What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

K5 Nubie with a few questions

B

Banjer Picker

Registered Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2016
Posts
15
Reaction score
1
Hi guys,

New to the k5 world but not new to building 4WD trucks. Just picked up a '74 K5 that's going to need a lot of love. Been building Early Broncos (66-77) for over 10 years. Can you guys make recommendations on your preferred parts vendors for Blazers/Jimmys?

The doors are pretty rough. Can I use any C/K series doors from 1973-1991 pick up trucks and suburbans and just cut the back half of window frame out from the vent window back.

Is there a minimum amount of lift needed to do the crossover steering upgrade?

Any other recommendations or "good upgrades" to consider before I get started?

Thanks,

Brandon
Denton, TX.
 
We actually have a Vendor forum, good info there. I've used parts from both Off Road Design and DIY4x, both very reputable vendors

4" is a good lift number for both cross over and drive shaft reliablity. More lift means spending lots on those

I don't know about the doors, but buy better shocks.

Grab a beer and peruse the build threads. Best way to learn what does and doesn't work and why
 
Yes, doors from 73-89/91 will work, but the inside door panels may not fit. You just need to do what the manufacture did and cut the door frame at the correct place and angles. Also be aware that the door glass on the full top 'verts was slightly thicker. I'd stay away from after market doors due to poor fitment and thinner metal.
 
Start with what do you want to do with the truck as trails,Moab,rock crawler etc. then we can lead you in right direction.
 
brans87 said:
Start with what do you want to do with the truck as trails,Moab,rock crawler etc. then we can lead you in right direction.
Click to expand...

My bad. You're right Brans , I should have put that out there first.

I've already finished a substantially built rock crawler and also a light wheeler that is still street friendly but they are Broncos. The Chevys are a new area for me. With the K5 I'm planning to keep it pretty mild. I learned on my last two builds that there are so many great little non-manufacturer specific upgrades (i.e. Chevy and Chrysler parts on a ford) that you never know about until you really start digging in. On my Ford '73 bronco I'm running a Chevy Astro van hydro boost, Chevy C-10 diesel saggy power steering pump. Awesome upgrades that you wouldn't "instinctively" think of.

Just looking for some recommendations like that from the group that are great, yet pretty straight forward upgrades that improve on some not-so-great OEM designs. (I'm not going one-tons, hydro steering or Atlas in this one)

Sounds like the factory steering set up leaves something to be desired. Looks like the crossover steering upgrade and YJ steering shaft are good upgrades. Just looking for little tips like that.

This will be used to run around the woods, launch a boat on a non paved boat ramp, take the kids and dogs out for ice cream etc. I'm thinking 33s to 35s with a low COG so some fender trimming is also in order.

Thanks for the input so far gents!
 
If you go 35's you'll definitely want to regear the axles. And add a steering box brace.
 
Banjer Picker said:
Hi guys,

New to the k5 world but not new to building 4WD trucks. Just picked up a '74 K5 that's going to need a lot of love. Been building Early Broncos (66-77) for over 10 years. Can you guys make recommendations on your preferred parts vendors for Blazers/Jimmys?

The doors are pretty rough. Can I use any C/K series doors from 1973-1991 pick up trucks and suburbans and just cut the back half of window frame out from the vent window back.

Is there a minimum amount of lift needed to do the crossover steering upgrade?

Any other recommendations or "good upgrades" to consider before I get started?

Thanks,

Brandon
Denton, TX.
Click to expand...

Did you see new Bronco?
2017-Ford-Bronco-660x300.jpg


2017 Ford Bronco is coming! It’s official now! Yeah! (updated: 10.9.2016)

Source: https://carsoid.com/2017-ford-bronco/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom