GMC JIMMY Build

[Hubnut]

I've decided to try to build the JIMMY into a stout trail machine. Figured I'd try to document the build here. Photos illustrate the base vehicle, then an upgraded BOR bumper and M12000 warn winch. I acquired two 14bff axles. One from the 70s and a military version from an M1008. The M1008 14b has the perches in the wrong position (40.5 inches on center IIRC). The other one is correct (perch-wise). So this weekend I moved the Detroit locker (4.56 gears) from the military 14b to the Civy. I also moved the 13 inch brake drums over. Got the Dana 60 cleaned--I will go through it next weekend. Got ORD shackle flip, SYE from J&B, 35 inch super swampers, backbone and wraptor from DIY4WD. I am using steel wheels. Getting them powder coated this week if all goes well. I hope to get everything ready and rebuilt, then install. I'll keep up the progress.

 

[tRustyK5]

No rear disks?

K5 is in beautiful shape!!

Rene

 

[4X4HIGH]

You sure you have the brake shoes in the correct position? It looks like both shoes in that pic have the same length lining. The front shoe should use a shorter lining and the longer lining goes in the rear.

 

[Hubnut]

I think you are correct. I assumed they were the same, but the old ones were indeed different length. Good catch. The benefit of additional eyes! Thank you!

 

[Hubnut]

Did the SYE conversion today. They recommend this be done on the bench, but I found it easily done in the truck. I think the lift helps. I am an amateur wrench turner--love doing it, no formal training. It was really fairly straightforward. I found that angled snap ring pliers were best. The hardest rings to get off are on the main shaft which is done on the bench anyway. Now I need to fit the 14b and dana 60 and measure for some new drive shafts. It's coming along nicely, albeit slowly.

 

[Hubnut]

A few more with the axles with new bearings and seals and brakes. Also got the new swampers mounted up. Just waiting on parts from DIY4WD.

 

[sweetk30]

also on shoes ..

thin in front thick in back on some other setups i have seen.

but yes short front and long backside.

 

[Hubnut]

Got the 60 rebuilt. Soldier A didn't drive one of the outer races on all the way. The hub jamb nut would only bite with a thread or two. I couldn't figure out why for a while. The race went down snug so I think it's okay. Pulled 3 of the heavy leaves out of the rear 56 inch springs. I'm still waiting on parts to make the switch.

 

[chaser0517]

Sounds like a nice ride

 

[Hubnut]

Jimmy build continues (14bff install)

Got the 10 bolt yanked and 14bff installed this weekend. Shackle flip and longer springs resulted in a nearly flat rear shackle. I will order either a 6 or 7 inch from DIY4X on Monday. The rivets were a snap. I partially used someone's method from here (can't remember sorry). I used a cutter wheel on my grinder and cut the head in half. Then I used my air chisel to knock off the heads. Then I used the air punch to knock out the main rivet body. Easy as pie. Had all the brackets off in 20 minutes! Trial fit for the 14 bolt. I put it in place so I could measure for the new driveshaft. Anyway, it's getting there!

 

[Hubnut]

A few more photos

 

[CAVANALK5]

hubnut, what is your lift, tire/wheel setup there in the first two pics?

 

[Hubnut]

6 inch superlift. Front springs and rear blocks. Tires were 35 x 12.50s.

 

[Hubnut]

A few pics of the nearly completed truck. Still got a punch out list and things I want to buy. I like it though.

 

[StevoandaRedK5]

mmmm purty

 

[84CUCV]

nice rig!

 

[Dalejrfan]

Will you have to re-route the exhaust so that the pipe is not going through the spring or will it be ok?

 

[CAVANALK5]

I happened to see your K5 in the Blazen Off-Road ad in the July '09 issue of Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road last night. I saw it as I glanced through it at the newstand (where I left it; man those mags are so thin and so pricey nowadays!) Lookin good

and thanks for the info on the previous lift and tires. that's more the look i'm leaning towards for mine at the moment. Nice Ride!

 

[Hubnut]

I've been told about the mag. I haven't seen it yet. I'll do the same, go to the store and look at it and put it back on the shelf. There's more advertising in those magazines than content. I can watch TV for commercials, why buy it too?

 

[rob h]

maybe this one.........???

i thought you would like it....