73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Members Rides => Topic started by: Captkaos on March 16, 2010, 11:08:31 AM
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I just picked up this 89 K5 Blazer that the tub is in good condition, and it runs/drives, plus it is a TBI motor. Unfortunately for those reading this, it is going to be converted from 4x4 to 4x2 and take the place of my 78 Jimmy. It will either get the 78 Jimmy frame rolled under it, or I will just make it a 4x2. Haven't decided. Anyway, here she is.
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/gallery/2_16_03_10_12_02_09.jpeg)
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Love the new truck. Why 4x2?
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I already have a 4x4 K5 ( http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=11328.15 )so I am either going to swap frames with the Jimmy I am getting rid of or convert it if someone wants the Jimmy Tub in 4x4 form.
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Why are you ditching the jimmy?
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Short Story:
Buying 5 acres to build a house
Selling my house
Moving to my mothers house
Purchasing my mother a new house
Selling my mothers house.
It is like fruit basket turnover here. The Jimmy needs the floor pans replaced (check the for sale section) and I don't have the time to do it will all that is going on.
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Saturday March 13th, 2010: I worked on pulling the carpet out of this this to investigate the presence of rust. Surprisingly it wasn't bad. BUT both rear outer seat mounts have to be repaired. The passenger side will have to be patched. Bed at the tailgate has some spots also. Still waiting on the title so I can start replacing parts and get busy with this thing.
Starter needs replacing and so does the windshield top side glass and rear glass.
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Got the starter replaced along with the front glass, still need to replace the rear glass and side glass.
Wednesday, Nov 3rd, 2010: purchased a Ridetech Front suspension kit with Strongarms, bag mounts and Valve kit, etc.
Monday, Nov 22th, 2010:Ordered a Porterbuilt drop member for the front conversion.
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Thursday, Dec 9th, 2010:Ordered a set of Wilwood B52 Calipers and some rear disc brackets.
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Which brackets did you use?
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I haven't gotten them but they are from Captainfab.
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Is that the guy that was selling them on 67-72 forum?
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yes, I was going to make some, but figured I would try these.
Brackets:
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=398352
calipers:
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=434431
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Similar to what I did except I welded on my brackets which is fine but if I ever decide to scrap my housing for whatever reason I've got to start over. That's a good deal.
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I agree, for the price I am not complaining. I couldn't get them cut, drilled and powdercoated for that price, so...
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Looks like a good start, I'll be watching the progress
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Monday, Dec 20th, 2010:DropMember showed up, now just have to get it powdercoated to match the StongArms.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/porterbuilt_drop.jpg)
Wednesday, Dec 22nd, 2010:Wilwood B52 Caplipers showed up (got 2 sets (8) calipers)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/B52calipers.jpg)
Tuesday, Dec 28th, 2010:After more screw ups via USPS, I finally got my rear brackets
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/B52_rearbrackets.jpg)
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Aren't those D 52 calipers?
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LOL yeah. I was sick, what can I say...
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LOL yeah. I was sick, what can I say...
Rock Lobster!
You've got yourself a purty collection of toys goin there! I like where this is going!
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I think I have decided against powerdercooating and I am going to get going on mocking it up when I can and just paint it and the exposed frame...
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Dang man thats gonna be nice once its all in there :)
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Saturday, Feb 19th, 2011: Pulled the cracked 241 Tcase off along with driveshafts to replace it with a spare 208. When removing the rear u-joint bolts one broke off in the yoke, when removing the front shaft the previous owner stripped the head off the bolt off.
Sunday, Feb 20th, 2011:Got the yoke replaced on the rearend, pried the front joint out and left it, put the Tcase back in. Why all this? Painter is ready for a vehicle and I have decided to paint this one instead so it needs to be drivable.
Found a bunch of hacks from the PO that fortunately are going to be eliminated with the 4x4 conversion. But some of this is ridiculous...
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Monday, Feb 21st, 2011:Crank and drove the truck for the first time since I bought it March of last year. (didn't drive then). Found radiator hose hacks, rear wiring harness hacks and all sorts of stuff.
