Off-Road Ranger I
- 434
- First Name
- Jeff
- Last Name
- Haynes
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- kj6vzq
- Service Branch
- Marine Corps, TCCC
So this project started about two years ago and like most of my projects has consumed me.
The primary goal was to have a rock solid reliable rock crawling capable overland rig that could fit my wife, gear, and dogs. I wanted an automatic transmission, mild engine, roll cage and air conditioning. Some of what I did was overkill, but I prefer to be prepared.
The secondary goal was to be useful. I like being useful and able to help other that are in need. To meet that need I planned on including things like:
Daisy was not pretty but she had potential.
The first thing we did was pull the engine and trans and strip her down.
Then came the cleanup and patchwork.
Pulled gas tank. I do not have pictures but the tank was replaced and a phantom internal fuel pump with return line was installed.
Stripped out the interior in preparation for Lizzard skinning everything.
Lizard skin day.
Black Lizard skin is not very black. Went back and put on a coat of flat black afterward.
Then we built a roll cage.
Next put in the ORD NP205 Transfer case, 700R4 transmission, and GM performance crate engine.
During this project, I made many mistakes. For instance, I should have gone with an LS Engine. The shop that was helping me at the time talked me out of it. Aside from picking the wrong engine I also picked a lemon. That motor was not built properly by Chevy. My Blazer as of 6/14/2017 is at a Chevy service center right now and has been for the last 2 weeks. I could not make the engine run right. They can not make the engine run right. The only thing stopping me from putting an LS engine in right now is that my Blazer is still with the dealer while they test spark plug wires and stare at the carburetor. To be fair the service center is trying hard and is just in a bad spot. They have not worked on a carburated engine in years. I am lucky the engine has a 2-year warranty.
Ok back to the build.
Next, we yanked the axles and installed the new WFO Dana 60 and 14 bold with Detroit Truetrac and ORD Leaf springs. Still, wonder if I should have gone with a Detroit or ARB locker in the rear. Time will tell.
So far I am not impressed the ORD leaf springs. Daisy sits with a noticeable lean to the driver's side.
I am working with ORD to sort this out but I am tired of dealing with it at this point. Might just bite the bullet and go with Deavers.
My picture collection took a hit and I no not have anything for installing the front clip, hydroboost brakes or wiring but here are the end results though.
We then front bumper, rear dual swing out bumper for tire and Jerry cans, rock sliders, and installed the winch. Oh, and she was painted Olive Drab Green to match my CJ7...except the painter could never quite get the color the same.
So I made a few planning mistakes that I will mention in case anyone looses their minds and wants to make a K5 Overlanding Rock Crawler.
Edit: Forgot to mention a few things that are already installed.
Jeff
The primary goal was to have a rock solid reliable rock crawling capable overland rig that could fit my wife, gear, and dogs. I wanted an automatic transmission, mild engine, roll cage and air conditioning. Some of what I did was overkill, but I prefer to be prepared.
The secondary goal was to be useful. I like being useful and able to help other that are in need. To meet that need I planned on including things like:
- Air Compressor and CO2 Tank
- MaxTrax
- Kinetic Rops of various sizes
- Winch
- Hi-Lift Jack
- Full Med Kit
- Onboard Welder
- Running hot water (that's mostly for me)
Daisy was not pretty but she had potential.
The first thing we did was pull the engine and trans and strip her down.
Then came the cleanup and patchwork.
Pulled gas tank. I do not have pictures but the tank was replaced and a phantom internal fuel pump with return line was installed.
Stripped out the interior in preparation for Lizzard skinning everything.
Lizard skin day.
Black Lizard skin is not very black. Went back and put on a coat of flat black afterward.
Then we built a roll cage.
Next put in the ORD NP205 Transfer case, 700R4 transmission, and GM performance crate engine.
During this project, I made many mistakes. For instance, I should have gone with an LS Engine. The shop that was helping me at the time talked me out of it. Aside from picking the wrong engine I also picked a lemon. That motor was not built properly by Chevy. My Blazer as of 6/14/2017 is at a Chevy service center right now and has been for the last 2 weeks. I could not make the engine run right. They can not make the engine run right. The only thing stopping me from putting an LS engine in right now is that my Blazer is still with the dealer while they test spark plug wires and stare at the carburetor. To be fair the service center is trying hard and is just in a bad spot. They have not worked on a carburated engine in years. I am lucky the engine has a 2-year warranty.
Ok back to the build.
Next, we yanked the axles and installed the new WFO Dana 60 and 14 bold with Detroit Truetrac and ORD Leaf springs. Still, wonder if I should have gone with a Detroit or ARB locker in the rear. Time will tell.
So far I am not impressed the ORD leaf springs. Daisy sits with a noticeable lean to the driver's side.
I am working with ORD to sort this out but I am tired of dealing with it at this point. Might just bite the bullet and go with Deavers. My picture collection took a hit and I no not have anything for installing the front clip, hydroboost brakes or wiring but here are the end results though.
We then front bumper, rear dual swing out bumper for tire and Jerry cans, rock sliders, and installed the winch. Oh, and she was painted Olive Drab Green to match my CJ7...except the painter could never quite get the color the same.
So I made a few planning mistakes that I will mention in case anyone looses their minds and wants to make a K5 Overlanding Rock Crawler.
- I should have boxed in the frame. It was only a few hundred in material and about 2 days worth of work.
- Go with an LS Engine the first time.
- You probably do not need as much roll cage as I have.
- I spent a bunch of time and money restoring my hardtop and I am pretty sure I am now going to ditch it and go with a soft top. PS Totally redone 1973 hardtop with sliding windows for sale. :)
- Sit down with someone with experience and plan your build out based on what you want to do.
- My brand new Chevy Performance Turn Key engine idles but produced no power and backfires out the carb even though it's timed correctly. For those curious, I did have a Howell fuel injection on the engine but Chevy will only troubleshoot what they sold me so the carb went back on. I think the problem is that when they built the engine they put the cam in wrong and it's retarded one tooth. Either that or there is a bad lifter or spring. Either way, when I get the engine back it is being pulled out and it is going into my CJ7. I have a new 6.0 LQ9 ready to drop in.
- Blazer has a 3" lean to the driver's side. I think the rear driver's leaf spring is bad. When I get the Blazer back I have to switch the drivers and passengers springs to see if the problem follows the springs or now.
- Install LQ9 Engine
- Install Premier Power Welder and 180 amp alternator
- Install hot water heat exchanger and plumb in a hot shower. My plan is to build out a arm that swings out from the roll cage with a shower head on it.
- Install Soft Top and explain to wife why we have two tops for Blazer
- Mount Hi-Lift jack and Maxtrax to outside of roll cage, but inside of the soft top. In my head, this works out great. We will see.
- Mount new 37" Toyo OpenCountry Mud Terrains on Raceline beadlocks.
Edit: Forgot to mention a few things that are already installed.
- Ham Radio
- CB Radio
- Multiple fire extinguishers
- MED Kit
- Air Conditioning
- Gas Tank Skid Plate
- Pure sine wave power inverter
- IPad and mount for Topo Maps
Jeff
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