72 2wd conversion

[Kips61]

I have been working on a Blazer 2wd conversion.
It's getting an 5.3l vortec / LS1 and 4 speed automatic.
I started it as a budget build but that has been tossed out the window.
I don't need affirmation but critical feedback. I want to show it and understand the amount of work that will take to get it that far.
It is still in mock up stage.
I'll post pictures of the build as it has progressed so far.

[Kips61]

So someone asked me about the "budget drop crossmember" known as "pancaking". So... I figured why not, especially since the alternatives are so expensive.

[Kips61]

So after I layer it out using the old frame, drilling the holes and mounting it up I noticed the first problem, then the second, and finally the third...

[Kips61]

First problem I found was that the steering box would never connect to the column without hitting the drivers side upper control arm. So I z'd the frame to raise the box but that created another problem. I had to window the passender side rail to get the steering through.
Since I was boxing the frame I wasn't too concerned.
In the end I was able to get it on the ground.

[Kips61]

I wanted air ride so I discovered that if I used the stock control arms it wouldn't lower it that much so I made pockets for the lower control arms.

[Kips61]

The front was low enough and I hadn't started planning the rear so I turned to the drivetrain. I found a good running 140k mile 5.3l and went through it. It was very good so there wasn't much other than a minor rebuild. I wanted a bigger cam anyway so it wasn't so bad.
I hate the truck intake so I started down the path to an LS1 top end. Of course that meant changes to the front accessory drive.
To this point I was still on the budget track but that soon would change.

[Kips61]

I had to change the water pump to a car style and install spacers (.75) to bring the water pump pulley out to match the truck harmonic balancer and alternator / power steering pump bracket. Then I discovered that I had to buy a tensioner pulley because the truck pulley doesn't work on the car water pump. Then I also had to relocate the idler pullet to make it work right. After that I measured the belt I needed and ordered it.
Seemed like at this point I was heading down a path in which I would have to keep jumping self induced hurdles.
What began as a driver project was turning into much more.

[Kips61]

By the time I got to the back half things took a turn. I started pricing brakes, air ride parts, etc.
I built my 4 link from scratch. All the brackets I made and by the time I finished the rear and boxed the frame I was thinking that maybe this would be better as a show vehicle rather than a daily style nice looking driver...

[Kips61]

The tub was a mess. But I figured I could use it for mock up.

[Kips61]

I had a hard time finding a later 4l60e in 2wd here where we live and when I did it was junk. It had a destroyed sprag, Sun shell, and clutches. Since I sold all my trans tools and didn't want to buy a seal resizer... it was the most expensive rebuild I have ever paid for. But at the end it has a bomb proof 4l60e in it now.
All mocked up I installed the Wilwood brakes. That took another big bite and it was at this point that I decided this was going to be too nice to not show and drive occasionally instead of making it a daily style driver.

[Kips61]

More mock up. Changed the crossmember again. Since the frame was boxed I decided to add a stressed member.

[Kips61]

Took forever to finish the exhaust. I don't have a picture of it as it is now but it will all come off and get repolished.

[Kips61]

Keep in mind this is just mock up.
I decided to sink the tank in the frame. I found something close and modified it. Then pocketed the frame and welded in corners that I made cushions for.
I will add top hold down clamps later.

[Kips61]

Found another tub. Thought it was much better but it had lots of problems also.

[Kips61]

More body issues... floor extensions, rockers, rocker boxes, end plates, front cab mounts, right rear fender, and numerous patches...

[Kips61]

Cleaned the firewall up a bit.

[lolife99]

Subscribing to this build!

[Kips61]

Mounted the 67-68 core support and RnD radiator. Then ran the transmission lines and power steering lines. I will have to redo the steering lines though I think. I am going to install my hydroboost I think.

[Kips61]

After I put the new drivers side fender on I figured it was time to cut the floor and put the body on.

[Kips61]

Then I figured I would mock up the front clip.

[Kips61]

Put the 68 front clip on to see how it will fit.

[Kips61]

Then for effect I figured I would drop the hood on. So... now it looks more complete.

[Hart_Rod]

Nice ride!

[Advanced Design]

Welcome Kips. Very nice fab and build...tagging along.

[raggedjim]

Great work, but my neck is killing me!

Rg