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Help! Need answers!

I

ironpig911

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Mississippi
Hi all. I'm brand new here and need help. I'm looking to buy a K-5 and have been shopping for a while on the net but ain't sure what I'm looking at when I'm looking at one. I had one years ago that I sold 2 months later. (kids=money)
I want one thats had the motor replaced and lifted but what should I look for so I don't get ripped off? I've seen some $hitty looking jobs but since none are within 200 miles of me, I can't really buzz by and drive it before purchase.
I can't work on fuel injected and computerized stuff so i know I'm looking at 86 and below.

Any advice anyone can give would be appreciated.

Thanks folks!
 
Man, this is hard to anwser. So your wanting a 4x4 blazer right? Its not hard to work on a FI motor. Not much to work on. Its pretty simple design. What are you going to use it for? What are the plans for it? Trail only, DD, both? Do you want a full convertable? There are many questions to be awnsered here. There are many people willing to guide you here, it is just a broad question. Have you seen any that you have in mind? 1/2 ton 3/4 ton?

These rigs are plentyful, many to chose from.

Welcome to CK5!
 
Read everything you can find on this forum. Also in my opinion, the only way to know stuff is done right is to do it myself. Just because a truck has had the engine replaced, or is lifted and looks big doesnt mean that it was done right, or will be safe to drive. My 84 k5 had a rebuilt engine in it, and i just took it apart as i was burning a little oil, to find a chunk missing from a piston, and main cap bolts finger tight(not all of them of course...) and it ran great when i bought it, and did untill i took the engine out.

If i had it all to do again, id look for a completely stock truck, but thats just me.

Good luck in your search.
 
(I like the Glock Pit, looks like mine)

I haven't really considered a 1/2 or 3/4 because frankly I didn't think there was much difference other than the obvious weight. I don't like FI because it's controlled by a computer and the less computers involved, the better. (I used to build 350's in my "youth" and the only fire in them was from the battery.)
I won't go on any rocks since they're scarce down here in Mississippi but there is some mud to get into. It will travel asphalt more than dirt though while enroute to a fishing hole or just riding through town with the top off.
I'd look for something stock Wheeler if I had the money to build but since I don't, I want to pick up where someone else left off. I'm an OK fabricator, actually thinking up weird stuff no one has around here and then building it. The nice thing is there's less than 10 K5's around here so whatever i do won't be duplicated much.
I search ebay, lemonfree, mautofied and racing junk daily looking around and have seen a few but they didn't "speak" to me. If you're a car guy you know what I mean by that. I just sold a built TJ because it wasn't big enough for what I needed. Me and the kids loved popping that top though so that's why i want a K5.
Can ya'll think of another site? I will drive a few hundred miles or more for a good deal. I went to Dallas once (12 hours) in 2002 to steal a loaded 2000 Silverado for 10K. (yep, stole it)
 
As mentioned, claimed "rebuilt engines" often just have the valve covers replaced and things cleaned up so things look new or they aren't done right, especially cam break in. As mentioned, sight unseen, I'd have more faith in a 130K OEM engine that's been cared for than one someone told me was rebuilt.

As far as trying to avoid fuel injection, the computer controlled carbs in the 80's are worse in every way than anything else; more complex than earlier carbs or the later TBI fuel injection along with worse power and mileage.

No reason to be afraid of GM Throttle Body Fuel Injection, it's super simple and very reliable. More simple, easier to work on and more reliable than the 80's carbs.


As for lifts, you don't want to see block under the front or rear springs and at the very least you need to see some kind of steering correction (raised steering arm generally) but that all depends on how much lift you're talking about.

If you want specific answers you'll need to give us specific info/pictures about a truck you're interested in :deal:
 
try Craigslist, or the classifieds here...

Definitely re-think FI. it is much simpler than the carb stuff, and runs better off road and on road.

Rene
 
Nice find Jeff.

Ironpig, you have already heard from some of the sharpest guys here. As far as another site to look at for info or equipment I don't think there is one thats any better than this one.

Go ahead and pony up the $25.00 dollars for the membership and you will be able to see photo's and have more access.

These guys here will impress you time and again.

GO TEAM











Timestamp
 
ironpig911 said:
Hi all. I'm brand new here and need help. I'm looking to buy a K-5 and have been shopping for a while on the net but ain't sure what I'm looking at when I'm looking at one. I had one years ago that I sold 2 months later. (kids=money)
I want one thats had the motor replaced and lifted but what should I look for so I don't get ripped off? I've seen some $hitty looking jobs but since none are within 200 miles of me, I can't really buzz by and drive it before purchase.
I can't work on fuel injected and computerized stuff so i know I'm looking at 86 and below.

Any advice anyone can give would be appreciated.

