long shot...how to tell year of k5...by the frame?

[broncoman6524]

ok that truck ive been building...im trying to figure out what year/generation it is so i can order correct parts...

any tips? its got the 2mounts in the front 2benind the front shacke, a crossmember with 2onit about 1foot behing the t-case and 2 more on teh back part behind the rear shackles...

i can get pics if desired...any chance to be a pic whore

 

[mrk5]

There should be a different between around 76. The older version without rear seat foot area has a different frame from the newer K5's with foot area for the rear seat.

The 87 and newer would have a larger bolt through the frame on the rear hanger for the front springs. The shackles would be longer.

There's a different bolt-in steering brace for 80 and newer. Not sure what the difference is though.

 

[broncoman6524]

i know that the springs are diff in 87+.

its got a 12b and 44...so its an older one. im not sure what year the axle changed.

 

[tRustyK5]

2 under the core support, 2 outboard of the frame by the front shackle, 2 inboard on a crossmember behind that is the 73-77 frame.

The 78-91 frame is 2 under core support, 2 outboard behind the front shackle, then 2 more outboard of the frame in the thrid position.

Rene

 

[3 on the tree]

My 1st Gen has a partial VIN on top of the frame, drivers side, between wheel and engine. That partial identifies what year it is.

 

[FightinTXag]

'78 was the last year the D44 front was available. 12 bolt rears were available through '81. So that doesn't really narrow it down any further that what tRustyK5 came up with on body mounts.

 

[Chevy305]

As far as numbers on the frame being a partial vin is a myth.

I found 2 places where numbers are located on my frame and neither are partial vins. I believe they are just GM part numbers.

Do a search I had a thead on this in the last few months...

 

[Chevy305]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202873&highlight=Frame

 

[mike reeh]

for what its worth, my 77 K10 frame has a date of manufacture stamped on the passenger side, outside part of the frame.. approximately right under the passenger door area... oh and btw it was made in '76 so its not neccesarily model year...

mike

 

[justiz00]

On my frame (84) it has the Build year, Location, and serial number. It is stamped twice on the top frame rail about a foot from each other under where the passenger floor board would be.