Straight Axle Swap

[shanegillette]

Alright guys this is really preemptive to say but I just can't get my mind off of it. I'm making a promise that I'll be the first straight front axle blazer here. I've been doing a lot of research, and my savings account will need to grow, but I'm going to get it done ;)

[high-voltage]

You might want to talk to markmc.
He would know what you need and what it would take to be done right.
You might want to hurry because mark might have something up his sleeve!
p.s. if my lottery numbers come up I'll have a sas!

[markmc]

Good luck with the $A$
Does anyone have a totaled Colorado 4x4 laying around
they could donate?

Those 37/12.50`s are calling me..lol..

[high-voltage]

Mark I have the front axle out of my 84 toy I'll donate!

[markmc]

Mark I have the front axle out of my 84 toy I'll donate!
Thanks Jeff :hail:
Will it fit in one of those flat rate boxes? :crackup:
I have some stuff/gifts to send to you also bro...

[dirtychevymama]

A friend just told me the other day he seen a TB getting this done?!?! I was like WHERE?!?! He is suppose to take me to the shop....i'll get pics!

[the roadie]

I would not have thought a 2007 would be a beater yet, and I predicted this would start happening when they got down to $4-5K project vehicle price. I also predicted it would probably be done by some kid with a welder who isn't even a trailvoy member, and we might not find out about it for a year after it was first done.

But carry on.

Where have you been with it so far?

One little problem with a SAS trailvoy is that there would be no other trailvoys for them to wheel with. They would already be part of a more built-up community, and none of us could keep up.

[high-voltage]

A friend just told me the other day he seen a TB getting this done?!?! I was like WHERE?!?! He is suppose to take me to the shop....i'll get pics!

So where are the pics? j/k But please hurry!
Was that your suburban you posted a pic of?

I like Mark gifts/stuff!!!!

[DZP]

It will be interesting to see the outcome of this. There is always one to be seen but is more elusive than bigfoot. If it were me and I had a one of a kind I would show it off to everyone!

[dirtychevymama]

So where are the pics? j/k But please hurry!
Was that your suburban you posted a pic of?

I like Mark gifts/stuff!!!!


I'll get pics if I see it!!! It's suppose to be at a shop a couple of towns over. The suburban is in our yard, it's a friend's. Although Chaz wants to get it (I am sure they are working up a frickin deal...men!)...that thing is just damn huge! I wouldn't mind running somethings over with it.:undecided

[high-voltage]

I'll get pics if I see it!!! It's suppose to be at a shop a couple of towns over. The suburban is in our yard, it's a friend's. Although Chaz wants to get it (I am sure they are working up a frickin deal...men!)...that thing is just damn huge! I wouldn't mind running somethings over with it.:undecided

That thing is sweet! Chaz def need that!
Run over a ford! Or a ricer!!
Keep us posted on the sas TV!

[dirtychevymama]

Ok the shop working on the TB was closed today but ol' boy went in to work on another car today. I was out that way earlier this afternoon but we missed each other. So I left him a message about Trailvoy.com & asked him to come join! :O) I'll try to get with him again in the near future! I can't wait to see it! & it is white!!:woot:

[high-voltage]

Ok the shop working on the TB was closed today but ol' boy went in to work on another car today. I was out that way earlier this afternoon but we missed each other. So I left him a message about Trailvoy.com & asked him to come join! :O) I'll try to get with him again in the near future! I can't wait to see it! & it is white!!:woot:

If you haven't seen it how do you know it's white?:undecided

[dirtychevymama]

If you haven't seen it how do you know it's white?:undecided
My boy told me! He seen it! :O) Gezzzz think i'm with holding some info huh Pops? LMAO!

Here's the link to the shop building it:
http://www.autoprosoffroad.com/

[glfredrick]

I would not have thought a 2007 would be a beater yet, and I predicted this would start happening when they got down to $4-5K project vehicle price. I also predicted it would probably be done by some kid with a welder who isn't even a trailvoy member, and we might not find out about it for a year after it was first done.

But carry on.

Where have you been with it so far?

One little problem with a SAS trailvoy is that there would be no other trailvoys for them to wheel with. They would already be part of a more built-up community, and none of us could keep up.


:iagree: With all the above... :raspberry

[the roadie]

:iagree: With all the above...

http://www.xbox360rally.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/inconceivable.jpg

It's already odd that Teebes and I need each other for the best spare tire coverage on trail runs, since we both are using 6X5.5" and almost no other trailvoys are. A uniform platform type is more likely to be able to share spare parts or trade electronic things for troubleshooting.

[high-voltage]

My boy told me! He seen it! :O) Gezzzz think i'm with holding some info huh Pops? LMAO!

Here's the link to the shop building it:
http://www.autoprosoffroad.com/

Pops!:(:worried::sadcry:

[dirtychevymama]

Pops!:(:worried::sadcry:
:dielaugh::laugh::woot: hehehe I knew that would get your attention!

