CA94TT
Registered Member
Hi All,
I'm looking for my first K5. I want it for the following uses. Camping/Hunting/and a End O world vehicle. I've been reading for a few days and haven't been able to understand the use of all the different options. I see a lot of K5's for sale here in CA from pretty to crazy off-road. Cash is limited and I need to end up with a daily driver. The years I'm interested in are from 70' to 90'. Here are my questions and concerns.
The axle - If there ever is a "big one" here and the roads are broken I want the ability to hit the dirt and get over/around things. I read 10 bolt stink, 12 bolt depending on several additional factors get mixed reviews, 14 bolt good but heavy & lower clearance. Anything clear cut on this?
Dana 60 or 44 is best/better for the front axle? Same weight & clearance concerns I'm assuming?
The deal is should I look for a K5 with axel upgrades as a priority or one with a lift kit, wheels and tires, etc and do the axle upgrade after?
According to 4wheel parts... buy something with lift, beefy bumpers, skid plate and such because the cost of that new is ridiculous and nobody really gets the value back when selling. I do know this is 'Fact' on many cars, depending on car that is. I've had 2 built sports cars. fast is fun but dirt is everywhere, lol.
I'm not that concerned with interior or the condition of the paint. Engines and transmission are just that so I'm not worried about what repairs those need. Just prefer to start with something big enough (350 V8) to pull the truck and strong enough (tranny) to handle rigorous usage.
Gears - Ok, totally lost on this aspect. if I understand its something like this; 4.56 is designed for off road only/mostly - 3.73 is stock'ish? mainly street use & can handle off road use, but how much off road can it conquer? So many numbers and I have no clue as to what the "actually' offer versus what is just another sales ploy.
Again, it needs to be a daily driver... yes, I know gas is expensive and it won't get good milage. The good/bad depending on how you look at it... I'll be driving this around the country. From CA to NJ and everywhere in between.
I've read tire size stuff and lift height info and I want that balance between off-road functionality and daily driving low drag, so not to high. Also that rough country is crap?
Ok, I think this is to long now... I hope I've shared the right information on use to allow for advice.
Thank you!!
I'm looking for my first K5. I want it for the following uses. Camping/Hunting/and a End O world vehicle. I've been reading for a few days and haven't been able to understand the use of all the different options. I see a lot of K5's for sale here in CA from pretty to crazy off-road. Cash is limited and I need to end up with a daily driver. The years I'm interested in are from 70' to 90'. Here are my questions and concerns.
The axle - If there ever is a "big one" here and the roads are broken I want the ability to hit the dirt and get over/around things. I read 10 bolt stink, 12 bolt depending on several additional factors get mixed reviews, 14 bolt good but heavy & lower clearance. Anything clear cut on this?
Dana 60 or 44 is best/better for the front axle? Same weight & clearance concerns I'm assuming?
The deal is should I look for a K5 with axel upgrades as a priority or one with a lift kit, wheels and tires, etc and do the axle upgrade after?
According to 4wheel parts... buy something with lift, beefy bumpers, skid plate and such because the cost of that new is ridiculous and nobody really gets the value back when selling. I do know this is 'Fact' on many cars, depending on car that is. I've had 2 built sports cars. fast is fun but dirt is everywhere, lol.
I'm not that concerned with interior or the condition of the paint. Engines and transmission are just that so I'm not worried about what repairs those need. Just prefer to start with something big enough (350 V8) to pull the truck and strong enough (tranny) to handle rigorous usage.
Gears - Ok, totally lost on this aspect. if I understand its something like this; 4.56 is designed for off road only/mostly - 3.73 is stock'ish? mainly street use & can handle off road use, but how much off road can it conquer? So many numbers and I have no clue as to what the "actually' offer versus what is just another sales ploy.
Again, it needs to be a daily driver... yes, I know gas is expensive and it won't get good milage. The good/bad depending on how you look at it... I'll be driving this around the country. From CA to NJ and everywhere in between.
I've read tire size stuff and lift height info and I want that balance between off-road functionality and daily driving low drag, so not to high. Also that rough country is crap?
Ok, I think this is to long now... I hope I've shared the right information on use to allow for advice.
Thank you!!
