Sheet metal mods

[derherr65]

Stock 1981 Blazer. departure angle is not the best. Approach angle is only fair.

With a little sheet metal work, you get pretty good approach and departure angles. Also a little lighter. Back end seems easy, but the front may not work. Depends on engine backset.

So, what would you do?

 

[tRustyK5]

Rene

 

[toomany]

^^^^

Yeah the pics don't work. I even tried copy/past web address, takes me to a Ford site with an error page.

 

[MojaveK5]

I see it. It looks cool in the pic. I dont know how easy it will be.
Where would you put the gas tank?

 

[derherr65]

Love the Ray Charles!

Ok, try this one.

As for the gas tank, wasn't there a side tank option? I'm more concerned about the leaf springs... but I guess I could 4 link it.

After I posted I could see the original pictures. Dunno why, or if it'll work for others either.

 

[NewUser]

 

[derherr65]

Much like this.

 

[tRustyK5]

Bed Bob has been done by a few here. To be honest you'll smash shackles, gas tank, reciever hitch all before the body. Trimming the rear quarter at the trim line and wrapping a strong bumper around that corner is pretty effective.

Approach and departure on a K5 aren't near bad enough to warrant messing with IMO.

Don't forget lift, and larger tires go a long way to alleviating approach and departure angles...and with that lift and tires the diff's can be pushed out by 1.5" and not look goofy.

Rene

 

[derherr65]

I think that moving the axle forward may be the better answer for the front. It's easier and also lessens the drive shaft angle to offset the increase from lifting.

 

[tRustyK5]

Also keeps the tires from rubbing the firewall and fender when you run bigger tires with smaller lift. Just remember to trim the front fangs flush with the underside of the core support...

Rene

 

[tRustyK5]

Fangs removed, diff moved forward, corner armored with bumper.

Lower rear quarters removed, wrapped with tube bumper, rear diff moved back 1".

Fenders carved for function...4-5" of lift, 39.5" TSL's.

Rene

 

[tRustyK5]

approach angle...

Rene

 

[derherr65]

Fangs?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

approach angle...

Rene

Those certainly aren't bad approach and departure angles but it all depends on what you want to do.

My departure angle is more than 90 degrees and I've still hit the tube a few times, I hit the front at least a dozen times every time I go out (my approach angle is similar to the above picture).


Chopping the bed can help the departure angle a ton if you move the fuel tank and get rid of the existing hitch or bumper setup.

Not everyone needs that much departure or approach angle but if that's what he's looking for it can certainly be done.

 

[tRustyK5]

The section of fender at the front that hangs below the bottom of the core support.

Compare the K5 to this truck's front fender...

Rene

 

[tRustyK5]

It does depend on how hardcore you wheel...but I have found approach and departure can be overcome with a bit of technique for the most part. Approaching a vertical obstacle at an angle for example.

Rene

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

It does depend on how hardcore you wheel...but I have found approach and departure can be overcome with a bit of technique for the most part. Approaching a vertical obstacle at an angle for example.

Rene

Sure, but like you said, it depends on what and where you 'wheel.

Not all obstacles are perfectly up and down and require as much clearance as possible

My last set of 52's had some seriously deep grooves cut in them from rocks.

 

[wayne]

I have to agree, the departure angle sucks. I think my rear bumper gets drug alot more then the sliders do. Like mentioned, it depends on where you want to wheel.

 

[GsxrMike]

I have been thinking about bobbing the rear of my K5 because my departure angle sucks. I was thinking about installing a fuel cell and shortening up the backside about a foot. Frame and all. I haven't really looked at it so see how hard it would be but maybe a good winter project. Hey tRusty, did you make those bumpers? If not where did you buy them?

 

[tRustyK5]

Hey tRusty, did you make those bumpers? If not where did you buy them?

I made those, I am a steel fabricator by trade...

Rene