Getting Started

[shima]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forums and the platform, and am definitely still a novice in the garage in general. So first off, I just wanna say "hey" and "thanks in advance for all of this incredible information". Also, I want to apologize if the stuff I ask here isn't really applicable to "The Garage" section. I surfed around and searched for a thread for newbies like me but couldn't locate it. Don't hesitate to put me in line if this is a bad spot for this post.

Anyhow, I recently got my first 4x4 vehicle - a 1989 K5. I want to this thing to last forever, and I want to get good use out of it. I'll be taking it up to the mountains to snowboard (I live in Denver), and I want to get into light wheeling (never done it before). But, I don't really know where to start. I've got about a million questions, but don't wanna be wasting your guys' time... so I've narrowed it down to three!

1. What are some things I should be doing to protect this thing? I got a nice cover for it, and got a dash mat for it too. The paint is old and there is some rust on it. Should I repaint it myself (is that a common thing to do??), or take it to a shop? What have you all done? I've started surfing the body section of the forums, but got a little overwhelmed.
2. My truck is essentially stock other than a 4" block lift and 35s. What are some modifications that you guys would want to get done in order to make the truck better (in general)? I'm pumped to start wrenching on it but would love to know what you guys consider as "the essentials". I want to start taking it on light trails but don't want to break everything on my first go.
3. I am going to change the oil in it soon, but don't know what other basic maintenance jobs I should look into doing right off the bat. Similar to question number 2, I'd love to know what you guys would do if you picked up a truck off craigslist and wanted to make sure it was in tip top shape.

Thanks so much for any and all input. I'm pumped to meet some of you all and learn as much as I can about this thing.

 

[handloader90]

Me personally I wouldn't touch the paint, then again rust is my favorite paint.

DIY4X Shackle Flip in the rear and 4" tiff country springs (from Offroad Design) up front or keep your current 4" springs.

Poly bushings in the Springs, motor mounts and Tranny/T-case mount.

Engine tune-up: New spark plugs, spark plug wires, oil change, top off ALL fluids (trans, Power steering pump.

Check for leaks, fix leaks.

Enjoy it. I would keep it simple and make sure it it running well. After you have it for awhile you will figure out what more you want to do to it based on how hardcore into wheeling you end up getting.

I would look for a 14 Bolt Semi Float axle too. It will be a great upgrade over the 10 Bolt rear axle.

Correct gear ratio for your tire size.

 

[handloader90]

Lots if guys in Colorado too. Few guys around Denver.

 

[6872xtc]

As far as protecting it, I would suggest that you try as best as possible to keep the winter junk from eating it...
We have it better in Colorado than back east, but it can get more rust from lack of care. I don't know if as coating on the underside would be worth it or not. I have never tried one to see.
As said, maintenance goes a long ways. Make sure that you check the oil levels in everything, and the oil condition.
I did the 14 bolt, semi-float 6 lug axle in mine, but it takes some fab work to do.
Use it and you will see what you like or don't like about the truck.

 

[blazinzuk]

Change all the fluids. Engine oil. Transmission fluid. Differential fluid. Transfer case fluid.

How familiar are you with basic mechanics?

You mentioned you have a 4" block lift.

Does the truck have blocks in the front?

Rust grows, so if it's very minor good to treat it now.

You tube is a great resource for those who learn visually. But be careful I have seen bad advise being given.

 

[ChrisPerry]

You being new to 4x4s, I say leave it alone, don't modify anything. Just do basic maintenance and take it out on some basic dirt roads and get a feel for her. Don't forget to bring some friends in proven trucks as backup.

As for the maintenance, change ALL fluids. Coolant, engine oil, ps fluid, brake fluid, trans filter and fluid, t-case oil, both front and rear diffs. Lube ALL zirk fittings. Check for slop in all ujoints. Pack wheel bearings. Clean and lightly lube locking hubs. Check brakes and repair as needed.

Check for play in steering. Check the frame where the steering box bolts up for cracks, if none are present, purchase an ORD steering box brace and install it.

