Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

TBYODA Build - 2008 Chevy Trailblazer

These are lifted trucks and have posted trip reports showing travel on non-stock passable trails.

Moderator: navigator

by TBYODA » Sun Sep 08, 2013 2:22 am

I picked up my 2008 Trailblazer in March 22, 2013 with 62k+ on the clock, just few days after my birth day.:excited:
TBYODA TB.jpg

Googled TB mods found Traivoy, then after some reading found GMTNation.com then offroadTB.com after about one week of lurking, all the while thinking to myself boy what goldmine of information here :drool3: , signed right up and made a donation.
Now for the 1000 dollar question what is my "mission", well as most in the beginning not really sure just wanted to get on the trails. :P After much reading, talking and soul searching. here is what I want a DD that is a very capable offroad SUV were I can explore the back trails and camp with friends and family. As with all things this could evolve into something more only time will tell. :safari: :happy whip:

Today
103_3112.JPG

tb today.jpg
tb today.jpg (95.47 KiB) Viewed 163134 times



Suspension/Drivetrain Modifications
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W LT285/75R16
Mark's 6x5 to 6x5.5 wheel Adapters

Front
Front Diff 4.10 gears with LSD (helical-shaped gears) from Bully Racing
Cheap AWD Sleeve conversion
Bilstein adjustable struts at max setting with 1/2" spacer on top with Moog 81114 springs.

Rear
SS Axle 4.10 gears, G80 Installed 2/2022
Skyjacker Softride Coil Spring C25R
Bilstein 5100 Offroad Shock24-185783 F4-BE5-6682-H8
Rear Sway bar deleted

Exterior Modifications
MDB LT non-BL winch bumper
Oil pan skid plate Here
Custom made RAD Skid Plate made by V7Guy
MDB Hitch mounted swing out tire Carrier
Improvised "Trasharoo" on the Spare Tire from a old frame back pack
Surco S5060 50 x 60 Safari Rack
Wife proof rock sliders

Electrical Modifications
CB & Antenna Little Wil Wilson CB Magnet Mount Why not a fire stick.. to be different. If I get roof rack will have to get a firestick.. this was easier right now.
iPad Mounted with a RAM mount with the following applications
1. Off network Topo Maps
2. Dash cam
3. Scan tool using ELM327 WIFI & OBD Fusion on iPhone Dash Commander
2 - 4" square LED work lights (1550 lumens) mounted on rear roof basket, hooked to a 3 way switch. reverse - off - work
43" LED light bar (20K lumens) mounted on front roof basket

Engine Modifications
Resonator Delete
B&M 70268 SuperCooler Automatic Transmission Cooler with a Hayden Automotive 397 Transmission Line Fitting Kit
Transmission Temperature Gauge via old android phone and torque app
PCM of NC Tune: 92 octane, 33" tires, 4.10 gears, no towing, shift firmness 2 at stock shift points, TCC PMW % at 90% to keep TC locked on highway.


Interior Modifications
None

Recovery Equipment
Smittybilt 29312B Receiver Hitch D-Ring with 3/4-Inch Shackle
Wheeler’s Recovery Strap 3"x20'
Tow strap 2"x20
Hooked tow strap 2"x20'
Hi-Lift Jack HL484 48" Hi-Lift Black Cast and Steel Jack
Hi-Lift Lift-Mate (LM-100)
D-Ring
Shovel

Non Trail Related Mods
Hood Bug deflector
Window vents
Scrubber Wiper bladed.. thanks JD for finding these.
Last edited by TBYODA on Wed Feb 15, 2017 2:29 pm, edited 29 times in total.
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Sat Nov 30, 2013 12:06 am

Installed my long a waited Radflo's. I did not adjust them at all yet. The screw thread is at 1 3/4" and 1.75" higher at fender from stock with 245/65r17. The ride is so much better not as stiff as I thought they would be with stock tires.
Image
Before 32 3/4" sorry for the bury picture
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After 34 1/2", gained 1 3/4" from stock
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2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Mon Apr 07, 2014 4:36 pm

