Greetings from West KY

[Eredin]

I'm not much of a forum participant these days, I lurk everywhere more than anything, but the community is tight here and not overwhelming.

So, with that said, thanks to each of you for the amazing amount of research and info!

I've had my 2005 Trailblazer since 2009, almost 5 years exactly now, and have been using it as a daily driver since. 4.2L, 4WD, open 3.42s, pretty typical. I've lurked Trailvoy since that time, enjoying Roadie's insane amount of posts, so it's good to see he still lives here.

I ran on a set of Fuzion XTI's for the past 50k miles, which is what came on the rig when I bought it, so I was due for tires before summer set in. After running through Google for a full minute, I stumbled across this place and got the idea that since I needed new tires, I'd see if people were lifting and what they were running without having to do too much modification. I believe this idea sparked from member Boog, whom I'm pretty positive I've seen many times in my area, roaming around with his lift.

After much digging and research here, I decided to do Mark's 2.5" lift and spacers with a set of 265/70-17 General Grabber AT2s, which were actually $20 cheaper than the standard 245 replacements, and a set of SkyJacker n8030. I've also been running PCMofNC.com's (formally PCMforLess) tune and E-Fan for a few years now as well, along with manifold back Magnaflow exhaust.

I have some minor rubbing issues with those stupid ground effect bolts, even after hammering, but love the stance that it's been given. I was set on buying a new Sierra this year, but would rather see my LSX 88 Pontiac GTA done, so this has sparked much needed interest back into my Trailblazer.

I'll probably do a build thread when I have time in the coming days, but wanted to say hello and thanks again for the shear amount of documentation and organization. Wouldn't have done the lift without it.

[ErikSS]

Welcome! Truck looks good! What do you plan to use it for? Wheeling? Towing? Good looking ride to work?

[Eredin]

It was my tow pig for my 5000lb boat, but I sold it this Spring due to the GTA build. It's still my daily driver, but I do plan to get it off road in the coming weeks as we have really good trails nearby. I hate the 3.42s more now, can't hardly keep the thing in lockup, but I don't have far to drive to work and the Cruze is used for most distance driving anyway.

Alignment still needs to happen, which will hopefully get done this weekend as my other control arm should be in tomorrow.

I'd love to have a MDB bumper and skids in the future, but saw that he is now only selling kits. That is a concern for a later date though.

[ErikSS]

The quality of the MDB kits are fantastic. I bought a group of kits, oil skid, radiator skid, and bumper with add-ons. I really like every piece he sent me. I couldn't help changing somethings but that has more with me being a retard than the quality of his kits. LOL

If your going to wheel at all, be aware of our aweful radiator position. My personal opinion is that the Rad skid is the most important armor. I think the terrain helps dictate importance of armor though.

[navigator]

glad to see you have joined, looks like you are well on your way.

[Eredin]

Yea, I've been doing a bit of digging on it. We don't have much rock here, mostly dirt/clay, although the aforementioned can be found in certain areas. I don't want to get really crazy as it is still the daily and I haven't won the lottery yet, so I must get to work. I am ready to see some off-road action, however, and will be trailing with a K1500 and a YJ once time permits.

I've also been looking at roof mounting an LED bar, but replacing control arms destroyed that budget.

[Diacom]

Welcome Caleb.

Good first pic and overview of what you've done so far. You may get a few more questions on the GTA as well as your TB.

[Eredin]

They'll be welcome.

I've spent the past few hours poking around in build threads again. Now my CB is laying in the floor and Firestiks are being researched. I have to replace my HVAC unit this week though, unexpectedly, so my budget just flew out the window.

Goal currently is to do CB, replace the lights on the bull bar with LED drivers and pick up a 42" led bar to fit to the roof. Deer are horrible here and I've wiped out one back in 2010 already, so I enjoy having as much light as possible for those times I'm outside populated areas after dusk. I have fresh jumper cables and a 30k lbs, 30' tow strap ordered to sit with my air compressor as part of my basic recovery equipment to have on hand. GMTs are finally starting to pop up in local yards and I just missed out on a G80 rear from an Envoy. I'm hoping I can begin sourcing the random oddities I need replaced.

GTA will be a full suspension street car. I like curves, and not the ones that always go left. I love road trips, hitting the 2012 Bandit run in my 87 Trans Am that I just parted with, and the Trans Am Nationals every year. 408 iron block pushing 600+ N/A with a 4L80e. It's been a VERY slow project, but now coming together quickly. Hoping to have the trans in the car so I can get the subframe connectors welded and the interior back in it this weekend.

[v7guy]

I do enjoy those GTAs, good lookin cars, urns nice to see people start to pay attention to the third gen fbodies. If you haven't already found it frrax.com is a pretty good resource for an hpde/orr fbody.

Looks like you're well on your way with the trailblazer, I'll mirror what others have said about the skids, we recently had a newer member here break his oil pan and wreck his motor.

Unfortunately with that size tire you gotta trim the plastic rocker cover and cut a bit of that bracket. It's pretty easy to do.

[Cable810]

I believe this is the third "Caleb" on this forum Welcome.