Overview
*Sept 2026 update*
Vehicle swapped to 1974 K5. All drivetrain and suspension to remain the same.
A good friend with limited vehicle restoration resources asked me to help him put together a 70’s era K5. He wanted the half cab body style and for it to be a reliable and fun driver.
After some searching I found a 1986 K5 locally with 8 lug axles. It was an abandoned project because the PO really wanted a 2wd. The PO had built a 383 for it that I didn’t plan on keeping. I had access to a “free” 402 that I thought would be pretty cool to build up for good torque and enough power to cruise. I like big blocks and I didn’t want to do a newer LS style swap. It also felt right for the 2500 vibe with the axles. There was no front clip which was fine since we wanted a 70’s era round eye. I classify this as a 1978 tribute because that was the first year with the backseat footwell as far as I can tell.
The plan was for a 2” lift with 33’s and to maintain a relatively stock appearance but with a lot of goodies that only those in the K5/squarebody community may know were mods. I’ve lurked here for a long time and read nearly every build thread. I decided it was a good time to insert this one and take advice and input from the group as it gets closer to assembly.
I haven’t started a thread in ages and never on CK5, so excuse me for any miscues.
This pic is from the day I picked it up Jan 7, 2022.
Vehicle swapped to 1974 K5. All drivetrain and suspension to remain the same.
A good friend with limited vehicle restoration resources asked me to help him put together a 70’s era K5. He wanted the half cab body style and for it to be a reliable and fun driver.
After some searching I found a 1986 K5 locally with 8 lug axles. It was an abandoned project because the PO really wanted a 2wd. The PO had built a 383 for it that I didn’t plan on keeping. I had access to a “free” 402 that I thought would be pretty cool to build up for good torque and enough power to cruise. I like big blocks and I didn’t want to do a newer LS style swap. It also felt right for the 2500 vibe with the axles. There was no front clip which was fine since we wanted a 70’s era round eye. I classify this as a 1978 tribute because that was the first year with the backseat footwell as far as I can tell.
The plan was for a 2” lift with 33’s and to maintain a relatively stock appearance but with a lot of goodies that only those in the K5/squarebody community may know were mods. I’ve lurked here for a long time and read nearly every build thread. I decided it was a good time to insert this one and take advice and input from the group as it gets closer to assembly.
I haven’t started a thread in ages and never on CK5, so excuse me for any miscues.
This pic is from the day I picked it up Jan 7, 2022.
Specs
- Year
- 1974
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- K5
- Engine
- 402 BBC Holley EFI
- Transmission
- 4L80e
- Transfer Case
- NP205
- Suspension
- ORD 2” springs
- Axles
- Front: Chevy 10 bolt 8 lug
Rear: 2009 10.5” AAM 14b
