The Perrys' Blazer is a squeaky-clean rig, but that doesn't mean they won't be driving it off-highway-it was purpose-built for adventure. The T&J custom-built rollcage runs the full length of the 4x4, offering protection for all passengers. For additional safety, four-point harnesses were added to the front and rear seating.
Some People Just Have To Do Things Right the first time, and we wholeheartedly agree with such an approach. When Ron Perry and his family were looking for a functional off-road toy for weekend adventures, they found their perfect machine, a cool '72 K5 Blazer. They weren't looking for extreme, just a rig that could safely and reliably take them anywhere they chose to go across Southern California's mountains and deserts. What they got was a little of both.
If you aren't familiar with this classic old steel, the first-generation Blazers were only manufactured from 1969 to 1972, and the first year the truck was offered in four-wheel-drive only. The Blazer is a short-wheelbase truck, and GM designed it to compete with its rivals Ford, Dodge, International Harvester, and Jeep. When Ron got a hold of the Blazer, the first thing he did was drop it off at T&J Performance Center in Orange, California, for a few custom modifications. T&J fabricated a full rollcage for safety, rock sliders, and a classic pushbar for the winch. The Perry family now has a go-anywhere, do-anything trail rig that they are extremely happy with and won't have to rebuild a second time. They haven't had many opportunities to wheel the Blazer since it's been out of the shop, but after a day in the desert, we think they'll have the itch for some serious adventure.
Drivetrain
Engine: 350ci V-8
Transmission: TH350
Transfer case: NP205
Front Axle: Dana 44 with 4.56 gears, ARB Air Locker
Rear Axle: GM 12-bolt with 4.56 gears, ARB Air Locker
Suspension
Springs & Such: Front and rear Superlift 6-inch-lift leaf
springs, Bilstein 5100 shocks
Tires & Wheels: 37x12.50R17 Super Swamper Radial TSL, 17x10 Weld Wheel Cheyenne
Other Stuff: Viair on-board air system, Warn 9.5ti winch, T&J custom rollcage, rock sliders, front pushbar, and heavy-duty differential cover
The Blazer is propelled by a Chevy 350ci crate motor from GM, and it's fed by a 600-cfm Edelbrock carburetor. Properly tuned and maintained, this engine and carb setup cranks out around 300 hp and will dependably run for years. | 
The GM 12-bolt rear axle was rebuilt and fitted with 4.56 gears, an ARB locker, and chromoly axleshafts. The rear of the Blazer sports a modified HitchGate to lug the spare tire around. T&J mated it to the trailer hitch's crossmember by welding in additional supports. This modification made the entire assembly super stout. |
The keys to a well-mannered suspension are building it with quality parts and making sure the center of gravity isn't too high. The 6-inch-lift Superlift leaf springs, combined with the 37-inch-tall Super Swampers, raised the Blazer while maintaining the rig to maintain a comfortable and functional on- and off-highway ride in all conditions. | |