SkunkedGorillaz Projects

[SkunkedGorilla]

Figured I'd start up a build threat from where I'm at with my 2001 Chevrolet Blazer Zr2 offroad/overland rig. Might also share some of my other projects I work on. Some Overland and some not so overland. But mainly focus on the Blazer.... I do have a fee planned projects I'd like to dive into once the Tcase is sorted out and I get the ship back in order.


I haven't really been working on any of my projects.... well for the last year + due to lots of personal reasons from 2021, and haven't been able to hit the shop the last few months due to mobility issues from a vehicle accident i was in earlier this year. One I'm still actively recovering from.

Definitely found that out yesterday afternoon, while pulling the Transfer Case in the 01 Blazer. I'm not all there physically, jobs that should take a few minutes take extra long......But I did enjoy getting out working on the truck and figured it will be good for my recovery and mental health to get back into the shop poking around. So I'll finish up removing the Transfer case tomorrow and start documenting my build from here.

Once im done pulling the tcase ill hit the garage and get it cleaned up and In usable shape. This might take a few days as there is some heavy moving to happen. Garage is chocked full of Jeep Parts (Engines, axles, transmissions Tcases. A few bikes ( Goldwings) and tons of bike parts, and then all the Outboard motor and boat parts. Might be good to sort through everything and start to downsize some parts I don't need.


One of the goldwings I'm working on will be my Overland Touring Bike. It's a 1985 GL1200 Limited. Had it up and running in 2020, then family problems got in the way and she has been sitting out in the boat house past while.


Another 1981 GL1100 Goldwing Interstate was being turned in to a mild Naked Cafe Crusier. She's a work in progress. This one I do poke on when I'm feeling upto it with projects done in the basement shop. Working on rebuilding the Carbs, but the last few months ive changee direction and plan to do the Volkswagen single carb conversion. Doing the heads and valves ,springs cams etc and while it's apart the timing belts, tensioners, and cooling system.


A little info about the Blazer:

Year: 2001
Make:Chevrolet
Model: S-10 Blazer 2nd Generation (1995-2005)
Submodel: S-10 Blazer ZR2 4wd (Mid sized offroad/SUV)
Gross Vehicle Weight: 2268kg/5000lbs
Curb weight: 1746 kg/3849lbs
Fuel Capacity: 72liters/ 19US Gal / 15.8 Imp Gal
Vehicle Length: 177.3 inches
Vehicle Width: 71.5 inches

4.3L V6 (GM Vortec 4300) 208,000kms
-Hypertech Power Programmer 3
-ODB Scanner with (Torque App)
NV3500 5 Speed Manual
-Centerforce 2 Clutch
Transfer Case
NP241/NP231 (Cracked Case) will be swapping for an NP241.
Floor Cable Shift

SAS - Solid Axle Swapped
Front: Ford Dana 44 with 4.88 gears/warn manual locking hubs

Rear- Ford 9 Inch with 4.88 Gears & Posi

Suspension
Front: James Duff Long Arm kit, Front Coils
Rear: Leaf Sprung
Components and brackets came from a Ford Bronco/f150 application and were modified to the Blazer to hang the Ford running gear.





Tires & Rims:
Rubber:JoyRoad MT200 35x12.50R17LT
Rimz: Ion Alloy 17" Wheels 135 Matte Black Beadlock
Body Armor:
-Banana Armor custom Winch Bumper
-Banana Armor custom rock Sliders
Interior:
-Upgraded Leather Power/Heated seats

Electronic's:
-Kenwood Stereo Head Unit & upgraded speakers wired for subs
-Rockford 12" Sub & Box
-Rockford Amp 1000watts
- BaoFeng UV-5R Radios (x2)
-ODB 2 Code Reader & Tablet With GPS mapping
-Go Pro Dash Mount Video Cam

 

[reaver]

I have a soft spot for those 2nd Gen Blazers, and Holy crap, that thing is sweet!

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

I have a soft spot for those 2nd Gen Blazers, and Holy crap, that thing is sweet!

She is a sweet rig, been having alot or fun behind the wheel b4 the misshap. She rides surprisingly well as a daily driver, pulling well on the highway and hills with no problems.

Havemt had a chance to take her off road yet but I'm guessing she will shine there as well. Hopefully be able,e to tale her on a new year's day trail ride this coming newyear once a new tcase is slung up there.

