Bought my first expedition rig today

[matt s]

Bought my first expedition rig today (Update It's Here!)

Very pleased. I found a 1971 Chevy Blazer, nearly rust free with many of the mods I would do already done. There are some things to be done, others to be fixed, but overall a very solid rig. :wings:

I have been dreaming of a first gen blazer for a long time. It fits my needs perfectly in so many ways. I also hope to fit it with a flippac down the road. It will take a little modding to fit, but after careful measuring I am confident that it can be done.

One big problem. It's in Seattle, and I am in Alaska. I would go get it, but I don't have a passport and while sound mechanically there are some issues that need to be addressed before putting it to that kind of drive. So tomorrow begins the phone calls to shipping companies.

This is going to be lots of fun!!

 

[Harald Hansen]

Congrats! I say go and get it yourself! Adventure awaits... :smiley_drive:

 

[truck mechanic]

Very cool ! my first 4x4 was a 71 Jimmy. I have always loved those trucks !
Paul

 

[RgrBox]

Wow.. that's good looking truck to got there.. love those older models.. seem that they are truly built to last..

 

[Spur]

Beautiful truck! Congrats!

You probably already know this, but in case you don't, check out the coloradok5 forums. Lots of great info on blazers.

 

[02TahoeMD]

NEAT rig! Congrats, looks like a great purchase. Keep us posted on what you do with it.

 

[BKCowGod]

very nice... Almost got one of those before I picked up the Cherokee. Canadia and 'Merica are changing the requirements on a weekly basis, so you may be able to get through BC with just a license and birth cert. Worth a check, at least!

 

[teotwaki]

We'll look forward to updates on the retrieval process! Where in Alaska do you live?

 

[matt s]

Wow thanks everyone. I would love to drive it, just to many obstacles to that right now. I will be like a kid at Christmas waiting for it to arrive.

Jim: I live in Wasilla, about 35 miles north of Anchorage.

 

[teotwaki]

Wow thanks everyone. I would love to drive it, just to many obstacles to that right now. I will be like a kid at Christmas waiting for it to arrive.

Jim: I live in Wasilla, about 35 miles north of Anchorage.

Thanks! I may have been driven right through there on my way to Talkeetna but the van didn't stop. I should have waved to you! :smiley_drive:

It will be interesting to see if shipping by land or by sea is cheaper.

 

[teotwaki]

I forgot to ask; What are the specs on the Blazer? Engine, trans, axles gearing, transfer case etc. Will you make changes?

 

[matt s]

I forgot to ask; What are the specs on the Blazer? Engine, trans, axles gearing, transfer case etc. Will you make changes?

Here is where it's at. I am considering going back to stock gearing for mileage. I am also considering dropping it back to stock hight. However I am going to drive it as equipped for a time to see how I like it before changing anything.

- 350ci V8 Chevy engine, new (crate) 51k miles ago
- 350 automatic transmission, 3 speed
- front hubs are manual
- 373 rear gear ratio (changed from stock 308)
- B&M brand torque converter
- Rear limited slip differential (posi-traction)
- 4" suspension lift
- Power steering
- 1 ton power brake booster (Blazer is 1/2 ton vehicle)
- Front disc brakes, rear drum
- Transmission cooler
- Dual 14 gauge steel RV mufflers
- Custom 30 gallon gas tank
- Vintage air AC/Heat

 

[Desert Dan]

Send me the keys and I'll drive it north for you

 

[matt s]

Send me the keys and I'll drive it north for you

Why do I get the feeling you might just detour on your way north? :smiley_drive:

 

[ntsqd]

Those 3.73's with no OD and a ~33" tire will put the engine's cruise RPM's just about where they'll want to be. Most efficient engine operation speed is at the RPM where peak torque occurs. Below that RPM you are lugging the engine. You *might* get better mileage under the peak torque if there is no load on the engine at those speeds, but the slightest load should see the trans dropping a gear.