AZ BS Thread 4²0

I second this

 

So I cleaned up the Blazer and drove it around a bunch today. As before it drives fine around town but when I get it on the highway it just does not want to cruise for more than 10-15 minutes. I need to get it up to Flagstaff this week but Im torn on how to do it. Local tow company quotes have been outrageous ($1000+) so Im thinking of other ways to do it. I could tow it with the Taco but Im already really heavy and not sure it would be good for my wonderful 3rd gen auto trans to tow close to the 6400lb rating. Im guessing the Blazer is about 5000lbs since it has the camper on it. Plus the weight of the trailer. I dont doubt its possible but it would really be pushing the limits going up 17. Other suggestions? Anyone have a full size truck they would tow it with? Id throw you a few hundred bucks.

 

Cheaper to rent a Uhual and car trailer?
Why wont it go on the highway, overheating?

 

How much weeping on an upper ball joint is too much / unusual for a truck with only 10K on it?? I got under the 4R today to just spot check everything and noticed my passenger upper has weeped over the castle nut and down the spindle a bit.



Driver's side for comparison:


I ran my finger all along the boot and couldn't find a tear or anything, wondering if it's abnormal or even worth dealing with the dealership. Doubt they'd just up and give me a replacement UCA.

Maybe I am wheeling it hard enough to actually break things??

 

I could potentially rent a Uhaul truck and trailer but thats getting pretty annoying. Im holding out hope for a quick easy solution.

As for the drivability, it has had this same issue since the last time I owned it. It behaves as if its vapor locking but no normal vaporlock solutions cure the issues. I think its actually the opposite of vapor lock, its getting too much fuel. It will drive around town totally fine, even in immense summer heat with no overheating issues at all(I put a big block radiator in it, runs cool all the time no matter what) but put it on the highway for more than a few minutes and it starts to run super rich, bog down, backfire and eventually will die if you push it. It has some shitty replacement carb that I think is the issue. Ive never been able to diagnose it, even with help from guys on CK5.com and other Chevy sites. I hate to spend $400+ on a new decent carb just to LS swap it in the future so for now its an around town vehicle. I need to get it up to Flagstaff sooner than later because its going to be in the Four Wheel Campers booth at Expo in a few weeks.

edit: now that Im looking at uhaul for van+trailer it would only be $200 so...

 

Sign up for AAA.. the memberships are cheaper than any tow you'll get quoted. Plus package you get 4x 100 mile tows.. Premier package is 1x 200 mile tow and 3x 100 mile tows.

 

And just "break down" on the side of 17 somewhere? Maybe call them like an hour before it actually happens so they arrive at the same time?

 

Well that's a gremlin I've never heard of before! Does anyone local from one of those forums have an old carb they could lend or swap out?

Modern problems require modern solutions...

 

Never found anyone in the past and havent tried since getting it back.

I did just get my new license with Flagstaff address. I could literally sit at home in Phoenix with the Blazer parked in front and call AAA. Say it broke down and I pulled onto this "random" residential street and have them tow it to the address on my license hahahaha.

 

Dont use the Uhaul van to tow it. Get the bigger truck.
Plus, AAA is an option. Or, can take the slow scenic route via 87 on way up and just have to stop at every city.
Definitely sounds like the carb is part of the issue. Once its up here, can help ya with it. Could probably find a cheap Holley to toss on it.

 

When I say “van” Im talking about one of the medium size box trucks, not the baby van. Its just weird calling it a truck when theyre all van based until you get to the big boy.

Ill def take you up on the carb help. I know almost nothing and would love to learn.

 

Have you tried a new fuel pressure regulator? Cheap and easy to determine if too much fuel is the issue. The fuel pump could be pushing right. past the floats with extended higher RPMs

 

That is how I got my old truck up the hill.
My buddy had AAA premier, he called and said "my buddies truck broke down on our way to Flagstaff"
I pulled a few fuses. Driver didnt care other than to ask if I was sure it wasnt just the battery.

 

Exactly, hook up a FPR kit, with gauge, etc etc bunch to check n test.

 

Do they not allow people to tow with their Pick up trucks? I figured their 1/2 tons are cheap and easy enough to knock it out.

 

Yes, dead serious. But if you get the Premier with a 200 mile tow you don't even need to do that. Takes exactly 48 hours to activate and they arrive very quick. Ask @prise and @TheForbiddenTaco.

 

I replaced the in tank pump and in line filter but dont remember if I replaced the FRP. Ill have to dig around a little.

They might but not for a one way trip. They consider the pickups "around town" only.

So like, I can just call them and theyll pick it up/tow it wherever no questions asked? Even if it drives itself onto the tow truck?

 

Fuggit, just signed up for a premier membership, we shall see what happens in a couple days

 

Just have to wait 48 hours from when you buy it’s. The ultra premium gets you 200 miles of towing

 

@prise knows how it works. Ever since he signed up and used it, I want to get it as well. My other co-worker got it and used it for his 2 Toyotas just a couple weeks ago too.