Tighten all u-bolts.

As you tackle each project, post up and we can give pointers to make the job easier.

Once again, don't modify until you start outgrowing the trucks capabilities.

 

[shima]

Me personally I wouldn't touch the paint, then again rust is my favorite paint.

DIY4X Shackle Flip in the rear and 4" tiff country springs (from Offroad Design) up front or keep your current 4" springs.

Poly bushings in the Springs, motor mounts and Tranny/T-case mount.

Engine tune-up: New spark plugs, spark plug wires, oil change, top off ALL fluids (trans, Power steering pump.

Check for leaks, fix leaks.

Enjoy it. I would keep it simple and make sure it it running well. After you have it for awhile you will figure out what more you want to do to it based on how hardcore into wheeling you end up getting.

I would look for a 14 Bolt Semi Float axle too. It will be a great upgrade over the 10 Bolt rear axle.

Correct gear ratio for your tire size.

Thanks so much man, I gotta look into this stuff! I've heard of the shackle flip, I think I might make that my first project.

As far as protecting it, I would suggest that you try as best as possible to keep the winter junk from eating it...
We have it better in Colorado than back east, but it can get more rust from lack of care. I don't know if as coating on the underside would be worth it or not. I have never tried one to see.
As said, maintenance goes a long ways. Make sure that you check the oil levels in everything, and the oil condition.
I did the 14 bolt, semi-float 6 lug axle in mine, but it takes some fab work to do.
Use it and you will see what you like or don't like about the truck.

Thanks man, I'll look into coating the underside. Do most people use RhinoLiner (or whatever it is called - the bed liner) for that?

Change all the fluids. Engine oil. Transmission fluid. Differential fluid. Transfer case fluid.

How familiar are you with basic mechanics?

You mentioned you have a 4" block lift.

Does the truck have blocks in the front?

Rust grows, so if it's very minor good to treat it now.

You tube is a great resource for those who learn visually. But be careful I have seen bad advise being given.

Will do sir, thank you! I've done some work on my other car, like replacing tie rod ends and flushing the radiator... basic stuff like that. Never tackled any big jobs. I'm always looking to learn though. My truck doesn't have blocks in the front. It's embarrassing to admit but I don't know the term for them. I took a couple of pics and I'll upload them to this thread soon.

You being new to 4x4s, I say leave it alone, don't modify anything. Just do basic maintenance and take it out on some basic dirt roads and get a feel for her. Don't forget to bring some friends in proven trucks as backup.

As for the maintenance, change ALL fluids. Coolant, engine oil, ps fluid, brake fluid, trans filter and fluid, t-case oil, both front and rear diffs. Lube ALL zirk fittings. Check for slop in all ujoints. Pack wheel bearings. Clean and lightly lube locking hubs. Check brakes and repair as needed.

Check for play in steering. Check the frame where the steering box bolts up for cracks, if none are present, purchase an ORD steering box brace and install it.

Tighten all u-bolts.

As you tackle each project, post up and we can give pointers to make the job easier.

Once again, don't modify until you start outgrowing the trucks capabilities.

Thanks so much, amigo. No clue on what is involved with the zirk fittings, ujoints, or wheel bearings... but I'm sure that info is on here in a million places lol.

 

[handloader90]

Thanks so much man, I gotta look into this stuff! I've heard of the shackle flip, I think I might make that my first project.



Thanks man, I'll look into coating the underside. Do most people use RhinoLiner (or whatever it is called - the bed liner) for that?



Will do sir, thank you! I've done some work on my other car, like replacing tie rod ends and flushing the radiator... basic stuff like that. Never tackled any big jobs. I'm always looking to learn though. My truck doesn't have blocks in the front. It's embarrassing to admit but I don't know the term for them. I took a couple of pics and I'll upload them to this thread soon.



Thanks so much, amigo. No clue on what is involved with the zirk fittings, ujoints, or wheel bearings... but I'm sure that info is on here in a million places lol.