But being a custom rig with the work done she has her quirks. Found that put pulling the Transfer Case.

 

[reaver]

Being a late 90's-early 2000's GM vehicle, it has quirks. I should know.... I put 200k on my 96 before it had had enough at 279k miles....

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

So we are dealing with a damaged transfer case that needs to be replaced as well as have the rear double cardon joint rebuilt on the driveshaft.

Was fun getting this transfer case pulled, was worried for a bit I'd have to pull the whole engine, transmission to get the transfer case out. There is a welded in crossmember for the rear suspension that was in the middle of the rear output shaft on the tcase only giving very limited amount of space to move the tcase rear ward.


Kinda hard to see in the photo but that top crossmember limits rear ward movement of the tcase. But with some finaggling and the help òf a buddy we were able to clear the transmission output shaft and lower it forward under muscle power.

So finally got around to getting this case out... now just gotta figure out exactly what I, working with..., was under the understanding it was a custom transfer case Np241/231 what ever that entailed, but after getting it out I'm not really sure that's what it is......I'm thinking it an NP231 case. There are no tags on this transfer case.





Tranny->Tcase is 5bolt and 27spline output.


The rear transfer case output is 5bolt and 32 spline.



Front is a fixed yoke and cable shifted


So the plan for this weekend is to figure out exactly what I've got transfer case wise, then start looking for a replacement unit. Hopefully from local market places o4 junkyard sourced. But if nothing can be found I have some other options lined up but they are alot pricier amd I'd like to avoid if possible.

Hopefully get this up and running by end of next week is the plan.

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

Being a late 90's-early 2000's GM vehicle, it has quirks. I should know.... I put 200k on my 96 before it had had enough at 279k miles....

I'm only at 208,000 km kilometers atm. I did do some trading as over 20 years of being a Jeep owner I've accumulated alot of Jeep Parts. But picked up a spare 4.3L V6 (GM Vortec 4300) engine

I've been following a few forums relayed to 4.3L builds and have a few ideas of adding a Supercharger to the spare engine,. Not In a hurry to build this engine but will poke at it over time. The currant engine runs strong and should give me many kilometers of enjoyment. I tent to keep up on vehicle maintenance so she should be good to go for a while.

So I'll slowly aquire Parts needed for this engine build amd aim for a next winter project.





This weekend I've got my work cut out for me. Transfer Case research and hitting the 2 shops to crack the whip a s tame the mess. Been down and out the last while and the mess accumulated in both the garage and the boat house. Need to take note of what I have and what I need to down size. Hell I might even have a transfer case in one of the ships that could be tweeked to work.... ??

 

[DintDobbs]

@SkunkedGorilla That's one beast of a build, but like you said, buying somebody else's work always entails some unfamiliar custom work. Some times they fabricate totally new pieces or hack and weld, and then you're left with unknown and irreplaceable parts in some events, which means you have to replace entire modules rather than just worn parts.

At least you have some leverage, with parts to trade around!

Praying for a good recovery, injuries are a reminder that we could have come out a lot worse.

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

@SkunkedGorilla That's one beast of a build, but like you said, buying somebody else's work always entails some unfamiliar custom work. Some times they fabricate totally new pieces or hack and weld, and then you're left with unknown and irreplaceable parts in some events, which means you have to replace entire modules rather than just worn parts.

At least you have some leverage, with parts to trade around!

Praying for a good recovery, injuries are a reminder that we could have come out a lot worse.

Couldn't closer to the truth. I've been going crazy trying to figure out this transfer case. Kinda hoping I habe it figured out.

It's am NP231C case from an S10 with the 6 planetary gear swapped from an NP241 case.

Luckly I waited as I was about to purchase a NP241c case.

Now I'm hitting YouTube videos as I have a bunch of NP231J cases from different jeeps. Which I may be able to use to patch my old case together.... pretty sure imput shafts are simple to swap between the two. Just not sure about the Speedo gear... and I'd like to have that as I do daily drive this rig.

Pickings on market place are slim in my area. So Monday I'll call some wreckers and see their offerings. Need this replacement sooner than later tho.

I can already tell the suspension will involve some research when it's tome to upgrade. Something I'll have to start researching so I'm not caught off guard. Some feedback from forums a few have said the kit used was from a Ford application. Possibly early f150 or Bronco. And was modified for the blazer. Which kinda makes sense as my axles are Ford applications. So once I get this transfer case done I'll dig a bit deeper into suspension.












