First Impression of 2004 Trailblazer

quadhauler · July 6, 2004

One of the reasons I like to do all my own work (besides knowing it was done correctly ) is to see what makes the vehicle tick and see how it was designed. I must admit that I am pretty impressed with the engineering and build of the Trailblazer. And yes, I need to tell myself that since I have many more notes to go... Anyway, changing the oil was a piece of cake since everything was on the bottom of the motor and easy to get to... although small hands are needed to really get to the oil filter. They did a good job providing drip pans or "fillers" to keep the oil from getting all over the frame and end up as a garage floor stain too. This is really a lot better than the old Maxima I had because they actually had wires which ran under the oil filter in the corrugated covering.... it would drink the oil and no matter how much you cleaned, it would "leave a mark".

I now know why the brakes work so well: dual piston calipers, at least on the front. It has Bilstein coil over shocks... which I hope is a plus. The frame and most metal underneath is either painted or treated. I think that will keep the underside looking pretty good for a long time to come.

I can't tell the difference between a 2WD and a 4WD while driving down the road. They are the same basic vehicle! My 2WD already has the 4WD hubs and oil pan for the front drive axles! Pretty cool, at least I think so, and I'm sure it helps reduce costs for GM....

Interceptor · July 8, 2004

The only way to tell the difference between 2WD and 4WD on the road is the 4WD has front tow hooks in the bumper.The 2WD has just an empty space.Either way you have to look real close.Here's a little known fact:The TB EXT models have bigger front brake rotors than the regular TB.They are 12.8 inches vs. 12.0 inches.I do believe thats why 17 inch wheels are standard.

quadhauler · July 9, 2004

Mines an extended too and I noticed the large rotors on it. Nice! My 72 Monte Carlos' rotors are puny compared to the TB!

cdiddy · July 10, 2004

One of the reasons I like to do all my own work (besides knowing it was done correctly ) is to see what makes the vehicle tick and see how it was designed. I must admit that I am pretty impressed with the engineering and build of the Trailblazer. And yes, I need to tell myself that since I have many more notes to go... Anyway, changing the oil was a piece of cake since everything was on the bottom of the motor and easy to get to... although small hands are needed to really get to the oil filter. They did a good job providing drip pans or "fillers" to keep the oil from getting all over the frame and end up as a garage floor stain too. This is really a lot better than the old Maxima I had because they actually had wires which ran under the oil filter in the corrugated covering.... it would drink the oil and no matter how much you cleaned, it would "leave a mark".

I now know why the brakes work so well: dual piston calipers, at least on the front. It has Bilstein coil over shocks... which I hope is a plus. The frame and most metal underneath is either painted or treated. I think that will keep the underside looking pretty good for a long time to come.

I can't tell the difference between a 2WD and a 4WD while driving down the road. They are the same basic vehicle! My 2WD already has the 4WD hubs and oil pan for the front drive axles! Pretty cool, at least I think so, and I'm sure it helps reduce costs for GM....

I glad to hear that. I havent changed mine yet. Only have 2000 miles on it. Still have a free oil change at the dealer so I guess it will be a while.

01silverado2500 · July 28, 2004

I think my front rotors on my Bravada are warping, 10,000 miles tons of pad but vibration when on the brakes......I wonder if warrenty can replace them?

Interceptor · July 30, 2004

You better get to the dealer soon to have the brakes looked at.They are covered until 12 months or 12000 miles.I took my Impala in with 6200 miles on it to have a brake grinding noise looked at.The dealer resurfaced the rear rotors free of charge since there was some slight rust on them.