Saturday, Feb 26th, 2011:Pulled the truck in the driveway and took some before pictures prior to taking to the painter.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerB4_1.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerB4_2.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerB4_3.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerB4_4.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerB4_5.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerB4_6.jpg)
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Sunday, Feb 27th, 2011:Proceeded to take the Blazer apart, removed all of the interior panels, parts pieces and trim.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_1.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_2.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_3.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_4.jpg)
Could of spots of rust in the floor to be repaired. Spot under the drivers seat is torn metal also:
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerrust_1.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerrust_2.jpg)
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Friday, Mar 4th, 2011: Removed the outside mirrors, door locks, handles, Kick panels, cowl, grille, tailgate and bumpers
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_5.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_6.jpg)
Saturday, Mar 5th, 2011: Removed the Vent windows, door glass, weather stripping and started sanding on the body.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_7.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_8.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_9.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_10.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_11.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazergut_12.jpg)
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Looks like a good starting point for something awesome. Are you going to change just the suspenaion to 4x2 or are you going to swap the frame?
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Week of Mar 11th, 2011: Fixed the floor boards, and more sanding..
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerrust_3.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerrust_4.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_1.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_2.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_3.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_4.jpg)
I also got the doors prepped for the One Piece windows on the March 13th.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/opp_up.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/opp_halfdown.jpg)
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Week of March 20th, 2011:MORE sanding.....
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_5.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazerrust_5.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_6.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_7.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_8.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_9.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_10.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_11.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_12.jpg)
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Week of March 27th:: Yeah, more sanding, but removed the top and trim for ... MORE sanding.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_13.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_14.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_15.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_16.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_17.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazersand_18.jpg)
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Are you going to change just the suspenaion to 4x2 or are you going to swap the frame?
Dropmember front and rear with the stock 4x4 frame as of right now.
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You should put the 6.0 in this, like a retromod tbss.
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Just tacking onto this. Looking good...
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It will most likely have a 6.0L in it when the drop member goes in.
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Sunday, April 3rd, 2011: Got the roof, tops of the bed, rear of the cab and bottom of the truck sanded. Sourced another stock hood as the one on it needed more work. Now for bodywork to begin.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_roofsand.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_sanded.jpg)
Saturday, April 9th, 2011:started and finished prep sanding on the top.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_topsand1.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_topsand2.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_topsand3.jpg)
Sunday, April 10th 2011:Got the top and bottom of the "new to me" hood degreased
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_newhood.jpg)
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I wish I could get another set of those wheels... I sold mine. :-[
Looking good! :)
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Great progress Capt, what color are you going to paint it?
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Well the wheels won't be staying on this truck since it will be 2WD...
Grim, it will be painted the same Dark Blue Metallic over Silver like factory, but will have the break Line like the attached pic, with an Orange pinstripe like factory.
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I spy a good lookin orange 67-72 in front of yer top Capt!
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Lookin good
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Yep, its a 68, its a buddy of mines, they have a 67 inside that they are working on for the owner of the shop.
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Between now and the last post we had a tornado come through. Luckily my family was safe. Unfortunately the good hood I got took on some new damage. Although the body guys got it fixed.
Saturday, Jun 11th 2011: brought the Blazer home and posed it for it last outside as a 4x4 shots.
Presured washed the underside and degreased everything as best as possible. Going to start stripping it down to get the Porterbuilt under it..
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_primeDF.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_primePF.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_primeDR.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_primePR.jpg)
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Friday, Jul 15th 2011: Brother came over and help me set the hood off on the Blazer
Sunday, Jul 17th 2011: Removed the Front main wiring harness from the front clip, removed the canister purge system and the hood latch mechanism.
Monday, Jul 18th 2011: Removed the Drivers side fender and inner fender and lower fender plastics.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_dfndr.jpg)
Wednesday, Jul 20th 2011: Removed the Passenger side fender, lower fender plastics and most of the bolts in the inner fender. The main bolt to the body had to be soaked.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_pfndr.jpg)
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Sunday, Jul 24th 2011: Removed the Passenger inner fender using a pry bar and a crescent wrench on the capture nut. Removed the fan, fan shroud, radiator hose, trans hoses and the radiator. Removed the core support as one piece.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_clipoff1.jpg)
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Very impressive stuff
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Glad to see this getting some work done to it still Capt. Also great news about minimal tornado damage!
