87 blazer build

jonb8 · 09-11-2009, 09:25 PM

Well things with my truck build changed. When I started taking the truck apart to paint and do the SAS I found some bad cancer that I just couldn't live with. I'm 40 now and this might possibly be my last build, so I wanted a body that was gonna last me. I found this rust free blazer in a parking lot near my house for $300.00 and started to cut and build. I think Donahue's blazer is awsome so the top had to come off, then I put the jeep rear in and flopped the springs. The blocks are only under the front for mock up I'll put the jack stands back in before I get under it I just don't have a set of stands that tall. I'm gonna put the small block from the truck in next so I can start on a crossmember to mount my arms too.

jkh533 · 09-11-2009, 10:49 PM

Mine has a chopped off top as well, my question is how are you guys finishing off the areas where you cut it off??????? Fiberglass, sheet metal, I got mine from a guy who did it before I bought it and he didn't finish it.
I see some coils setting there? what are you using?

jonb8 · 09-11-2009, 11:42 PM

I'm gonna use the rear of the cab off the 87 truck project I scrapped. I hope to slide it in between the roof support and the roof and spot weld it back together. Then cut it off somewhere around the roll bar and add padding. Great looking cage by the way. Love the way it protects the passengers heads. I'm using 6in V-8 zj lift springs to help support the extra weight of the 350.

DieselS10 · 09-12-2009, 02:37 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jkh533

Been up that spot a hundred times.

jwglover · 09-12-2009, 08:52 AM

nice start,

jkh533 , looks like you are letting the rocks ' finish it off ' on the qtr panels, hahahha
see ya in Disney sometime !

jkh533 · 09-12-2009, 12:10 PM

The cage sucks, just cut the back off of it, sloped down too fast and my kids are starting to hit their heads on it. Looks okay but not very rear seat passenger friendly? I bought the truck from the frame up, so I am gonna change some things.

I like your cab idea, I was gonna leave mine open and want to get rid of the sharp edges where it was cut. jwglover called it, let the rocks do the body work for me!

I think your blazer looks real good so far, can't wait to see more progress.

jonb8 · 09-18-2009, 10:31 PM

Coil springs and 6in of lift is not working out very well. I can't seem to get the arms off the frame. I Had a choice of going to 9in of lift to get more clearance or just go leaf spring. I called Joey at 4wd factory and he sold me leaf springs, sky crossmember and shock hoops. I bought a set of wrangler axles with 488's and ARB air lockers, the rear is a 35 but it has a super 35 kit in it so I'm gonna see how long it lasts.

96superflow · 09-19-2009, 04:59 PM

awesome! ill be watching your progress!

jonb8 · 09-23-2009, 07:13 AM

Spent about 6 hrs cutting and grinding last night....UGGGHH but I'm preaching too the chior. At least the no fun stuff is almost done and fun stuff is about to begin. Joey got my springs to me and my crossmember and hoops should be here in the next couple day's.. Thanks again Joey....I bought a set of D44 axles out of a 90 grand waggie Sunday but not sure if there going under yet...they need regeared (331's) and I don't have any 6 lug wheels and tires...I really want to run my 33 boggers but there 16in on jeep wheels...Probably run the yj axles and regear and lock the 44's to go in this spring///

96superflow · 09-23-2009, 08:20 AM

yeah joey deff gets the stuff out QUICK!!!! i ordered shocks and shock tabs, axle shims, extended brake lines and i had them in probably 3 business days. Too bad im away at school to work on the project!!!!

jkh533 · 09-23-2009, 11:40 AM

I ran a waggy front that I swapped in a set of dodge 1/2 ton hubs to get the 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern, I had tires and wheels and a scout 44 rear so it made sense to do? Just redrill thr waggy brake rotors and boom, 5 on 5.5 front waggy axle! If you have a scout or other rear 44 available?

jonb8 · 09-23-2009, 02:06 PM

I got a set of wrangler axles (D30HP, D35) with 488's and arb lockers, I got a set of waggie axles with 331's and I have a HP D30 with 355's and a 8.8 with 373'. Keep in mind I have 3 xj's and 2 of them I wheel so I have lots of parts for the jeeps. What would you guy's do?

