Cascade Crew

91RSVert · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 5:44 pm Post subject: Questions on older GM trucks

So I might have access to a 71 jimmy 4x4. For a decent price, or trade for some assistance.

Q1. Some previous owner cut the fenders to clear for large tires. I would need to replace front fenders, and rear skins(if available, if not then the patch panel). From viewing the LMC catalogue, it appears no full quarter skin is available? Would a skin, or patch panel come with the lip that also goes up into the fender well?

Q2. It has a 350 in it. If I get this, I would have sell the 1ton. So I would need to put something in it that will tow and pull these hills we have here. I know absolutely ZILCH about carbs n points, so it needs to be injected. Suggestions?

Q3. It has no tires or rims. What would be a decent tire size to say “I’m a 4x4 and I can get thru some crap” but not jack it up so high I need a ladder to get in it. Plus not break the bank. I’m thinking I would like to go to 16 or 17” tires if I can find some rims I like in that size.

aaron_sK · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 5:53 pm Post subject:

2) Blazer is a light half-ton and not a tow vehicle. So if you are going to tow on a regular basis the suspension and axle will not support it. If you want cheap EFI that pulls down low you know where to find that. Wink

3) Sticking with a 15" rim will give you access to the wider softer off-road tires. Going to a 16" rim will give you access to taller narrower tires for towing/hauling. 16.5" is military tires. 17" and above is only jock-stuff. No real useful tires and exorbitant prices. There are exceptions to all of this, of course, but if you are buying tires those are what you will commonly see.

91RSVert · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 6:01 pm Post subject:

2) I wont be towing often, but will be towing. From my readings they do make 3/4 and 1ton jimmys. However, this is a 1/2 ton.

2) I have no clue on cheap efi that pulls, thats why I am asking.

3) I also dont really plan to go off road alot. Mostly want 4x4 for bad weather, or driving thru my friends soggy yard. Not rock crawling or deep mud. So "tall" skinny is fine.

izcain · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 6:54 pm Post subject:

The towing depends on what you are planning on towing with this rig? What kinda weight?

A good 31X10.50X15 tire will do just about anything you want to ask of it and have the traction to do so.

91RSVert · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:12 pm Post subject:

my 20ft hauler with.... its most commen load so far is mustangs Laughing

But my camaro, any midsize car.

chevymad · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:25 pm Post subject:

Rear end will be a real 12 bolt in that year. So it'll actually be stronger then the more modern 1/2 ton trucks. Suspension will be soft though. 71 does have the disc brakes so thats a big plus.

Alot of truck parts can be used to fix a blazer/jimmy. Bedsides can be cut up to patch yours.

Tpi will give you stump pulling torque and is probably the #1 swap into that vintage truck. Tbi wouldnt be a bad choice either, much simpler. Otherwise get a good carb and a large cap hei. Not much more dependable then that combo.

aaron_sK · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:28 pm Post subject:

I figured Jay would be the first man to get my hint about TPI. Laughing

Is the 12-bolt in a Blazer thing on the older ones? I had only ever seen them with a 10-bolt.

QwkTrip · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:29 pm Post subject:

I sure as heck wouldn't want to tow with a tall, short wheelbase, saggy rear suspension vehicle. You've got to be out of your mind.

chevymad · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:30 pm Post subject:

1/2 ton trucks got the 12 bolt until like 77 or so.. then they swapped the cars 8.5" 10 bolt into the trucks.

chevymad · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:32 pm Post subject:

Oh and the car 12 bolt is actually a bit stronger then the trucks. For some reason the truck pinion shaft is slightly smaller in diameter.

aaron_sK · Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2012 7:41 pm Post subject:

91RSVert · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 6:01 am Post subject:

I'm talking swap motors, no way a 350 is going to give me the power I'm wanting. I'm talking 454, L92, etc?

I plan on swapping leaf springs as its been seting for 20+ years all crooked. So I'm sure the leafs are bent. Plus it has a crappy 4" lift. For towing, can always add air bags, add a leaf, etc.

Is it the most ideal thing for towing? No. But I really dont have space for all these cars. I also dont like paying insurance. This will lighten my insurance load.

QwkTrip · Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2012 9:11 am Post subject: