Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

What did you do to your GMT today?

Trailblazer and Envoy related, but not off-road related...

by SmokeyMcBlazer » Mon Aug 11, 2014 2:45 pm

Just ordered front and rear smaxx end links. Hoping to get rid of the suspension racket that I've got going on!
User avatar
SmokeyMcBlazer
Off-Roader
 
Posts: 200
Joined: Wed May 01, 2013 10:47 am
Location: Toronto, ON. Canada
Name: Rob
Vehicle Year: 2002
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by ErikSS » Mon Aug 11, 2014 3:39 pm

SmokeyMcBlazer wrote:Just ordered front and rear smaxx end links. Hoping to get rid of the suspension racket that I've got going on!

Have you tried disconnecting them to see if the racket goes away?
It's not how fast you go. It's how quick you get there. Lifted TBSS Build
User avatar
ErikSS
Lifer
 
Posts: 2044
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 5:23 pm
Location: IL, Flossmoor
Name: Erik
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by SmokeyMcBlazer » Mon Aug 11, 2014 4:49 pm

ErikSS wrote:
SmokeyMcBlazer wrote:Just ordered front and rear smaxx end links. Hoping to get rid of the suspension racket that I've got going on!

Have you tried disconnecting them to see if the racket goes away?


I don't know for sure if the ones on the truck are gone or not but I'm pretty much refreshing a bunch of the trucks parts before I put on the lifts that I have. I've done the front wheel bearings, tie rods, cleaned the throttle body, and a full break job. Next up is front and rear diffs fluid, t-case fluid, tranny and torque converter fluids, end links and control arm bushings. Then finally the 3inch suspension and 3inch body lifts.

My old man gave me the truck and I appreciate it greatly but he's the kinda man that spends more in car washes then in oil changes. But because I got the truck for free, even if I spend a bunch of money on it, I'm still coming out on top in my mind. I'll have a much better truck then the same money would have gotten me from a lot.

Wow, rambling lol. Shoulda just said "nope, didn't disconnect em lol)
User avatar
SmokeyMcBlazer
Off-Roader
 
Posts: 200
Joined: Wed May 01, 2013 10:47 am
Location: Toronto, ON. Canada
Name: Rob
Vehicle Year: 2002
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by ErikSS » Mon Aug 11, 2014 8:56 pm

SmokeyMcBlazer wrote:Wow, rambling lol. Shoulda just said "nope, didn't disconnect em lol)


Sounds good! I like upgrades regaurdless of the reason.
It's not how fast you go. It's how quick you get there. Lifted TBSS Build
User avatar
ErikSS
Lifer
 
Posts: 2044
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 5:23 pm
Location: IL, Flossmoor
Name: Erik
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by SmokeyMcBlazer » Wed Aug 13, 2014 11:02 am

Put my new to me rims and tires on the truck last night. 17in eagle alloy 102's and a set of 275/60/17's. They rub a little at the rear of the front wheel wells if I cut it hard and back up but all seems fine while driving and mounting curbs. Really makes the truck look like a hot wheels rally car lol!
User avatar
SmokeyMcBlazer
Off-Roader
 
Posts: 200
Joined: Wed May 01, 2013 10:47 am
Location: Toronto, ON. Canada
Name: Rob
Vehicle Year: 2002
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by Moots1288 » Wed Aug 13, 2014 11:06 am

Cleaned the inside finally after months of not caring so much.
User avatar
Moots1288
Veteran
 
Posts: 1964
Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:42 pm
Location: Long island
Name: Moots
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by v7guy » Wed Aug 13, 2014 11:31 am

Did you put the carpet back in on the drivers side?
build thread

All things in moderation, including moderation.
Some people never go crazy... what truly horrible lives they must lead
User avatar
v7guy
Moderator
 
Posts: 3712
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:17 pm
Location: NY, long island
Name: Jason
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Moots1288 » Wed Aug 13, 2014 1:40 pm

Damn.. No

Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
User avatar
Moots1288
Veteran
 
Posts: 1964
Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:42 pm
Location: Long island
Name: Moots
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Shdwdrgn » Thu Aug 14, 2014 12:52 am

Made progress on my inverter. Picked up some 6ga wire on Monday and got the rest of the ring terminals yesterday to finish off the wires, but had no luck at the parts store finding an 80A breaker (they jump from 50A to 100A with nothing in between). I'm not too happy with the ground connection under the bolt I chose, so I might make up another wire to a different point that has better contact with the body.

