Expedition TrailBlazer Project
- Thread starter JamesDowning
- Start date
Backwoods Rambler
Explorer
Fantastic build truely. I love an original approach and this really is.
I'm blown away about the HP ratings of the I-5... 275hp REALLY! that's nearly v8 numbers. I also just read a review on trailblazers that states the latest I-5's are pushing 295hp and 277ft lbs :Wow1: Unfortunately the rest of the review isn't favorable for this seemingly powerful mid size SUV.
I'm blown away about the HP ratings of the I-5... 275hp REALLY! that's nearly v8 numbers. I also just read a review on trailblazers that states the latest I-5's are pushing 295hp and 277ft lbs :Wow1: Unfortunately the rest of the review isn't favorable for this seemingly powerful mid size SUV.
JamesDowning
Explorer
Thanks guys!
The standard engine in the TB is a 4.2L I6. The rating is 275 hp and similar tq numbers. Tons of power, but could feel sluggish on the factory tune. I upgraded that a month or so ago.
Anyways, heres a few trail pics from today. This was a 'test day' for the equipment. I hadn't yet used the rock sliders to their full ability, and I wanted to get some experience with some larger rocks. Anyways, here are some snapshots:
Some of the cool views:
Putting the new ladders to use:
Overall it was a successful day of learning and experimenting. A few good dents and scrapes for show and tell even...
:smiley_drive:
The standard engine in the TB is a 4.2L I6. The rating is 275 hp and similar tq numbers. Tons of power, but could feel sluggish on the factory tune. I upgraded that a month or so ago.
Anyways, heres a few trail pics from today. This was a 'test day' for the equipment. I hadn't yet used the rock sliders to their full ability, and I wanted to get some experience with some larger rocks. Anyways, here are some snapshots:
Some of the cool views:
Putting the new ladders to use:
Overall it was a successful day of learning and experimenting. A few good dents and scrapes for show and tell even...
:smiley_drive:
roostercruiser
Adventurer
can u do a SAS on that ?
JamesDowning
Explorer
I assume with the right amount of money, it could be done. Would it be easy?... no. I've been following eXpeditionXterra's build up. He's doing an SAS to his. If I ever did upgrade, I'd have to follow a similar method.
However, for the trails I tackle, another inch of lift and some stiffer front springs should suffice. I will likely stick to that for a while.
roostercruiser
Adventurer
just curious . you have the best TB i have ever seen.
JamesDowning
Explorer
Well, with the new bumper, the radiator stuck down below the bumper by a few inches. I've been very cautious lately with rocks because of this. The lower endcap of the radiator is extremely susceptible to road and trail damage when it's hanging out like that. So it was time for some protection.
First, the foam-board prototype:
The 3D model designed around the foam prototype:
Finally, the finished product, stamped and bent:
I went with an aluminum design. I had done FEA analysis, and found that for most hits, I didn't need steel. Granted, if i were to drive it straight into a large rock, it will bend... but that's why I have a spare... (you heard right, I have an extra!)
The bolts at the engine side bolt through my oil pan skidplate, then five grade 5 bolts attach at the bumper. Should be plenty to keep the skidplate in place.
This photo gives you a view of the inside of the plate. It mounts to the bottom of the bumper so the bolts won't be stressed in tension if the plate takes a hit. On the engine side it is further reinforced by the oilpan skidplate, as it shares the same bend point.
There's about a 1/4" of clearance to the radiator brackets... just enough to provide protection in case I bend the plate.
:elkgrin:
First, the foam-board prototype:
The 3D model designed around the foam prototype:
Finally, the finished product, stamped and bent:
I went with an aluminum design. I had done FEA analysis, and found that for most hits, I didn't need steel. Granted, if i were to drive it straight into a large rock, it will bend... but that's why I have a spare... (you heard right, I have an extra!)
The bolts at the engine side bolt through my oil pan skidplate, then five grade 5 bolts attach at the bumper. Should be plenty to keep the skidplate in place.
