CK5
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frame strength
- Thread starter us74k5
- Start date
Amtek
1/2 ton status
m1009 is no different than a regular K5. Go with the K20
X2...
General consensus is that the 1/2 and 3/4 ton frames are of similar manufacture. The 1-tons are taller and possibly thicker, which, all else being equal, would make them stronger.
In your case, I'd consider condition and age. I'd picker, based on rust, and wear and tear in the usual spots, i.e. around the steering box, shock mounts, etc.
That and which would fit your desired body better, pickup cab or Blazer tub.
-- A
m00nBlaZe
Registered Member
I've had both an '82 Blazer and an '84 K20. I built the blazer and ran it hard on the Arizona rocks..... If I had to do it again I would use the K20. It is noticeably thicker than the blazer frame.
After 2 years of hard wheeling the blazer frame had:
cracked at the the steering box
cracked at the passenger upper rear shock mount
bent on the top side of both frame rails about in the middle of the truck
a big hump in the top of the driver side frame rail at about the firewall
The front frame rails were laid over a couple degrees
The frame was so bent I couldn't load it on the trailer straight and it tracked about 6 inches off like those busted rebuilds you see driving sideways down the highway
Most of that could have been avoided had I built a good cage that helped support the frame, made custom mounts for the rear shocks, and used the ORD steering box repair and brace.
I still prefer to start with a stronger base.... But that's my opinion
After 2 years of hard wheeling the blazer frame had:
cracked at the the steering box
cracked at the passenger upper rear shock mount
bent on the top side of both frame rails about in the middle of the truck
a big hump in the top of the driver side frame rail at about the firewall
The front frame rails were laid over a couple degrees
The frame was so bent I couldn't load it on the trailer straight and it tracked about 6 inches off like those busted rebuilds you see driving sideways down the highway
Most of that could have been avoided had I built a good cage that helped support the frame, made custom mounts for the rear shocks, and used the ORD steering box repair and brace.
I still prefer to start with a stronger base.... But that's my opinion
Just because you experienced the problems with the K5 frame doesn't mean it won't happen with any K20 frame you use.I've had both an '82 Blazer and an '84 K20. I built the blazer and ran it hard on the Arizona rocks..... If I had to do it again I would use the K20. It is noticeably thicker than the blazer frame.
After 2 years of hard wheeling the blazer frame had:
cracked at the the steering box
cracked at the passenger upper rear shock mount
bent on the top side of both frame rails about in the middle of the truck
a big hump in the top of the driver side frame rail at about the firewall
The front frame rails were laid over a couple degrees
The frame was so bent I couldn't load it on the trailer straight and it tracked about 6 inches off like those busted rebuilds you see driving sideways down the highway
Most of that could have been avoided had I built a good cage that helped support the frame, made custom mounts for the rear shocks, and used the ORD steering box repair and brace.
I still prefer to start with a stronger base.... But that's my opinion
It goes both ways. All depends on how you drive the rig and how its set up. I've seen plenty of K20 frames that went thru the same description you gave of your K5 frame.
If you wanted to build another K5, I'd be looking into finding another Blazer frame and doing extensive modifications to it to prevent further problems from arising such like your old frame. All it takes is a little homework and searching around on here to get ideas.
m00nBlaZe
Registered Member
"Most of that could have been avoided had I built a good cage that helped support the frame, made custom mounts for the rear shocks, and used the ORD steering box repair and brace.
I still prefer to start with a stronger base.... But that's my opinion"
You did read my entire post right? Pretty sure I said what one could do to help the situation. And also that it is my opinion. I'm not trying to talk the guy out of building a Blazer, I love them and would like to have another one in the future although a little more mild the next go round.
