1991 K5 Problems

[Rhaab's K5]

Hey everyone, I can't post in the tech section and I don't have much time for it right now. My 1991 K5 4x4 just started to make a 'clanking' sound while driving. Picks up when going faster, slows, down etc. When you engage the brakes however the sound stops. The truck brakes work and nothing is preventing it from stopping. Has this happened to anyone before? I truck has rear drum brakes. The parking brake peddle is also broken and the light is always on (since I bought it, it was like that). If anyone can help I would appreciate it.

On a side note however, is there a different oil for the rear differential that is a posi and a non-posi? And the easiest way to tell if I have a posi-rear. I also don't currently own a jack big enough or strong enough to lift it off the ground to check. If doing that and then spinning the tires then I'll do that but it is really hindering me driving since the rear-differential has been leaking for a long time.

Gas peddle is also bent so the throttle does not open all the way.

If you can help or point me in the right direction I would appreciate that.

Thanks

 

[jeff in co]

Check your front axle shaft u-joints and see if they are tight. You are going to have to pull the front wheels off to check the brakes as well. If you don't have a jack big enough, that would be a good place to start.......

 

[k5blazinredneck]

Sounds like you Twisted/Broke a U-joint... that's what mine sounded like when mine broke. check the u-joints on both of your axles and see if that's the problem.

 

[Rhaab's K5]

Update

Thanks for all the advice but I want to give everyone an update. Thanks to a thread on here about a differential fluid change I was able to start to change my rear differential seal. Which as of right now needs to be put back on and filled. It is caked with grime and we almost missed the fill bolt since it was covered in mud/oil/grime. Also the entire interior of the truck has been ripped out today and is nothing but bare flooring right now. As for the brake issue maybe I didn't explain it right. It makes a tinking sound (tink tink tink) when the truck is moving. When the brake is applied it stops no matter the preasure. It is in the rear brakes (drum brakes) on the passenger side I believe. If I was not clear I apologize. Thanks to everyone who replied though, the advice did help. Also I got another 2-ton Jack which sadly is very small but should work since the truck is not that heavy. I also have now 2 4-ton Jack Stands until we can figure out why our bigger rolling jack is not holding pressure.

Also a few days ago I snapped a bolt in the rear diff and now have to wait for a tap and die set.

This is the Thread I used for help with the differential:

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49990

 

[Rhaab's K5]

Lower Set Of Lights.

The search feature is not to helpful when it comes to finding what I am looking for. The lower set of lights on the blazer has two bulbs on both sides. My inner sets do not work. I will figure that out later. But what are they for? DRL's? Or just an extended turn signal?

I also have a blog for this northern style restoration on blogger but I can't link it or start one on here to make it easier to follow.

I hate bugging people about this but I don't have time to troubleshoot these issues since I am very busy and would like to hit the ground running.

Thanks for your help guys and gals.

 

[jeff in co]

No DRL on a 91'. It's just an extension of your parking lights and turn signal.

 

[Rhaab's K5]

Thanks jeff in co, I assume the bulbs are out then that gives me a good place to start when I can.

 

[K85 Octane]

the clicking sounds is normally loose pads or shoes. I had brand new ones in my fathers truck, it would rattle like crazy simply because they weren't manufactured right. There was slop in the pad, where it rides on the pins, and made it rattle BAD. Press on brakes, it goes away.

does it do it in 4x4 or 2x4? or both?

 

[Rhaab's K5]

I will have to wait until I can put the differential cover back on (broke a bolt) before I can try the 4x4. The problem you had with your fathers truck where they drum brakes as well? I will get back to you K85 Octane when I try the 4x4. Thanks for the tip. Also it started a few days after I bought it not at all the 60 miles home.

 

[K85 Octane]

this was on the front. I changed the pads and the noise went away. Kind the same theory, but with shoes. There could be something inside the drum NOT doing it's job

 

[Rhaab's K5]

More work.

Hey guys, had to trade up my 2 ton jack got 3 1/4 ton one instead. I did a tire rotation and got around to cleaning the front to rims. Trucks still not going anywhere since the diff is still being worked on. We broke a bolt inside and then the easy out broke also. I might solve the brake issue over the coming week so I'll let you know what I find.

 

[Rhaab's K5]

Brake Problem Headway

Okay, so a buddy of mine got the drum off and the found what the problem was. the bolt that uses a spring to hold the brake pad to the hub was missing which probably fell out as I made a turn when it started. A spring had lodged itself against the other pad which when pressed didn't make noise. So basically that brake hasn't bee working for months.

Thanks for all your suggestions though they are all appreciated. Also the rear differential cover was put back on today which marks it one step closer to drive again.