Greetings All,
Have been reading CK5 forums for about 2 years now picking up bits and pieces of valuable info on various subjects. I live in Tempe Az, for about
20 years now. Its going crazy with growth in the valley and around the state.
There are still some great places to go out and wheel though, just to get away from the masses. Ive owned my 80 k5 for about 14 years now and has been a great get around vehicle. 3 years ago I decided to invest some money into it since I new it had never been wrecked and was virtually rust free. Besides, I dont like being extorted by the car companies for what they want for new trucks and suvs these days.
I started with the engine, did a lot of web surfing and calling and decided to go with Mcclure racing out of Dallas. It took him a year to get my engine done. So far no complaints, it only has baout 100 miles on it so far, so its not quite broken in yet, but it is nice and torquey. I invested heavily into ORD parts: 4" shackle flip, weld in steering brace, 1" body lift, heavy duty front shackles, comp motor mounts, trans. mounts, xover steering, etc.
Picked up an "84 14bff from a mechanic who had already install new 4:88 gears and detroit locker, plus had taken off the spring perches and shock mounts (bonus). Pulled my D60 off a 79 k30 work truck, had 4Wheelers supply rebuild it stem to stern with new 4:88s and an ARB, warn prem. hubs.
The same guys rebuilt my sm465 and 205 t/c, had them take off the rear slip yoke and installed a twin stick set up. Works great.
New meats are 39.5 IROKS on black steel wheels.
Ive just finished painting this thing, went for the desert color scheme only with geometric camoflage. Its one of a kind!
Next on the list is herculining the entire interior, then some new seating.
After that comes the steel work, first is some sliders, then a front reciever bumper, then a cargo rack/cage, and a tire carrier.
It never ends!
Hope to hear form some of the Arizona K5s out there, lets set up a trip this winter.
Later.