[dirtychevymama]

Ok got a message from Shaun at http://www.autoprosoffroad.com/ today, via, our mutual friend. I'm suppse to call him & he will tell me whatever I want to know...?! Must not be a very computer savvy guy? :crazy:

[high-voltage]

Ok got a message from Shaun at http://www.autoprosoffroad.com/ today, via, our mutual friend. I'm suppse to call him & he will tell me whatever I want to know...?! Must not be a very computer savvy guy? :crazy:

PICS we need PICS!
Get all the info you can.
Axle that he used, the amout of lift, how much to do etc......

[Clockman06LT]

Ok got a message from Shaun at http://www.autoprosoffroad.com/ today, via, our mutual friend. I'm suppse to call him & he will tell me whatever I want to know...?! Must not be a very computer savvy guy? :crazy:

One of their photos on their web site with a TV sitting around back; could it be the one?

[dirtychevymama]

It's suppose to be white?!

[graverobber]

I know I'm new and all but if you could hurry it would be wonderful. I am debating on buying a Cherokee or converting my Asender. :woohoo::woot:

[the roadie]

... if you could hurry it would be wonderful. I am debating on buying a Cherokee or converting my Asender. :woohoo::woot:What's your tolerance for pain, expense, and frustration?

Seriously, aftermarket support for the Cherokees is 1000 times better than for the GMT360 platform. Cherokees have their own set of issues, but you wouldn't need to be a pathfinder with deep pockets to go that route.

[gotspeed1]

What's your tolerance for pain, expense, and frustration?

Seriously, aftermarket support for the Cherokees is 1000 times better than for the GMT360 platform. Cherokees have their own set of issues, but you wouldn't need to be a pathfinder with deep pockets to go that route.

:iagree: plus you would have a much more capable four wheel drive instead of two. but, going that route, you won't have as unique of a vehicle.

[DZP]

What's your tolerance for pain, expense, and frustration?

Seriously, aftermarket support for the Cherokees is 1000 times better than for the GMT360 platform. Cherokees have their own set of issues, but you wouldn't need to be a pathfinder with deep pockets to go that route.

You will find the Cherokee parts are abundant for the most part, but expensive as well. Additionally after having driven your Ascender you will find where the Cherokee falls flat on power and torque you Ascender still has more to go. But you have to give to get I suppose. I personally would rather have the unique vehicle.

[high-voltage]

Hey steph any thing on this yet?
Pics info?

[dirtychevymama]

PM ing you now....

[the roadie]

PM ain't fair if you have news and pics. :no:

[Robert1101]

PM ain't fair if you have news and pics. :no:
:iagree::hissy:

[culzero]

PM ain't fair if you have news and pics. :no:

:iagree::hissy:

:iagree: where be the pics

[DZP]

:iagree:That isn't fair. Inquiring minds need to know!

[high-voltage]

She just gave me the phone number to call.
I'll call later and post what I find out.

[high-voltage]

WOW I just go off the phone with the guy thats doing the SAS!!
First of all the trailblazer has a 350 motor a 350 trans. and a 205 transfer case!:excited:
The front will have a three link and the rear a four link coilover suspension.
Dosn't sound like the lift will be way high but enought to clear 39'' rubber.
This guy def. knows what he is doing!!
He is going to contact the owner about joining the site.
Steph he said to stop on over and check it out. Take a camera with you!
I asked for an estimate on cost. With the owner supplying the axle he estimated $5000-$6000 for the swap.

[janesy86]

sweeeet!! can't wait to see this beast.

[dirtychevymama]

I'll try and get over there in the next couple of days, or sooner!!!

[the roadie]

Got it. Thanks for the details! Much more than a simple SAS add-on, but a total driveline replacement. Not sure I could get that kind of thing past inspection. It would have to be trailered to the trails.

[high-voltage]

Got it. Thanks for the details! Much more than a simple SAS add-on, but a total driveline replacement. Not sure I could get that kind of thing past inspection. It would have to be trailered to the trails.

I never thought about that Cal. inspection stuff.:bonk:
Here in gods country it's no problem!:thumbsup:

I know if I ever win the lottery he will be one of the first people I call!

[DZP]

Sounds interesting. But I too question a complete swap using old stuff that will not pass in most states.

[dirtychevymama]

I never thought about that Cal. inspection stuff.:bonk:
Here in gods country it's no problem!:thumbsup:

I know if I ever win the lottery he will be one of the first people I call!


Hahaha...I can't wait to meet him! No inspections in Indianaer either!

[glfredrick]

I can see the state inspections taking a look at the engine swap -- in most states it is illegal to swap in an older vintage engine package. But, suspension? Other than ride height and safety, I'd think they have no other specs to use for an inspection. Since when did any modification break state law, and if so, why do you still live there?

[culzero]

can't wait to see pics.