Thanks for the well wishes. It's been a long g recovery, and definitely noticed I still have a long way to go pulling this transfer case. Ribs and shoulder are sore after getting it out. I'll probably have nerve damage in my lower legs for life which has taken some getting use to. Still feels a little sureel at times. Hopefully with physical therapy I'll get back to a good point in life. But it let's you realize how short life is and to enjoy evey minute. Reason I wanna get back out there exploring and adventuring!

 

[DintDobbs]

@SkunkedGorilla I'm totally clueless on that suspension. It wouldn't be surprising if it was all FSB/F-150, but with it being modified from stock AND modified to fit the Blazer, that could be complicated.

On the upside, if that T-case can be rebuilt with parts from your collection, that will save you a lot of trouble; but it also means that you've found the truck's limit already. Might want to get a beefier T-case down the line in order handle the hefty rubbers better.

And, I agree, don't get scared off! Life is simultaneously too long and too short to go through without experiencing this magnificent earth. It's always out there, waiting to be explored, and we're only limited by our vehicles and our skills!

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

@SkunkedGorilla I'm totally clueless on that suspension. It wouldn't be surprising if it was all FSB/F-150, but with it being modified from stock AND modified to fit the Blazer, that could be complicated.

On the upside, if that T-case can be rebuilt with parts from your collection, that will save you a lot of trouble; but it also means that you've found the truck's limit already. Might want to get a beefier T-case down the line in order handle the hefty rubbers better.

And, I agree, don't get scared off! Life is simultaneously too long and too short to go through without experiencing this magnificent earth. It's always out there, waiting to be explored, and we're only limited by our vehicles and our skills!

We are both clueless about this suspension atm I'll cross that bridge in the next few weeks.. right now I'm supe4 focused on this Tcase. I've made some progress through that I'll post shortly.

I can wait to get out this spring with the rig and explore, and hopefully build a little . Have some big trips and plans.

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

Well with the -30 and expected lower temperatures expected I spent the day hunkered down around the house.

I called around a few Transmission shops just to inquire about having a custom case made.. or having, mine rebuilt. Ranged anywhere from $ 2500-4000 cdn dollars. Ya that's not happening

Spent the rest of the morning watching YouTube videos and googling part #'s. While doing these tasks I noticed a channel Dusty Roads, who is building an ls swap amd for this tcase he is using an NP213c and Np231J. He uses both to make it compatible with his chevy/jeep conversion. I also noticed googling part # that my currant case and Jeep Cases both share the same Casting # on the back half the case. Ran out to the boat shed and sure enough np231j and my np231c share that number too... C-16117 09104
Old Np231c

Np231j (a little hard to see should have cleaned it up a bit but same Casting number)


So after that I figured with this bitterly cold weather, I'd start pulling my case apart, see how bad the damage is.


Once inside, everything appears to be in pretty good shape. I'm thinking since I have it apart I'll order a rebuild kit. And finish pulling it apart and just rebuild this transfer case, and use the back half of my Np231J case to finish off the rebuild .

While I won't be changing all parts out. As when apart I did confirm that this case was infact modified. It has had the 6th Planitary gear set from an Np241 and the larger chain added to this unit. So I'll change out bearings, seals and shift fork pads. I did notice slight wear on the shift fork pads. Amd give everything a good through cleaning to male sure all reminents of the old case are gone.



This should net me a decent running Transfer Case and I can spend money on getting the rear driveshaft double cardon ujoints redone.

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

Been working on cleaning up the shop while I'm waiting on some parts for the Transfer case. Tossing Jeep Parts up on marketplaces and groups trying to thin stuff out I won't be using again. Saving jeep parts I have plans to use, I'm keeping my eye open for the right Jeep Grand Cherokee. Want to make a lightly modified daily driver. Something more practical booting around town and in the Bush.

Came across an old Jeep Wrangler Snorkel I had a spare of... going to toy with the idea of making it work on the Blazer. Weather will be warming up the weekend and the following week so will get out and measure up and see how fitment might work for the Snorkel. Not 100% sure it will be feasible atm.


Spent the evening ripping Apart the Np231J Transfer Case from one of my previous jeep projects. Case is an exact match. Just waiting on a couple parts I ordered which should be in tomorrow afternoon to reassemble the unit. Hope to have it in by Saturday when the weather warms up enough. Saturday should be +2○C right now its -33●C even colder with the windchill.



Still have to wait till after Christmas and even possibly after the new year to get my drive shaft back from having the double cardon joint repaired. So might be booting around town with front wheel drive for a few days lol....

 

[DintDobbs]

Nice, definitely good news that the T-case is compatible with a lot of the parts you already have.

Winter weather is rough, at least you have some things you can do while you wait it out. I've got a Durango that needs tie rod ends and ball joints, and my Explorer needs an alignment, both easy jobs but now I have to ride out the holidays!

Keep your head up on those Jeeps. For a lot of people a new year means a new toy, so expect some older Jeeps to hit the market in the early months.

 

[MrWilsonWJ]

Really like the build you got going, always thought those 2 door S10 Blazers with a SAS would make a cool wheeler. Have you had any luck narrowing down that parts used for your axle swap? James Duff only makes parts for a handful of Ford models so shouldn't be too hard. Your axle doesn't look full size/full width so I would guess it came from an early Bronco('66-'77) they offer a few lift options for those. If you can confirm what the axle came from it's just looking at pictures and specs to match up the lift. What model Grand Cherokee are you shopping for? ZJ, WJ, WK? I have a soft spot for the WJ, been building on mine for a few years. They are a great rig and I always have people telling me they're surprised be how capable it is. There's a link to my build if you need some ideas for building your Grand.

Just another WJ

I didn't plan on doing a build thread for my WJ so there isn't much for pictures of work done so far. Now that I've joined OB I thought I might as well, hopefully I will get some good insight and tips from other members that might be helpful along the way and at the same time if there is...

www.overlandbound.com

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

Nice, definitely good news that the T-case is compatible with a lot of the parts you already have.

Winter weather is rough, at least you have some things you can do while you wait it out. I've got a Durango that needs tie rod ends and ball joints, and my Explorer needs an alignment, both easy jobs but now I have to ride out the holidays!

Keep your head up on those Jeeps. For a lot of people a new year means a new toy, so expect some older Jeeps to hit the market in the early months.

Ya it's been a life saver having these extra parts, glad I'm a stickler and hord these kinda things. Off reading you never know when your gunna brake something and ne3d to replace it yourself. Been really nice especially during the holiday season and have 3 kiddos birthdays coming up in January and February. So money can get tight this time of year.

We get sp,e real weird weather around this part . The last week has been -40 come this Saturday will only be -2C and the coming week will be +2. So it's all over the place. Usually I have a nice diesel tube heater, but this year I couldn't get it fired. Not very good with hesters so that's something I'll have to send it to get repaired. Luvkly I'm single as my kitchen has been turned into a shop atm. That's where I'm rebuilding the Transfer Case

Here's hoping some decent priced Jeeps hit the market, but atm the market for Jeeps is ridiculous. People are smoking Crack with their asking price. Just outrageous the asking prices of some of these vehicles.

 

[DintDobbs]

@SkunkedGorilla Trust me, I know. Here on the east coast, a 20-year old Wrangler with a stick and a soft top with 200k on it can ask $10k. They just sit there; nobody wants to pay that much.

The Cherokees aren't pulling the big numbers like the Wranglers are, so they come and go like the wind.

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

Really like the build you got going, always thought those 2 door S10 Blazers with a SAS would make a cool wheeler. Have you had any luck narrowing down that parts used for your axle swap? James Duff only makes parts for a handful of Ford models so shouldn't be too hard. Your axle doesn't look full size/full width so I would guess it came from an early Bronco('66-'77) they offer a few lift options for those. If you can confirm what the axle came from it's just looking at pictures and specs to match up the lift. What model Grand Cherokee are you shopping for? ZJ, WJ, WK? I have a soft spot for the WJ, been building on mine for a few years. They are a great rig and I always have people telling me they're surprised be how capable it is. There's a link to my build if you need some ideas for building your Grand.

Just another WJ

I didn't plan on doing a build thread for my WJ so there isn't much for pictures of work done so far. Now that I've joined OB I thought I might as well, hopefully I will get some good insight and tips from other members that might be helpful along the way and at the same time if there is...

www.overlandbound.com

I haven't had a chance to dig into the lift very much, but can confirm James Duff make lifts for Ford applications. Which should make tracking down alot easier than I had originally thought. I'm sure the axles shave so e I'd markings or plates on them. But I'm pretty aire they came out od an early Bronco. So should make tracking down the kit super simple, this Saturday while under the rig I'll male surento grab any I'd tags off axles and work on ID'ingg them.

