Newly Inspired Member

[boog2006]

I have been searching for about the last six months for the right jeep for my offroading pleasure. But, after finding this sight I'm pleased to say that I'm thrilled to know that my 2006 Trailblazer has much more capability than I realized.

2006; 4.2L 6; 4wd; LS

Mods on my list right now are:
- more power, it downshifts when pulling a 5 x 10 trailer empty
- lift kit, looking at a modest lift for anything other than major rock climbing; like to hang with any rubicon on the trail
- roof rack, light bar, spare tire relocation
- new set of rubber
- Front bumper and winch assembly

What are some recomendations? What comes first? I have a clean slate to work with.

BOOG

[Blackout]

Read around on the forums. Specifically the build thread and vendor sections and all your questions (or most, anyway,) will be answered. Welcome to the site.

[Trail X]

My advice is to start with basic recovery gear. Learn how to use them properly and safely.

Get a good lift, (well covered in the suspension forum) and upgrade your shocks. You may also want to upgrade springs at that time.

Decide what size tires you want. If it's greater than 32s you may need a body lift, depending on wheel frontspacing and tire width.

Oh and definitely get some underbody protection from Mike.

At that point, you'll be able to hang with stock Rubicons for the most part... although a G80 would be very beneficial (which it doesn't seem you have per your profile).

[bartonmd]

Welcome to the fold!

Mike

[djthumper]

Your mission decides what comes first. I started with a clean slate and had a list of what I wanted to do to the truck. Needless to say I have changed the order several times.

Welcome to the site.

[Diacom]

Welcome

Beings you posted what your intentions are...

1: Recovery gear
2: Skidplates/Protection
3: Lift - Suspension/Body
4: Tires/Gearing/Rearend
5: Bumper(s)/Winch
6: ECM re-programed
7: go on from here.

Reason I put bumper after lift and tires/gearing is it gives you a chance to find out if you can work with just a suspension lift or if you will decide to also go with a body lift. You could also add a portion of the Protection to this as well as rock sliders are semi dependent on this decision.

Also, we don't really have a rear bumper in the mix for us yet so that does leave the option of other spare tire mounts available with the bumper. Unless you want to have one custom fabed.

Myself, i'm in the middle of doing 1-4 yet. Have 5 done partiallly if you don't count the spare tire relocation completed and am waiting on 6 for the addition of a BL and larger tires/regear. But with the deer in my area, I needed a front bumper that can take a hit, so it was pushed up on the priority list for me, and I have it sold when I do a BL so I'm not really out anything for paying for it's replacement.

Oh, and all of this is dependent on reading everything on this site and some research on Trailvoy's 4X4 section before making your first purchase.

[bgwolfpack]

- more power, it downshifts when pulling a 5 x 10 trailer empty

Imagine if it didn't downshift when needed. These engines are meant to be turned not BOOGed.

Welcome and good luck.

[Trail X]

- more power, it downshifts when pulling a 5 x 10 trailer empty

Imagine if it didn't downshift when needed. These engines are meant to be turned not BOOGed.

Welcome and good luck.

Good point Wolf. If you're towing anything you should be in D3 anyways.

Although for max efficiency, bogging it down to 14psi intake pressure (max before the downshift) yields pretty good results (I've seen as high as 19.5 mpg over long stretches of hilly highway).

[boog2006]

Thanks for all the advice. This is by far the best forum I've been on. I'll start working on a build thread soon.