1988 K5 4-link crawler

[wuan2000]

wuan2000 submitted a new Build:

1988 K5 4-link crawler

Bought the K5 for $2800 June 2016 with a reman 350 TBI, 700R4, np208 with some weather checked tires. Ran good, shifted firm and the body was straight...so I thought "why not?"

Certainly a long list of items to do, and as with many, the limitations are often time, parts, money and spousal agreements to support.

Done so far:
- 10 bolts...gone. Leaf springs...gone. Stock fuel tank...gone. Steering box...gone.
- Entire body primered and coated with beige bed liner
- 14 bolt, Detroit Locker, 4.56, pinion guard, bridged and trussed
- Dana 60 front build underway; Detroit, 4.56, complete hub-hub rebuild, OX u-joints
- Bed cage; all bent here out of 1.75" .120 wall DOM
- Corbeau baja seats w/harnesses
- New radiator w/electric fan from Crown Vic on designated switch
- LED headlight conversion (upper white/lower ambers)
- 4-link brackets fab'd up and tacked in place
- New 37's Maxxis Trep's on 17" steelies
...I'm sure I'm missing other smaller items

To Do:
- Cut and TIG the links and tube adapters (2" .250 wall DOM)
- Shock/Suspension brackets on axles
- Bend hoops/CNC cut shock mounts for coilovers (King coilovers on all four corners)
- PSC full hydro front steer
- In-bed fuel cell
- Continue cage into cab
- Box in sections of the frame
- Taper front/rear for clearance(s)
- Cut out my own beadlocks and mount 'em
....and more.

I'm hoping to be on the trails by June. My original goal was Moab by mid-May, but that's not promising.
I'll keep up with photos as much as I can. I'm more of a hobbyist, but I do all of my own chassis/cage design, tube bending, cnc plasma/hand cutting, MIG/TIG welding, etc. Only a few items I get from other shops that have the means to press thick parts, etc.

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Read more about this build here...

 

[Justin V]

I'll keep watching...

 

[jekquistk5]

Watching as I'll be starting my links tomorrow when my coilivers get here.

 

[Fastereddie]

Looks good man. I did the same paint job on mine. Still gotta finish it though.

 

[jekquistk5]

Side note how you liking that rebel?

 

[wuan2000]

Side note how you liking that rebel?

I like it a lot, actually. Its versatile, compact, efficient and it did free up some space in my shop. It lacks TIG capabilities when it comes to aluminum, so I deduct a point there.

 

[GWeakland620]

I'm in!

 

[kgblazerfive]

Its tan, so its cool right there

 

[85k5witha6.2]

this is going to be cool! subscribed.

 

[82crush]

subscribed

 

[sreidmx]

Subbed

 

[JoshHefnerX]

I'm a fan of these in tan.

 

[Truckman4life]

Got any info on the headlights and turn signals you installed? I like the cage design.

 

[wuan2000]

Got any info on the headlights and turn signals you installed? I like the cage design.

I'll look and see what I have. I honestly think those were an ebay purchase, but I'll confirm and let you know on the info.
Thanks- on the cage design.

 

[Rat_Crispy]

Good god! What a sweet rig!

 

[CK5]

Cool build... and go Packers!

 

[wuan2000]

Spent a little time this afternoon on the rear 4-link. Plumb bobs to center things up. Welded/Tacked brackets in place. Mocked upper links with PVC and measured for angles/clearances.

 

[CrpMag122]

Subscribed. God I wish I went the coilover route.

 

[Greg72]

Looks good!

Try slowing down on your travel speed a bit and it will get rid of some of that unevenness...and a bit more side-to-side "weave" when you draw the "Cs". That will tie in the parent metal more completely and keep the weld from getting too tall in the center.

-G

 

[stockk5]

love it