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.

Linked 74 K5. Rental house driveway build.

Motor and Transmission Installed

Got some work done this weekend.

Dropping the motor in first. Fit well, but my headers wont work, so I will have to rethink that. The stock manifolds would work, but I would have to remove some of the frame, and that would require taking the motor back out. So, thats out. I might look into the patriot headers somebody else (Mr C?) on here was using on his 8.1.

pipcastengine013.jpg


pipcastengine015.jpg


pipcastengine014.jpg


Had to finish up the trans crossmember that I started building last year. Basically 2x6 3/16 wall that I found at the scrap yard. My np205 will not be clocked up at all, so the crossmember was designed to dip down low enough to act as part of a skid plate belly pan that will come later. When I originally started the piece, I was still going to use my old drivetrain, so it was set up for the sm465, and needed to be adjusted. I drilled two holes with a hole saw for some tube that acts as risers to meet up with the trans adapter. Welded a cap to the top of the tubes and run the 1/2 bolts up from the bottom thru a poly puck, thru the cap, thru another poly puck and threaded into the adapter. The nice thing about this is I could set the drivtrain angle before welding the riser tubes to the crossmember. This thing is beef. Four 1/2" bolts attach it to each frame rail. Had to drill and sleeve the frame for the bolts.

pipcastengine025.jpg


pipcastengine028.jpg
 
A few things to mention.

I used ORD engine mounts with an ORD engine crossmemeber. The engine pan is damn close to hitting on the passenger side. I am going to install some torque rods that interface with the converter cover and engine mounts. My buddy had some on his truck and said they are common on the 4l80 equipped trucks. They use a 3/16 plate sandwiched between the engine mount and engine. That should lift it up a bit. I will post how that turns out later.

pipcastengine027.jpg


Adapting the 4l80 to the np205. I used the advanced adapter that ord sells. They modify the diameter of the male pilot that interfaces with the trans. My 4l80 was a 4wd 2004 model, and I used the long 32 spline input on the np205. I had to cut about .200 off of the output shaft to keep it from bottoming out in the np205 input. Also, I had to remove about .040 from the depth of the pilot on the adapter. This pilot was bottoming out in the transmission and would not let the adapter seat properly against the trans flange. ORD said this adapter worked without modification on the 4l80 they have. Just be sure and check this before torqing the bolts and possibly breaking the adapter. Other wise the fit is really good. Twin stick just barely clears the trans, but it does. My 1350 cv just barely clears the trans pan, but it does.

pipcastengine038.jpg


pipcastengine029.jpg


pipcastengine031.jpg


pipcastengine030.jpg
 
Body is back on. Front axle install started.

I have made some progress in the last few weeks. The body went back on a few weeks ago with no real trouble, and the gantry worked great for that. I cut the front link tube to length last weekend and today I started checking the fit and setting the links up. I have the crane over the front of the truck, and two chain hoists hooked to the coilover mounts to get the axle into place, and cycle the suspension.

dayoff016.jpg


In this photo here you can see how far forward the axle will be, even with the crane in the way. My links ended up being 27" long from bolt to bolt. The way the kit is set up, you cant move your axle forward without moving the steering box, or maybe using a short pitman arm. The pitman arm and drag link would hit the panhard bar otherwise. I moved my box about 4" forward. You can see it in the following picture. It is right up against the front core support mount.

dayoff018.jpg


dayoff020.jpg


I did cycle the suspension straight up to see what would hit first, and I think I will be trimming the fenders a bit on the top of the arch.

dayoff025.jpg


dayoff024.jpg


dayoff026.jpg
 
just run an astro van steering box. the arm goes forward instead of back so you can move that axle as far as you want
 
NorCal_Chris said:
just run an astro van steering box. the arm goes forward instead of back so you can move that axle as far as you want
Click to expand...

Sounds like it would work well with leafsprings, but with the ORD kit it would put the steering box in the location that the panhard bracket welds to. Good info. I didnt know about the astro van steering boxes working that way. thanks.
 
SUPER'BURB said:
Man that is great.
I gotta build one of those for a future body swap, thanks for the design:waytogo:.
Click to expand...

I dont know how I did without the gantry crane. I find myself using it all the time. Here is a pic with the body suspended:

2011-10-22_14-28-41_818.jpg
 
Stomis said:
You must have the best landlords ever!


I see a 67 maro hiding?
Click to expand...

I got lucky with a good landlord. He lives up the street, and is a Chevy guy. He thinks the blazer is a cool project, and will stop by to check it out. Back in the day he used to do tough truck in a Chevy truck, and was pointing out what would always break. He has the nicest shop I have ever been in. Over 4000 sq feet, heated floor, lift etc.......... It also helps the house I rent is on over 6 acres, and the street is a dead end. No traffic really.

That is a 68 camaro in the garage. Needs a lot of work, but is a solid car. My next project.
 
icehouse said:
I got lucky with a good landlord. He lives up the street, and is a Chevy guy. He thinks the blazer is a cool project, and will stop by to check it out. Back in the day he used to do tough truck in a Chevy truck, and was pointing out what would always break. He has the nicest shop I have ever been in. Over 4000 sq feet, heated floor, lift etc.......... It also helps the house I rent is on over 6 acres, and the street is a dead end. No traffic really.

That is a 68 camaro in the garage. Needs a lot of work, but is a solid car. My next project.
Click to expand...


I thought only 67 had the reverse lights in the taillights and that 68 69 had them in the rear valence. I must be mistaken
 
Stomis said:
I thought only 67 had the reverse lights in the taillights and that 68 69 had them in the rear valence. I must be mistaken
Click to expand...

I guess I would have to look at some pictures, but I know the 69 I used to have had reverse lights in the tail lights also.
 
Is that a FAST intake I see on top of the motor? :-) If so, I'm jealous!!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom