Help me with my build direction!!

[buckmtn]

Want to put together all around bad ass truck for trail ridding, rock crawling and the ocassional mud pit. Probaly never see much pavement. What I have is a 89 full size blazer with 10 bolt/14 bolt detrioit locked, 350 tbi with rod knock, sm465 w/205 case, 6" susp 2" body. I have a partial dana 60, bought new rotors, drw hubs, to run h1 wheels, 35 spline warn premiums, new spindles, detriot locker,new stubs, 5.13 gears. Just picked up a set of 3/4" tread 44" tsl's. Yesterday I picked up a '86 k30 with a carb'd 454 and 4-speed w/205 case. Dana 60/14 bolt 3.73 ratio. ($1250) Mostly bought it for the motor to put in my blazer to get rid of the rod knock and have something to turn the big ass tires. Motor runs great! Now just thinking of dumping the blazer and tossing the bed off the k30 shortening the frame and run it. I'd like to switch the 454 from carb to tbi for better off road ability, but not sure how to go about it. This is getting a little long winded, sorry! Post up your ideas! Not sure which direction to go!!!

 

[lak2004]

I would dump the k5 and build the k30 with a flat bed, especially if it wont see road time.

 

[buckmtn]

I think that is what I'm going to do. Shorten the wheelbase to something close to the blazer and build a flatbed for it. The blazer was about shot anyway. Part it out and build the K30!!!

 

[muddermilitia]

yep, go with the k-30. Ditch the bed and have some fun!!!

 

[buckmtn]

Which would be the best way to move my rear forward? Move the spring mounts forward on the frame or cut out a section behind the cab and weld and brace it back together??

 

[muddermilitia]

Which would be the best way to move my rear forward? Move the spring mounts forward on the frame or cut out a section behind the cab and weld and brace it back together??

I would definitly say that it would be easier to move the spring hangers forward, then cut off the back of the frame

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

I would definitly say that it would be easier to move the spring hangers forward, then cut off the back of the frame

You may or may not be able to do that, it depends on if you have enough lift. Remember that the end of the frame bends up for axle clearance.

IMO you will want more than the Blazer wheelbase (106.5") with 44's. Mine is getting moved to 112.5" this winter and I run 42's.

I would build the K30 and keep it to ~4" of lift. You will have to move the front axle forward to clear the firewall and you would have lots of fender to cut.

 

[Ronnie4wd]

Keep the wheelbase as it is on the truck.
I love my wheelbase bc it is much easier on many obstacles and if it is a narrow trail just get the door handle past the trees and turn