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loving the progress man. great project.
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Monday, Aug 1st 2011: pulled the TBI/wiring harness off the truck, removed the engine mount bolts and the transfer case bolts, should be pulling it out this weekend.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/89TBI_harness.jpg)
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Saturday, Aug 6th 2011: removed the oil cooler lines, power steering lines and distributor, cruise control, coil, heater line and booster line.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/TBI350_apart1.jpg)
Sunday, Aug 7th 2011: Removed the exhaust system (had to cut one bolt off, and 3 broke off) transfer case shifter, throttle body, AC hoses, grounds, dropped the Transfer case cross member, removed the frame stands, hooked the motor up and pulled it out.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/350TBI_out1.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/350TBI_out2.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/350TBI_gone.jpg)
Monday, Aug 8th 2011: 2007 5.3L with only 30K miles and a 4L60E got delivered this evening.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/07_5.3L.jpg)
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shes a beauty
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Needs more forced induction. ;D
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Needs more forced induction. ;D
+1
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Jealous
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A turbo will make it on it but I need it driving first.
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Sunday, Aug 14th 2011: Only progress I made was getting the TBI drivetrain out of this garage and moved to my other garage along with the LS drivetrain. Now I have much more room.
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Tuesday, Aug 20th 2011: Removed the complete front axle assemble (unbolted the front and rear springs eyes, shock and brake lines) and associated parts. 4x4 no more.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/front_axle_gone1.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/front_axle_gone2.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/front_axle_gone3.jpg)
Wednesday, Aug 21th 2011: Removed the 4x4 frame crossmember, most of the other 4x4 specific brackets have the rivets cross ground, a few are gone before it got too dark.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/4x4_cross_in.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/4x4_cross_out.jpg)
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Saturday, Sep 24th 2011: More grinding on rivets and removed 4x4 bumpstops and brake brackets.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/4x4_brkbmp.jpg)
Just set the Porterbuilt Dropmember in the rails for reference. Now comes the fun in locating it correctly. BTW, no holes on a 4x4 framerail are anywhere close to the same on a 4x2. The form is basically the same, but that is all... (post of diffs are coming)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/PB_mock1.jpg)
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Now comes the fun in locating it correctly. BTW, no holes on a 4x4 framerail are anywhere close to the same on a 4x2.
I found this out going the opposite 4x2 to 4x4. Also on mine the the arch was slightly different but workable.
In the area that you are working on now I made a jig off my old frame. I needed to locate the 4x4 engine mounts and the cross member connected to them. I used the cab mount and shackle mount holes. I see your body is still on the frame, Is it staying on?
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That is what I am planning to do also for both is to make a template. The oblong hole at the beginning of the arch is the only common hole. The body is staying on the frame, but the rear suspension is being removed.
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The oblong hole at the beginning of the arch is the only common hole.
That's why I asked if the body was coming off. I was looking for more than one hole to make sure my jig landed on the frame exactly so I chose the front cab mounts to go from. I made a jig for each side that bolted in and located a few holes for my new parts. Then I could install the parts and mark the rest of the holes. If I had to do it with the cab on I don't think I could have done it that way. One other thing about the jigs was that I had a my old frame, my new frame to convert, and another frame. I cut pieces out of the frame I wasn't using that had the bolt holes I needed, bolted them to my old frame then welded the jigs to them and unbolted the whole thing. Quick and easy.
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I have a 2WD frame for reference, just have to map out the holes. Taking the body off would be easier but I refuse to do this and it ends being a nightmare...
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Sunday, Oct 2nd 2011: Buddy came over in the morning and with some measurements and double checking we made a jig to located the holes and commenced to drilling. 1 Hole on the passenger side had to be center drilled with a smaller bit due to it overlapping an existing 4x4 specific hole and then ground to fit. There is no turning back now, the main Porterbuild dropmember is in, I got the 2 outside brackets to mount/locate and 14 more holes to drill to get them mounted.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/PB_dropmem1.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/PB_dropmem2.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/PB_dropmem3.jpg)
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Did you take pictures of your jigs? I am kicking my self now for not at least taking pictures of how I did mine.
