4-door ZR-2's exist?

[Elementalbuddy]

I was looking at blazers on car domain the other day and thought about the differences between the ZR-2 and and 4-doors. I thought.. "maybe I could switch the suspensions between them and get a 4-door ZR-2, which would in my opinion be a lot more practical considering I love the room of a 4-door but also want the offroad capability of a ZR-2 in one package. Having a donor ZR-2 would help, especially one with a manual trans.
I'm looking to build something that would seem factory but is not actually anywhere near it. The rear axel should be fairly easy, so I was really only wondering about the front. I would (to make it simple) probably just mark and cut at an angle the exact matching points of the front section and switch them accordingly, obviously bracing the welds with stronger steel just to be on the safe side.. does anyone think this would work? by the way the 4-door is a 2003 4x4.

[BlazinMlew]

You could put a lift kit on your 4 door but the ZR2 is wider I belive (suspension wise) I am sure there are things you can do to achive that stance and lift.

Did the ZR2's even come with a manual trans option? I thought on the xtreme's did, but I could be wrong. It wouldnt be the first time thats for sure.

[blazes9395]

Up here in Canada they did, but very rare. I am sure they were avaliable in the U.S. too.

[Elementalbuddy]

The auto was actually an option on all 2-door models, and even if I can't find one I know I can find a V-6 S-10 that will donate. Anywho.. Chevy pitched the idea of a 4-door Z but they apparently only made one. They supposedly sold it to some guy who straight axeled the front end. In my eyes thats ruining it (just my opinion). I know most everything will fit. I'm mostly wondering how two frames skillfully welded and braced will hold up. I would also like to know if anyone thinks this will be a great looking ride or if its a discrace to ZR-2 owners.... For some.. Freakish reason.. Lol.

[JoulesWinfield]

I would strongly suggest not cutting and welding the frame unless you know what you are doing.

It is much safer to just cut the parts that you are replacing off of one frame and weld on to the other.

Think about all the stress on the frame, especially when youve got it in 4 wheel drive.

[rlith]

There were no 4 door ZR2's. The main differences in the zr2 were wider frame, lower mounting points on the suspension to lift it, larger fender flares, few other things.

If you're interested in making it closer to a zr2, get a suspension lift kit and bushwhacker flares.

[BlazinMlew]

I dont belive it'd be a disgrace to anyone. It's just you doing what you want to do to your truck.

I speak on behalf of my mom who owns a ZR2. LOL

[ZL1power69]

there was someone on ebay trying to sell a 4 dr with a body lift and stickers as a ZR2. u could do that but the ZR2's have different mounting locations for suspension componients on the frame which gives it the "wide stance" and 3 inches of lift.

[Elementalbuddy]

I was also thinking maybe I could at some point (when i have the proper tools) pull the donor ZR-2 off the frame and map out the mount points and transfer them to the 4-door, or I could stretch the ZR-2 frame to fit. But don't worry I know all about stress on the fame and how to brace to compensate, and if I get stuck, my dad and uncle are both accomplished mechanics and my brother is an auto body tech. They all drive S-10's so one of them is bound to know whatever I don't. As you can see I would rather not take the easy way out of something. I like the looks an uncommon vehicle can get.

[BlazinMlew]

Well whatever you decide to do good luck. You are much braver than me. I would just go out and buy a ZR2. lol