[Foosh]

i donno what he's using, but for a more practical axle swap i think that taking a totaled newer jeeps axles and suspension would be quite practical... i mean for those who know how to fabricate, it wouldn't be a crazy outta this world project. it would be cutting and grinding out our old mounts, fabbing up mounts for the jeep stuff and simply reinstalling it all... the hardest part would be figuring out the steering, but if you have a donor like a totaled jeep... you could cut and match up their system to ours

[the roadie]

I can see the state inspections taking a look at the engine swap -- in most states it is illegal to swap in an older vintage engine package. ...That's the issue, and it applies in many more places than just CA, as you point out. And if I wanted to trailer a vehicle to the trails to bash around, the Envoy body just would be bling and not as functional as it should be.

[Foosh]

some small research... and the jeep front and rear track is 61.9 inches ours is 63... so its a very slight difference that could be made up with the offset of wheels. and this is the jk jeep. and some may say that its not strong enough... but if you really want to get a dana 80 front and full float rear and get them shortened and spend a couple thousand extra thats up to whoevers gonna do this. i'd personally like to have the jeep suspension as parts are aboundant and cheap

[puga209]

anything new on this yet? :coffee

[glfredrick]

some small research... and the jeep front and rear track is 61.9 inches ours is 63... so its a very slight difference that could be made up with the offset of wheels. and this is the jk jeep. and some may say that its not strong enough... but if you really want to get a dana 80 front and full float rear and get them shortened and spend a couple thousand extra thats up to whoevers gonna do this. i'd personally like to have the jeep suspension as parts are aboundant and cheap

The JK stuff is sufficient for up to 35" tires. Okay, but I'd think that by the time you buy those newish axles, you could build a couple of decent Ford 9 inch for the front and rear.

Going wider is standard fare for off-road stuff, but staying within the confines of the fenders is also, typically, optional.

Here is a short video from our Saturday run, just for fun and to fuel the SAS axle swap fever... This was once a mild-mannered YJ with leaf springs and a Dana 30. Now on 60s and 39.5s. :yes:

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/jlfredrick/wheeling%20pics/NatBridgeSept09/th_NBSept09jer.jpg (http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/jlfredrick/wheeling%20pics/NatBridgeSept09/?action=view&current=NBSept09jer.flv)

We managed to get some smaller-tired Jeeps through that canyon, but it took over 2.5 hours to do the section in the video, and we were worn out from stacking rock, fixing blown tires, etc. Anyone want to try their TrailVoy? Be glad to take you along (really, I'm serious, love to meet and wheel with new guys!).

[the roadie]

We managed to get some smaller-tired Jeeps through that canyon, but it took over 2.5 hours to do the section in the video, and we were worn out from stacking rock, fixing blown tires, etc. Exactly why I define myself as an expeditionist now and stopped aspiring to be a rock crawler. I just don't see the recreational value in doing stuff that beats you down and wears you out. If there's a payoff (scenery, river, mountain, etc.) at the end of the canyon, I'll just take the bypass now and meet you at the end. ;)

If I miss the team-building comraderie of surviving the rocks, oh, well. I'm getting too old for that. :cry:

[glfredrick]

We live in vastly different parts of the country. There is literally no "expedition" type riding in our half of the world. All the land is locked up. We either get gravel fire roads or obstacles. I'd love doing what you do also, if I lived in a place where I could head out for miles of rugged terrain and just see the sights. No ghost towns, no old mining camps up in the mountains, just some VERY federally controlled areas where the chances are as likely as not that a driver will get hassled for just being there.

I've said it before, I'm not against what you do. Wish I could, and when I head west, I do.

Oh, the payoff? You'd have to be there... :tiphat The adrenaine rush is as good at 5 mph as it is at 100.

Now, come on! Let's get a Trailblazer built that can come out and play.

[kmacstacks]

Changing ouit my front end to a solid axle and already made a custom oil pain is going to be a long project for me but I have a fabracator that says hell help me weld and mount the new front end to go sky high also customizing my own 4" body lift will have detail when finishes buil requires to change rear end

[guano2]

:m2:I still say....it would be the least amount of work (bang for the buck)to drop V8 Tb body on a fullsize frame, axles of the same year ( just shorten the frame to stock Wheelbase, if you have to?) keeping the original motor, trans. ( best chance of keeping computers Happy) ....Here in PA. you better have same or newer motor (Reconstructed Veh. ID plate goes with motor, frame numbers) for vin to keep Federalies appeased. Still if you get technical... inspection rules say no suspention mods. BUHHHHT the frame would be oem before doable bolton mods :thumbsup: I think this would be the best chance of getting stickers without getting them scraped off by the first officer to see it on the street.:mad:your only issue would be steering linkage, easy compared to other options ... Back in the Day my Buds Tow Veh. was a 70SS EL on a shortened 8 lug Suburban frame:cool:, so I know of what I SSpeak...:thumbsup: ...

[Metalhed73]

I believe this is what you all are looking for here (http://forums.trailvoy.com/showthread.php?t=62860)