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"Gredda's" Build / WTF / Help Me! Thread

dieselndixie

dieselndixie

1/2 ton status
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Jan 14, 2011
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Location
austin, tx
First off, thanks to all that hepled me with my purchase (help a noob buy his first k5)

Now that "Gredda" (grey/red k5) is in the garage...its time to start my build thread. This wont be a typical thread that shows off how skilled and crafty I am...this is going to be a "please help me screw up the least amount possible during this build" thread.

So, if you dont have patience, this is not the thread to follow. Here goes nothing.

Known Specs:
1989 Chevy K5 - 158k miles
350 tbi - originial and stock
700r4 - original and stock
241 transfer case - original and stock
10 bolt GM front and rear axles
31x1050 mickey thompson baja m/t
gears - 3.42

I have driven it about 130 miles so far. I replaced the air filter, and ran a can of seafoam in the fuel tank. I am changing the engine oil first with 5 qts of 10w50 (hot here in texas) and then the fuel filter.

OVERALL goal is a reliable machine that can take the rough texas heat and terrain. 4 hour drives to the coast, 5 hours to big bend, camping in the back, moderate off road and rock conditions, towing my dirt bike trailer to ride. I dont want it to look like a turd, but I care most about reliable and tough. I ALWAYS WANT TO MAKE IT BACK HOME!

Questions coming...get ready.

k5.jpg

k5 front grill.jpg

k5 engine bay.jpg

k5 rear.jpg

K5 interior.jpg
 
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First list of questions and issues:

1. turn signal wont self cancel when turning left...I have searched and seen it could be a spring issue. I dont know what to get to replace, and how to replace (tilt steering column btw)

2. Front left (if facing truck) tow hook broke a bolt, and pulled tow hook into bumper...see damage in original pics. Can I just replace the bolt that broke? size? where to find? thoughts?
 
You probably need a turning signal cam that is in the steering column. As far as the bolt is concerned yes a grade 8 bolt of the same size should suffice however i would inspect the frame throughly to make sure there is no frame damage. In that cas i would suggest you inspect the frame where the steering box bolts to for cracks around the bolt holes and repair if necessary. The aftermarket frame braces and or plate are highly recommended on these trucks.
 
If you are new to these trucks it would do you good to order a couple catalogs

LMC has good diagrams some parts are good some are not.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/bzc/t.aspx

Brothers is another good one http://www.brotherstrucks.com/

Cheyenne pickup parts has some stuff http://www.cheyennepickup.com/

Classic Industries is a good one too http://www.classicindustries.com/truck/parts/

Most auto parts stores have a good selection for our trucks too.

The steering column is easy to take apart and the turn signal cam is often broken. Not too bad to replace.
 
the return spring for the signal is probably broken. easy fix. any parts store should be able to hook you up there.

for the bolt, i would just take one of the other bolts off to compare and hit the hardware store
 
I do well if I can follow a "write up" or "how to" so I ordered a chiltons manual. Will that have the process I need to repair the turn signal cancel?
 
Also, point me in the direction of how to tighten my steering...I am gonna get a dui in this thing for sure with steering being so loose ;)
 
Cannot believe I forgot this one

http://www.classicparts.com/

As far as steering goes you are going to have to grab someone and start steering it back and forth while you watch, go lock to lock a couple times, then have the person steering jiggle it back and forth quickly.

This should point out worn components first step to tight steering is replacing worn components
 
Cool, 77_Jimmy is going to stop by tonight and give her the "once over" to see if I got a decent rig, or a time bomb. Hopefully he can help me with some steering tightening too. I already have a whole list of questions building...I am trying to tackle one thing at a time. I am going to take her out to my buddies ranch this weekend, and get some quality time with her. "and hopefully load up on quail"
 
blazinzuk said:
Cannot believe I forgot this one

http://www.classicparts.com/

As far as steering goes you are going to have to grab someone and start steering it back and forth while you watch, go lock to lock a couple times, then have the person steering jiggle it back and forth quickly.

