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01-20-2008, 10:46 AM
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#1 |
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Registered User
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Tx
Posts: 1,083
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AJ's '72 Cruiser Crawler Build
After window shopping for 2 years, I finally found a 1972 K5 in great condition. I wanted something with a really solid body, so I could focus on the motor and the drivetrain.
Part one of the build is to makeover the suspension, tires, wheels, and axles. I'm not building an extreme rig by any means...no rock crawler here. That'll be the next toy I talk the wife into...eventually  . Started with this:   Tear it down to here:  Accumulate all of this:  Front end gear:  Rear end gear:  Sweet DIY4X Shackle Flip detail:  If all goes as planned, either the 1st or 2nd weekend in February will be an all weekend wrench-a-thon to see how much can get done. The goal is to get the rig back on the road by the end of the February. And so it begins.... Last edited by AJs72K5; 01-31-2010 at 01:05 AM. |
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01-20-2008, 10:57 AM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Ventura, Southern California
Posts: 67
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
So are you going to one ton axles? Also let me know how you like tha alcan springs as i am planning to buy some soon!
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01-20-2008, 12:28 PM
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#3 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Tx
Posts: 1,083
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Quote:
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01-20-2008, 06:03 PM
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#4 |
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The LuvShack Garage
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side)
Posts: 30,470
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
I like the personal touch added to the flip, looking good
__________________
Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T |
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01-20-2008, 09:13 PM
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#5 |
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Farm Truck
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Jersey Village, Texas
Posts: 547
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
The paint scheme looks awesome, nice Blazer......
__________________
1969 CST/10 1984 K5 Blazer 4x4 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Mike Jersey Village, Tx |
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01-21-2008, 02:48 AM
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#6 |
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Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Have you done the D44 8 lug swap yet? Was it as straight forward as everyone says?
__________________
72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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01-21-2008, 03:03 AM
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Pahrump, NV
Posts: 1,079
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
The Blazer already looks better with the stock front bumper back on it.
How much lift are you going to have when you are done? |
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01-21-2008, 03:44 AM
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#8 | ||
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Tx
Posts: 1,083
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Quote:
Quote:
Will end up with 6" of lift from the suspension. |
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01-21-2008, 04:58 AM
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 993
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Dude, I'm diggin the Blazer. Let me know when the work weekend is and i'll give you a hand. I've been slowly working on little things like replacing the lock cylinders,outer mirror,washer res,motor mounts,seats,etc.....I hope to have mine on the road by the end of February as well. Give me a shout if you need a hand. 269-8322. Later, Mario.
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01-23-2008, 06:42 AM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Elgin,Texas
Posts: 9
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Hey sweet truck, would you happen to be sellin the old bumper/grill guard that was on it?
__________________
Dillon 1972 Custom 10--wrecked wanting to sell, never dodge things in the road  1953 Chevy pickup 1971 Custom 10 1971 Custom 10 1978 Chevy pickup 1970 GMC pickup  1970 Chevy K5 Blazer Life Quote: "Dont pu$$y foot around, money talks and bullsh*t walks!" |
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01-23-2008, 07:00 AM
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#11 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Tx
Posts: 1,083
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
The front grill guard? Sold to my barber a while back. Sorry.
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02-04-2008, 12:10 PM
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#12 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Tx
Posts: 1,083
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
We finally got a few hours to work on the truck today. So, we attempted to tackle the rear suspension. Should be easy right? Unfortunately we ran into some fitment issues with the shackle flip and had to do some mods. But, we got it all together. Next week we'll tackle the front suspension and start building the axles.
Me griding off the factory shackle hanger. We ended up using a grinder, a torch, and an air hammer to get these boogers off. You gotta love power tools.  Test fitting the DIY4X Shackle flip. Here's where we ran into issues. The bracket was about an inch off due to the rear gas tank strap. It affected both sides.  Made a quick call to Kert at the office...never expected him to answer on a Saturday. That's great service. He wasn't aware of the issue, but mentioned that the 1st gen flips were designed on a K10, not a Blazer. Here's the solution: we cut about an inch off of the horizontal surface (goes under the frame). Kert said this shouldn't affect the integrity of the flip as we had plenty of material between the cuts and the mounting holes.  Modified passenger side bracket installed.  Modified driver side bracket installed.  Alcan Springs, DIY4X shackle flip, DIY4X shackles, and poly bushings installed  AJ's logo from the back of the truck  More to come next week! Last edited by AJs72K5; 01-31-2010 at 01:06 AM. |
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02-04-2008, 01:18 PM
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#13 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Winters Ca. 95694
Posts: 4,843
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Your logo is a very nice thouch! Did they come that way as an option or did you do it your self?
