Because of their incredible value to collectors and enthusiasts, you don’t see too many early Blazers turned into tube frame, sectioned nose, rock crawling machines like this one. While it is kind of humorous to call the thing a “1972” anything, the factory dash is still in place and it does have leaf springs like the factory truck did but after that? After that there’s not much to talk about this vehicle’s connection to its original roots. That being said, we love it all the same and when you see it do some work in these videos you will love it as well.
The most impressive clip in this footage is when the driver takes an attempt or two and then climbs over some massive rocks like it ain’t no thang. You’ll see the need for the beadlock wheels on the truck as the tires have very little air in them which allows them to better conform to and grip the rocks that the rig is climbing. The beadlocks allow the tires to remain attached to the wheels even at these low pressures.
With steeply geared Rockwell axles on both ends, a small block powered by propane between the fenders, and what looks like an Atlas transfer case under the truck, this one is built to get the job done. The short wheelbase and complete lack of body mean that there’s no much worry about bashing panels.
The main difference between rock crawling and rock bouncing is shown here. Rock crawling is a more precise art where you are looking to find a line and drive it rather than blast full bore at something and smash over it. Both have their merits but this Blazer is far more of a crawler than it will ever be a bouncer. We want to take this bad boy for a spin!
