Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

New guy from NW MIssouri.

New members: please introduce yourself here.

by Teach » Sun Jan 05, 2014 8:40 pm

Hello,

My name is Scott and I am from NW Missouri. I am an agriculture teacher. I am in the process of buying my first Trailblazer also my first chevy. I have been a die-hard Ford guy my whole life. However with a family, a 30 min commute and a F-150 that is wearing out, it was time to get something else. In my search I was looking for something 4wd seats at least 5 and got as close to 20mpg hwy as possible. The trailblazer was one of the only vehicles to fit the bill.

I found an 08 4x4 with the I6 with 88k. It has a great exterior but the interior needs some attention. More than likely new carpet and hopefully camo seat covers. Now the purchase isn't official until tomorrow. The guy just moved to Florida and had to mail the title. So as long as all goes well I will have it in my possession by this time tomorrow. I will post up some pics then.

I am wanting to build something that can get me to to any hunting spot I can find, do some light wheeling and still get that 20mpg I need. (I say need cause I will be back to commuting in the minivan if I loose mpg)

From lurking around I can already tell I will be able to find tons of info that I need.


Thanks,

Teach :flex dirty:
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by Wahugg » Sun Jan 05, 2014 9:50 pm

Welcome!

20mpg is very achievable under stock conditions depending on your gear ratio, however the bad news is that you start to loose mpg when you add bigger tires, ad lift, ect.

For your goal, maybe simply adding a set of 30.5in AT's and a mild 1 or 2inch lift will keep you at 20mpg.

Good luck!

-Wahugg
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by djthumper » Sun Jan 05, 2014 9:54 pm

Welcome
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by JorDaneeKey » Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:06 pm

Welcome!
As told by the other half: Build Thread
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by Aries » Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:20 pm

Welcome, from Delawhere
I have camo seat covers in my TB,
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by NC_IslandRunner » Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:20 pm

Welcome!

So your trading in you brand new F-150 for a used Trailblazer, you will not be disappointed.... Sorry, had to get in a Ford joke!
IF THE FISH STOP BITING... HUNT FOR SHELLS!!!
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by ErikSS » Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:27 pm

I think he said he's getting rid of a worn out Ford for a Trailblazer. Either way! Welcome!
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by NC_IslandRunner » Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:42 pm

ErikSS wrote:I think he said he's getting rid of a worn out Ford for a Trailblazer. Either way! Welcome!



I Know, that's what I said.
IF THE FISH STOP BITING... HUNT FOR SHELLS!!!
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by Teach » Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:39 pm

Ha ha I should have know I would get a ford joke or two.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk... Please excuse misspelling
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by Teach » Sun Jan 05, 2014 11:55 pm

Wahugg wrote:Welcome!

20mpg is very achievable under stock conditions depending on your gear ratio, however the bad news is that you start to loose mpg when you add bigger tires, ad lift, ect.

For your goal, maybe simply adding a set of 30.5in AT's and a mild 1 or 2inch lift will keep you at 20mpg.

Good luck!

-Wahugg


I'm glad to hear I can do a little modding and keep my mileage. I was thinking of keeping it pretty simple. I just want to be able to get to my hunting spots and those secret fishing holes.

Luckily I teach shop classes and have access to some pretty nice equipment so my brush guard, rear bumper guard and rock slider ideas are already in my head.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk... Please excuse misspelling
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by Wahugg » Mon Jan 06, 2014 12:35 am

If I were you, I would't do the rock sliders unless your doing serious off roading, otherwise it'll just be added weight which could hurt mpg's. Same goes for the brush guards, but they would probably be more functional in your situation than rock sliders.

Personally I would ensure that you have a rear locker (look for G80 listed in your glove box) and get a set of AT tires in the stock size. Bigger, more aggressive MT tires will kill mpg as they can be heavier and have a greater rolling resistance. The locker and AT tires >30.5in will help to maximize traction with out hurting mpg getting you to your hunting spot pretty easily.

But then again, this is my personal take on it trying to keep mpg a priority. Define your goals, research this site, make goals, and hopefully you'll end up where you want to be.

Good Luck!
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by Teach » Mon Jan 06, 2014 1:00 am

Wahugg thank you that's the exact advice I like to hear. I'll probably skip the sliders but I drive thru serious deer country so a grill guard is a must. I may ditch the rear guard too well see though. Either way it's going to be a slow build up more of a upgrade as it breaks deal.
Oh and AT's are a must I put MT's on my pick up and lost 4mpg.

Thanks



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by mikekey » Mon Jan 06, 2014 1:39 am

Welcome, I ran 30.50 General Grabbers and 2 inch BDS lift all the way from FL around Moab and the Grand Caynon and back, averaged 18-20mpg depending on exterior temp. Saw lower numbers when going thru the mountains or when offroad as to be expected, around town for awhile we where hyper miling the car into the 20's easily. Not so much these days.
Once lifted 03 Trailblazer on 35's, gave it up to travel the USA with my family.
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by redleg6 » Mon Jan 06, 2014 11:27 am

welcome...from just south of olathe


sent from the front seat of my '04 TB LS
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by Teach » Mon Jan 06, 2014 11:51 am

Thanks for the warm welcomes. I have a snow day today (really were out for low temps) and have been reading all kinds of threads on the forum. I can't wait to pick up my TB tonight. Never thought I'd be so anxious over a Chevy.
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by razorvan » Mon Jan 06, 2014 12:45 pm

Welcome to the site, my wife and i have a 08 trailblazer and we love it.
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by CNCwell » Mon Jan 06, 2014 12:56 pm

Welcome! I have been a member for just a couple of months, but have learned a lot from this group. I lifted my '05 8 weeks ago and had so much fun that I sold my '10 Silverado and bought an '06 GMC Envoy XL. That one will be a mall crawler but my wife loves the idea of having a rig that she can drive without me whining. Good luck on your build!
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by Trail X » Mon Jan 06, 2014 1:50 pm

With my truck, I can get around 17-18 on the highway. So 20 should be attainable even with some slightly larger tires. The biggest variable is going to be your diff gears. If you have the lower 4.10s or 3.73s, you'll be able to go with a taller tire without as much issue on your mpgs. With the 3.42s, as you get bigger in tire size, you start losing efficiency because your torque converter starts unlocking more on the highway.

Also for a small bump in efficiency (and for keeping trans temps down) get a transgo shift kit.
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by Cable810 » Mon Jan 06, 2014 2:39 pm

Welcome!!
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by Diacom » Mon Jan 06, 2014 10:42 pm

I'd also recommend getting the skid plates, they'll add weight, but will be worth every oz they add if your not going to be lifting much anyways.

Glad to have you joining us here.
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