1980 k-30 Build Thread

[booter410]

I've always had a thing for fullsize 4x4 and finally got an opportunity to get one--so I figured I might as well start out with the stoutest truck I could. Just picked up a 1980 K-30. Here are some bad cellphone pics and present state (as relayed to me by the PO):

-1980 K30, 120,000 mi, 454, 700R4, D60, 14bolt, 4.56's, 4" Rancho lift with blocks, dual shocks, relatively new 33" AT's, ugly camper shell, and a bed full of spare parts.

my plans? tighten up the steering, crossover?, re-do lift, 35 or 37's, new paintjob, rear locker, bumpers, sliders for now. possibly flatbed or bob the bed in the future depending on how aggressive I get into 4x4in and where this takes me!

I dont know a whole lot about all this stuff but am excited to learn and wrench on my new truck.

Comments and/or advice is always welcome and I'm sure I'll be bugging ya'll soon for more info

 

[thatK30guy]

700R4?

It has one right now or thats your plans for one?

I see an NP205 shifter in the pic. Its definitely a TH400 tranny under it.

 

[booter410]

Honestly, I haven't a clue. I know it has an NP205, but was just going off of what he told me. I can see this is going to be quite a learning process

I was skeptical when he said 4.56, as I was expecting 4.10's. Possible this is stock?

but atleast it starts up and runs well. It gets a little shaky when I hit around 60, but I think it might be a balancing issue coupled with a little play in the steering.

First plans are to address steering and replace suspension with some better components.

 

[RockinChevy]

700R4?

It has one right now or thats your plans for one?

I see an NP205 shifter in the pic. Its definitely a TH400 tranny under it.

That was my exact thought when I read 700r4.




Booter, about the shaking, do you feel the vibration in the steering or in the seat? Vibes in the seat will indicate you have some driveline issues such as bad u-joints or out of balance driveshaft or worn motor/transmission mounts.
Can't really tell you anything about steering related vibes because I still haven't had any with my k3500 on 31" tires. I'll find out more when I step up to 35"s.


Clean truck, by the way.

 

[throttleissues]

4.56 is common on k30s, that's also the stock gears in my '73 k20. As far as the trans goes, it's pretty simple: 4 speeds=700r4, 3 speeds=th400. Or look at the shape of the pan. Post a pic of the pan, and somebody will tell you what it is.

 

[RockinChevy]

Also this is the first time I've seen a truck without the A/C option.

Whatever you decide in life, please don't move to Arizona in that truck. You won't survive the summer here.

 

[throttleissues]

Bah! A/C is for sissies! I spent 2 years in Phoenix, and every time I used the A/C in my '72 K20 it would overheat. My boss out there used to say, "My god, it's hotter than a freshly f****d fox in a forest fire out here!"

 

[RockinChevy]

Bah! A/C is for sissies! I spent 2 years in Phoenix, and every time I used the A/C in my '72 K20 it would overheat. My boss out there used to say, "My god, it's hotter than a freshly f****d fox in a forest fire out here!"

I know, I almost never use the a/c in either the Blazer or the crewcab, but I use it all the time in the Camry. You know what, I like your boss already 'cause he's right.

 

[jt512]

sweet truck could not have a better starting point.

 

[80' 427]

Gee we always say "hotter than two cats F---ing in a wool sock". Looks good. Throw that carb away and get a qjet or truck avenger if you want to climb anything. Or better yet add propane.

 

[booter410]

Thanks for all the replies guys--Yeah i've already noticed a time or two it gets a little toasty, but I guess thats what the power windows are for, or better yet, my Tacoma daily driver

Just found out a bit ago that the turning signals aren't working now, but I know they were when I brought it home a few weeks ago, so I get to try and chase that down now.

I'm beginning to put together a list of mods I want to do and prioritize them. I think first order of business is get rid of the camper shell and attach some tow points! Once I'm done with that, I think a detroit in the rear, 37's, and some suspension mods should hold me over for a while, until I learn enough to do me in atleast

Any opinions on tires? I've noticed a lot of guys using the wrangler m/t's?

 

[throttleissues]

Any opinions on tires? I've noticed a lot of guys using the wrangler m/t's?

You have? Guess I haven't been paying attention. I say go for the IROKs. I love mine (36x13.50x17 bias) and they're taller than the 37x12.50 radials, don't ask me why. Wouldn't exactly recommend them for a DD, but they work great on rocks and dirt, and one Ford Taurus.

 

[chevyridinhigh79]

nice starting point. imo that trucks too clean to make a 4 wheeler, but its your truck and who am i to tell you what to do with your truck. maybe we could swap rigs lol