1983 Toyota Trailblazer!

[Notyourmomslx450]

Yeah that’s right. It’s a Toyota Trailblazer.
Here’s a brief breakdown.



This is a son and dad build that I’ve dreamed of doing with him since he was born!
It’s going to be a sloooow process but I’ll keep it updated as we go.

We’re on the lookout for parts and things so if anyone comes across some first gen pick up parts, hood fenders interior parts let me know!

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Anyway. Figured I’d start a build thread for Ian’s truck.
We picked up a 1983 Toyota Trailblazer last month. It’s sitting at my in-laws property down near Beulah Valley.
We drove to Taos New Mexico to get it.
It’s rough but has a very solid foundation.

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

This weekend we went to the property to do a few things for my in-laws and we also tinkered with the trailblazer.
It had zero brakes when we got it. So @Doughboy and I got Ian into the garage and taught him how to change a master cylinder and bleed the brakes.
We went to top of some fluids to try and get her started…. Put some water in the radiator and we found a leak… the leak is a missing freeze plug . I’ll put a new plug in soon, but now I’m thinking about a 3RZ swap, or a 5UZ swap…

 

[MDH33]

Sweet! Those are super rare. I'd try to keep original drivetrain.

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Sweet! Those are super rare. I'd try to keep original drivetrain.

Will see. I’m not a purest by anymeans. It’s not nice enough that it’ll be worth a whole lot. Once I get the plug replaced and it’s running I’ll send the oil in to get an analysis. Of it says it’s on borrowed time I’ll probably do a 3RZ swap in it.

 

[subzali]

3RZ turbo!

 

[rover67]

Awesome, stoked on a build thread. I was thinking maybe someday 2wd with a turbo 3rz so I approve. BUT you're a LS guy so......

 

[IoN6]

Or the SC'd 5VZ that was recently posted

 

[MountainGoat]

My vote in this poll is to put the SC'd 5vz in Lisa's 3rd Gen, then give the kid her old 5vz for this truck.

 

[Brucker]

Does this have a D44 front axle or the Toyota 8"?

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Or the SC'd 5VZ that was recently posted

My vote in this poll is to put the SC'd 5vz in Lisa's 3rd Gen, then give the kid her old 5vz for this truck.

My brother has a SC on his tacoma.... the only benefit is it climbs grade better. it's not impressive in regular driving, or wheeling really. not to me anyway.

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Awesome, stoked on a build thread. I was thinking maybe someday 2wd with a turbo 3rz so I approve. BUT you're a LS guy so......

you're an LS guy too.... don't fight it..... embrace it, love it!

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Does this have a D44 front axle or the Toyota 8"?

it's the toy 8" just like everything from 79-85.

it's titled as a Toyota pickup.

 

[IoN6]

My brother has a SC on his tacoma.... the only benefit is it climbs grade better. it's not impressive in regular driving, or wheeling really. not to me anyway.

Kinda wondered about that. I've been pretty impressed with the 5VZ in the Tacoma, even with 33's and stock gears. Managed 20mpg most of the way down to the ranch last weekend. Just have to keep it around 77mph (70 on the speedo) or so.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Does this have a D44 front axle or the Toyota 8"?

Are you perhaps thinking of the Toyota Wolverine 4wd conversions done in 1978 or so prior to factory 4wd Hilux? I think those used a D30 or D44.