CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

'78 K30, the things I get myself into

1978 K30 plow truck I found on Facebook and couldn't resist bringing home
The truck in your avatar isn't a k30?

Nope it's the hodge podged K20. My username was from a truck I was ready to convert years ago and ended up selling it all due to being in college
 
Putting together a parts list of things for taking care of the death wobble. Dana 60 parts arent as pricey as I was planning on.

Screenshot_20190512-130450_Amazon Shopping.jpg

Screenshot_20190512-130453_Amazon Shopping.jpg

Also have these caps I'm toying with using. Not sure they'd look right on a crusty plow truck though

20190512_162124.jpg

20190512_162133.jpg
 
That's it so far. I'm hoping the bearings are in good shape when I take the hubs off so I'll order the bare minimum to start. I'm sure the cause of my wobble is the left spring or bushing being broken. Theres around 3/16" vertical play on the left outer. Previous owner installed a brand new tie rod which is nice
 
Since I had all the parts I did some experimentation with this truck. Turns out $120 Amazon special headers for an 88-94 truck will fit a 73-87 as long as the truck is an auto.

Header gaskets that fit good enough for who it's for
20190601_104102.jpg

20190601_104109.jpg

20190601_110741.jpg

Driver side frame had to be notched to clear the O2 sensor plug. I was gonna have it cut off and welded shut by a friend but schedules didnt coincide so I took a small notch from the frame and rolled with it. Also had to go barbaric making a spacer for the power steering pump bracket but it works for now.

20190601_112108.jpg

I connected the headers to the factory 78 exhaust except for throwing in some Thrush glasspacks and turndowns instead of true mufflers. Truck sounds really good and is actually quite quiet running through 2" pipes. Really happy these headers fit, since it gets the truck operable for very little cash outlay.


And yes I know The wiring on this truck is a trainwreck of epic proportions but I dont plan on relying on it so i wont worry too much about it for now.
 
Let me know. I'll take both of them off your hands

If it comes down to a part out I'll let you know! Would rather it get used than sit and rot like the 327 out in the barn.
 
Figured I'd add this, since these are the headers used in case anyone stumbles on this and wants to use them. They have gone up in price too, I only paid around $120

Screenshot_20190602-072028_Amazon Shopping.jpg

20190605_085753.jpg
 
I would buy the 400 and that 327 if you were so inclined.

The 327 is an medium duty old truck engine if memory serves, it's been sitting around long enough its stuck now. But I would happily let it go because I have 0 use for it. If I decide against using the 400 Itll be yours! I'm still half tempted to copy this truck. (Facebook sourced photo)

FB_IMG_1557314681439.jpg
 
My back was already unhappy with me after work so why not aggravate it a little more. Took me awhile to get this far due to rust and not trying to not stran too much. For some reason I failed to take any pictures other than these two of the camber shim I found in the front left corner.

20190606_181738.jpg

20190606_181742.jpg


Luckily the wheel bearings are all in good shape. The kingpin parts all looked to be in good shape also but I've got new anyways so they're going in. Tomorrow night I'll tear the right side apart and start cleaning parts for reassembly.
 
Bump... Any update?


Funny you should ask. Due to life being what it is and never having time this truck is getting parted for its goodies. The plow got sold for $500, axles are going to my burb, and just yesterday I made the deal to trade the 400/TH400/203 off for a bike better suited to hauling my 310lb self around better than my CX500 Honda. Tomorrow night after work I’ll get the body lifted off in preparation for the driveline removal. Going to keep the front frame stub since the rear is severely rotted. I’ll use the front to convert one of my two crew cabs someday.

For fun here’s one of the sellers pics of the “new” ride. I don’t ride a ton but I enjoy cruising two lane on vintage stuff. 1983 XLS Roadster
B44DA3E8-99E7-4ABA-8505-6D09310A280E.jpeg
 
Top Bottom