For undercoating most people use a rubber style undercoating. There is an anti-corrosive liquid that you can buy, I forget the name of it. There is a thread on here about it.

You can buy that stuff and put it in a pump up weed sprayer and that should work really well for the winter. Then once summer rolls around you cam take it to the car wash and spray it off and reapply the next winter.

Zerks are the little grease nipples that you put your grease gun on that you will find on your tie-rod and drag link ends and greasable bolts if you ever use those.

 

[handloader90]

Doing a shackle flip on a K5 is pretty involved lol. 99.99% of the time you need to drop the fuel tank, some have gotten away without doing it but it seems like it would make thing extremely difficult.

 

[shima]

Attached are a couple of photos of my front suspension, and a pic of the truck in general. Took it just a few minutes ago.

For undercoating most people use a rubber style undercoating. There is an anti-corrosive liquid that you can buy, I forget the name of it. There is a thread on here about it.

You can buy that stuff and put it in a pump up weed sprayer and that should work really well for the winter. Then once summer rolls around you cam take it to the car wash and spray it off and reapply the next winter.

Zerks are the little grease nipples that you put your grease gun on that you will find on your tie-rod and drag link ends and greasable bolts if you ever use those.

Doing a shackle flip on a K5 is pretty involved lol. 99.99% of the time you need to drop the fuel tank, some have gotten away without doing it but it seems like it would make thing extremely difficult.

Thank you man! I'll read up on the undercoating, definitely gonna want that if I'm driving around through snow during snowboarding season. Regarding the shackle flip, might be too advanced for me right now but maybe in the near future I'll be able to take care of it.

 

[Fastereddie]

Thats a nice looking rig man. You might want to read up on doing a pitman arm drop or raised steering arm.

 

[Recon 78]

Welcome
you have a nice base to build on
agree with other posters, change all fluids, grease all fittings, drive it for a while to learn what it needs.

 

[diesel4me]

Use the old engine and gear oil to coat the whole underside,and it would pay off to pull out the rugs and look for any rust starting at seams ,in the floors,rear quarters--and oil can be applied in those spots to help ward off rust...it will need to be re-applied every year or so,more often if you drive it on any salted roads or snow..

My trucks wouldn't be rotted had I followed my own advice and been more vigilant about applying oil oftener....these trucks rust even in the desert,it just takes a little longer there..

 

[79rustyk10]

Ive heard good things about fluid film, as far as rust protection goes. Ive heard its easy to find in parts stores.

Otherwise, I fully agree with the others, get used to the truck, and see what you find to be limiting. Though, the tough country springs up front will be a gea upgrade, especially if it has blocks.

 

[Justin V]

Nice truck Shima. I'm back in town... PM me if you still want a hand giving that frontend a look over...

 

[handloader90]

Ive heard good things about fluid film, as far as rust protection goes. Ive heard its easy to find in parts stores.

Otherwise, I fully agree with the others, get used to the truck, and see what you find to be limiting. Though, the tough country springs up front will be a gea upgrade, especially if it has blocks.

Fluid Film is what it's called! Couldn't recall the name.

A lot of the snow plow guys use it with great results.

 

[shima]

Thats a nice looking rig man. You might want to read up on doing a pitman arm drop or raised steering arm.

Thanks man! I'll read up on those both.

Welcome
you have a nice base to build on
agree with other posters, change all fluids, grease all fittings, drive it for a while to learn what it needs.

Thank you sir, will absolutely do that.

Use the old engine and gear oil to coat the whole underside,and it would pay off to pull out the rugs and look for any rust starting at seams ,in the floors,rear quarters--and oil can be applied in those spots to help ward off rust...it will need to be re-applied every year or so,more often if you drive it on any salted roads or snow..

My trucks wouldn't be rotted had I followed my own advice and been more vigilant about applying oil oftener....these trucks rust even in the desert,it just takes a little longer there..

That's an awesome tip, thanks man!! I never would have thought of that.

Ive heard good things about fluid film, as far as rust protection goes. Ive heard its easy to find in parts stores.

