all do appricate yalls support for us over here.

[mcmlxix]

NV4500 is the usual transmission swap.
Big Blocks have clearance issues with the HEI. (if I remember correctly)
DIY4X has a rear shackle flip that will get you 4" lift without blocks.
If you need that little extra, Off Road Design (ORD) has a 1" aluminum body lift. (also, new body mounts are a good idea as the old rubber ones tend to dry rot and collapse)
Good set of springs up front.

[nitsuj]

i apprciate the help, i had already started thinkin about a shackle flip kit and heard a bunch of good things about diy4x also i maybe hitting you up for that 14bff if i decide to start gettin into my drum-to-disk conversion, i would really like ot have a beefy rearend and upgrade the front to a dana 60...if anyone else has any suggestions about gearing and whatnot from the first post it would be appricated before i get back home...thanks again guys, love the forum and will post pics of before and afters as soon as i can