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What axels do I have?

A

Adrian.White

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Kermit, TX
I am a newbie to this stuff and am about to start a build on my 84 k5. How do I know what axles I have and if I want to put 4" lift and 35's on it, what do I need?:confused::confused::dunno:
 
Also, I have crate 350 in my k5 and it doesnt seem to have much power, what can I do to help it along a little if I am on a budget
 
you should have 10 bolt corporate axles. they probably have 3.08 gears which is why your engine feels gutless. swap for lower gears, or swap axles with a 3/4 ton to a 14 bolt rear and 10 bolt, dana 44, or dana 60 that already have lower gears in them. prolly cheaper and easier that way.
 
To identify your axles go and count the number of bolts on the diff cover. More than likely they will both have 10 so you have 10 bolts. Thats what came stock in my truck so more than likely thats what you have.

Now for the lift. There are many lift kits avalible that you can choose from. The cheaper kits will front lift springs and lift blocks for the rear. If you choose to spend a little more money you can either buy lift springs for the rear or a shackle flip.

When you lift this kind of truck you start having problems with the steering geometry. So you will need to get a raised pitman arm to correct that problem.

Here is a list of the things that you will need parts wise.
1. Front lift springs
2. Rear blocks, shackle flip kit or rear lift blocks.
3. Raised steering arm
4. New shocks
5. Might need to lengthen your driveshafts.

As for your engine. You need to find out what gear ratio is in your axles. This could help your " not enough umph". If your gears are too high then no matter what you do to your engine it really wont make a difference.
 
I haven't really searched for much besides lifts right now, ny money is trickling in ( I am in the oilfield right now) but I thought I would go witht the Rough Country 4" lift, I heard it is a good one, and seems reasonable money wise...
 
What is a zero rate? I have seen it mentioned to a thousand times, and cant really figure out what kind of lift it is?
 
Don't go with rough country. The name says it all. Spend alittle more and get tuff country.
 
im oilfield too. you want cheap and good? 4" shackle flip from offroaddesign.com and a 52" swap for the front with junkyard springs! look in technical articles section for 52" swap how-to. shouldn't cost to much and serious flex
 
Adrian.White said:
so its cheaper to swith out the whole axle than just the gears?
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Many times, yes. Depends on how fast you want to do this. If you are in a hurry... regear your stock axles. Just keep the tire size to 35s and under. But, that is a very general statement. Some guys can get 38+ to survive with 1/2 tons.

Adrian.White said:
What is a zero rate? I have seen it mentioned to a thousand times, and cant really figure out what kind of lift it is?
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A zero rate is a small 'block' that is added to the spring plate to add a little bit of lift. Kind of like a reall short stubby add-a-leaf.

Adrian.White said:
Should I go springs all the way around or springs in front, blocks in back?
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If you are just streeting it... go with the blocks and save yourself the cash. But, best is to go with all springs.
 
topless jackass said:
im oilfield too. you want cheap and good? 4" shackle flip from offroaddesign.com and a 52" swap for the front with junkyard springs! look in technical articles section for 52" swap how-to. shouldn't cost to much and serious flex
Click to expand...

If he did the 52s up front he would need crossover steering or something else then what he has. And that's not cheap
 
dfl701 said:
If he did the 52s up front he would need crossover steering or something else then what he has. And that's not cheap
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x2

The 52" spring swap is very cheap to do however it is not to effectively use it. You need a new long slip front driveshaft, waay longer brake lines, shocks, crossover steering, and all of those make the 52's a somewhat expensive mod not to mention not real street friendly to some people.

Get some Tuff Country springs for the front. They are soft and ride nice and aren't gonna break the bank. Yeah Alcans or Deavers make nice cushy springs, but they are much more $$.

Rear lift springs, blocks and a shackle flip are the option for the rear. It really depends on how you want to use the truck.

Pros: A shackle flip is about the same price as rear springs when you add in shackles, hardware and bushings. A shackle flip will give you a little more flex than lift springs.

Cons If your stock rear springs are worn it may sag, and will have more axle wrap than lift springs.

Lift springs Pros: flex well if you get some with a low spring rate and generally help control axle wrap better than a shackle flip.

Cons: little stiffer than a shackle flip..may not be a con depending on what you want ie towing.

Last choice would be a lift block for the rear. They work for the lift, but probably have the worst axle wrap due to the leverage on the springs from the axle. Pros are cheap and simple.

My opionion get some BDS or Tuff Country front springs then weigh your options for the rear on how you plan to use the truck.
 
Thanks alot guys on the input, I really have a lot to learn but am stocked about having this place to help me get my build underway.... going to be posting some pics soon
 
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