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