This photo gives you a view of the inside of the plate. It mounts to the bottom of the bumper so the bolts won't be stressed in tension if the plate takes a hit. On the engine side it is further reinforced by the oilpan skidplate, as it shares the same bend point.
There's about a 1/4" of clearance to the radiator brackets... just enough to provide protection in case I bend the plate.
:elkgrin:
cowboy63645
Adventurer
looks really good, I am gonna have to keep this in mind since I have the front tore off my trailblazer! I am thinking a new bumper and skid plate are in order since I got my lift from mark!!
JamesDowning
Explorer
Field Kitchen Case
It seems the common theme among all cargo is to organize it into groups and condense it into easy-to-access cases.
I have been carrying around my grille and all associated cooking items separately for a while now. It seemed everything was hidden in a separate case or tub. So like the recovery equipment, organization was needed.
I found a few used cases at work, and went to town with my pocket knife and cored them out by cutting out small peices of plastic here and there. The end result turned out to be a decent field kitchen case.
One case is the field kitchen, and the other is completely cored out and holds dry foods, plates, cups, and other misc. kitchen items.
In the kitchen case, everything is held in place by straps, or is wedged under a nook of plastic. I just got extremely lucky with it all fitting as it did. There's still a little room for some other things... maybe some mini salt and pepper shakers?
For what it is... I'm pretty happy with it.
I've also been hunting down a winch that was supposed to arrive this past week... don't you love backorders?
It seems the common theme among all cargo is to organize it into groups and condense it into easy-to-access cases.
I have been carrying around my grille and all associated cooking items separately for a while now. It seemed everything was hidden in a separate case or tub. So like the recovery equipment, organization was needed.
I found a few used cases at work, and went to town with my pocket knife and cored them out by cutting out small peices of plastic here and there. The end result turned out to be a decent field kitchen case.
One case is the field kitchen, and the other is completely cored out and holds dry foods, plates, cups, and other misc. kitchen items.
In the kitchen case, everything is held in place by straps, or is wedged under a nook of plastic. I just got extremely lucky with it all fitting as it did. There's still a little room for some other things... maybe some mini salt and pepper shakers?
For what it is... I'm pretty happy with it.
I've also been hunting down a winch that was supposed to arrive this past week... don't you love backorders?
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firemansxterra
Adventurer
Looking good James...I like the front bumper and the way you set the cases up for the kitchen stuff!
JamesDowning
Explorer
Differential Guard
Just a small update...
Differential protection:
While the axle housing is quite stout, the differential cover is somewhat susceptible to damage. The cover could be dented or bent at an edge by a rock (or other foreign object), which may allow fluid to leak out. The Purple Cranium guard reinforces the lower mounting flange of the diff cover (where it may get bent by a rock sliding by), and also protects the center of the cover (hey, we all have to reverse once in a while in rocks). :ylsmoke:
Found at: http://www.purplecranium.com/
Just a small update...
Differential protection:
While the axle housing is quite stout, the differential cover is somewhat susceptible to damage. The cover could be dented or bent at an edge by a rock (or other foreign object), which may allow fluid to leak out. The Purple Cranium guard reinforces the lower mounting flange of the diff cover (where it may get bent by a rock sliding by), and also protects the center of the cover (hey, we all have to reverse once in a while in rocks). :ylsmoke:
Found at: http://www.purplecranium.com/
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neverestablished
Adventurer
Cool build. Those cases look like they were made for your stuff. So where does one have to work to get cases like that? Or are they available for sale somewhere?
JamesDowning
Explorer
They are DeWalt cases. I've used them elsewhere for recovery and repair gear too. I just paint over the logo and cut out any plastic I don't need:
I've also used BTI Systra Modul cases for other gear, such as my medical and survival kits:
I've also used BTI Systra Modul cases for other gear, such as my medical and survival kits:
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lil_freak_66
mudspace.com rep
i love how you support our platform james! id love to be like that...lol
you and roadie...just wow
you and roadie...just wow
Stan the Man
Adventurer
Nice build. Definitely not a rig you see being wheeled every day.