96superflow · 09-23-2009, 02:19 PM

hmmm. if it were me it would depend on the size of tire you want to run, and im going to go with the fact that you have those 33's, I would run the wrangler axles (D30hp,D35 super) with the 4.88s and the lockers. If the super kit is as strong as they say it is, im sure it will handle the 33's with ease. If not, regear the 8.8 to 4.88 and throw a selectable locker in it, i mean since the rims will already go on um.

jonb8 · 09-23-2009, 06:00 PM

Yea, I'm wanting to run 33's because it's what I have. The 350 motor is stock (because of the computer) but it still has me alittle worried, even if it is only about 160hp which is less than my 4.0 in my xj.

***4wdjoey*** · 09-24-2009, 11:40 AM

i'm glad i could help. thanks guys!

jonb8 · 09-30-2009, 07:31 AM

Gonna use the 44's and just buy new wheels, The astro box has the cherokee pitnam arm on it but I can't put it on till I cut the last crossmember out. Waiting on my crossmember from sky then I can finish, hope it gets here soon. On a side note Morris's blazer beat us all in the speed pit this weekend and won his second mud bog in a row, but for the record I beat him in the deep pit

jonb8 · 10-14-2009, 08:19 AM

I decided to go with the D44 front and rear just because there stronger and I don't wanna do it again. How close is everyones front crossmember? From several different points on the frame I very from 1/32 off to 1/16 off front to rear. Is that gonna be close enough? I just can't seem to get it any closer....Thanks

jonb8 · 10-19-2009, 08:05 PM

front is in and working on steering and ran into a pitnam arm problem. I've got a astro box with a xj pitnam arm (cause I was gonna run a D30 when I put it together) Well I took it today to get the pitnam arm reemed out to accept the waggie tie rod and out of 6 machine shops in my area, noone could reem it out for me. Does anyone know of a pitnam arm I can use that will work with my setup?

96superflow · 10-19-2009, 09:16 PM

hmmm. im not quite sure, personally. Maybe a wagoneer pitman arm?

Or you can get a ream and diy. Progress is looking good too!

96superflow · 10-19-2009, 09:47 PM

i just read in one of the build threads on here that someone used a ford pitman arm. maybe that will work? heres the build thread where a couple of guys were talking about it.

http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f221/p...-s-ton-380311/

jonb8 · 10-21-2009, 09:55 PM

Thanks Superflow, I think I'm just gonna buy a reamer and keep the jeep pitnam, I love the angles to much to change it. I did get to drive the blazer out of the garage tonight with only one brake line leak. The old 2.8 is tired but still chuggin.

96superflow · 10-22-2009, 06:52 AM

Keep at it man, and post up some pics!!!

jonb8 · 10-24-2009, 07:46 PM

Finally got my rear axle in, brakes hooked up, shock hoops in and took it for alittle drive around the yard. I'm hoping the shackle angle flattens out alittle, but if not I'll just move them alittle. I put a piece of 3in C channel in between the the frame rails and welded it to the sky crossmember so it can serve as a gusset and a place too build a recovery point off of. Here's a few pics

DieselS10 · 10-25-2009, 03:32 PM

Looks good!

BillaksBlazer · 10-25-2009, 08:15 PM

shackle angle looks great. it will flatten out a little in a week or two with some use if they are new springs.

jonb8 · 10-25-2009, 09:22 PM

Thanks guy's, It's alot easier to get it close when I get the measurements eye to eye off Billiks and superflow.... Still trying to fiquer out what pitnam arm too use, but I got time. Heading off to my buddy's garage now to get the drivetrain in and caged....

