Why all the 2wd blazers?

[WyattTX]

I notice many people are converting many 4x4 blazers to 2wd. In my parts you are considered a nut case if you a butcher up a perfectly good 4x4 to make a 2wd. But this Appears to be a trend now. I'm not trying to offend anyone here, but I'm just curious why this is trendy right now. Because I always thought 2wd was a negative feature in trucks, even though I drive one.

[Custom.Chevy]

these blazers are catching on very quickly and guys dont just want to restore them they want restomods. and not vary many people are going to spend 20-30k restoring a k5 then take it off road anyway . i see no problem with it. if it weren't for guys converting them to 2wd then most likely wouldn't be getting built at all IMO they would continue to rot away in peoples yards. there are plenty of blazers out there for both lowered and 4wd crowds to build most are sitting in reck yards already because no one wants them.

[Electricduane]

I think it's pretty much blasphemy to convert a 4x4 to 2WD. That said, I agree with Custom.Chevy that is better for these trucks be restored and cared for whether 2WD or 4x4 instead of just rotting away.

All that said, I suppose that a factory 4x4 truck can always fairly easily be returned to 4x4. My understanding is that converting a factory 2WD vehicle to 4x4 is MUCH more difficult. . .

[WyattTX]

Thanks, as long as people are using there trucks. I am happy. I'm just surprised someone would want a 2wd over a 4x4

[Malo83]

2wd Blazers are prized here in Cali

[WyattTX]

In southeast Texas a 2wd Blazer is considered a waste of a Blazer. Blazers down here are mostly ragged redneck mud toys, though I see some nice clean original, or custom ones ocassionally but all are 4x4. I myself prefer a 4x4 suburban or 4x4 lwb pickup.

[68Timber]

They're built to be cruisers or hot rod trucks.

[PEDROSKI]

Main reason you see this conversion happening is because the 2wd wasn't produced in big numbers like the 4x4.

[Mr.Chevy4x4]

I'm debating converting mine to 2wd. Been looking for a 2wd for a while, but they are either outrageously priced or rust buckets. My body is in excellent shape, so conversion makes sense to me.

Mike

[WyattTX]

Originally Posted by PEDROSKI

Main reason you see this conversion happening is because the 2wd wasn't produced in big numbers like the 4x4.

Long wheel base stepsides weren't produced In large numbers either. Though everyone still hates them. I myself would choose a long step over over a short step any day, but if you knew me you'd find out, I'm an odd fellow. I want hold it against you if you do 4x4 by 2wd conversions. In fact I will respect you for keeping these things out of the crusher. But how come a 4x4 can't be a hot rod or a street cruiser? I don't understand why it HAS to be a 2wd.

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by WyattTX

Long wheel base stepsides weren't produced In large numbers either. Though everyone still hates them. I myself would choose a long step over over a short step any day, but if you knew me you'd find out, I'm an odd fellow. I want hold it against you if you do 4x4 by 2wd conversions. In fact I will respect you for keeping these things out of the crusher. But how come a 4x4 can't be a hot rod or a street cruiser? I don't understand why it HAS to be a 2wd.

It's a challenge to build a truck that rides and drives great and that will put the pinch welds on the ground when aired out. There are products around now that will help you achieve this but they're still expensive and require some skill to install properly. But when done right it looks great on a square. Like Pedroski said, not many 2wd's were produced, so given the scope of the project, it's not that much more work to start with a 4x4.

I like them 2wd or 4x4 (I own one of each) so either way is fine with me. I just enjoy watching them get built to the owner's vision, whatever it is.

[68Timber]

Or, because this:

Originally Posted by PEDROSKI

[PEDROSKI]

What an honor John.

[mud.man.rj]

A lot easier to lower a 2wd instead of a 4wd, can see why down south a 2wd would be way more popular than up here in northern Canada where a 2wd almost has no place compared to a 4wd.
They sure make a nice ride as a 2wd don't they.

[Nick_R_23]

Originally Posted by WyattTX

I notice many people are converting many 4x4 blazers to 2wd. In my parts you are considered a nut case if you a butcher up a perfectly good 4x4 to make a 2wd. But this Appears to be a trend now. I'm not trying to offend anyone here, but I'm just curious why this is trendy right now. Because I always thought 2wd was a negative feature in trucks, even though I drive one.

I am in "4WD" country as well and I get asked all the time why I'm building a 2WD truck. Truth is, pretty much everything I own is 4x4, I wanted something different. My tastes have moved on to faster, smoother riding, better handling vehicles, which you don't get as much with a 4x4.

[WyattTX]

I'll be honest I've never driven a 4x4 square. What makes them rougher handling?

[Nick_R_23]

Several factors. Independent front suspension on a 2WD vs a solid axle in front with leaf springs on 4WD. 4WD (typically) has more leafs or heavier duty springs, which carry more weight but are a rougher ride unloaded. Center of gravity is usually lower with 2WD as well, as most people will drop those trucks, where most 4x4s will usually stay stock or get a lift kit.

[WyattTX]

Thanks for the replies? I know I'm probaly digging too deep by now. But I'll ask any way. Why can't you lower a 4x4? Those of you who are about to do a 2wd conversion, just lower you 4x4 instead, and tell us why it was a bad idea.

[PEDROSKI]

You can lower a 4x4, you just will never get as low as you can a 2wd.
Static anyways

[Nick_R_23]

Exactly. The "easiest" way would be an axle flip in the front also, but it's not quite as simple as the rear, as now you have steering to contend with, as well as the flip brackets would likely need to be welded to the axle to be completely safe, in addition to not being able to run any blocks on the front as you could with a rear axle. Another factor is most of the wheels that most hotrodder/2WD guys want to run have different backspacing and are 5 lug vs 6 lug of the 4WD trucks. Not impossible, just not much of a market for those type of modifications.

[mud.man.rj]

So what would be the best way, just install a 2wd front frame clip from a truck I guess, just welding and complete.

[WyattTX]

What do you do with the 4x4 parts you take off?

[68Timber]

Originally Posted by PEDROSKI

What an honor John.

Beautiful truck dude, hope mine looks half that good when done.

[Jonboy]

Originally Posted by mud.man.rj

So what would be the best way, just install a 2wd front frame clip from a truck I guess, just welding and complete.

You can drill holes and mount the 2wd crossmember to the 4x4 rails. A lot easier than welding the frame rails on.

[bL.A.zer90045]

Originally Posted by Jonboy

You can drill holes and mount the 2wd crossmember to the 4x4 rails. A lot easier than welding the frame rails on.

thats what i did---measure 100 times,then drill onCE! (temporarily till i do the frame off on 86)after making my 86 a full vert(74 donor),and finding another full top,and upper window interlocking piece from another 75(as i can now make a 4x4 full vert), i got the itch and went ahead and modded mine to a 2wd.it helps make the "decision" when 4x4 k5's are a dime a dozen in my neck of the hood