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I'm worried about my first k5 purchase

I'd get a raised steering arm, since there's no dust boot on it, keep it well greased, and HOLY HELL, PUT A COTTER PIN in there..:doah:

That's all you DON'T need is for that crown nut to back off and you lose steering.
 
This is the "gizzy" I was referring to. Is this the correct geometry. Is it bent? Or is it correct and I should get a drop pitman arm?

k5 steering.jpg
 
It's been awhile since I have had push pull steering but I don't think those stacked washers on the pitman arm should be there.
 
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/slf-3000/overview/year/1982/make/chevrolet/model/k5-blazer

slf-3000_w.jpg


see how the stock arm on yours bends down? whereas this one has an upward bend to it to compensate for the lift. I would go ahead and replace your whole draglink also. steering and brakes are things you want to be fully operational.
 
ok, got it. Basically you ideally want a horizontal link between the pitman and the steering arm, correct?
 
bjr34bass said:
This is the "gizzy" I was referring to. Is this the correct geometry. Is it bent? Or is it correct and I should get a drop pitman arm?
Click to expand...

The problem there is that somebody used a tie rod end in the drag link instead of a drag link end. The DLE stud is fatter and therefore doesn't go as far into the tapered hole. Then the cotter pin would line up with the hole. It's possible that's how Superlift makes them, but that would make it the wrong drag link for this application.
 
Looks like a super lift bent corrected drag link, maybe wrong ends or backwards, dunno never used one.
 
I successfully swapped out the wonky power windows for manual. A good starter project to get my feet wet. Next will be troubleshooting/fixing steering slop and 90 degree steering wheel.

It's so freakin hot out here! So I'm taking baby steps, but in a couple months I'll be sorry if I haven't gotten this thing ready to get out on the trails. Luckily, the steering is the only pressing issue so far...

Need to save up for new axles though! Supposedly these 10 bolts had 4.10's put in them recently, but either way I know I'll be wanting to run this thing hard once I get a taste of trails out here and probably need to upgrade. I'll start researching. I've read a bit about axles, but not sure what to get (on a budget). Any suggestions are appreciated. I'll probably hold off on new tires till I commit to new axles/hubs. These 35's are tired, but luckily I've got four mounted 33's that came with.
 
Look for a 1973-1980(1981?) 3/4 ton parts truck. They come with a 14bff and either a Dana 44 or a 10 bolt front axle.

Martin
 
If I were you I'd run the 33s and not worry about axles until you break the stock ones. If they are geared 4.10 you will be happy with it. Did they upgrade anything else while in there? Better axle shafts or anything like that and they will live pretty good up to 35s. Getting crazy on a half ton front or even 3/4 ton front as Martin has suggested will have the same effect. They run the same ring and pinion and axle shafts. The rear is where I've had most of my problems. A 3/4 ton set of axles will be a good start once you break what you have now as far as strength. If the front still has problems and you are damaging it still you will be needing a Dana 60 front after that. If you have the money, a set of one ton axles will get you the best strength for the money if you Plan on running anything Bigger than 35s. Like I said if you have brand new 33s run them and have fun until you break something and upgrade As Needed. You will save money for now since you already have the tires and wheels mounted and Save for better axles Later since you will Also need new tires and wheels To match the 8 lug axles.
 
thanks for the feedback. Not sure about other upgrades. Unfortunately the 33's aren't new. They have plenty of tread but have cracking on the sidewalls from the desert sun I imagine. I plan to use them as spares. THey are on 16.5 steelies that I like better than the rims . Eventually I'd like to use those rims and put 35's on them (unless I move to 8 lugs). between the boloney skin 35's on the truck and the dry 33's, I'll be in the market for tires soon enough. By then I may need (or just want) new axles. It'll work itself out.
 
Yes, I do. They're black(ish). I'll take a pic. Not interested in parting with them right now. If/when I upgrade my axles I will tho.
 
Here's a a teaser pic. PO gave me the mounted 33's that were on it when he bought it. He was going to put 37 military tires on the 16.5's.

spare 33s.jpg
 
So the tires are usable but dry rotted. Depending on how bad I would use them off road only then. 37 inch hummer tires are a decent deal to have if you still went that rought. Axles probably wouldn't last too long though. Eapecially with a heavy right foot. On the street would be ok as long as you weren't trying To Smoke the tires. I blew out a 12 bolt doing that when I first got Mine. Lol
 
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