I'm looking for a very specific model jeep, b4 the divorce we had a Jeep Grand Cherokee Sport. With the 4.7L V8, Dana 30/44 3.73 gears & Quadra drive 2 4wd system. In the divorce the wife tool this jeep a liberty and the minivan, i kept the Jeep Tj and the boat Glastron SSV-151.

But that Grand Cherokee was the best more comfortable vehicle ever. While we got a steal of a deal on it because it needed a heater core ($2500) dealer ship repair) I ended up doing the repair myself for just about $100 and 2 evening of work. So for $1500 we scored this WJ with 145,000 kms kilometers.




Alot of people complaining about these engines and especially the dropped valves. But people are hard on their rigs. Ride em hard and put them away wet. Alot of people let their v8 Wjs over heat or run hot by lack of maintenance. We has tnay Grand Cherokee for 8 years. 150,000kms - 280,000kms and not a link of trouble. Regular maintenance though amd kept up on needed repairs.

That's the specific Wj I'm looking for. Then toss on a 4 or 6 inch long arm kit and cut for 33'x12.50r16s

Do you have a build thread for your rig? I too have a soft spot for WJs as well. Amazing vehicles and wheeling one is like riding your couch off road

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

@SkunkedGorilla Trust me, I know. Here on the east coast, a 20-year old Wrangler with a stick and a soft top with 200k on it can ask $10k. They just sit there; nobody wants to pay that much.

The Cherokees aren't pulling the big numbers like the Wranglers are, so they come and go like the wind.

Just utterly wild.. 22 years ago I grabbed my Wrangler with 100,000km on it for $10,896 , my insurance writs off payed out $10,500 with 430,000kms on the body, 20k on the rebuild engine , 5k on fresh upgraded axles and gears. I had alot into her I didn't recoup whsy I put onto it but felt compensated. That was until I went to buy another jeep I just can't wrap my head around it.

The ex wife sold our old WJ posted above for $2500 about a year ago... boy did she fuck up

 

[SkunkedGorilla]

While tearing the rest of the case apart to change the bearings and seals, I came across a dew parts I didn't expect to have to change out. Mainly the shift fork pads and the clutch fork pads, luckily the Nzp231J & NP231C cases share the same part #'s and casting #'s so I was able to just swap the two parts between cases. Luckly as I want to get this case back on the truck Saturday.





The wide chain conversion 11/4" compared to the stock 1" chain


Was quite surprised with the front yoke... much beefier one came off the Jeep. The np231c is quite small compared to the Jeep yoke.


Better picture of the NP241 6 Gear Planitary gears.

 

[MrWilsonWJ]

I haven't had a chance to dig into the lift very much, but can confirm James Duff make lifts for Ford applications. Which should make tracking down alot easier than I had originally thought. I'm sure the axles shave so e I'd markings or plates on them. But I'm pretty aire they came out od an early Bronco. So should make tracking down the kit super simple, this Saturday while under the rig I'll male surento grab any I'd tags off axles and work on ID'ingg them.

I'm looking for a very specific model jeep, b4 the divorce we had a Jeep Grand Cherokee Sport. With the 4.7L V8, Dana 30/44 3.73 gears & Quadra drive 2 4wd system. In the divorce the wife tool this jeep a liberty and the minivan, i kept the Jeep Tj and the boat Glastron SSV-151.

But that Grand Cherokee was the best more comfortable vehicle ever. While we got a steal of a deal on it because it needed a heater core ($2500) dealer ship repair) I ended up doing the repair myself for just about $100 and 2 evening of work. So for $1500 we scored this WJ with 145,000 kms kilometers.
View attachment 247208
View attachment 247209
View attachment 247210

Alot of people complaining about these engines and especially the dropped valves. But people are hard on their rigs. Ride em hard and put them away wet. Alot of people let their v8 Wjs over heat or run hot by lack of maintenance. We has tnay Grand Cherokee for 8 years. 150,000kms - 280,000kms and not a link of trouble. Regular maintenance though amd kept up on needed repairs.

That's the specific Wj I'm looking for. Then toss on a 4 or 6 inch long arm kit and cut for 33'x12.50r16s

Do you have a build thread for your rig? I too have a soft spot for WJs as well. Amazing vehicles and wheeling one is like riding your couch off road

Link to my build is in the last post.