70 Blazer: Daily Driver

[blue70k5]

Hey Guys,

I've been on the board for a few years now and have posted a few times here and there but I mostly just lurk and try to find any parts I might need for my Blazer. I guess I figured it was about time I post a "build thread." (I'll be going back to school in the Fall so I won't be able to do much...plus it's a daily driver!)

A little background on the Blazer:

Not knowing much about the 67-72 body style, I purchased it from a guy in Houston in 2008 who got it from Colorado about six months prior. My first car was an 84 Blazer, that I should not have sold, so I did know the drivetrain fundamentals but that was about it.

Came to me equipped with a leaky 350, SM465, Dana 20, 8 lug Dana 44, and 14 bolt FF. The lift was a cheap Rough Country 4" with blocks out back and the tires were 325/70r17 Terra Grapplers. Also, there was a pretty awesome PTO winch setup on the Dana 20 but I decided that I prefer the "sport" look so I opted for the orignal bumper instead. (PTO winch is sold...) Also, the Blazer was originally a CST so it does have A/C but is not currently functional. Unfortunately the original front seats were gone in favor of a highback universal version; the guy I bought it from had purchased an original set that he included with the sale but they ended up being 73+ seats... womp womp.

Since owning it, I've replaced the 350 with a Jasper rebuilt unit, rebuilt the 465, replaced the Dana 20 with a 205, purchased a set of utility buckets (I know they are not correct for a CST but I actually prefer the utilitarian look and feel...) and bought a repacement windshield frame which I hope to have installed in the near future. Also, I recently put new Moog ball joints, tie rod ends, drag link, raised steering arm, U-joints, and Tuff Country 4" springs up front. The tires had worn out due to ball joint fatigue so the new set of 305/60r16 BFG KM2 Mud Terrains was mounted on Wheel Vintiques 16x8 wheels with 4" backspacing. I really like the vintage look and they show off the old school "Selectro" hubs!

Of course this list is VERY condensed but I think we all know it's impossible to think of everything we've done to our rigs.

I'll be posting more information as I think of it but for now, here are some pictures:

As I bought it:


As it sat a couple of months ago:


As it sits now:


Since there really isn't much information about Dana 20's in GM trucks out there, I thought you guys might fin this interesting: Dana 20 with PTO for Ramsey Winch, Pretty bada$$ really!


Ok, last one for now... NP205 I installed in place of Dana 20...there just aren't any parts for that old thing!


Let me know what you guys think!

I've got a set of Bilstiens for the front and an ORD zero rate for the rear coming this week, so be looking for my update!

[Crometooth]

Very nice! Looks pretty rust free, is it?
Posted via Mobile Device

[DustinU]

Looks Great! Keep the updates coming

[blue70k5]

Thanks guys, you know the rust isn't the worst I've seen but the windshield frame is totally rusted out... I recently bought a better one so at least I have a replacement when the time comes!

I did get my Bilsteins installed about a week ago and I found some hubcaps for the rear. I'll try to post some pictures tomorrow.
Posted via Mobile Device

[mbelle1982]

Did you already get rid of the other wheels?
Posted via Mobile Device

[BOHICA]

I love that blue. Several years back I saw a green Tundra with silver rockers. Really sharp looking. I've half way thought about doing that with my Blazer. Yours is making me think about it more.

[VA72C10]

nice blazer! Looking forward to some more pics of it!

[99-LS1-SS]

I really like the black steel rims. That's an improvement in my opinion.

[blue70k5]

Thanks guys, I have been collecting some parts lately so I'll try to post updates as I do some work. On the list is an ORD shackle flip, rear Bilsteins, front utility buckets were just recovered, and I still need to find some front hubcaps or have a pair cut out to clear the hubs...
Posted via Mobile Device

[blue70k5]

Mbelle, the wheels are in my garage but they are corroded from the salty air here and the tires have strange wear from a ball joint problem that I have since corrected. I can give you information on the size if you're interested though...
Posted via Mobile Device

[ChevyFreak60]

Beautiful blazer man!! Any updates on this beast?

[noco-k5]

Very nice really like the bumper and winch set up you had when you purchased it. Would like to put something like that on my 70.