CK5
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1989 K5 - Gradual Learning

First 4x4 - learning basic maintenance / upkeep and maybe some small mods.
Certain shocks yes, but my understanding is these need to be body down...
 
That could be true. It's been a long time since I ran shocks that were anything but monotube.
Monotube you can do any way.
These are double and some Rancho are triple and those need the body down
 
I got 'em on. I am not going to lie to you guys, I had an awful time today. I probably won't work on the truck for another couple of weeks at a minimum. I yelled so loud in frustration that Aimee heard me from inside the house and came into the garage to check on me. But, I got it done. It took me about 4.5 hours.

Here are the shorties installed up front:

Compression isn't too bad. I am excited to test drive it.

Same two photos, but for the rear:


And finally a picture of my dumb ass after finishing and a couple of the truck:


 
I had an awful time today. I probably won't work on the truck for another couple of weeks at a minimum. I yelled so loud in frustration that Aimee heard me from inside the house and came into the garage to check on me. But, I got it done. It took me about 4.5 hours.

Here are the shorties installed up front:

Compression isn't too bad. I am excited to test drive it.

Same two photos, but for the rear:


And finally a picture of my dumb ass after finishing and a couple of the truck:


We have all been there so don't be to hard on yourself. Most likely in a couple of days you will feel different and be back at it. When I get back to Denver I will pm you my # and you can call me if you need any help.
 
We have all been there so don't be to hard on yourself. Most likely in a couple of days you will feel different and be back at it. When I get back to Denver I will pm you my # and you can call me if you need any help.

That's real nice of you man, thank you!
 
Those pics looks lots better.


Keep on keepin' on Drew. The more stuff you do on your own chit, the more you will be able to do.


One of those types of "if I know this, and I also know this, than I I should be able to also do this" kinda thoughts.

A little experience here and a little experience there will teach you more than you realize.
 
Those pics looks lots better.


Keep on keepin' on Drew. The more stuff you do on your own chit, the more you will be able to do.


One of those types of "if I know this, and I also know this, than I I should be able to also do this" kinda thoughts.

A little experience here and a little experience there will teach you more than you realize.

Appreciate ya, bud. I know it's true. Today sucked but the feeling of having it done and done right is all that's left. That's pretty nice!
 
As soon as I get about 5 minutes into any project I'm drop f-bombs and every other cuss word. Just something that happens. And it seems like any 60 minute vehicle task ends up taking 240 minutes.
 
Thinking about trying some work on my wheel bearings today. I also need to rotate my tires, and that transfer case output seal is unfortunately still leaking...

Going to run to HF because I only own one pair of jack stands that work for the blazer. My other sets are 2-ton stands. Might also pick up another floor jack, because my current jack slowly lowers while under load. I had my Mitsubishi jacked up yesterday and I was distracted for about 10 minutes. It dropped probably half way to the ground in that time. I guess it is just worn out.

If anybody has wheel bearing tips, let me know. I Googled some threads and found some great info. I'm just looking to make sure they're packed with grease.
 
Thinking about trying some work on my wheel bearings today. I also need to rotate my tires, and that transfer case output seal is unfortunately still leaking...

Going to run to HF because I only own one pair of jack stands that work for the blazer. My other sets are 2-ton stands. Might also pick up another floor jack, because my current jack slowly lowers while under load. I had my Mitsubishi jacked up yesterday and I was distracted for about 10 minutes. It dropped probably half way to the ground in that time. I guess it is just worn out.

If anybody has wheel bearing tips, let me know. I Googled some threads and found some great info. I'm just looking to make sure they're packed with grease.

Dude, go buy the stands. There should never be a car on a hydraulic jack whether it bleeds down or not without a jack stand supporting the weight. That's how people die. Not to be doom and gloom on you and stuff, but we all need that reminder. We've all done it and got away with it until we don't.

Now with the safety issue out of the way, the wheel bearings are easy. Question is do you have the right socket to get the nuts loose?
 
Dude, go buy the stands. There should never be a car on a hydraulic jack whether it bleeds down or not without a jack stand supporting the weight. That's how people die. Not to be doom and gloom on you and stuff, but we all need that reminder. We've all done it and got away with it until we don't.

Now with the safety issue out of the way, the wheel bearings are easy. Question is do you have the right socket to get the nuts loose?

Oh ya, I was not under the car! I won't get beneath a car without stands. Freaks me out.

I've got two pairs of 2-ton stands and one pair of 6-ton stands. Gonna get another pair of 6-tons so that I can fully support the Blazer. I think I'll wait until Black Friday though. HF is doing a big sale.

To answer your question, no I don't have the correct socket yet. I think it's called a spindle nut socket? Gonna pick that up as well. I also think I might need snap ring pliers.
 
I haven't decided yet if I like to pack them by hand or use the grease cup thingy. It's a messy affair either way.

Doing wheel bearings is good because it helps you learn how the hubs come apart and go back together. That can be handy to know on the trail.
 
I just did my bearings a few weeks ago. This was the best price I could find on Amazon. Even though the race is usually in the hub already, it's cheaper to get the whole set.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BZ545U/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BZAEGE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And you'll need seals too. I bought mine locally at O'Reillys, but I believe this is the one.

https://smile.amazon.com/Timken-471...0V2VB3RVRHM&psc=1&refRID=ZMMZEZE410V2VB3RVRHM
 
Got out there and started in on wheel bearings today. It was cold!

Demo is complete on both sides, and the wheel bearings are out:


This rubber seal fell onto the floor at some point - perhaps when I was removing my passenger side hub:

Anybody know what it is called? Here is another photo:
 
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Got out there and started in on wheel bearings today. It was cold!

Demo is complete on both sides, and the wheel bearings are out:


This rubber seal fell onto the floor at some point - perhaps when I was removing my passenger side hub:

Anybody know what it is called? Here is another photo:
That's the hub seal.
It's done but I usually change it anytime I change bearings.
Is that the original axle?
Almost looks like a small bearing spindle from an early d44 in the picture.
Might be a bad picture.
 
That's the hub seal.
It's done but I usually change it anytime I change bearings.
Is that the original axle?
Almost looks like a small bearing spindle from an early d44 in the picture.
Might be a bad picture.

Thanks, @imiceman44. I appreciate it. I am honestly not sure if it is the original axle or not.

I took a look online... couldn't find just that seal on AutoZone's website. I did find this kit that looks to have the seal I need:
https://www.autozone.com/suspension...front/duralast-wheel-seal-sbk1/12299_747966_0
 
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