This should point out worn components first step to tight steering is replacing worn components
Click to expand...

U also forgot ROCKAUTO.Com :laugh:
 
Quick question....My cigarette lighter doesnt work...I dont even think its plugged in anymore. There is a red wire hanging in the opening that looks new and is from the Previous Owner. I traced the wire all the way back to the battery...its just run direct from the positive terminal.

Can I buy an aftermarket cig lighter adapter and connect it to that red wire? I really need an outlet for my spotlight before this weekend.

I am awful with electrical stuff.

Might just put my spare battery in the back, and hook the spotlight up directly for now.
 
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dieselndixie said:
Quick question....My cigarette lighter doesnt work...I dont even think its plugged in anymore. There is a red wire hanging in the opening that looks new and is from the Previous Owner. I traced the wire all the way back to the battery...its just run direct from the positive terminal.

Can I buy an aftermarket cig lighter adapter and connect it to that red wire? I really need an outlet for my spotlight before this weekend.

I am awful with electrical stuff.

Might just put my spare battery in the back, and hook the spotlight up directly for now.
Click to expand...

Mine is run direct from the battery but with an inline fuse... it has worked well for quite a few years now.
 
fyi you run that 10-50 oil your fuel mileage will be in the toilet.

those tbi motors req 5-30 from the factory and i my self tryed the thicker stuff. truck runs better with the 5-30 all day long.
 
That is a nice clean k5 you got there, congrats!:waytogo:

Be weary on the tow hook, I always wondered why I was missing one, when I crawled under there to clean up the front of the frame, this is what I found;

Thank you previous owner...:doah:

0731001724a.jpg
 
blazinzuk said:
If you are new to these trucks it would do you good to order a couple catalogs

LMC has good diagrams some parts are good some are not.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/bzc/t.aspx

Brothers is another good one http://www.brotherstrucks.com/

Cheyenne pickup parts has some stuff http://www.cheyennepickup.com/

Classic Industries is a good one too http://www.classicindustries.com/truck/parts/

Most auto parts stores have a good selection for our trucks too.

The steering column is easy to take apart and the turn signal cam is often broken. Not too bad to replace.
Click to expand...



Very solid advice...
 
For the cig lighter, I would make sure it has an in-line fuse somewhere, and that its got a good ground. It won't work at all if the ground isn't connected. Just make sure the ground is on a screw that actually goes into the metal. If you have a meter, you can check to see if the wire that connects to the back of the lighter is hot since it goes directly to the battery. If not, might be a good idea just to replace the whole wire. Might be cut or broke somewhere.
 
Big thanks to 77_Jimmy for coming by last night and giving me the k5 101 course. Looks like I am starting with a good solid rig. I am going to follow the advice, and inspect and top off all fluids, replace my radiator cap, and take her to the ranch this weekend to get more familiar with her.
 
Looks like a nice rig. You're getting so good advice from the brotherhood. Here's my two cents. When refering to left and right on a vehicle, orient yourself as if you are in the driver's seat and refer to everything that way. Especially important when dealing with brain damaged parts store order takers.

Excample: the drivers side front tire is ALWAYS the left front, whether you are sitting in the drivers seat looking out the windshield or standing in front of the vehicle looking at the headlights.
 
Good advice given so far! Looks to be solid rig. A general tune up plugs, wires,, cap/rotor, belts, and fluids is a great place to start with for reliability. As mentioned above with checking the steering you'll prolly find many of the tie-rod ends and drag link ends a little sloppy. These all combine for that play you mention. Replace them if the need it and the steering shaft from a jeep Cherokee will replace the probably worn out rag joint (rubber and metal disk) at the steering box.

Another thing I noticed from the pics. Take the auto 4x4 hubs and swap them out for some manuals. They will fail as soon as you NEED 4x4. :waytogo:
 
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