I'm betting the new factory hold down is right side up now...
Rene
Rene
CK5
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'73 K5 - Stevoandaredk5's Build - [Pre-Summer Update - (4/5/11)]
- Thread starter StevoandaRedK5
- Start date
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
This is an option if i find one cheap. I just want a bare bones, non-tilt, non-cruise automatic column. Basically what most people don't want haha
.I'm betting the new factory hold down is right side up now...
Rene
None of them have ever been upside down. The chrome one looks upside down, but I guarantee you that I tried it flipped over and it did absolutely NOTHING to hold the dizzy. The way i had it in the pictures held it fine while the nut stayed tight.
Sorry this took so long, I just remembered and ran out to get these for you: 57 1/2" x 20 1/2" on the lid.
Recon!
Maniac
I got my column with tilt and all the fancy options for $45-50 at the PNP in Belton.
No Prob.
Knowing me, since I am thinking about getting a box now, it will be 6-12 months before I actually do. 
If i were you i would mark a dot on the distributor and a dot on the intake so you know where it is set just in case it gets turned again.
That way you dont have to take it to some shop to get timed again. On mine i just put a dot on the cap above were the wires go underneith it and a dot on he intake straight across from that.
Had a problem with my distributor being alittle loose this weekend and had to tighten it down and i was thanking myself so much for putting a mark on it
That way you dont have to take it to some shop to get timed again. On mine i just put a dot on the cap above were the wires go underneith it and a dot on he intake straight across from that. Had a problem with my distributor being alittle loose this weekend and had to tighten it down and i was thanking myself so much for putting a mark on it
Recon!
Maniac
I concur
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
If i were you i would mark a dot on the distributor and a dot on the intake so you know where it is set just in case it gets turned again.
Had a problem with my distributor being alittle loose this weekend and had to tighten it down and i was thanking myself so much for putting a mark on it
I cut myself a pointer and glued it to the dizzy cap. points to a mark on the firewall. Could nearly set the timing in the dark now haha
Also got the velcro on the soft top, put it on for a test fit before I stitch all of it on and get it finished up. I took some pictures tonight but the lighting is so bad i'll wait til i can get it outside during the day.
You could take a paint pen and draw a line over the stud/nut/hold down/intake joints - that may provide a clue as to how it is loosening up.
x2 and that would tell you if it is the bolt that is loosening or if it just doesnt have anough grip.
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
Well, here's what the mock up of the bikini top looked like, and I just wasn't happy with it, nor the amount of stitching it would need to be finished. So off it came.
Got up in the attic and pulled down the Bestop "Dualmatic" soft top that my dad bought back in the 80's I think. Never been fully installed, still had the instructions and all the vital hardware, for now at least. I need a hot day to get the top stretched right to put all the snaps in, plus I'm pretty sure I need some more snaps. Anyways, pics of it in the current state:
With the sides rolled up, I took it for a test drive, hit about 50-55mph, and it did good. So some cover from the sun, better protection from the rain, and It'll be nice once I get it all snapped up.
Got up in the attic and pulled down the Bestop "Dualmatic" soft top that my dad bought back in the 80's I think. Never been fully installed, still had the instructions and all the vital hardware, for now at least. I need a hot day to get the top stretched right to put all the snaps in, plus I'm pretty sure I need some more snaps. Anyways, pics of it in the current state:
With the sides rolled up, I took it for a test drive, hit about 50-55mph, and it did good. So some cover from the sun, better protection from the rain, and It'll be nice once I get it all snapped up.
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
Bit of an Update - (7/16)
Ended up getting enough snaps in for the top to work, have some more ordered, in the mail to get it all snapped up. Passenger side rear rail is gonna need some tweaking, but everything seals and zips and snaps wonderfully considering my dad purchased this before I was alive lol. Pics.
I like it. Still haven't laid it back to go full convertable, i'll do that soon.
Swapped in a working regulator in the passenger side door, gear on the factory one was completely stripped. Works great now.
Been driving it everyday, no trouble, cranks every time and runs awesome. Still need to get the vacuum line on the trans fixed so it'll shift on it's own, but that's minor.
Major thing coming: a lift. I've decided to use a kit most likely. I want new springs front and rear, which is hard to find since most want to just throw blocks in the back.
Concerns: I'm looking for the balance between the maximum height I can go without having to worry about d-shaft lengths. I can do steering correction if needed. Want something that's not ridiculously priced.
Current Plan: I'm thinking about 2.5" lift. Ditch the swaybar. Zero-rates in the rear if it's still too low. Steering correction if it's not too involved, and really is needed. Longer NAPA brake lines if they're not included in the kit. Decent shocks in stock mounts. New u bolts.