Tonight I decided to give it a test, so I hooked up the positive cable and started trying various power tools while keeping one hand on the main power wire into the fuse box, checking for heat. I tried everything up to my high-torque 1/2" drill which pulls up to 8A (although I did not have it under any load), and never had the wire get warm nor the fan turn on. I have a handheld belt sander that pulls 5.3A, I think tomorrow I'll give it a test under load. However my main considerations were fairly low loads like battery chargers, and I don't see there being any problems with this unit. The plexiglass mounting base was solid enough to plug in grounded cords with one hand, so overall I'm happy with how this turned out. If I find a breaker that works with ring terminals, I can add that in later, but now I have a source of emergency power if needed.

--which means I'll probably never need it again--
GT5/G80, 265/70-16, PCMforLess + personal tuning, quad headlights
Self-made steel front bumper / pushbar / skid / CAI / lightbar
Shdwdrgn
Contributing Author
 
Posts: 441
Joined: Wed Dec 07, 2011 4:04 pm
Location: CO, Longmont
Name: Jeff Taylor
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by Eredin » Thu Aug 14, 2014 9:16 am

Didn't do this today, more like a few weeks ago, but picked up a 2" receiver hook for recover to run in place of my drop hitch. It's rated for 10k, but we'll see how it holds up. I also scored a 10k 12' tow strap out of the scrap yard for free to add to the collection.

My oil skid from Barton should be arriving any time now, so looking forward to having it on.
1988 Pontiac GTA WS6 - LSX Swap

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer LT
2012 Chevrolet Cruze LT

Build Thread
User avatar
Eredin
Trail-Blazer
 
Posts: 290
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2014 9:42 am
Location: KY, Paducah
Name: Caleb
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ G80

by Wahugg » Thu Aug 14, 2014 9:19 am

I replaced my exhaust manifold last night. There was a big old crack on the back and it must had been there for a while since there was carbon all around it. I used Dorman replacement bolts and did not apply any locktight, however I did use lock washers due to the interest James and Dave showed towards them.

I also did a pan drop and filter replace on the transmission. The magnet had a fair amount of crap on it but then again I am pushing 180k with big tires and hard farm use. I already have a plan in place to replace it with a 5speed from a Colorado once it dies on me.

-Wahugg
Wahugg
Addict
 
Posts: 576
Joined: Fri Oct 07, 2011 10:09 am
Name: Wahugg
Vehicle Year: Other
Vehicle: Other Vehicle
DriveTrain: AWD w/ G80

by ErikSS » Thu Aug 14, 2014 9:20 am

Did I read somewhere that power inverters are not good for charging batteries? I'm thinking it was in my owners manual. It could be the cheap unit I bought. I would still probably use it in a pinch.
It's not how fast you go. It's how quick you get there. Lifted TBSS Build
User avatar
ErikSS
Lifer
 
Posts: 2044
Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 5:23 pm
Location: IL, Flossmoor
Name: Erik
Vehicle Year: 2008
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Limited Slip
Rank: Offroad Rated

by Trail X » Thu Aug 14, 2014 9:35 am

Shdwdrgn wrote:Made progress on my inverter. Picked up some 6ga wire on Monday and got the rest of the ring terminals yesterday to finish off the wires, but had no luck at the parts store finding an 80A breaker (they jump from 50A to 100A with nothing in between). I'm not too happy with the ground connection under the bolt I chose, so I might make up another wire to a different point that has better contact with the body.


I've used the seat bolts with good luck for grounds.

I like the ability to power up my fridge if we lose power for a long time after a storm.