Thanks folks!
Click to expand...


my .02.....

spend a couple weeks here reading, membership or not, the knowledge this place has is endless.. being an informed buyer is invaluable...

what are you looking for out of the rig?
 
ryoken said:
what are you looking for out of the rig?
Click to expand...

ironpig911 said:
I won't go on any rocks since they're scarce down here in Mississippi but there is some mud to get into. It will travel asphalt more than dirt though while enroute to a fishing hole or just riding through town with the top off.
I just sold a built TJ because it wasn't big enough for what I needed. Me and the kids loved popping that top though so that's why i want a K5.
I will drive a few hundred miles or more for a good deal.
Click to expand...

condensed his post for you lol
 
Holy smokes! I never expected such a worth while response so quickly. I am obviously in the presence of of smart folks who know their stuff. (I ain't blowing smoke, I'm serious.)
You know I agree anyone can say it's a new motor but like ya said, how would I know unless they had a receipt? I've been burned before and said it would never happen again but it's just like poker, some times you put some skin in the game and see what happens.
38377, I don't want a super high ride because it wears out parts quicker right? Steering and such?
Trusty maybe you're right. I used to fiddle with Holley's and stuff but they aggravated the hell out of me until I got the floats and stuff right. I won't talk about the fire. (ugly)
ryoken, I really don't know what I'm looking for. I'm actually more confused now then I was before I sent the first message!
I want a Blazer that has a removable top, back half is fine, with about a 6 inch lift or so, 35 to 38 inch tires, a 350 or better motor that will last me a while that at least has headers so I can install cut-outs (I am a redneck after all), a good interior and a better paintjob (wife issues of something ugly sitting in the driveway). I don't want something that is already tricked out because I really enjoy turning a wrench. Now I'm on the fence on fuel injection because of these smarter folks then me steering me in that direction. Up 'til now i was looking at pre-87 because of that but now I might start looking newer.
munepit I sent the guy an email for more pics and info. Thanks for that!

If I find some prospects can you guys give them an eyeball and tell me what ya think?

I don't ask for much, huh?
 
That is why it is called a brotherhood, Everyone has something to offer someone else in need. Even new members bring something to the table so hang around and find where you fit in.
 
You didn't mention your budget. Maybe you don't have one:rolleyes:

For me a solid foundation is key. Good rust free frame and body. I like to find all original trucks that haven't clearly been hacked up (I'll F it up myself, thank you very much:p:)

If I was getting a blazer and using it as you mentioned it'd be a 73-75 from AZ or SoCal,lifted, fuel injected,chicks in bikinis hangin' from the roll bar, pumpin some Great White out of a thumpin' system, mullet blowin in the breeze......you get the idea(probably out of my budget tho)

Real world for me would be a clean 89-91. I love my FI sub. It has never let m down.

The real value of this site will come AFTER you get something. This place has saved me sooooo much more than it ever cost.
 
LOL Mike, I like the chicks idea but I would cranking up some AC/DC or Van Halen but I think we could consolidate and have a fun ride!
My max budget is about 6 grand. I went looking for 87 to 91 and found some nice ones but again, what the hell am I looking at?
I agree on the latter post, I've already seen some neat stuff I'd like to tackle, like the removable doors and the soft top. That stuff's just freakin cool!
 
For 6K, you should be able to score a gem that someone pumped a ton into and won't get out. Score!. Ask for proof of work done. If a motor or trans is new or rebuilt, is the warranty transferrable(not usually). Get dirty. Climb all over/under that thing. Get a mechanic or a local CK5 member to go with you if you can.Ask the owner to NOT warm it up prior to your arrival. Don't get excited, it's just a truck. There is always another. The owner should be proud of his truck and sad to sell it. An owner like this should have documentation/reciepts/pictures of all he did. He/she will probably tell the story of where they got it. Etc....

I would chose AC/DC over Great White too, but the chicks in the back of my bad azz blazer wanted Great White so they could do there best Tawny Kitten? impression:haha:
 
Oh dude! Tawny! Yeah, put on the White Snake! I agree i should be able to find a good deal but I'll have to ask ya'll's help for a yes or no. I'll send up some links later.

Now crank up that Snake!
 
Ok folks, help me out here and check these Blazers to see if they're worth a shot. Thanks in advance!

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=278065747&dealer_id=65204595&car_year=1984&rdm=1279073087284&lastStartYear=1981&model=BLAZER&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=n&make=CHEV&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=39301&advanced=&end_year=1991&doors=&transmission=&max_price=8000&cardist=275&standard=false

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...on=&max_price=8000&cardist=263&standard=false

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...on=&max_price=8000&cardist=169&standard=false

http://www.mautofied.com/1986-Chevrolet-k-5-blazer_Lifted-Trucks/listing/100285038/

http://www.mautofied.com/1987-Chevrolet-K5-BLAZER_Lifted-Trucks/listing/100303629/
 
Your selection is not as good as I had hoped. I would pass on the first one. Too much money for what it is and kid owned. The second one seems nice. Is it FI and why the 400 trans? There beefy but no overdrive if that matters to you. I would try and hold out for something with 3/4 or 1 ton axles. Big tires go good with big axles. The last one looks clean. Make a slightly insulting offer on the one you like so you might have a little cash left over to fine tune and work the bugs out. What's the worst....They say NO. It's a buyers market.
 
OUCH! Those are some high prices for not that trick of rigs! Too bad ya aren't closer to the east coast, I've seen rigs with one tons and 37's sell for as low as $3000 (one was needing some work but overall pretty solid, local sold about a year ago) to $5500 (one currently for sale in SC that I came across that looks clean as heck!) Anyways, a couple examples, just saying there are rigs out there, just be patient and a good one will come along for you! There's usually a good selection of K5's for sale in the classifieds of this site, so keep an eye on them! :waytogo:

Good luck with your search!
 
See? There ya go. I don't know what I'm looking at when it comes to whether or not it's a good deal and if the equipment will hold up. So I'm guessing a 700r has overdrive, right? Now it's called something else? I ain't opposed to driving to South Carolina to get a deal. I've got a rig ready to haul something back. Let me go search some more...........
 
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