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.

Sam's 86 K5 Cross Country Build (11/3/13)Hydro Assist, X-over, and longer wheelbase)

samsterman99

1/2 ton status
Joined
Nov 21, 2010
Posts
234
Reaction score
1
Location
Raleigh, NC
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!:waytogo:
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.

215283_1805065680047_579511_n.jpg

197997_1726770242710_6440500_n.jpg

190284_1726771202734_6471793_n.jpg

63571_1600657689975_3176554_n.jpg
 
Last edited:
Here are a few pictures from early this year, showing the lack of front bumper and the rear bumper I fabbed up.

P1010266.jpg


P1010180.jpg


P1010177.jpg
 
Did some mudding for the first time yesterday! Quite the experience in some real southern clay type stuff. I don't think my K5 will ever be clean again unless i do a frame off. :doah:
I just got a couple pics, I had to pull out a jeep and also was the only one to make it up the last hill. Pretty good for my first time out in a new type of terrain.

Video is uploading and will be here soon!

Edit: Video is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGIR-XHhMlc

IMAG0314.jpg
 
Do you still drive it regularly?

Martin

Yes, I try to drive it to work once a week. I do need to change a head gasket soon, but otherwise I always try to keep it up and running in case I want to hit the trails.

I have a super busy week, but hopefully this weekend I will get some detailed pictures and fill in some more information.
 
Sorry guys! Been super busy here getting settled in, looking at homes and trying to plan out a few things for the future. A new girl also has reduced the time I get on here and document car work. Pictures will be added this weekend I swear.

But to tide people over a bit,
New engine,
14 bolt swap with a ORD shackle flip, 13 bolt shave cover, and a nice disc brake conversion.


Going to get a new topper and do some paint and repair work, and also get to work on replacing the tailgate glass.
 
Here are a few quick pictures to tide everyone over for the week.
First are a picture of the DIY4X rock sliders installed. Quick drilling and some bolting in, took an hour to throw in, and they look great. :waytogo:
Secondly I re-routed the exhaust in preparation for my shackle flip, and I wanted a new muffler (flowmaster 50). I think the routing came out pretty trick if I do say so.
finally I got around to painting my grille in a matte black. I am trying to picture what I want to do with my front bumper, I know it will be some tubing added to the bumper center. Waiting till I get my own welder so I can spend time and get to it. Not the highest priority right now.

photo.JPG

photo-1.JPG

photo-2.JPG
 
Getting close guys, new 8 lug brake rotors are getting in tomorrow, should be together on Friday and pictures will be coming.
 
You should check out Uwharrie OHV in Troy, NC when it opens back up for the season next month. Some good wheeling out there.
 
Yep, I know there is a trail Maintenance meetup this weekend out there. I was thinking of running down if I had the time. I'll for sure be down there once it opens up in a couple months.
 
Top Bottom