samsterman99
1/2 ton status
It’s time! I have had my K5 for 2 years now and decided that I better start to document this rig. I am usually really bad about taking photos of my updates, but this will keep me honest, and also help me get some input from the brotherhood.
It all started out with a 1986 K5 that I picked up for less than $2000. It had an oil leak, but other than that it was a rust-free California truck that had 175K on it. I fixed the oil leak (oil pressure sender), replaced the tires and took it out to the desert. It worked great and went everywhere I wanted it too, but I wanted it to be more capable and comfortable.
I started making some small modifications to make it nicer to drive, and eventually fell in love with it and decided to modify it into DD status. I drove it this past summer in California with no problems, and moved to North Carolina this August for graduate school. I had it shipped out here to save money and headache.
Once I got out here the problems started, I had to replace a fuel pump and my driveshaft exploded on the interstate. After getting left stranded by the car a few times, I decided this was an unfit car to rely on for commuting. I picked up a Civic to DD and put the Blazer back on weekend duty. So now its time to finish this rig up into my idea of a great weekend getaway/camping vehicle!
List of modifications that it has currently:
Rebuilt VIN Code K 350 W/TBI and chip from EagleMark, Thanks!
Headman Longtube headers
4.56 Gears Grizzly Locker Rear 14FF/Lock-rite Front 3/4ton Chromoly Shafts all around!
1350 Driveline
CS 144 alternator
Power Steering Cooler
Transmission Cooler
4 Row Aluminum Radiator
DIY4X Winch Cradle
12,000 Pound Winch w/synthetic rope
HID’s
Custom Rear Bumper
3 inch EZ ride springs in front with zero rate
ORD 2" shackle flip and Zero Rate in the rear
DIY4X Rock Sliders
ORD Steering Brace (weld and bolt in)
Bilstein Shocks Front & Rear
4 Point Harnesses
Rebuilt 208 TC
Rebuilt 700R4
DIY4X Guardsman
Rear disc conversion
Crossover Steering
Hydro-assist 1.75 PSC ram
DOM Tie Rod
Creature Comforts:
A/C running gold old R-12
Alpine Speakers and Amp
Sound deadened interior (in progress still, gotta attack the firewall)
Custom Rear Side panels
New Carpet
New Headliner
Now I am sure I have forgotten a bunch of things and I will update this as I have time. I also will get some good pictures of how it sits now, and how it was when I first got it. Also I will get the list of planned mods that are soon to begin in the winter. Stay tuned for engine rebuild, 1 tons, shackle flip, and cracked dash repair.
The Pictures are from the past two years in no order. It was a dark blue/primer combo when I picked it up. I spray bombed it light blue and white and it's been holding up fine ever since.




It all started out with a 1986 K5 that I picked up for less than $2000. It had an oil leak, but other than that it was a rust-free California truck that had 175K on it. I fixed the oil leak (oil pressure sender), replaced the tires and took it out to the desert. It worked great and went everywhere I wanted it too, but I wanted it to be more capable and comfortable.
I started making some small modifications to make it nicer to drive, and eventually fell in love with it and decided to modify it into DD status. I drove it this past summer in California with no problems, and moved to North Carolina this August for graduate school. I had it shipped out here to save money and headache.
Once I got out here the problems started, I had to replace a fuel pump and my driveshaft exploded on the interstate. After getting left stranded by the car a few times, I decided this was an unfit car to rely on for commuting. I picked up a Civic to DD and put the Blazer back on weekend duty. So now its time to finish this rig up into my idea of a great weekend getaway/camping vehicle!
List of modifications that it has currently:
Rebuilt VIN Code K 350 W/TBI and chip from EagleMark, Thanks!

Headman Longtube headers
4.56 Gears Grizzly Locker Rear 14FF/Lock-rite Front 3/4ton Chromoly Shafts all around!
1350 Driveline
CS 144 alternator
Power Steering Cooler
Transmission Cooler
4 Row Aluminum Radiator
DIY4X Winch Cradle
12,000 Pound Winch w/synthetic rope
HID’s
Custom Rear Bumper
3 inch EZ ride springs in front with zero rate
ORD 2" shackle flip and Zero Rate in the rear
DIY4X Rock Sliders
ORD Steering Brace (weld and bolt in)
Bilstein Shocks Front & Rear
4 Point Harnesses
Rebuilt 208 TC
Rebuilt 700R4
DIY4X Guardsman
Rear disc conversion
Crossover Steering
Hydro-assist 1.75 PSC ram
DOM Tie Rod
Creature Comforts:
A/C running gold old R-12
Alpine Speakers and Amp
Sound deadened interior (in progress still, gotta attack the firewall)
Custom Rear Side panels
New Carpet
New Headliner
Now I am sure I have forgotten a bunch of things and I will update this as I have time. I also will get some good pictures of how it sits now, and how it was when I first got it. Also I will get the list of planned mods that are soon to begin in the winter. Stay tuned for engine rebuild, 1 tons, shackle flip, and cracked dash repair.
The Pictures are from the past two years in no order. It was a dark blue/primer combo when I picked it up. I spray bombed it light blue and white and it's been holding up fine ever since.
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no, really I dont read half of the threads Im subscribed to until theres a good pic somewhere. 