1973 CK5 - Breating new life into 'er - several questions

[mikekwesell]

I all, I have a 1973 CK5 that is running but that needs a bunch of work all around... cold use some input on the following - thank you in advance and much appreciated!!

1. Can you recommend a disc brake conversion kit mfg for the rear wheels? Drums are not functioning... I figure better to swap out.

2. I put 36" wheels and tires on it, do I need to get the front and rear differentials reconfigured? (Do I need different/new ones or can I have the ones that are currently on there serviced to accommodate the new wheels and tires)

3.What would you say is the ideal carburetor for this vehicle? I has the 350 small block.

4. Windows in both doors - mechanisms to roll up/down windows are kaput. Need to replace. Is it possible to buy new guts for both doors so windows will function properly?

THANK YOU!!! (still learning how to use this site - apologies if this is posted elsewhere / multiple posts)

 

[BigBK5]

brake issue is probably just the brake cyliders,the hydraulic part of the brakes. They unbolt easily and are only about 7 bucks apiece.I did a disc brake conversion on my 56 chevy pu that has a 12 bolt 4x4 rear end in it from LittleshopMFG,came with caddy calipers,6 lug rotors,all hardware with braided lines for 600ish dollars,dont remember exact amount,very nice kit tho,easy install.36in tires are big but it all depends on your current gear ratios.I have 35inchers with 373 gears,and its kind of sluggish,even with a new 300hp gm crate motor. Hopefully the real geniuses on here will chime in(not being sarcastic at all) Good luck,blazer looks sweet.

 

[Bent77]

Mike,

What are your plans for the truck?


I'm running 4.10 on 37s. If I had to do it again, I'd go 4.56, but I'd probably need over drive to do much highway work


As for the carb, I've always been a fan of the Quadrajet. I'm not really a fan of the carburetor adapters.

 

[mikekwesell]

Thanks for the feedback guys! In response:
1. Regarding rear brakes, I'll inspect more closely and replace the hydraulic cylinders rather than convert to disc brakes.
2. Regarding tires/gear ratio: I just mounted 16" wheels with Toyo M/T 315/75/R16 tires. I think it's a 35" tire and not a 36" (?)
3: Regarding intended use for vehicle: I don't do much off-road or 4 wheeling in a truck (I usually go with a 2 stroke dirt bike). For this vehicle, it'll be my grocery-getter, lots of highway miles, use it to tow dirt-bike trailer, tow a snowmobile trailer, tow a water-skiing boat, drive in the mountains, etc. I might blast the occasional mud puddle or go off road here and there, but for the most part I'll be on the road. Would love advice on what direction to go with my gear ratio and how to accomplish (i.e. replace or service)

Thank you!!!

 

[frankin5]

What transmission and transfer case are you running. Any idea of what gears you have now? 315/75/16 are about 34.6" in diameter.

 

[Bent77]

Thanks for the feedback guys! In response:
1. Regarding rear brakes, I'll inspect more closely and replace the hydraulic cylinders rather than convert to disc brakes.
2. Regarding tires/gear ratio: I just mounted 16" wheels with Toyo M/T 315/75/R16 tires. I think it's a 35" tire and not a 36" (?)
3: Regarding intended use for vehicle: I don't do much off-road or 4 wheeling in a truck (I usually go with a 2 stroke dirt bike). For this vehicle, it'll be my grocery-getter, lots of highway miles, use it to tow dirt-bike trailer, tow a snowmobile trailer, tow a water-skiing boat, drive in the mountains, etc. I might blast the occasional mud puddle or go off road here and there, but for the most part I'll be on the road. Would love advice on what direction to go with my gear ratio and how to accomplish (i.e. replace or service)

Thank you!!!

Happen to know how it’s geared now? You may be ok with 3.73. Those Colorado hills will make you down shift though...

 

[mikekwesell]

I do not know how it's currently geared... how can I find that information? Same for tranny and transfer case - not sure what is on there now? Would there be a make/model # stamped on them somewhere? Thank you!

 

[Bent77]

Is it an automatic?

some times the axles will have a tag under a bolt head with the ratio on it