Kevin LFD Inc. |
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02-05-2008, 12:40 AM
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#14 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Tx
Posts: 1,083
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Quote:
I wish I had the skills to do that kind of stuff myself! Kert @ DIY4X put it in for me instead of the "DIY4X" logo he usually puts in. |
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02-05-2008, 01:54 AM
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#15 | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Winters Ca. 95694
Posts: 4,843
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Quote:
Kevin LFD Inc. |
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02-08-2008, 01:44 PM
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#16 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2007
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 993
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
lookin good dude. can't wait to see it. Later, Mario
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02-08-2008, 10:34 PM
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#17 |
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Tot Roddin'
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Mid-MO
Posts: 24,461
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
This is coming together nicely.... can't wait to see it in the end.
Keep us posted!
__________________
-Nate  1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package) |
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02-09-2008, 02:50 AM
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#18 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Wilmington, OH
Posts: 60
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
hey AJ,
could you post up some pics of your soft top? i'd like to see the framing that supports it and also how it's formed around the door glass. thanks man! matt
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1970 C20 now a K30 1986 3+3 Dually |
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02-26-2008, 02:16 AM
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#19 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Tx
Posts: 1,083
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Haven't made much progress on the truck. I had food poisoning, or something last week and could barely make it to work, much less wrench on the truck. That being said, the Axle Fairy showed up last week and built my 14FF. Seriously. The last time I saw the axle (the week before), it was sitting on a couple of jack stands and was just an empty housing. Actually...I store the truck at an auto shop. It was apparently a slow week, so a couple of the mechanics decided to build the rear end . I'm talking: put in all new bearings and seals everywhere, install the Detroit, and set up the gears. I showed up at the shop and saw this:
  All that's left on the rear is to weld up the perches and shock tabs, and set up the brake lines and calipers. The shackle flip moved the rear axle forward about 1.5" - 2" (see the first pic). I can make most of this up with the perches I have from DIY4X. However, I didn't know or didn't realize that I'd need a different set of spring plates to move the axle to a different hole on the perches...the spring plate moves with the axle so the spring pin doesn't sit in the hole on the factory plate now (duh). Needless to say, I've ordered a of plates set from Kert. Last edited by AJs72K5; 01-31-2010 at 01:08 AM. |
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02-26-2008, 02:47 AM
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#20 |
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The LuvShack Garage
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side)
Posts: 30,470
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Man this thing is going to be huge
__________________
Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Big Piggy: "Goliath" 07 Kodiak C4500 Lil Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T |
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02-26-2008, 04:22 AM
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#21 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Tx
Posts: 1,083
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Quote:
Last edited by AJs72K5; 02-26-2008 at 04:22 AM. |
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02-26-2008, 10:04 AM
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#22 |
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Future TOTM Winner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Bulverde, TX
Posts: 2,692
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Lookin great AJ. I can’t wait to crawl under it and admire the work! I am really excited about the rear disc on the 14 bolt AND the D44 8 lug swap. I have ideas of doing both of those eventually. Let us know when it is ready to leave the garage!
__________________
72 Chevy CST K5 HIGHLANDER BLAZER Getting a 6.0,NV4500,NP205,14BFF (Currently laying all over the place in little pieces) 72 Chevy swb step-side "LS" 6.0 Here's a build thread of sorts 2002 HD2500 Crew Cab, 8.1L Allison 4x4 Daily Driver Check it out www.lsdyno.com |
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03-01-2008, 08:54 AM
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#23 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: South Tx
Posts: 1,083
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
I got a kitchen pass tonight, so I went to the garage and spent a couple of hours working on the truck with a mechanic buddy. We made some good progress tonight. It's amazing what having the right parts will do for you! We got the front springs on and the axle under the truck, with tires. At this point, all four tires are on the ground. All of the "heavy lifting" is done, except for taking out the body lift.
Last edited by AJs72K5; 01-31-2010 at 01:10 AM. |
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03-01-2008, 09:54 AM
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#24 |
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Its lookin' like a Blazer!
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Gods Country, KY
Posts: 1,773
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
Wow!!! Its lookin' good. When you take the body lift out the tires will fill the wheel wells perfectly.... I bet you'll get that done pretty quick....
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03-01-2008, 08:59 PM
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#25 |
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Post Whore
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA
Posts: 12,683
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Re: AJs 72 Pavement Pounder build
A before and after pic will be fun when you are done.
__________________
1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 |
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