96superflow · 10-25-2009, 10:06 PM

Nice man!!! I cant wait to see it finished!!! Everything looks great! I like the idea of the c channel. Once you get the shocks mounted up and steering taken care of im sure it will be even better! Get some wheels too so you can get them boggers on it!

jonb8 · 11-02-2009, 07:16 AM

I had a good weekend, I got the blazer tore down, and the body off the frame. I'm gonna get the motor out and the frame, axles power washed, cleaned and painted. I also got a couple of gussets to build inside the frame rails.

96superflow · 11-02-2009, 08:08 AM

ill bet those gussets are so much easier to do when the body is off the frame!!!! ha, mine were a bitch layin in the dirt and tryin to arc weld um!

jonb8 · 11-02-2009, 06:18 PM

Since I don't have much help (wife, who thinks I've lost my mind half the time) I figuered it would be easier to change the whole drivetrain with the body off. Alot easier too finish all the fabbing with a bare frame...LOL

DieselS10 · 11-02-2009, 07:49 PM

I agree, I installed my tranny and t-cases to the engine all in one 5 minute procedure with the body off.

I like your shock hoops.

jonb8 · 11-04-2009, 07:07 AM

Got the blazer stripped to a bare frame last night even though my engine hoist crapped out in the middle of pulling the motor and I ended up rolling the engine the rest of the way out with a 4x4. Bad news is my wife is shutting me down for awhile. I have to put all new tile in the basement and remodel my daughters room before christmas. Oh well I got alot of cleaning and painting to do.

96superflow · 11-04-2009, 08:15 AM

dang i guess there are pluses to not being married.

