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Black Betty - Formerly Blaze the Monster Machine

1984 K5 Project for Dad and kids
Overview Gallery Discussion
Finally got to use the new welder. This thing is bitchin!!!! It laughed at welding the plate to my frame. I nearly blew a hole in the frame on the first bead. It's very apparent now why I was given my old welder for free. Thing was definitely on its way out.

Unfortunately I got to lay 3 beads before I had to deal with the sheriff's office and an injured deer in my yard. Not all bad. Got 20-30lbs of deer meat and some more tenderloins and back strap.
 
Got the plate welded in and the passenger side upper king pin cap off and then had to stop for family. But I did get some cool shwag in the mail today.

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Got the new steer arm on and front brakes bled. Went to swap the detent cable and the one I ordered was to long so I gotta find that. Going to pick up some more bolts for the steering box and get it mounted tomorrow and hopefully bled. Then just wait on the new detent cable and we should be ready to drive.

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2hrs later and the steering box is in. Steering shaft was seized so I had break that free. Now all that’s left is to reconnect the steering shaft, install the pitman arm, install the crossover shaft, connect the power steering lines, bleed them, and go for a drive. Should only take me 4 more weeks.

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I mean it took me 2hrs to install 4 bolts today because of course the holes were just that much off and had to be filed to fit. 4 weeks for everything else seems perfectly reasonable.
 
It’s done!! Got the front shocks mounted and went for a nice drive. This thing rides better than my 14 Silverado. It never bumped, bounced, wiggled, jiggled, or jarred me. No squeaks or rattles. Steering is nice and tight although I still gotta work on getting it centered.

But of course it’s not all good news. Got home and bent down to look at the brakes and put my hand on the drivers hub and it nearly scalded me so it looks like I get to dive into that now.

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It’s so weird driving this truck again. It’s completely changed. Things that I used to wince over I don’t even feel anymore. I know it’s flexing but the cab never moves. I can’t wait to get it on the rocks and see how it does.

My dog certainly enjoys getting tacos in it more than the Silverado.

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Last edited:
centexk5 said:
It’s so weird driving this truck again. It’s completely changed. Things that I used to wince over I don’t even feel anymore. I know it’s flexing but the cab never moves. I can’t wait to get it on the rocks and see how it does.

My dog certainly enjoys getting tacos in it more than the Silverado.

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This is exactly the results that I try to relay to others when they ask about springs. The ones who have never experienced it and think that off the shelf springs are good, don't believe there is a difference.
I am glad that you get to enjoy your truck more now!
 
Zip tie those brake hoses to the shock body and keep them from getting caught up.
And hidden falls is calling for those rockers. Better get some sliders man lol
 
When I go in for the hubs I’ll tie the brake lines up. I also think my power steering pump is giving up the ghost. It’s starting to groan and it’s got plenty of fluid and there are no bubbles when turning. Picked up a transmission filter and gasket and valve cover gaskets today to fix some leaks.

Rockers are mostly trashed on this truck anyways but a set of sliders isn’t a bad idea.
 
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