Otherwise, I fully agree with the others, get used to the truck, and see what you find to be limiting. Though, the tough country springs up front will be a gea upgrade, especially if it has blocks.

Absolutely, I appreciate it! I'm pumped to take it out and see what it can do.

Nice truck Shima. I'm back in town... PM me if you still want a hand giving that frontend a look over...

Yes sir, I'd like that! It would be great to meet you and just chat about the trucks in general. I gotta get going on some of my first projects!

Fluid Film is what it's called! Couldn't recall the name.

A lot of the snow plow guys use it with great results.

I'll take a look and see if I can find this stuff, it sounds like a great option for me. Thanks handloader!

 

[Recon 78]

Belts, hoses,leaks.
must have: repair manual.
nice thing is, covers 73 thru 87 (91 K5)
while doing these easy things you will learn your rig and be able to move on to the mods needed to make your rig work for you

 

[Justin V]

I met with @shima yesterday afternoon.

Overall this truck is a great start.

It has a TBI 350, 700R4, np241, pair of 10 bolts, options sticker says g80, so gov lock unless it had already been swapped out. (Or maybe a different glove box installed)...

Procomp 11411 springs in the front, designed at 4" lift, rear blocks, ranchos doing the dampening. There is a drop pitman arm, 1 of his above pics looked like maybe there was not any type of steering correction. Tcase has been dropped using the factory bolt sleeves reinstalled between the frame and crossmember instead of on top of the frame.

We discussed that several things could be improved upon, but as it sits, the truck is assembled properly. Nothing glaring out as unsafe or about to f some s up. I drove it around the block, pretty stiff ride, and I suggested having an alignment shop baseline this thing, adjust toe if necessary, but the bigger deal would be seeing where his caster is at currently. Might need a couple dgrees of shim to improve the handling some...

The was a slight leak from the passenger front caliper, looked like a bad bleeder or a bad copper crush washer on the line. Leak is very slight though, when driving the truck I didn't notice anything spongy or the like.


Recommendations are to confirm maintenance is up to snuff, check all fluids and replace as needed, address the brake leak, get a steering box brace, remove swaybar to see if the ride improves or possibly snag some ORD disconnects, and get some longer brake lines. Check condition of tune up parts. Then drive it and drive it somemore. Go from there once he has some good quality seat time.

 

[shima]

I met with @shima yesterday afternoon.

Overall this truck is a great start.

It has a TBI 350, 700R4, np241, pair of 10 bolts, options sticker says g80, so gov lock unless it had already been swapped out. (Or maybe a different glove box installed)...

Procomp 11411 springs in the front, designed at 4" lift, rear blocks, ranchos doing the dampening. There is a drop pitman arm, 1 of his above pics looked like maybe there was not any type of steering correction. Tcase has been dropped using the factory bolt sleeves reinstalled between the frame and crossmember instead of on top of the frame.

We discussed that several things could be improved upon, but as it sits, the truck is assembled properly. Nothing glaring out as unsafe or about to f some s up. I drove it around the block, pretty stiff ride, and I suggested having an alignment shop baseline this thing, adjust toe if necessary, but the bigger deal would be seeing where his caster is at currently. Might need a couple dgrees of shim to improve the handling some...

The was a slight leak from the passenger front caliper, looked like a bad bleeder or a bad copper crush washer on the line. Leak is very slight though, when driving the truck I didn't notice anything spongy or the like.


Recommendations are to confirm maintenance is up to snuff, check all fluids and replace as needed, address the brake leak, get a steering box brace, remove swaybar to see if the ride improves or possibly snag some ORD disconnects, and get some longer brake lines. Check condition of tune up parts. Then drive it and drive it somemore. Go from there once he has some good quality seat time.

Justin, you are THE MAN!!! Can't thank you enough.

I'm setting some time aside this week to start tackling maintenance, and am gonna try and get a better look at that caliper. Regarding the brake lines, do you all prefer those sold on Offroad Design?

EDIT: I'm also going to get an alignment report, and I'll post the results!