1994 Full Size Chevy Blazer-Custom/Need Advice

[PrchJrkr]

So I started this thread in the Fall of 2011, it's now the Fall of 2014, and I STILL don't have the SUV work finished yet. That's a LONG time. I was reminded of it by the Walmart Oil Change thread. It's not like this is just some hot rod hobby of mine (like some guys have to do in their "spare" time). I actually need to use this vehicle for the critter rescue, and it would be helpful to use it this coming Winter.

Here is what I know of that is left to do: idle arm, idle arm assembly, pitman arm, and probably the gear box. I am HOPING that I can find someone willing to the labor for around $350, is that unreasonable?

Rock Auto has genuine AC Delco Remanufactured parts for 264.16 and a core of 75.00 when you return the old steering box to them making for under 200.00 in parts. If you can hold off for a couple of weeks and borrow the pitman arm puller from Auto Zone, I could probably replace them for less than 350.00. You may want to purchase the pitman arm from them just to get the puller on loan for free.

 

[ArkRescue]

Rock Auto has genuine AC Delco Remanufactured parts for 264.16 and a core of 75.00 when you return the old steering box to them making for under 200.00 in parts. If you can hold off for a couple of weeks and borrow the pitman arm puller from Auto Zone, I could probably replace them for less than 350.00. You may want to purchase the pitman arm from them just to get the puller on loan for free.

I will contact them to ask about the puller. I'll let you know. I appreciate your consideration in this effort.

 

[ArkRescue]

So ...... it is taking me YEARS to get this SUV fixed !!! It is now with the hubby of a rescue lady I know. Hopefully it will be ready to go after he figures out what is left to do. I have made the painful decision that I do not have the $700 I need to swap out the 15" wheels for 16" wheels it is supposed to have grrr. So I will get 15" tires as the last item to get it back on the road. I will worry about the leak in the a/c later. Hopefully I will be on the road again in 2 weeks <G>. Sorry Prch for not following up with you. The current mechanic is going to arrange for quality parts using his knowledge of OE vs AM and I hope to have a long lasting ride for another 200k miles?

 

[ArkRescue]

Okay so I bought the tires online for the best price. Previously I had the tires mounted with the white lettering to the inside. Should I leave the lettering to the outside this time?

 

[Chris0nllyn]

Okay so I bought the tires online for the best price. Previously I had the tires mounted with the white lettering to the inside. Should I leave the lettering to the outside this time?

Purely aesthetic. If you want white letting, go for it. I prefer all black tires.

 

[ArkRescue]

I need to decide soon and I just am not sure. Last time was black so may be different this time? Grrrr I hate making these type of decisions. If I don't like it, would cost me probably $100 to change it.

 

[Ken King]

I need to decide soon and I just am not sure. Last time was black so may be different this time? Grrrr I hate making these type of decisions. If I don't like it, would cost me probably $100 to change it.

Set the unmounted tires next to where they would go, step back and look to see if you like white lettering or not.

 

[glhs837]

Cute scorpion, shame to hide the little guy away.

 

[ArkRescue]

Cute scorpion, shame to hide the little guy away.

Yeah I was thinking that also.

 

[ArkRescue]

Set the unmounted tires next to where they would go, step back and look to see if you like white lettering or not.

Good idea, it'll probably look too busy I bet?

 

[Gilligan]

LOL..I see the ole "white letters out or in?" question pop up so many times on various truck enthusiast forums. The eternal question..along with "how big tires can I go with before they rub?" I like Ken's suggestion....

 

[ArkRescue]

LOL..I see the ole "white letters out or in?" question pop up so many times on various truck enthusiast forums. The eternal question..along with "how big tires can I go with before they rub?" I like Ken's suggestion....

I sure wish I could get the clear-coat redone cheaply. The paint job is still in great condition except where the clear-coat is coming off, darn GM! The GM pickup is showing clear coat damage much worse.

 

[ArkRescue]

LOL..I see the ole "white letters out or in?" question pop up so many times on various truck enthusiast forums. The eternal question..along with "how big tires can I go with before they rub?" I like Ken's suggestion....

The white letters are still blue, and that little scorpion sure is cute!

 

[ArkRescue]

The white letters are still blue, and that little scorpion sure is cute!

AND I am THRILLED to be driving my big baby again! I finally added some stop leak and freon today - not sure how long it will last this time but it was nice riding around in AC in my baby today . I used a small can of stop leak, then 1 regular size can of freon with stop leak, then 1 regular size can of freon. Not sure if the meter on the guage was correct or not, but it seems to be working ok, for now. If the stop leak ... doesn't stop the leak(s), what do I do next?

 

[PrchJrkr]

Get yourself a dollar store spray bottle, fill with water, add a teaspoon or so of enviro-safe dish liquid. Start your engine and put a/c on highest setting for about 5 minutes. Spray all under hood a/c connections, one at a time, and look for signs of bubbling. These leaks are sometimes very small and only require you to re-tighten the connection to reseal a dried out o-ring.

Label the bottle and save for quick clean ups around the house or campsite.

 

[ArkRescue]

Get yourself a dollar store spray bottle, fill with water, add a teaspoon or so of enviro-safe dish liquid. Start your engine and put a/c on highest setting for about 5 minutes. Spray all under hood a/c connections, one at a time, and look for signs of bubbling. These leaks are sometimes very small and only require you to re-tighten the connection to reseal a dried out o-ring.

Label the bottle and save for quick clean ups around the house or campsite.

I will try this tomorrow. I am so unhappy that so much money escaped when the freon leaked out grrrr.

 

[PrchJrkr]

I will try this tomorrow. I am so unhappy that so much money escaped when the freon leaked out grrrr.

Unfortunately, you will have to put a partial charge on it to check for leaks. Ollie's has the best price on freon that I have found.

 

[ArkRescue]

Unfortunately, you will have to put a partial charge on it to check for leaks. Ollie's has the best price on freon that I have found.

So ... decided to let a recommended local shop, Cox's Auto handle it, good thing because the 21 year old compressor was leaking. So I bought new everything (compressor, lines, etc.) and $1015.00 later the darn cycler is blowing out. So waiting on a new one from the dealer to arrive. These are nice people and hoping this new cycler holds.

 

[PrchJrkr]

So ... decided to let a recommended local shop, Cox's Auto handle it, good thing because the 21 year old compressor was leaking. So I bought new everything (compressor, lines, etc.) and $1015.00 later the darn cycler is blowing out. So waiting on a new one from the dealer to arrive. These are nice people and hoping this new cycler holds.

I can't say I know what a cycler is, but if you trust the business, at least you have peace of mind. I'm glad you're just about there with your baby. It means a whole lot to have a vehicle you enjoy and to know it's in top running order. I've done this with a few vehicles I should've bailed on, but when you weigh one time repairs against a car payment every month, you can still come out on top. Basically, you know what is NOT going to fail anytime soon.

 

[Ken King]

I can't say I know what a cycler is, but if you trust the business, at least you have peace of mind. I'm glad you're just about there with your baby. It means a whole lot to have a vehicle you enjoy and to know it's in top running order. I've done this with a few vehicles I should've bailed on, but when you weigh one time repairs against a car payment every month, you can still come out on top. Basically, you know what is NOT going to fail anytime soon.

Clutch pressure cycling switch, about a $20 to $30 part that the dealer will charge $50 for.