Part Two: The Frontend
1. Next in the sequence is the removal of the front suspension and steering. Since nothing is interchangeable, everything must go. Hey, more parts for the pile. | 
2. Keeping things factory correct, the engine must be relocated. In the factory two-wheel-drive Blazer, the engine and transmission sit higher and farther forward than the four-wheel-drive counterpart. This is evident when comparing fan shrouds (inset). |  |
3. The engine was supported by a hoist, and the 4x4 engine cradle/main crossmember was removed. The new 2WD cradle was slid up to the framerails and set into position. A measurement of 20-1/4 inches from the bottom right bolt hole on the cradle to the top left rivet on the radiator support will set the wheels right in the center of the fenderwell. The holes in the cradle can be used as a template for the new mounting 1/2-inch holes that will need to be drilled. | 
4. Drilling holes for the engine motor mount perches was tight with the motor in place, so care was taken not to damage anything. Once the holes were drilled, all of the hardware was installed and tightened before a set of new rubber motor mounts was installed. | 
5. Upper and lower A-arms were installed after replacing the tired ball joints with Moog units. |
6. Joe chose Early Classic's 2-inch drop coils in conjunction with its 2-1/2-inch drop spindles for a total of a 4-1/2-inch drop in the front. | 
7. New bearings and seals accompany the cross-drilled, slotted rotors from ECE. | 
8. After a 2WD power steering gearbox was installed and the rest of the steering linkage was buttoned up, it's back to the transmission. An ECE automatic transmission crossmember was installed to support the newly refitted tailshaft on this TH350. Now measurements for the new driveshaft can be taken so one can be made up. |
The Final Word
Once the driveshaft showed up and the five-spoke wheels were installed, Joe drove the truck to the nearest alignment shop to have the frontend adjusted to proper specs. With that, the Blazer is done and ready for his wife, Mickey, to cruise it. There was a lot of work that went into converting this Blazer, and we think it is worth it. Like we stated before, if you are on a tighter budget and can live without the rear air suspension, give the people at ECE a call, because they offer some cheaper options.