I got a great deal on some new to me lift parts from a fellow member, Rad & oil Skids, Z71 springs, 2" rear spring spaces, Mark's 6x5" wheel spacers and five stock 16" wheels and Guard dog tires. One still new thread and four about half used. Boy do they hum! So the other day I set to install the lift with the help of my son Nick. We had some trouble muscling in the Z71 spring and 2" spacers until I noticed we were fighting the rear sway bar connections. Once I remove the connection it was very easy. I started off adjusting the Radflo's with everything connected other than the tires. Not the smartest move. :wallbash: Found removing the upper ball join and moving out of the way may it very easy along with spraying the crap out of the treads with PB blast. :mrgreen:

rad easy adjust.JPG


I adjusted them to 2.5" for now, not sure if I will go higher down the road but I am happy with the out come.
rad 2_5.JPG

fender to centr of wheel.JPG
fender to centr of wheel.JPG (19.11 KiB) Viewed 192132 times
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Mon Apr 14, 2014 3:20 pm

Installed my tranny cooler last Friday. I used a B & M SuperCooler # 70268 along with a Hayden transmission line fitting kit so I would not have to cut the lines. ;) :mechanic:

B & M SuperCooler
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Hayden transmission line fitting kit
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Before
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After
Note: I did put some electrical tape over the clip because I forgot remove the little plastic retainer.
Image
Last edited by TBYODA on Mon Apr 14, 2014 5:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Mon Apr 14, 2014 4:08 pm

Got a Ram mount to be able to use my iPad for a off network Topo maps, dash cam and a monitor TB via. ELM327. Will only be use when on the trail. :flex dirty:

Image
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2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Wed Apr 23, 2014 3:01 pm

Got my new to me radiator & oil skids on tonight with my factory tow hooks. Followed MDB suggestion on modding the radiator skid since previous owner had steel a bumper. Thanks Mike for the pointers.
Image
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Wed May 07, 2014 1:15 pm

Reused a old frame backpack as a "Trasharoo" worked great for trash. Cut out the middle and put in a trash bag in it then ratchet strapped to tire carrier.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1399482902.999326.jpg
Last edited by TBYODA on Fri May 16, 2014 3:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Fri May 09, 2014 12:54 pm

TBYODA wrote:Got a Ram mount to be able to use my iPad for a off network Topo maps, dash cam and a monitor TB via. ELM327. Will only be use when on the trail. :flex dirty:

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After a weekend of wheeling I really did not like the ipad blocking so much of the view in the middle of the window. Something had to be done. I had some PanaVise hardware laying around from discarded car phone mounts from work. Little bit of swapping around and I think I have much better set up. No mods needed to either hardware.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1399654400.579942.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1399654412.840743.jpg
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Tue Jul 15, 2014 12:44 am

Installed some off-road lights and trimmed the bumper.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1405399423.278964.jpg
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Mon Dec 22, 2014 2:40 am

When not on the trial I have had my spare tire in the back mounted vertically on the left side using the tie downs with two ratchet straps. This was working ok for the most part unless the back seat needed to be down and it would fall over. I needed a better way. So looking around under the back seat I found that one of the seat supports had a hole in it that the hook of the ratchet strap fit in.

Image

Ran the strap under the back cover.

Image

Installed small D bracket on the rear pillar.

Image

Cut out some plastic.
Image

Took three straps to keep it from moving when the back seat is down but it is working good.

Image
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Thu Nov 12, 2015 10:18 pm

I had a small project that I have been working on and off for the last couple weeks. I picked up this Surco S5060 50 x 60 Safari Rack for dirt cheap ($70) off CL. :happy whip:
BTW the distance between the two inter screws mounted on the channel on the inside of the basket is exactly the width of your stock rails. Thank you Roadie and Alex G when google searching . :thumright:
basket1.JPG

I bought a qt of Rust-oleum Hammered black and went to town on the basket. I figured if I brushed it on it would be a thicker coat. We will see how it holds up.
basket2.JPG

I also decided to mount my hi-lift to the basket and made some brackets out of aluminum flat stock. To mount the Hi-lift I used 1/2" galvanized hardware.
flat bar.JPG

braket.JPG

braket2.JPG

IMG_2886.JPG

IMG_2885.JPG

IMG_2889.JPG
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Thu Jan 26, 2017 12:54 am

Been awhile since I updated my build. Had a few projects at the end of 2015 and in 2016. First I never liked that my spare tire blocked the view out the rear view mirror. Final plan is a steel rear bumper with swing out but until then let the third tire carrier rebuild start. :wallbash:

Version 1
TC.JPG


Test fit hmm looks to low
test fit.JPG


We have problem
we have problem.JPG


Oops that not gonna work
opps.JPG


Version 2
mock up
mockup.JPG


New steel
new steel.JPG


my hitch down.JPG


Final Version 3
2015-11-25.jpg

rvm.jpg
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Thu Jan 26, 2017 1:00 am

