Newb.../lift ideas

[slynch68]

Hey guys. Here goes my first post. I do alot of research on the site and have gotten alot of technical knowledge. So i know you guys are going to have some mixed reviews about my K5. I get alot of weird looks from 1geners about it. So have at it.

So i've had alot of time to save up for a whole new setup as the blaze needs it. So i'll give you guys some history of it. I bought it in 2007 at a dealership/it was parked in the back and one of my friends knew I wanted one so he pointed it out. I liked it because it was unique and the craftsmenship was great. I ran into a previous owner sometime later and he said that some guy chopped it in Cali years ago. Someone spent some time cause the welds on the fenders/frame are great. I'm not sure how the quarter panels are, I guess i'll find out when I do a repaint. Lets hope for the best.

For running gear it has a vette 327/4speed/205. Second day i had it i snapped the rear output shaft off the dana 20 so I found a 205 and threw it in. It has stock axles with 4in lift blocks in the back and i'm not sure of the springs in front.

Ive had alot of time to save for a whole new drivetrain/suspension. Here are my ideas so far. Has 35's on it currently but they only sit at 33 1/2. I want to run 38's hopefully. I might cut the rear out of the lower quarters for more tire space. I know i have the room in the front with the fenders modified already. Bumper is getting replaced by Blazen Offroad tube/winch. Might run up to Blazen to have a custom rear bumper made with tire carrier.

1 tons
ORD Shackle flip
DIY4X FGB52's
ORD Tuff Country springs w/zero rates
ORD Crossover steering or High steer
Carb'd LQ4
Roll Cage

Possibly an automatic but the rear drive shaft might be too short. Any thoughts?

About the crossover steering/high steer. I haven't found any steering dampers with the high steer and i'm not sure if I even need it.

The pos soft top has gotten scrapped and hope to find a hard top to take to the fiberglass shop.

Any suggestions you guys might have would be greatly appreciated.

SGT Lynch, deployed in Iraq

 

[GRINCH]

Nice Blazer

Welcome to the forum.
I like the way it looks now. You didn't say how you were going to wheel it. But from what you put together I think you are right on track!

It's quite obvious the rear lower quarters have already been modded.

Stay safe over in the sandbox!!!

Thanks for serving!

 

[scottishdave]

Thats crazy man, It looks...I dont know, Not bad at all, just way different. Keep us posted.

 

[Big Blzn]

Looks cool but different. Sorta looks like a short chubby little fat kid. I seem to want to put my had on the roof pull it back 'til it starts to click and let it take off. I like it. Like AJ's paint on his rig, at first you think ewwww, then it grows on you til you really like it. Very cool.

 

[vtblazer]

I can remember seeing this one a couple years ago, may of been when you bought it or from the P/O?

What's the wheelbase now?

 

[Greg72]

Welcome to CK5.....

Paid membership before even making his 1st post too!


Do you have any idea what the current wheelbase is, or how much was cut out from the rear body area?

The rear drivelines are never easy on a 104" wheelbase (stock) and your challenges just got a lot bigger in that regard. More lift and taller tires are going to make driveline angles even worse so you may end up having to play games with shimming down the transfercase (or clocking it) to improve the rear angle. Up front, it wouldn't surprise me if you ended up with a 2-piece driveline.... otherwise from the side profile most the underside clearance is going to have a LOOOONG driveshaft cutting right through it.

Is this going to end up as more of a street-driven truck or do you really want to take it out into the rocks, etc? 38's need a lot of fenderwell room if it's going to get used hard offroad. I think you might be surprised.....38's aren't really considered "BIG" in this new age of 44s, 49s and 54s, but there's going to be a lot more to making bolting on some new shoes and adding a few more inches of lift.

It looks like it will be a fun project. I'd love to see more pics of the underside if you can get them.... I'm curious to see what the current driveline setup looks like and how everything was packaged under there.

 

[NV_K5]

Just my 2 cents but if you run 38's and intend to daily drive that thing wont you be squirrely as hell?

I'd add some zero rates and keep running 35ish tires.

Again, just my opinion which is like belly buttons you know...

 

[Yukon Jack]

I remember seeing this one a while back also - it is definitely unique and interesting. I too would enjoy seeing more pics, underside, inside, engine. We like photos.

Thank you from me also for serving - its so easy to take for granted those that serve and be clueless of what you deal with on a daily basis. My hat is off to you.

 

[makovai]

Wow! that thing is crazy. I had to scroll up and down as i was reading your post to look again and again. Definatley different but still lokks like a first gen. I like it. It kinda makes a fashion statement

Welcome to the board.

 

[slynch68]

Hey guys, unfortunately those are the only photos that I have at the moment. I will be going on R&R in August and I will try to take some then. But I can tell you guys that the wheelbase is 93", same as a classic bronco. The radiator is sitting right above the steering box also. It has a 327 in it right now. Running a short water pump, 2" fan spacer and flex fan it is a tight fit.

 

[typicalmarine]

I love it! Sweet truck for sure.

 

[Blazin'4x4]

Very cool. I love to see different ideas come out of 1st gens.

Only advice I havnt seen is a frame brace. Thats all I would add to your list.

Welcome to ck5 and like others have mentioned, pictures pictures pictures.