Offroad Trailblazers and Envoys

Factory Spring Part #’s and Associated Lift

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE POST The table below works by looking up your stock front spring part number or tag color on the top line first. This can be found by looking at your stock spring tag, or by looking for the associated RPO code in the glove box (see below for RPO > Spring […]

Suspension Lift Installation

This article is brought to you by BDS Suspensions. Front Installation 1.Park the vehicle and a clean, flat surface and block the rear wheels for safety. 2. Raise the front of the vehicle and support the frame with jack stands behind the lower control arms. 3. Remove the front wheels. 4. Disconnect the sway bar […]

Transfer Case Operation: NVG 226 (NP8)

The New Venture Gear model NVG 226 transfer case is the dual speed, automatic, active transfer case in the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy.  It provides five modes of operation: 2 HI Auto 4WD 4 HI 4 LO Neutral. General Operation: The Auto 4WD position allows the capability of an active transfer case, which provides […]

Trail Rating Guide

The following trail rating system is intended only as a guide. The one factor that can never be rated is driver experience. The ratings below assume a driver with a good knowledge of their vehicle’s capabilities and dimensions, line selection, and basic accident avoidance techniques like left foot braking, correcting for a skid, throttle control, […]

Vehicle Recovery

Understanding the basics: A lot of people make the mistake of just pulling out a winch line, wrapping it around a tree, and powering the winch in. No, no, no. That may get you unstuck, but it’s risky and can be dangerous. There are proper methods and proper steps that should be followed that can […]

Transmission Technical Documents – 4L60e

Through my research I’ve run across a few very helpful documents regarding the trailblazer transmission (the 4L60e).  I’ve amassed them here. Electronic Controls Document: Details of the internal wiring, pin-outs, and other electronic details. Hydraulic Schematic: (Left is the key document, right is the actual schematic file) Details of the internal hydraulic routing and their […]

Engine and Transmission Diagnostic Sheets

Below are trouble code diagnostic sheets for the TrailBlazer, Envoy, Rainier, Bravada, Ascender, and Saab 9-7 based on specific engines and model years. Year Engine Transmission LL8 4.2L I6 LM4 / LH6 5.3L V8 LS2 6.0L V8 (SS) LL8 4.2L I6 LM4 / LH6 5.3L V8 LS2 6.0L V8 (SS) 2002 PDF – – PDF […]

Diagnosing the 4WD System

We run into many questions where the owner realizes the front tires are not engaging when in a 4WD mode. The first and easiest step is to check for the appropriate sounds from your system.  With the engine off, but the key in the accessory position, switch the 4WD switch from 2HI to 4HI.  You […]

Differential Gear Ratio Calculator

Use this calculator table to determine the speeds and differences of differential gear ratios with different tire diameters.

Various Vehicle Specs.

4.2L 5.3L Years Details .: Torque Specs :. Lug Nuts X X 02-09 105 lbs/ft Brake Caliper Front Bolts X X 02-09 CV Axle Nut X X 02-09 103 lbs/ft Wheel Hub and Bearing Mounting Bolts X X 02-09 77 lbs/ft Outer Tie Rod X X 02-09 33 lbs/ft Inner Tie Rod X X 02-09 […]

Tire Size Calculator

Use this handy calculator to determine the differences between two different tire size dimensions.