09-11-2009, 09:25 PM	#1
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	87 blazer build Well things with my truck build changed. When I started taking the truck apart to paint and do the SAS I found some bad cancer that I just couldn't live with. I'm 40 now and this might possibly be my last build, so I wanted a body that was gonna last me. I found this rust free blazer in a parking lot near my house for $300.00 and started to cut and build. I think Donahue's blazer is awsome so the top had to come off, then I put the jeep rear in and flopped the springs. The blocks are only under the front for mock up I'll put the jack stands back in before I get under it I just don't have a set of stands that tall. I'm gonna put the small block from the truck in next so I can start on a crossmember to mount my arms too.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-11-2009, 10:49 PM	#2
jkh533 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 32 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Mine has a chopped off top as well, my question is how are you guys finishing off the areas where you cut it off??????? Fiberglass, sheet metal, I got mine from a guy who did it before I bought it and he didn't finish it. I see some coils setting there? what are you using? Last edited by jkh533 : 09-11-2009 at 10:53 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-11-2009, 11:42 PM	#3
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build I'm gonna use the rear of the cab off the 87 truck project I scrapped. I hope to slide it in between the roof support and the roof and spot weld it back together. Then cut it off somewhere around the roll bar and add padding. Great looking cage by the way. Love the way it protects the passengers heads. I'm using 6in V-8 zj lift springs to help support the extra weight of the 350.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-12-2009, 02:37 AM	#4
DieselS10 Slightly Over Built Age: 35 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,225 Location: Chelsea, OK User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Quote: Originally Posted by jkh533 Been up that spot a hundred times.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-12-2009, 08:52 AM	#5
jwglover Registered User Age: 44 Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 367 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build nice start, jkh533 , looks like you are letting the rocks ' finish it off ' on the qtr panels, hahahha see ya in Disney sometime !
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-12-2009, 12:10 PM	#6
jkh533 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 32 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build The cage sucks, just cut the back off of it, sloped down too fast and my kids are starting to hit their heads on it. Looks okay but not very rear seat passenger friendly? I bought the truck from the frame up, so I am gonna change some things. I like your cab idea, I was gonna leave mine open and want to get rid of the sharp edges where it was cut. jwglover called it, let the rocks do the body work for me! I think your blazer looks real good so far, can't wait to see more progress.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-18-2009, 10:31 PM	#7
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Coil springs and 6in of lift is not working out very well. I can't seem to get the arms off the frame. I Had a choice of going to 9in of lift to get more clearance or just go leaf spring. I called Joey at 4wd factory and he sold me leaf springs, sky crossmember and shock hoops. I bought a set of wrangler axles with 488's and ARB air lockers, the rear is a 35 but it has a super 35 kit in it so I'm gonna see how long it lasts.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-19-2009, 04:59 PM	#8
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 722 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build awesome! ill be watching your progress!
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-23-2009, 07:13 AM	#9
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Spent about 6 hrs cutting and grinding last night....UGGGHH but I'm preaching too the chior. At least the no fun stuff is almost done and fun stuff is about to begin. Joey got my springs to me and my crossmember and hoops should be here in the next couple day's.. Thanks again Joey....I bought a set of D44 axles out of a 90 grand waggie Sunday but not sure if there going under yet...they need regeared (331's) and I don't have any 6 lug wheels and tires...I really want to run my 33 boggers but there 16in on jeep wheels...Probably run the yj axles and regear and lock the 44's to go in this spring///
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-23-2009, 08:20 AM	#10
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 722 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build yeah joey deff gets the stuff out QUICK!!!! i ordered shocks and shock tabs, axle shims, extended brake lines and i had them in probably 3 business days. Too bad im away at school to work on the project!!!!
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-23-2009, 11:40 AM	#11
jkh533 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 32 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build I ran a waggy front that I swapped in a set of dodge 1/2 ton hubs to get the 5 on 5.5 bolt pattern, I had tires and wheels and a scout 44 rear so it made sense to do? Just redrill thr waggy brake rotors and boom, 5 on 5.5 front waggy axle! If you have a scout or other rear 44 available?
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-23-2009, 02:06 PM	#12
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build I got a set of wrangler axles (D30HP, D35) with 488's and arb lockers, I got a set of waggie axles with 331's and I have a HP D30 with 355's and a 8.8 with 373'. Keep in mind I have 3 xj's and 2 of them I wheel so I have lots of parts for the jeeps. What would you guy's do?
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-23-2009, 02:19 PM	#13
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 722 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build hmmm. if it were me it would depend on the size of tire you want to run, and im going to go with the fact that you have those 33's, I would run the wrangler axles (D30hp,D35 super) with the 4.88s and the lockers. If the super kit is as strong as they say it is, im sure it will handle the 33's with ease. If not, regear the 8.8 to 4.88 and throw a selectable locker in it, i mean since the rims will already go on um.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-23-2009, 06:00 PM	#14
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Yea, I'm wanting to run 33's because it's what I have. The 350 motor is stock (because of the computer) but it still has me alittle worried, even if it is only about 160hp which is less than my 4.0 in my xj.
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-24-2009, 11:40 AM	#15
*4wdjoey* Site Sponsor Age: 26 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 404 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build i'm glad i could help. thanks guys!
	[Reply w/Quote]

