Just bought my 84 Jimmy - Questions

[mlrtyme]

Hello all...newbie here to K5s and I was hoping for some insights from the crowd

1- VIN decoding. I called a local Chevy dealer here in Phoenix and they were not willing to help me by decoding my VIN. Anybody have connections at a dealership in PHX that can help me get my RPO codes and other info from the VIN? Specifically, I would like to know if the Jimmy is a dreaded CA emissions version (if so, I'll go kill myself now).

2- Factory Gauge Cluster. My Jimmy has a factory tach. I want to keep that. Any suggestions on who can do a decent rebuild of my factory gauge cluster?

3- Tilt steering play. The tilt section of the column has about 3/4" of play up and down for any given position. I've read anything from 4 loose bolts deep in the column to possibly worn bearings. I haven't cracked open the column yet, but wanted suggestions on a good rebuild kit for this so I only have to crack it open once.

4- Front end rebuild kit. Anyone have good suggestions for a rebuild kit that includes the tie rod ends, drag link, etc...? The truck retains the original 10 bolt diff.

Thanks to all in advance. I'm excited to finally have my K5 and look forward to learning more as I get further along (rewire, A/C system, etc...)

 

[496truck]

1. RPO codes, they are found in the glove box in most of these trucks (80something and up). You can decode them pretty easily doing a google search for "RPO codes". The emissions sticker under the hood should also tell you if it has CA emissions or not.

2. Factory tach is somewhat rare, keep it stock if you can. As far as rebuilding, what exactly? Do the gauges not work? Or does it just look crappy? Visual appearance you can disassemble yourself, clean, repaint, polish, etc. It's not difficult. Guages not working usually comes down to electrical faults, wiring, bad grounds, stuff like that. Again, not hard to diagnose and repair. Would hate to see you send out a cluster to get rebuilt only to put it back into the truck with the same wiring issues it may have had before.

3. Tilt column, you are gonna hafta tear it down for proper diagnosis. A couple inexpensive specialty tools will be required.

4. Front end, there really is no "kit" but all the parts are readily available from your local parts store or online like Rock Auto. I will suggest you go with an ORD heavy duty tie rod as the stock one is paper thin and bends really easily. Tie rod ends, drag link ends and the drag link connector sleeve are all readily available. You also want to check the frame for cracks around the steering box mounting bolts, very common to crack there and cause loose steering. ORD has kits available to repair if needed.

 

[mlrtyme]

Thanks Brian...

I appreciate the help. As for readable codes, there isn't much there. The text is very faded, and I can't make anything out, unfortunately.

As far as the gauges go, this is just a fear that they don't work, as the previous owner installed a tach on the steering column. Now, the stock tach only goes to 4000 but this isn't a Comp Eliminator engine that I'm installing, so 4000 is adequate for me. I hope that the gauges are alright, and the previous owner just wanted a tach past 4000. My question was more of a preemptive strike in case the tach is indeed hosed. I know the wiring is in desperate need of a makeover, but I plan on ordering the Painless 10205 within the next two weeks and rewiring the truck pretty much from front to back. At that time, the steering column tach is gone.

As for the steering, I just know that it is loose and the steering box looks to be pretty beat. The frame is in tact (but an ORD brace is on the way to ensure it stays that way). I was just wondering about rebuild kits as the steering box is coming off, so what a great time to update tie rod ends, drag link, etc...etc.

Still learning a lot about the truck. My brother's 75 is a 4-speed Blazer with far fewer options (this one is power windows, brakes, cruise, etc...) and so what I learned on and what I have are two different beasts. Thanks for the info!

 

[496truck]

Well, welcome to CK5!

You will find lots of good info here as well as people that can help you through issues. Also note, "the garage" has lots of day to day q and a and has the most traffic.

What are the plans for the truck? Resto? Daily driver/wheeler? Mud truck? Trail truck? Lift? Tires?

 

[mlrtyme]

Plans

Plans are daily driver. Perhaps some camping but no rock crawling and such. It took me so long to find a completely rust free body and intact interior (Factory AC, gauges, etc...) that it would be a shame to cut this one up. Engine rebuild, rewire (back to very close to factory specs...with a few mods that I hope look factory when done), and eventually paint and fresh carpet. 33 tires are fine for me, as is the 2 inch lift.

I'll also keep my eyes peeled in the garage. Thanks for the tip!

 

[pblaze725]

Welcome to CK5.

Becoming a member was one of the best investments I ever made for my rig.

That's all.