I've got a 87ish blazer that i want to build.

[Dylan]

So i've got this truck that I want to build into a rig. I'm just a kid w/o a bunch of cash but I want something to wheel. This thing needs a new trany. It's all stock now but I was thinking of tearing out the original 2.8 engine, bad trany and the IFS then put something with a bit more power and usabilaty. Any ideas? What's good and bad with a stock chevy s10 blazer? I'm just trying to get a game plan together. Thanks.

 

[Greg]

There's not much aftermarket support for S-10 Blazers... if this one has the crappy 2.8 and a bad transmission like you say it does, you'd probably be much better off getting a cheap Suzuki Samurai, a solid axle Toyota or even a Jeep Cherokee. Any of those would be a better start than that Blazer, you'd be miles ahead starting with a solid axle and a vehicle that works properly.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but that's really the best advice, IMO.

 

[Dylan]

Ya that's what I've been thinking. But i've got it in my yard and thought, "what the hey?" I'd love to get a solid axle Toyota or a sami but I haven't really seen anything that's for sell and that's in my price range. If you see anything please let me know.

 

[Bart]

I guess if you can do fab work yourself you can save money that way, but you'll still need at least a Dana 44 and gears. A locker if you want. Gears for the back axle if they don't match the front. New front suspension, driveline...

The list goes on and on and what seems cheap at first can baloon in an instant. Free platform or not, there's a lot that goes into a solid axle swap.

 

[Dylan]

I was goin to do all the fab work. I've built a Fj 40 and we did all the fab and junk ourselves so I wasn't too worried about that. Is there a place that I can look to see what gears these stock chevy rear axels have? Thanks for the help.

 

[Stephen]

I was goin to do all the fab work. I've built a Fj 40 and we did all the fab and junk ourselves so I wasn't too worried about that. Is there a place that I can look to see what gears these stock chevy rear axels have? Thanks for the help.

You should be able to find all that info in a manual.

 

[Rot Box]

I wouldn't get your hopes up for an extreme rig without dumping in a bunch of cash, but....

You could build a sweet trail rig and keep it budget minded (Assuming the engine and the rest of the drivetrain was or is working). I'd start by replacing the trans with a junkyard donor. Then you could do some fender trimming and put it on some used 31-33 10.50's with a rear lincoln locker. With some high clearance home made bumpers, roof mount high-lift jack mount, auxillary lighting, and such you'd be on your way to a fairly capable rig for cheap. I dunno that's just what I'd do in that situation, and remember that s-10 parts are all over the place

 

[Rot Box]

BTW: If you plan on going through the trouble of a SAS and larger than 33's then scrap the rear end you have - 7 1/2" 10 bolt = POS! Find a donor 9" out of an EB or something.