Hey everyone, i'm Brian. Ive been lurking here for a few weeks now doing my research and planning out my build. A little background about me, i've been into lifted vehicles for a while. My first vehicle was a lifted Samurai followed by a lifted Wrangler TJ. I've had the trailblazer for about 2 years now, just never thought of lifting it. This was originally my wife's car, but i've sort of taken over it. As for me, i'm a construction equipment mechanic in the Marine Corps. I have access to a full weld shop and just about every tool I'll need if I don't have it at my house.
So, here's the plan. Currently in the works, i'm designing and about to start fabbing a prerunner style front bumper and some aluminum skid plates. I'm actually thinking of making a single skid for the radiator and oil pan. I havn't seen it on here in my searches. As far as lift, im planning on ordering Mark's 3" and some new shocks. I'm eventually going to replace the rear springs with some Z71's but not right away. I plan on stuffing some 33x12.5 MT's under the TB and eventually a smaller body lift to create a little more clearance in the wheel wells. As for the rear bumper, I have no idea what I want to do. I want a tire carrier, but im not sure which way I want to go with it.
As for everything else, I've got some lights to put on it and a CB/whip to mount pretty soon. I want to get a roof rack down the road too. A new exhaust and rock sliders are in the works too.
My whole intent for the TB is my daily driver/weekend crawler. I also want to be able to take the family camping and the like as well.
I am open to all suggestions, critiques and comments anyone has. I'm new to working on this platform, but not new to the offroad world. So, fire away!
New in SC
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Welcome.
Just throwing it out there, the current oil and radiator skids basically act as one piece because they overlap and share bolt holes. The 2 piece design is advantageous because it is easier to drop the oil pan skid to change the motor oil. The radiator skid is a lot heavier than the oil skid and is a little tricky to get lined up right. So avoiding all those extra steps, bolts, and trouble every time you change the engine oil is probably why the 2 piece design is so prevalent.
Just throwing it out there, the current oil and radiator skids basically act as one piece because they overlap and share bolt holes. The 2 piece design is advantageous because it is easier to drop the oil pan skid to change the motor oil. The radiator skid is a lot heavier than the oil skid and is a little tricky to get lined up right. So avoiding all those extra steps, bolts, and trouble every time you change the engine oil is probably why the 2 piece design is so prevalent.
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"Violence is not always evil. The judicious use of violence and those willing to use it without hesitation is often all that stands between wolves and sheep."
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Long live the Republic
"Violence is not always evil. The judicious use of violence and those willing to use it without hesitation is often all that stands between wolves and sheep."
Build Thread
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dvanbramer88 - Lifer
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I hadn't thought about that. I was planning on making a hole to drill the oil through, but with the aluminum, it may be easier to just drop the skid with the few bolts.
- FistAlpha
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The oil drain sticks down a bit below the level of the skid, so you not only need a hole, but you need protection around the hole to keep your drain plug from smashing into a rock.
Plus, you'd have to drop it anyways to replace the filter.
Plus, you'd have to drop it anyways to replace the filter.
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Trail X - Founder
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It's also a good idea to be able to remove the oil skid to clean out any leaves, brush, pine needles that have built up to avoid a fire.
IF THE FISH STOP BITING... HUNT FOR SHELLS!!!
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NC_IslandRunner - Moderator
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Welcome
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Welcome!!
The FIRST Solid Axle Swapped Trailblazer in Presque Isle County MI
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Cable810 - Veteran
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Howdy....
"weekend crawler" Not exactly the right truck for a crawler, but still plenty of fun offroad.
"weekend crawler" Not exactly the right truck for a crawler, but still plenty of fun offroad.
they've always worked for me.
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HARDTRAILZ - Moderator
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Take caution ORTB members... it is very clear that we Marines are invading...
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DirtyBacon04 - Moderator
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DirtyBacon04 wrote:Take caution ORTB members... it is very clear that we Marines are invading...
the flat lands
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djthumper wrote:DirtyBacon04 wrote:Take caution ORTB members... it is very clear that we Marines are invading...
the flat lands
:lol::lol: FL joke!IF THE FISH STOP BITING... HUNT FOR SHELLS!!!
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NC_IslandRunner - Moderator
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Welcome to the site. Sounds like you've got some plans.
Once lifted 03 Trailblazer on 35's, gave it up to travel the USA with my family.
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mikekey - Lifer
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welcome
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The answer to many common lift questions can be found here
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The answer to many common lift questions can be found here
My Build Thread
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navigator - Moderator
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