Disjaukifa's Cheap 98 Blazer 4x4 Build . . .

[RustyAutoholicGuy]

Hey Guys,

I've got a stock 1998 Blazer LS 4.3L V6, 5-Speed and a4x4 with 2-door. Essential I want a mix of a vehicle. I want a vehicle I driver everyday but go off roading with friends here in North Carolina all day long.

Here is my current setup and what I have to fix:

1st: I've got to fix my clutch. I think the clutch slave cylinder went bad.
2nd: Get the truck to pass NC inspection.
3rd: Remove crank fan and install electric fan
4th: Strip the rattly interior and carpet, Rino line the floor and lower half of the body
5th: Install body life kit, thinking either a 2" or 3" lift
6th: Install bigger tires. I'm current running 235/75R15, I would really like to run 31 inch tires on this Blazer

I plan on doing this on a budget and document the entire process. I finally got the Blazer running again today, you have to pump the CRAP out of the clutch but I was finally able to get it to move, here is a picture of it trying to jump it today:

I'm hoping to have the truck on the road and legal sometime next week!

Essential I want to be able to drive the Blazer to work but if there is an off road event near me, I can take the Blazer out and have some fun. I've never really done any serious off roading and I want to get into it with spending as little money as possible!

Thanks
Grant

 

[RustyAutoholicGuy]

Ok,

So update with no pictures this time. Figured out the following:

1. The clutch slave cylinder is bad, only 50 bucks but I have to drop the transmission and transfer case, going to be a fun weekend!
2. Finally got the truck started, took an hour of jumping it with my C1500 to get enough juice in the battery to start the truck, but it now starts easily.
3. Ordered an ODBII bluetooth adapter so I can monitor the engine with both my laptop and my android phone
4. I took a hard look at the tires, they are the tires that came with the truck and I just don't feel comfortable driving with them on it so I'm on the hunt for tires
5. Got a 2" shackle lift for the Blazer from a friend for really cheap, though I might hold off for now on installing it.

I will post pictures of tearing the transmission and transfer case out of the truck when I get started. Hoping to have the truck running sometime next week.

Thanks
Grant

 

[RustyAutoholicGuy]

Another update to my cheap 4x4 Blazer build. Here is the break down of cost so far:

Blazer <- I already owned this vehicle in full so I don't really consider it a cost
Title and Registration in NC <- $145
2" Shackle lift <- $35
4x 31x10.5x15 Goodyear Wranglers <- $100

So far I'm $280 bucks into this and I haven't spent that much. I wasn't planning on going to 31 inch tires but the price was right my my 235/75r15 are just too dry rotted for me to feel safe. I know this cost is going to go up for because I need the following that will be done to the truck in the next week:

Clutch Kit <- $150ish
Clutch Slave Cylinder <- $50ish
Oil Change <-$20
Mount and Balance of Tires <- $100ish

The good thing is the 31 came mounted on really nice 1998 Dodge Dakota rims, I'm hoping to clean them up and recoup some of the cost.

-Grant