I'm gonna check with a local offroad shop to see if I can get a deal through them without worrying about expensive shipping, but I did find this kit on 4WP: http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...1&t_s=38&t_pt=5491&t_pl=100979&t_pn=ADDGM7-RS Comes to about $510 in cart, but $115 truck freight, makes it $625 to the door. Shocks are mediocre. I'd much rather get something without shocks and pick my own, but it's w/e.
Thoughts, Comments, Suggestions? Thanks guys
Ended up getting enough snaps in for the top to work, have some more ordered, in the mail to get it all snapped up. Passenger side rear rail is gonna need some tweaking, but everything seals and zips and snaps wonderfully considering my dad purchased this before I was alive lol. Pics.
I like it. Still haven't laid it back to go full convertable, i'll do that soon.
Swapped in a working regulator in the passenger side door, gear on the factory one was completely stripped. Works great now.
Been driving it everyday, no trouble, cranks every time and runs awesome. Still need to get the vacuum line on the trans fixed so it'll shift on it's own, but that's minor.
Major thing coming: a lift. I've decided to use a kit most likely. I want new springs front and rear, which is hard to find since most want to just throw blocks in the back.
Concerns: I'm looking for the balance between the maximum height I can go without having to worry about d-shaft lengths. I can do steering correction if needed. Want something that's not ridiculously priced.
Current Plan: I'm thinking about 2.5" lift. Ditch the swaybar. Zero-rates in the rear if it's still too low. Steering correction if it's not too involved, and really is needed. Longer NAPA brake lines if they're not included in the kit. Decent shocks in stock mounts. New u bolts.
I'm gonna check with a local offroad shop to see if I can get a deal through them without worrying about expensive shipping, but I did find this kit on 4WP: http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...1&t_s=38&t_pt=5491&t_pl=100979&t_pn=ADDGM7-RS Comes to about $510 in cart, but $115 truck freight, makes it $625 to the door. Shocks are mediocre. I'd much rather get something without shocks and pick my own, but it's w/e.
Thoughts, Comments, Suggestions? Thanks guys
I know you don't want to go with blocks, but I went with just a zero rate and relocated the front axle and 2.5 lift in the back. I really like the look but i needed a new drop pitman arm and 33's fit with good clearance. Nice work on yours.
Best deal I could find on an all spring lift when I ordered mine was 4" Rough Country lift through top gunz customs. Has everything you need and your current d-shafts should be fine.
http://www.topguncustomz.com/Store/Gen2ProdDisplay.php?iview=250127973
http://www.topguncustomz.com/Store/Gen2ProdDisplay.php?iview=250127973
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StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
Thanks!
I like that price since it comes with decent shocks and the steering arm, and all the hardware. And I'd be glad to step up to 4 inches if my driveshafts will be ok. I'll add some longer brake lines and call it good.
I've been talking with my dad, and because I DD this truck, I'm really tempted to do swaybar DC's. I don't get to offroad as much as I like, and when I do, I have to get out to lock hubs and probably air down, so sliding underneath and pulling two pins isn't much hassle, and it'll help handling on the street.
In other news, I installed the tow hooks I got from Brett (sweetk30) up front with 1/2" gr8 hardware. Got the snaps in the mail today, got every snap in except one on the passenger side. Don't think that one will work, which is ok with me.
i'd piece a kit together thru ORD... Stephen'll hook ya up with everything ya need for a good working 4" setup...
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
This would be my favorite option. However I want this lift to stay on the cheap as much as is possible (as much as I would like to do it up right and spend a grand, I just can't
). Plus the fact that I'll have a hard time calling during their office hours b/c of my work schedule.
You might try the texas4x4 classifieds, probably could get what you need there fairly cheap and local.
StevoandaRedK5
1/2 ton status
i checked real quick. I can do some more looking over there later on.
Well, now I'm thinking about ordering direct from Rough Country. Get the 4" kit with front and rear springs, steering correction, shocks, hardware, bushings. Then add in longer brake lines and a new steering stabilizer(dunno how old the one i have is). Shipped to my door for $680.
Then the only thing I will have left to consider is whether to run swaybar disconnects or not. I know most people will tell me to ditch it, but I'll want to drive it to see how much of a difference it makes.
Then try it and see how much difference it makes.
People tend to default to the anti-swaybar position, but every truck (and driver) is different. With the ORD discos, you will eliminate the binding (even when connected) that causes most people to ditch the swaybar. A used set of discos shouldn't set you back too much. Worst case, resell the discos.
"ray" on here lives in Austin, seems like he had a set he was selling. I bought a set off another member here for 35 shipped. Figured I need it to help with the 1000#'s of gorilla on the back.
