'91 K5 Four Wheel Camper

[ZooMad75]

Kids these days and their backward retro fits...


@ZooMad75
How are the steering stops on that axle? We already established it broke backing up, was curious if it over extended or if you’re just mean to your truck

The retrofit wasn't a move for strength over a 10 bolt, the d44 was already rebuilt with the right gearing. The existing 10 bolt needed everything, ball joints, bearings, change in gearing, ect. That should catch those up that didn't catch the switch from way back in the build.

As far as the steering stops go, they are there. But then again I don't know what the correct stand off amount to say if it's too much or not enough.

My tech did have an extra short side axle assembly in hand. I got a pair of ball joints too. So I'll have my hands full after work tomorrow. I need to get it ready for the run the following weekend. My sister's son is turning into a budding gearhead and asked if he could come along sometime. Since the wife had committed herself dogsitting for a friend I'd have an empty seat so I let him know he could come along. He's been on a simple ride in a Jeep before so an overnighter into the Great Sand Dunes national park should get him hooked.

 

[GWeakland620]

I like the title change btw!!!

 

[ZooMad75]

I like the title change btw!!!

Thanks, it was time. Plus it gets my head in gear for the next bit of fun.

 

[Bent77]

You know @1977k5 needs a 5.3...

 

[ZooMad75]

You know @1977k5 needs a 5.3...

Mine will be up for sale soon enough. This run coming up will probably be the last off road run with the 5.3. I'll probably continue to drive it to work once a week, but it's only a little while before it takes a spot in the Bigassgas garage for the transplant procedure. We want it done over the winter to be able to drive it this spring to work the kinks out of it and have it ready for next years desert trip.

 

[GWeakland620]

Mine will be up for sale soon enough. This run coming up will probably be the last off road run with the 5.3. I'll probably continue to drive it to work once a week, but it's only a little while before it takes a spot in the Bigassgas garage for the transplant procedure. We want it done over the winter to be able to drive it this spring to work the kinks out of it and have it ready for next years desert trip.

Sounds like me and you have similar time frames. That’s good for me cause then I can follow like I’m actually there! Lol

 

[ZooMad75]

Sounds like me and you have similar time frames. That’s good for me cause then I can follow like I’m actually there! Lol

Yep we are on similar paths. I've already got all the specific 8.1 bits. Got my pedal assembly but need all the hydraulic parts and the clutch itself. I need to get my ord engine cross member too.

I've got a Corvette to sell for my wife's cousin that should help finance most of this. Getting 10% of the sales price when it's sold.

 

[GWeakland620]

Yep we are on similar paths. I've already got all the specific 8.1 bits. Got my pedal assembly but need all the hydraulic parts and the clutch itself. I need to get my ord engine cross member too.

I've got a Corvette to sell for my wife's cousin that should help finance most of this. Getting 10% of the sales price when it's sold.

I still need to figure out if I am going the hydro boost route or not.

 

[ZooMad75]

Might as well right?

 

[ZooMad75]

The knuckle is off at least. Good thing I got both upper and lower ball joints. The lower nut was nailed more than I realized and the threads on the stud were properly fubar. Fought like hell coming off. I attempted to set up the ball joint removal too I borrowed and I didn't grab the right length tube fit over the ball joint to press it out. I'll have to take it over to my buddy Bill's place to handle it tomorrow.

 

[ZooMad75]

Here goes the 1 step forward, 2 steps back dance. Got the old joints pressed out, upper came out with noticeably less effort. The new lower joint pressed in nice and tight. Went to set up the ball joint press on the upper and just by running the press down by hand the joint pressed in over halfway. Bill and I both took notice of that. It was just too easy. We fiddled with it and got it to press in but it seemed like it wouldn't bottom out in the knuckle. With a few bursts of a big impact on the press, it looked like it seated fully. It looked good but the proof would be when I put it on.

Got home and put the knuckle on the inner C and run the lower nut down by hand to hold it. I then went to put the upper nut on and as I run it down by hand. As I tightened the nut I felt the joint pop lightly and the nut was loose again. No tool was used, just turning the nut by hand. I was able to then just lift the knuckle up and down and see the ball joint move in it by a 16th to 8th of an inch. It's not tight. So I'm on the hunt for a knuckle now too.

 

[Capt Ron]

So I'm on the hunt for a knuckle now too.

Let me see what I can come up with.

 

[ZooMad75]

Let me see what I can come up with.

Thanks. I've already located a couple at the local boneyard in Penrose. I don't need a flat top knuckle so I can get a D44 or 10bolt version at this point.

 

[mosesburb]

Thanks. I've already located a couple at the local boneyard in Penrose. I don't need a flat top knuckle so I can get a D44 or 10bolt version at this point.

I have what you need if you strike out around your place there. I wonder if the knuckle issue was a contributor to the recurring axle issue?

 

[GWeakland620]

Well at least is was the knuckle and not the inner C. That would suck.

 

[obijuank5]

Just weld it in.

 

[ZooMad75]

I have what you need if you strike out around your place there. I wonder if the knuckle issue was a contributor to the recurring axle issue?

I've already got my hands on one, but do appreciate the offer for sure. I can't help to think that the loose ball joint/knuckle had something to do with my failures. Something to think about for sure.

Well at least is was the knuckle and not the inner C. That would suck.

The inner C has the threaded insert that by all accounts looks fine.

Just weld it in.

We kicked the idea around but really the right thing to do is get another knuckle and start over.

 

[kennyw]

Thanks. I've already located a couple at the local boneyard in Penrose. I don't need a flat top knuckle so I can get a D44 or 10bolt version at this point.

Pay attention to the direction of the tie rod. Flat tops run the opposite direction of non-flat tops (up vs down).

 

[Capt Ron]

I've already got my hands on one, but do appreciate the offer for sure. I can't help to think that the loose ball joint/knuckle had something to do with my failures. Something to think about for sure.

I actually got you a complete flat top outer assembly this morning before I saw your post. I will keep it in the parts stash in case it is needed in the future.

 

[Bent77]

I actually got you a complete flat top outer assembly this morning before I saw your post. I will keep it in the parts stash in case it is needed in the future.

Someone always needs those. Eventually he may want cross over

I did send him a link to some knuckles last night