Exploring the Legendary 1968 Chevy Blazer

Off-Road Capabilities and Modifications of the 1968 Chevrolet Blazer

The Blazer’s off-road DNA was embedded in its chassis and drivetrain, addressing the trail demands of its era with practical engineering solutions. Its ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and articulation allowed it to navigate obstacles common to 1960s adventure seekers, while its differential locks and limited-slip axles provided the traction required for technical terrain. Meanwhile, the aftermarket responded with innovations that pushed the Blazer’s limits further, catering to enthusiasts who sought to transform it into a self-sufficient overlanding machine.

Stock Off-Road Features and 1960s Trail Demands

The Blazer’s approach angle of 32 degrees and departure angle of 22 degrees enabled it to climb and descend steep inclines without bottoming out, addressing the needs of hikers and hunters who required access to remote areas. The breakover angle of 22 degrees ensured that the vehicle could traverse deep ruts or logs without the drivetrain interfering. These angles were derived from the Blazer’s short 96-inch (244 cm) wheelbase and solid front axle with coil springs, which provided better articulation than conventional passenger cars.

Articulation—the ability of the suspension to compress and extend—was further enhanced by the Blazer’s leaf-spring rear suspension, which allowed the body to flex over rough terrain. This design, combined with its 4-wheel drive (4WD) system, made the Blazer a capable off-roader for its time, though it lacked the sophistication of later models.

Aftermarket Upgrades Popular in the 1960s–70s

Lift Kits
One of the most common modifications was the lift kit, which increased ground clearance and improved approach/departure angles. Early lift kits typically involved spacer blocks inserted between the frame and suspension components, raising the vehicle by 1–3 inches (2.5–7.6 cm). More advanced kits in the late 1960s and early 1970s included extended coil springs or longer control arms, allowing for greater lifts without compromising handling. Companies like Old Man Emu and ARB (later in the 1970s) offered kits that became staples in the off-road community.

Snorkels and Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
To handle deep water crossings, enthusiasts installed snorkels, which extended the air intake above the vehicle’s roofline. Early snorkels were often homemade, using PVC pipes or military-surplus components, while later models featured aluminum or stainless steel designs. Auxiliary fuel tanks (typically mounted on the roof or rear) extended range for long overlanding trips, a critical feature for adventurers exploring remote areas.

Winches and Recovery Gear
The Blazer’s factory winch (optional on early models) was a rare feature for civilian vehicles at the time, but aftermarket winches—such as those from Comeup or Warn—became standard for serious off-roaders. These winches, often mounted to the front bumper or grille, provided 3,000–5,000 pounds (1,360–2,270 kg) of line pull, essential for self-recovery. Additional recovery gear included traction boards, shackles, and soft shackles, which were used in conjunction with tree straps and tow straps.

Heavy-Duty Tires and Wheels
Stock Blazers came with 7.00x14-inch tires on 15-inch steel wheels, which offered durability but limited traction on loose surfaces. Aftermarket mud-terrain tires (e.g., BFGoodrich T/A or Goodyear Wrangler) and aluminum wheels (such as Kelsey-Hayes or Centerline) improved grip and reduced weight, though they were more commonly adopted in the late 1970s.

Lighting and Visibility Enhancements
For nighttime overlanding, additional auxiliary lights—such as spotlights (mounted on the hood or roof) and floodlights—were added to improve visibility. LED auxiliary lights (though not yet widely available in the 1960s) were later replaced by halogen or quartz-halogen setups, which provided brighter illumination for off-camera shooting and trail navigation.

Differential Locks and Limited-Slip Axles: Function and Technical Diagrams

Differential Locks
The Blazer’s transfer case included a manual differential lock, which could be engaged to lock the front and rear axles together, forcing equal power distribution regardless of wheel speed. This was critical for rock crawling or deep sand, where one axle might lose traction. The lock was typically engaged via a lever inside the vehicle, though some aftermarket systems allowed for remote control.

Mechanical Function of a Differential Lock:
A differential lock bypasses the differential’s purpose (which normally allows wheels to rotate at different speeds) by mechanically coupling the axle shafts. This ensures that if one wheel spins freely (e.g., in mud or sand), the other wheel still receives power, preventing the vehicle from stalling.

Limited-Slip Axles
While the Blazer’s stock rear axle was an open differential, aftermarket limited-slip (LS) axles became popular for improved traction. An LS axle uses friction-based clutches or gear-based locking mechanisms to reduce wheel spin by sending power to the wheel with the most grip.

Limited-Slip Axle Operation:
When one wheel begins to spin (e.g., on loose gravel), the LS axle transfers up to 50–70% of torque to the other wheel, maintaining forward motion. This is achieved through multi-plate clutches or traction bars that resist differential action.

Case Study: Restored 1968 Blazer Overlanding Setup

Roof Racks and Storage
The Blazer is equipped with a thule-style roof rack (retrofitted with aluminum crossbars), supporting: