What are the best and crucial upgrades to do with a stock 1975

[markrazz]

so I might have found a nice replacement for my k5 in a stock pretty rust free 75
So since I won’t be stuck spending all my time on body work like my other project I can get right into the other suggested and crucial (if there are any) upgrades to make this a trouble free weekend driver..

MileMarker kit Seems like a great start for better gas mileage any opinions on this?
What else?

Thanks

 

[K5wrench]

so I might have found a nice replacement for my k5 in a stock pretty rust free 75
So since I won’t be stuck spending all my time on body work like my other project I can get right into the other suggested and crucial (if there are any) upgrades to make this a trouble free weekend driver..

MileMarker kit Seems like a great start for better gas mileage any opinions on this?
What else?

Thanks

Inspect the frame under/around the steering box.
Crawl under and have someone turn the wheels lock to lock while u watch the steering box and frame. (Don't get run over)

If it has cracks, install the weld in repair kit.
If no cracks, install an ORD steering box brace kit.

 

[Justin V]

While looking for cracks at the frame, look at all of the steering components and ball joints and leaf spring bushings. At the point it is a 43-44 year old truck. Check anything that isn't made of metal, and check all of the metal stuff too.

 

[tenderfoot]

Don't forget your gona need locking hubs to go with the mile marker

 

[tenderfoot]

Oh yeah, and the inevitable:

 

[markrazz]

Dang forgot lol
Posting pics in thread wasn’t letting me post pics on this One properly for some reason.
Recommend certain hubs?
It a
Most looks like the truck has locking hubs did they come stock with Them?
Maybe this was done who know guy didn’t know a lot about the truck

Don't forget your gona need locking hubs to go with the mile marker

 

[Hosalabad]

Frame repair at steering box, reinforce it, ORD steering box brace.

 

[markrazz]

Looks like a new one might have been added , thoughts?

 

[ZooMad75]

Looks like a new gearbox and rag joint. The steering box brace goes on the inside of the frame rail. Frame looks like it has a nice coating of grime but is undisturbed. So I don't think a weld in patch has been installed. When they put in the new box they should have been able to see cracks around the bolt holes, but not seeing any alterations right there one would assume the frame is crack free. I'd still watch the box and frame as somebody else cranks the wheel back and forth and look for movement like others have already said.

I'd expect to change the fluids in both diffs and t-case just to know what you got. It gives you a good chance to look at the gears in the diffs and gauge wear and tear.

I would also power wash the engine and everything under the hood after using a good degreaser on it. Get the grime off. Dollar store oven cleaner works really good, just don't get it on you and use safety glasses when you hose it off.

Pull the wheels and check the brakes for wear, repair as needed.

Check the fuel system for cracks in the rubber hoses. Typically the hose at the rear of the truck where the line jumps from the tank to the frame rail is overlooked and will make the mechanical fuel pump have a hard time drawing fuel from the tank. Replace with fresh fuel safe hose.

I'd nut and bolt the suspension just to be safe. U-bolts and spring eye/shackle bolts.

 

[blazinzuk]

New weather stripping would be pretty high on my list.

As would be suspension and steering work. If stock height I'd likely replace the springs anyway. Then put really nice shocks on.