That's the ticket!
2015-11-25(4).jpg
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Thu Jan 26, 2017 1:21 am

The first project of 2016 in the middle of winter was a MDB LT non-body lift front bumper kit. :excited: :woot:

I do want to say many thanks to Mr. Barton for answering the numerous questions along with help on mistakes from the newbie fabricator that I am.
bumper1.JPG

bumper2.JPG

bumper3.JPG

bumper finshed.JPG
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Thu Jan 26, 2017 2:00 am

As luck would have it while surfing Craigslist I stumbled on a SS part out about 1.5 hours from me. Hand him $250 for the axle and off I went. Score!!!
IMG_4786.JPG
\

I followed HARDTRAILZ SS axle build as many other have. Thank you and any other for pioneering the swap. :salut:

Parts list
1 SS axle of your choice, preferably low miles. mine had about 75k Score!
1 Moog 447 (or equivalent) U-joint adapter for drive shaft at rear joint
1 Moog 492-10 clamp kit
1 shortened steel drive shaft by 1.5", YMMV with rear adjustable control arms, measure 3 times, cut & balanced DS once.
2 axle seals ACDelco 291-315
2 wheel bearing ACDelco RW2010. (I did not replace mine as they looked good)

cleandiff.JPG

bearing1.JPG

bearing2.JPG


Out with the old 8.0 3.42 axle
old8_0.JPG


In with the SS axle
SS.JPG
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Tue Apr 18, 2017 10:48 pm

Got a great deal on some Goodyear MTR LT286/75R16 & some Pro Comp series 51 wheels from Moots1288 that I could not pass up. :woot: Needed to do some fender trimming but thanks to my good buddy Jason V7guy it was done in short order. I was unsure of the wider stance but now that I have the wheels and tires on I am digging them. :flex dirty:
Attachments
IMG_5892.JPG
IMG_5825.JPG
FullSizeRender.jpg
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Mon Mar 28, 2022 8:42 pm

Been a while since I have updated my build thread I have since sold my non-BL bumper to fellow member and bought a MBD winch bumper. I have also bought a rear swing out "kit" tire carrier from MBD. Very happy with the swing out.
Attachments
swingout3.JPG
swingout2.JPG
swingout1.JPG
IMG_8606.JPG
IMG_8601.JPG
IMG_8599.JPG
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Mon Mar 28, 2022 8:56 pm

On a week long camping trip with dvanbramer88 my stock G86 wasn't cutting my current needs in the old GM 9.5" SS so in 2/2022 I bought a reman 9.5" G80 off ebay and had it installed, nice pattern on the used gears.
IMG_0612.jpg


I got a good promotion at work, so as treat to myself for all the hard work. I bought a front 7.2" LSD from Bully Racing, new 4.10 gears, a master rebuild kit and shipped them along with my old 3.42 front diff down to my buddy dvanbramer88 to set up for me.
Attachments
IMG_1292.JPG
IMG_1293.JPG
IMG_1286.JPG
IMG_1284.JPG
IMG_1283.JPG
IMG_1280.JPG
IMG_1277.JPG
lsd.jpg
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by TBYODA » Mon Mar 28, 2022 9:04 pm

In March 2021 I bough two person square drop camper and June of 2021 just before the crazy high prices of cars I bought a 2017 Mini Cooper Clubman S All :drive: . So now the old TB is now in full time adventure status. :flex dirty: :camping: :safari:
Attachments
advTB.jpg
mini.jpg
2008 TB Radflo coil overs, Z71 rear springs, 2" spacer, skyjacker N8030 shocks, LT285/75R16E Goodyear MTR

My Build ----- MY Youtube Channel
User avatar
TBYODA
Moderator
 
Posts: 1762
Joined: Mon Apr 01, 2013 9:07 pm
Location: NY, Rochester
Name: Robert Sengillo
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by oceansnumb » Mon Oct 28, 2024 9:46 pm

Nice work with the safari rack mount for the hi-lift. Might have to steal that idea, been trying to figure out where to put mine - though I'm a bit worried about rust with the weather here.
oceansnumb
Cruiser
 
Posts: 10
Joined: Thu Oct 24, 2024 1:59 am
Name: Jez
Vehicle Year: Other
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD


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