09-30-2009, 07:31 AM	#16
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Gonna use the 44's and just buy new wheels, The astro box has the cherokee pitnam arm on it but I can't put it on till I cut the last crossmember out. Waiting on my crossmember from sky then I can finish, hope it gets here soon. On a side note Morris's blazer beat us all in the speed pit this weekend and won his second mud bog in a row, but for the record I beat him in the deep pit
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-14-2009, 08:19 AM	#17
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build I decided to go with the D44 front and rear just because there stronger and I don't wanna do it again. How close is everyones front crossmember? From several different points on the frame I very from 1/32 off to 1/16 off front to rear. Is that gonna be close enough? I just can't seem to get it any closer....Thanks
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-19-2009, 08:05 PM	#18
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build front is in and working on steering and ran into a pitnam arm problem. I've got a astro box with a xj pitnam arm (cause I was gonna run a D30 when I put it together) Well I took it today to get the pitnam arm reemed out to accept the waggie tie rod and out of 6 machine shops in my area, noone could reem it out for me. Does anyone know of a pitnam arm I can use that will work with my setup?
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-19-2009, 09:16 PM	#19
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 722 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build hmmm. im not quite sure, personally. Maybe a wagoneer pitman arm? Or you can get a ream and diy. Progress is looking good too! Last edited by 96superflow : 10-19-2009 at 09:18 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-19-2009, 09:47 PM	#20
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 722 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build i just read in one of the build threads on here that someone used a ford pitman arm. maybe that will work? heres the build thread where a couple of guys were talking about it. http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f221/p...-s-ton-380311/
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-21-2009, 09:55 PM	#21
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Thanks Superflow, I think I'm just gonna buy a reamer and keep the jeep pitnam, I love the angles to much to change it. I did get to drive the blazer out of the garage tonight with only one brake line leak. The old 2.8 is tired but still chuggin.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-22-2009, 06:52 AM	#22
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 722 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Keep at it man, and post up some pics!!!
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-24-2009, 07:46 PM	#23
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Finally got my rear axle in, brakes hooked up, shock hoops in and took it for alittle drive around the yard. I'm hoping the shackle angle flattens out alittle, but if not I'll just move them alittle. I put a piece of 3in C channel in between the the frame rails and welded it to the sky crossmember so it can serve as a gusset and a place too build a recovery point off of. Here's a few pics
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 03:32 PM	#24
DieselS10 Slightly Over Built Age: 35 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,225 Location: Chelsea, OK User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Looks good!
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 08:15 PM	#25
BillaksBlazer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 571 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build shackle angle looks great. it will flatten out a little in a week or two with some use if they are new springs.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 09:22 PM	#26
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Thanks guy's, It's alot easier to get it close when I get the measurements eye to eye off Billiks and superflow.... Still trying to fiquer out what pitnam arm too use, but I got time. Heading off to my buddy's garage now to get the drivetrain in and caged.... Last edited by jonb8 : 10-25-2009 at 09:23 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-25-2009, 10:06 PM	#27
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 722 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Nice man!!! I cant wait to see it finished!!! Everything looks great! I like the idea of the c channel. Once you get the shocks mounted up and steering taken care of im sure it will be even better! Get some wheels too so you can get them boggers on it! Last edited by 96superflow : 10-25-2009 at 10:08 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-02-2009, 07:16 AM	#28
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build I had a good weekend, I got the blazer tore down, and the body off the frame. I'm gonna get the motor out and the frame, axles power washed, cleaned and painted. I also got a couple of gussets to build inside the frame rails.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-02-2009, 08:08 AM	#29
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 722 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build ill bet those gussets are so much easier to do when the body is off the frame!!!! ha, mine were a bitch layin in the dirt and tryin to arc weld um!
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-02-2009, 06:18 PM	#30
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Since I don't have much help (wife, who thinks I've lost my mind half the time) I figuered it would be easier to change the whole drivetrain with the body off. Alot easier too finish all the fabbing with a bare frame...LOL
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-02-2009, 07:49 PM	#31
DieselS10 Slightly Over Built Age: 35 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2,225 Location: Chelsea, OK User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build I agree, I installed my tranny and t-cases to the engine all in one 5 minute procedure with the body off. I like your shock hoops.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-04-2009, 07:07 AM	#32
jonb8 Registered User Age: 41 Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 104 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build Got the blazer stripped to a bare frame last night even though my engine hoist crapped out in the middle of pulling the motor and I ended up rolling the engine the rest of the way out with a 4x4. Bad news is my wife is shutting me down for awhile. I have to put all new tile in the basement and remodel my daughters room before christmas. Oh well I got alot of cleaning and painting to do.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-04-2009, 08:15 AM	#33
96superflow Registered User Age: 21 Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 722 Location: Moyock/Greenville, NC User is: OffLine	Re: 87 blazer build dang i guess there are pluses to not being married.
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