A few freebies and I got the bug again

[uglyangelracing]

So I bought this as a daily driver about 9 years ago. 1985 chevy k5 with 90k for $800.
Shortly after the motor was givin all the signs of a hard life. I had a motor in the basement that i had built during a bored winter so i dropped it in. 1977 350 bored 30 over, edelbrock performer carb intake and cam, erson 1.6 roller rockers, and mallory hei distributor and coil.
Then got rejected for inspection for body rot. So new tub fenders doors and a custom paint job ( in my back yard LOL). New carpet, seats, dash, and privacy glass.
Well I had just about had it with 700r4's. In the last 4 years Ive gone through 4 of them. I wasnt useing the ECU due to fire so had installed painless wireing ECU eliminator kit.
So truck sat for almost a year. Until last weekend. Got a free SM465 complete. Trans, hydro clutch, 208 transfer case, drive shafts, only missing the pedals. Now that got me started I installed it the next day.
Next another buddy sees me working on the trans asks if i want some free chevy stuff. Of course i said sure. He shows up with 1987 blazer front and rear axles includeing springs, a complete 305 TBI engine includeing harness and ECU, and 2 sets of tires and rims (31's and 33's).
Well put the stuff in my shed and started cleaning the 52 inch rear springs to paint. About to order the DIYx4 b52 kit.
Brother in law stops buy for me to take a look at his new van. Nice but what happened to the old one? Parting it out. Still got the rear diff? Its all yours. YES. 14bolt FF 1-ton. Now just need a d60 for the front.

 

[broncoman6524]

Don't ya love it when stuff falls into your lap like that?!?!

sounds like a good start!

These trucks are sooo much more fun to drive with the 4 speed.

 

[K5dreamer]

dude, sick front bumper

 

[str8axle55]

If it`s free it`s for me..good score.

 

[uglyangelracing]

Yeah got alot of stuff to do know and winters comein. Maybe just wait until spring to lift it. Its a Warn Enforcer w/winch mount another good score lol

 

[Russell]

Just a bit of advice about the 52" springs -- Don't do it just yet!

I went to put 52s in the front of my truck, and once I got to thinking about it, I realized that the flex they allow causes more trouble than they are worth. Just think about it for a sec:

1. You gotta relocate your front mounts.
2. You gotta relocate your rear mounts.
3. You need a long slip, high angle CV front driveshaft to handle the movement up front
4. You need to convert to crossover steering which involves buying knuckles, steering arms, a drag link, a tie rod, 2wd steering box, pitman arm and braces for your frame rail where the steering box mounts.
5. You need to purchase longer HD shackles
6. You need to purchase expensive long travel shocks, which involves purchasing new shock towers.
7. You need to install new bump stops and limiting straps to keep from damaging your expensive shocks, binding your driveshaft or steering components, etc etc.
7. The ride becomes so soft up front that it starts to become dangerous to drive on the street as handling is so drastically changed, not to mention that you cannot install a sway bar to help with body roll anymore.


If a guy is going to that much length for a cheap 52" spring swap -- Midaswell just spend the extra 800 bucks or so and 4-link it. That way you get all the advantages of the added flex, but the rig can still be set up to be streetable.

Needless to say, I re-installed my 4" front lift springs, and plan to leave it that way!