Wahugg wrote:I replaced my exhaust manifold last night. There was a big old crack on the back and it must had been there for a while since there was carbon all around it. I used Dorman replacement bolts and did not apply any locktight, however I did use lock washers due to the interest James and Dave showed towards them.


Keep us posted on how they work out long term. I'm probably going to get the locking manifold bolts next, but it will be interesting to see if the lock washers still keep it tight a year from now.

ErikSS wrote:Did I read somewhere that power inverters are not good for charging batteries? I'm thinking it was in my owners manual. It could be the cheap unit I bought. I would still probably use it in a pinch.

I've heard the same thing - that it gets a "dirty" charge. But I've done it many times - even powering a laptop off the 120. I don't think its as big of a deal - but I'd always prefer a charger that works directly off the 12v circuit and doesn't need to be converted to AC, and then back do DC.
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9925
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by JoeyT » Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:54 pm

Installed an Abbotts ERA before the speedo to compensate gear change. Also installed an in cab winch control.
JoeyT
Cruiser
 
Posts: 42
Joined: Thu Jan 20, 2011 8:27 pm
Location: PA, Richboro
Name: Joey
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker

by Trail X » Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:55 pm

Did you install the ERA between the ECM and the cluster? or after the VSS and before the ECM? If the latter, did you get the ABS to work?
8-) Build Thread | ExPo Build | YouTube Videos
Not all who wander are lost. -Tolkien
User avatar
Trail X
Founder
 
Posts: 9925
Joined: Mon Sep 07, 2009 10:22 pm
Location: VA, Roanoke
Name: James Downing
Vehicle Year: 2005
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker
Rank: Expedition Guide

by JoeyT » Thu Aug 14, 2014 5:10 pm

Between the ECM and cluster. The needle bounces a little bit. Not sure if it's noise or because of the unit itself. I was gonna try between VSS and ECM to see if that takes care of the needle bounce. I'll let you know if there's an issue with the ABS.
JoeyT
Cruiser
 
Posts: 42
Joined: Thu Jan 20, 2011 8:27 pm
Location: PA, Richboro
Name: Joey
Vehicle Year: 2004
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD w/ Aftermarket Locker

by Opeth » Thu Aug 14, 2014 9:13 pm

Well didnt do this today, but on Sunday met Mike Barton in Indy and picked up some armor while passing through..... Had the joys of stepping over it for a week out of town in the truck. Lol

Image
User avatar
Opeth
Addict
 
Posts: 846
Joined: Tue Oct 05, 2010 4:46 pm
Location: NY, Solvay
Name: Cody
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Trail Ready

by navigator » Thu Aug 14, 2014 9:49 pm

I drove back from Portsmouth Island today. We've been there since Sunday. I'll write up a trip report and post soon.
"Please consider a search before posting. Folks on this site PIONEERED functional offroad use of these trucks."
The answer to many common lift questions can be found
here
My Build Thread
User avatar
navigator
Moderator
 
Posts: 4651
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:16 am
Location: NC, Winnabow
Name: Chris
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Trail Ready

by Moots1288 » Fri Aug 15, 2014 5:29 pm

Have had a clunk and shifting movement in the rear axle for a couple weeks now.. :facepalm: Finally ordered some tube and made up a new adjustable Panhard rod. :cheers:

Image

Image
User avatar
Moots1288
Veteran
 
Posts: 1964
Joined: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:42 pm
Location: Long island
Name: Moots
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: GMC Envoy
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Offroad Rated

by navigator » Fri Aug 15, 2014 9:21 pm

looks good man
"Please consider a search before posting. Folks on this site PIONEERED functional offroad use of these trucks."
The answer to many common lift questions can be found
here
My Build Thread
User avatar
navigator
Moderator
 
Posts: 4651
Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2011 10:16 am
Location: NC, Winnabow
Name: Chris
Vehicle Year: 2006
Vehicle: Chevrolet TrailBlazer
DriveTrain: 4WD
Rank: Trail Ready

PreviousNext

Return to Truck Discussion