1st gen + M1009 parts + K30 parts = ????

[K5dreamer]

Ok, so lemme run this past you guys so you can just tell me know If I'm an idiot.

Ive got the M1009, wrecked, not selling, need to get rid of it. But LOVE that diesel engine.

I WANT a full vert, 1969-1975 truck, that came factory with a SM465/NP205 drive train thats in street legal driveable condition.

A full vert, 4 speed manual, diesel K5 never left the factory. and even finding a 4 speed diesel blazer at all is tough as it would likely be an aftermarket swap.

So what I want to do is.. drive the new old truck as is with its guzzoline engine, rip the diesel engine and hydroboost brake system out of the M1009, sell the wrecked truck to a scrap yard, rebuild the diesel with a GM-3 turbo, and a few tweaks. rebuild the D60/D70HD axles Ive got from a K30, get some 12 bolt H1 beadlocks and 37in military take off goodyears, over the next few years.

THEN swap the rebuilt diesel, hydroboost, 1 tons, and big military rims and tires under it.

Thoughts? Am I being an idiot here? or is this a cool idea?

Also, Ive got some 6in lift springs that I got for my 86 M1009, will those work on a first gen? I know they should work on the 73-75 trucks.

AND last but not least, how much lift should I look at with a first gen to run 37in tires, without cutting the sheetmetal?

The truck would be used for country concerts, camping, mild offroading in George Washington National Forest, Hauling stuff (Rhino lined interior), winter driving (I'm doing the firefighter thing and calling out due to bad weather is not a call I want to make), and picking up doctors and nurses in the off chance we get another blizzard around here. major articulation is not an issue, as serious rock crawling isn't something I'm into or have time or money for these days.

 

[K5dreamer]

too many questions in one thread? i tend to ramble, sorry bout that

 

[Orange Bomber]

I think its an awesome idea, mostly because that's pretty much what I did with my truck. but I'm not sure what a full vert truck is?. I wish I would have put a diesel in my truck much sooner than I did, took me three gas motors before I smartened up.

Before you get dead set on a gm-3, look around there are so many options that from what I have been researching about, are worlds better than any gm-x turbo. But if you already have it then go for it.

For lift, my buddy has newer 8" springs on his 72 and his truck looks really nice with thirty eights and no trimming.

 

[K5dreamer]

sorry, full vert = full convertible blazer/jimmy. 1969 - 1975.

As for the GM-3, I know there are better options, but I scored the turbo and almost everything I need for the swap all at once, so its sitting in the back of the blazer now, waiting to get put on.

and thanks for the rule of thumb on your buddies truck. but when you say "newer" is that just new as in brand new, or new as in meant for a later body style?

 

[Orange Bomber]

I thought that's what you meant by full vert but you said truck in there so I got a bit thrown.

The guy he bought them from said they came off a newer body style truck.

What kinda manifold did that turbo come with. I've heard that using a 6.5 manifold is a bit troublesome but I'm using a banks and don't know for sure so something to keep in mind. I've heard the injectors and injector lines hit the manifold.

 

[K5dreamer]

not sure what it came off of, its a non-egr single plane intake.

 

[Orange Bomber]

I meant the exhaust manifold but a non egr is a plus on the intake side. If its a circle with two bolt holes its probably a j code intake if its kinda more squareish with six holes that's a 6.5 manifold.

 

[Greg72]

The only part of the idea I like is that you plan to buy a running, drivable 1st Gen....

Hopefully you will enjoy the experience of driving it around so much that you'll lose interest in doing the diesel swap.

Diesels are great for towing and for getting great mileage.... I've never thought they were a good option for an all-purpose wheeler, and certainly not for a "classic" 1st Gen.

....and what exactly do you mean by your comment about adding "big military rims"? You're not talking about some 20" bro-truck style setup are you?


-G

 

[K5dreamer]

Greg - I know I know, the diesel isnt everyone's cup of tea, but the sound of a diesel (aka a city bus) was part of my M1009's charm. but really, fuel economy, durability, and dependability are the major reasons i love that 6.2 power plant. Also my tree hugging hippy side tolerates the idea of another politically incorrect mobile monument of awesome better if i at least have the option of burning biofuel Ive also got a diesel Jetta, and will probably never buy a guzzoline powered car again if I can help it.

I took the M1009 wheeling and never had an issue, except trying to climb rocks, which was more of a tire/gearing/trans issue more than a lack of power issue. 3.08's 33's and a TH400 were the weak point of that truck off road, even if they did good on the highway. I dont plan on slinging mud (especially not on a cancer prone first gen) so lots of hp isnt necessary, and with the turbo added to the truck, it will have even more power than it did before (not a HUGE amount, limiting the turbo to 8psi or so, and only turning up the IP as much as I can without producing smoke).

Haha and no, while I dont plan on abusing a first gen (will likely buy a mid to late 80's blazer later in life for a "wheeling" truck) I have no intentions of a "Bro" truck. Im running DRW 1 ton axles, and stock 16.5in H1 military rims, with 37in goodyear take offs. I suppose "Big Tires" are a relative thing

I plan on leaving the actual body of the truck as factory as possible, with the exception of a nice stereo (4 component speakers and 1 or 2 subwoofers, nothing crazy flashy) installed as invisibly as possible to limit the chances of break in and theft. No underbody neon's, no big chrome rims, no tractor trailer style stacks, no recaro racing seats, etc. The whole point of a first gen over a 2nd gen to me is the interior, I love it just the way it is. I even have a nice vintage looking paint picked out in case the one I wind up with needs it. Nordic Gold, its a Porsche color I fell in love with when I worked at the dealership. Goes equally well with a black or white top/interior.

Not like I daydream about all this at ALL

 

[ashman]

I'm not a fan of diesel either, but if it's what you want to do, I think the plan is certainly doable.
I'm no expert, but I think that later gen springs are wider. as I recall, 1st gen springs are 2 1/2" wide and the later trucks are 3" wide. someone else will need to confirm this for you, but check into it. if you're going to be switching to longer springs anyway though, no reason you couldn't change the brackets while moving them.