First gen k5 wheels tires and suspension

[K5ven]

What's up guys, I want to put 37" tires on my first gen k5, currently has a shitty 4 " lift want new leafs and shocks. Any suggestions and problems I will run into has a 14 bolt rear and dana 44 front will be getting a dana 60 near future! Pls help

 

[ZooMad75]

Welcome. Depends on what the plans are for the truck. 37's are big and may require trimming to fit. Just looking cool on the street is one thing, actually wheeling/flexing it may be a whole other issue.

So we building a mall crawler or a wheeler?

Keep in mind many have done what you are looking to do. Might be worth a little time searching around and see what the others have done.

 

[K5ven]

Welcome. Depends on what the plans are for the truck. 37's are big and may require trimming to fit. Just looking cool on the street is one thing, actually wheeling/flexing it may be a whole other issue.

So we building a mall crawler or a wheeler?

Keep in mind many have done what you are looking to do. Might be worth a little time searching around and see what the others have done.

Family fun truck wheeling and camping body has rear fenders trimmed, I thought this would be the place to see what others have done , I've got a 700r4 trans as well hate the way it shifts need different trans options

 

[Greg72]

Family fun truck wheeling and camping body has rear fenders trimmed, I thought this would be the place to see what others have done , I've got a 700r4 trans as well hate the way it shifts need different trans options

There's about 20-years worth of information on CK5 about tire/suspension upgrades. Literally.

I've been here since 2001. Posted hundreds of times about what I've done in the past... so there's plenty here to read if you want to learn.
It's not obvious what your specific complaint is about the current setup on your truck, or what you specifically want to accomplish.... I'm sure that makes it harder for people to help with suggestions.

Leafsprings can be made to flex really well. I've posted this photo a jillion times but here's a very simple setup on a '72K5 that worked awesome. 4" ORD lift, shackleflip with longer shackles and proper length shocks on 38s.

 

[Jimmy85]

Lots of good trails there in washoe valley. But I could do most with my stock 1 ton Chevy utility work truck. 37s seems like overkill for a family wagon.
I vote go lower!

 

[Wes Harden]

Carson city is in easy range of Tahoe, and the trails in that area can be very demanding.
Budget, skill level?
How much highway driving.

 

[K5ven]

Carson city is in easy range of Tahoe, and the trails in that area can be very demanding.
Budget, skill level?
How much highway driving.

Budget 20k for everything's I am trying cheaper options cause leaving options for drive train repair to ls and new trans, absolute newb not very much street driving maybe 2 miles a day to work and back

 

[500$k5]

2 Inches of lift and 33's, can make a very usable daily driver/ trail rig!

 

[500$k5]

With 2 inch lift, and 33's, (if your commute gets too crazy), you can even drive on top of small cars!!

 

[ZooMad75]

Pretty easy to make the call to Off Road Design. Tell them what you need what you want the truck to do and they will work up exactly what you need. All you got to do is open the wallet.

ORD is a big supporter here and has an excellent track record. But like anything custom they need all your specs in detail to get it right for you.

 

[TJ1978]

Everything I've purchased from ORD, which is quit a bit, though not as much as others has been well worth the $. Plus they answer their phones and help you in anyway they can, even months after purchase.

 

[SpeedlabDan]

Also building a crawler, overland er or in my case a prerunner is going to change you suspension and drive train setup drastically.
Crawlers seem to be the most popular on here, overlanding you're certainly going to need heavier spring rates and prerunners like mine (though relatively mild) use different setups. I'm not in favor of the shackle flip but more a longer shackle and 52" rear springs with a 4" lift from a company like Deaver, ORD, or Atlas.
Links can work well but require more fabricated parts but ord offers a sweet fron and rear kit with shocks that would fit your needs.

 

[MEMO43]

k5ven
I'm from Gardnerville nv
the last rig I had was an 83
nothing fancy
2" lift
33s
sbc 350 700r4 with 208
there are very few obstacles I could not negotiate with it.
it was my daily driver/family fun off road rig
I was even a rrecovery vehicle when my son got into dirt bikes

 

[70jimmy]

6 inch springs, 1 inch zero rate, extended shackles, major trimming and cut the front fangs off. 37 inch BFG Krawlers. It can flex fully and never hit the fenders. It also depends on your tire choice some 37's are not 37 some are.

 

[70jimmy]

Springs are tough country from ORD, Zero rate was picked up so don't know the maker, The extended shackles are from ORD. Had to add the zero rate and shackles to get the stance I wanted, but it does have heavy bumpers, sliders, full cage and weighs 6200 lbs loaded. F150 shock mounts in front, inboarded shocks in rear. 14 bolt and 10 bolt in front with plans for a 60 someday.

70jimmy

• 70jimmy
• Nov 6, 2007
• 1

Old Chinaman's Gulch

OCG30

• 70jimmy
• Jul 12, 2006

The Cherry Bomb

• 70jimmy
• Dec 31, 1969

The Cherry Bomb

• 70jimmy
• Dec 31, 1969

 

[ktmoutfront]

but it does have heavy bumpers,

And one really custom mounted winch.

You are just picture whoring now.

I like that.

 

[70jimmy]

Yes the winch mount is very well done! I highly recommend 3W fabrication for all your truck needs, He is a retired guy who has lots of time for custom fab!

I need to go put some of the new parts I bought on the rig but lots of time before the bash still...