ConradM's Build 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer

[ConradM]

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer



Drivetrain Specs:
-4.2l I6, 4WD

Suspension mods:
-Markmc 2.5 lift/Spacers, Bilstein HD's up front

Tires:
-265/75/16(31.6) Goodyear Wrangler Authority

Exterior Modifications:
-none

Engine Modifications:
-Resonator delete

Interior Modifications:
-none

Recovery Equipment:
-2x20 Recovery strap

Electrical Modifications:
-none

Future Mods:
-Painted wheels, black
-Remove chrome tape strips
-Custom Magnaflow exhaust
-Bajarack roof rack
-BDS rear shocks

[ConradM]

I got the TB early last month, it was lowered and had some less than desirable add-ons.


But it did only have 60k on the clock.


For a while I wasn't sure which I was going to go with it... Thought about doing the lift, lifting it back to just stock, bigger tires or not etc... But then I took it out shooting which, my vehicle needs to be able to get me out to the desert to shoot.


Not less than 50 yards off the road and I was stuck in inches of mud. Spent about an hour that day stuck so I decided a lift and bigger more aggressive tires were in order.

[ConradM]

I think I came home that day from shooting and started ordering parts First up was Marks lift and new shocks. I figure the front was going to be such a nightmare that I better replace everything. Luckily the OEM springs came with the TB.



I sold my old Rodeo to a coworker for $900 with a partial trade to help me install the lift on the TB. Worked out nicely.

[ConradM]

Didn't waste anytime getting the lift on... Here's the front with the Ground Force lowering springs..


Pulling everything apart.


Re-assembled with the lift spacers...


Front done, back lowered


Got creative with the rear... Didn't feel like messing with the spring compressor again.


Decided I might as well remove the resonator too... Here's my coworker hacking it up.


He went the extra mile and welded the original tip back on.




and here it is with the Markmc lift and stock tires.

[ConradM]

Got the Markmc wheel spacers in last week.


Getting the tires mounted was a bit of an ordeal. I specifically wanted the Goodyear Wrangler Authority's from Walmart. They're inexpensive and pretty aggressive for AT's. So I went to my normal Walmart right after installing the wheel spacers... I made the mistake of mentioning that I didn't want the factory size. BIG MISTAKE, guy turned me away without another word.

So, a few hours later I decided to try a different walmart. This time, I just went in, told him what size I wanted and handed him my keys. Until they had that first tire mounted and back on the TB I was a nervous wreck.
They even went as far as to check the new tires against the wheel wells to see if they would fit.

Here it is on the lift, you can see the Markmc wheel spacers.


Close-up of the Authority.


and here it is, done for now.

[ConradM]

Went for a mini off-road test after work today.

I'm liking this thing lifted so far.
\

@ Tablerock looking over Boise.


Thoughts after some mild off-roading... The TB with the liftmeister, bilsteins and 32" wranglers is very forgiving... The ride through ruts and dips is not jarring like I'm used too.

[ConradM]

So as I stated before, my main goal with the TB was to be able to handle the Idaho desert terrain so I could play with my guns. I've taken it out about 3 times now since the lift and new tires and I am impressed. I think a lot of it is the tires but this thing handles mud like it's nothing. For the most part I can keep it in 2wd unless I'm crossing a creek or something.



I can't wait till it warms a bit so I can paint my rims and remove that horrible chrome off the sides.

[ConradM]

Started removing the chrome strips off the doors yesterday...





Gotta finish up the passenger side today.

Next up will be painted wheels... But I need a few things before I can make that happen.

[ConradM]

More visual updates for my TB... I found out about this stuff called PlastiDip which is basically spray on rubber. Requires no prep aside from cleaning and you can peel it off... I hate chrome so I sprayed the only bit of chrome I had left.

Before.



After.






Going to use this stuff for the wheels too.

[ConradM]

Got the wheels done today... Only took about 3 cans.







Quite the improvement for $20 and an afternoon.

[ConradM]

and a short video so you guys don't think my TB is always clean.