New guy from Georgia

[DoverRover94]

Hey guys! Im Ethan. I live in the Gainesville-Dahlonega area of Georgia. After lurking on this forum for a year for advice for my build I decided to become a member. I have a 2002 Trailblazer LTZ. Same as everybody else, 4.2 l6 engine, 4l60E transmission, G80...all that good stuff. All my friends have 4Runners and Tacomas so I decided to get out of the herd and get the Trailblazer 2 years ago. Within the year of 2014 I did all my off road building. Nothing extreme yet, just the basics. MarkMC's 3 inch suspension lift, 40 inch light bar, roof rack, shocks and struts and some other cosmetic stuff. This truck has done nothing but surprise people. I have followed my friends in their 4Runners all over the mountains of North Georgia and gone through some pretty hairy stuff. And my truck is always on their 6. My next project is wheel spacers and some bigger tires, followed by a cb radio for trail communications.

So thanks for letting me be a part of a community of like minded people!

[DirtyBacon04]

Welcome! Seems like you got some plans and experience already. Good on ya. What gears are you running? I'm guessing 3.42. Big consideration to take in when thinking of bigger tires. Switching gears can be a pain in the ass and rather $$$. Good that you have the g80 already, as long as you're looking to keep a mild build.
Glad to have you!

[DoverRover94]

Yes sir I am indeed running the 3.42 gears. Im not going too big with tires. Maybe 32's. And thats a big maybe because there is money to be concerned about. And my build will continue to be rather mild. This is my daily driver and my fun vehicle so it has to be practical in both scenarios. But thank you for the welcome Sergeant. And thank you for your service to our country!

[DirtyBacon04]

32" is the safest with 3.42. trans cooler is a good idea and not very difficult. 32" tires, 3" lift, with a g80, you'll be set for a good mild build. As long as you get some armor under there and recovery equipment.

[DoverRover94]

Yeah I actually have a friend who is a fabricator so we have been doing some scheming on stuff like that. As far as recovery equipment I keep a 10 foot heavy chain and a 20 foot heavy duty rope in the truck at all times. Came in handy with the snow we just had. I pulled more than one truck out of ditches on the trails up above Dahlonega.

[Cable810]

Welcome!!

[DoverRover94]

Thank you Caleb!

[AA1PR]

Welcome!

[DoverRover94]

Thanks Mike!

[SmokeyMcBlazer]

Welcome aboard bro...

[DoverRover94]

Appreciate it Rob!

[Jrgunn5150]

Welcome in!

[DoverRover94]

Thanks!

[DirtyBacon04]

FYI: Most all of us stay away from chains or straps with metal hooks because of their violent and unpredictable action when they snap. Serious health hazard. Plenty of videos and reports out there about people who have been hurt or killed by a snapping chain, including the driver! Get yourself an actual recovery strap with loops at the end (i carry a 3"x20') or a bubba rope. Much safer and weighs a fraction of that chain.