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No I didn't take pictures of them, they are just simple jigs for each side locating the holes. Basically a piece of flat and angle mounted to the outside. I can probably get pictures of them just not on the frame.
Here is a picture of the bracket I made hanging in place. It isn't bolted up, but...
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/4x2template.jpg)
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this is a really cool swap, cant want to see the finished product! 8)
Is that an all aluminum 5.3 or does it have a cast lower?
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I can't wait to see the finished product either....
It isn't the Aluminum block motor, it is an iron block. It is supposed to be an LY5.
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Saturday, Oct 15th 2011: Using the upper Porterbuilt brackets as a guide and with some major measuring to ensure I got it all in right, drilled the holes for the upper control arm/bag bracket. Top pic is the drivers side before drilling the holes, bottom pic is the passenger side after drilling the holes.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/PB_hatlocD.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/PB_hatlocP.jpg)
Pulled out the grinder with a cut-off wheel and started on the shock mounts and rear leaf hangers and got them removed, got one bumpstop removed and found the other side was spinning free so it need to be sawzalled off.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/leaf_shck_ds.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/leaf_shck_ps.jpg)
The proceeded to grind the rivets for the front leaf brackets (I am keeping the 4x4 core support mount). You can see they are gone on the top pic
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/PB_inst3.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/PB_inst2.jpg)
Mocked up the crossmember/engine mount to frame brace and found there were several bolts missing. Put in a call to Porterbuilt to get the missing hardware, but I am close. I need the hardware to finish up the front to put it on the ground. At this time I am 20 bolts from having it all bolted in short of the control arms and shock mounts.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/PB_inst1.jpg)
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Want to know what it take to convert the front of a 4x4 to a 4x2? There are 40 rivets and ~22 bolts that have to be removed to eliminate the 4x4 specific components
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/4x4_brackets.jpg)
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Monday, Oct 17th, 2011: Got word from Nathan at Porterbuilt that the rear kit I was waiting for isn't going to happen anytime soon due to his fathers health. Prayers go out to him and his family during this time.
Friday, Oct 21st, 2011: Ordered a Pickup Truck Airbar Setup from Boris at Street Machinery (http://www.streetmachinery.zoomshare.com) I know since I have a Blazer I will have to do some serious modifications to it, so stay tuned.
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Lookin good!
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Thursday, Oct 27th, 2011: RideTech's Airbar showed up. Going to be modifying a lot of parts, or most likely creating new ones due to the extreme differences in Blazers vs Pickups.
Friday, Oct 28th, 2011: The remainder of the bolts for the Dropmember showed up today, still waiting on the motor mount bushings.
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Once you have everything mocked up are you powder coating or are you painting the frame?
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I am going to paint it. Don't want to get that far into this one.
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Sunday, Oct 6th, 2011: Got the shock mounts bolted up, got the shafts for the RideTech lower control arms removing and bolted up to the Drop member, got the passenger side RideTech upper arm bolted up, Drivers side will require the 4x4 style brake line to be either re-bent or replaced with the 4x2 style.
Better pictures coming....
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/376250_2610479710125_1498960578_32776766_110974651_n.jpg)
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Any updates on this build?
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It is on hold while I get my daily driver back to daily driver status. Unfortunately, I am will also have to sort out the rear suspension..
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It is on hold while I get my daily driver back to daily driver status. Unfortunately, I am will also have to sort out the rear suspension..
ok, thanks. i was considering doing this to my 86 Jimmy but it really seems like to much for me. Planning on going a different route right now.
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any updates on this build? Looks pretty good so far!
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Well I actually during the rainy weekend about 2 weeks ago I got some templates made for cutting out the rear 4 link frame mounts, but that is about it. Still focused on the LS swap truck. This one is next though, and I am working on making the same changes to the wiring on this as it.
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Monday, June 17th, 2013: With the R10 in the shop getting turbos installed I took the opportunity to scrounge up some used spindles and brakes and mount them to the truck to get the ride height set so I can get the rear brackets made so I can get this thing back rolling and moving forward.. This won't be a slammed truck, it is going to be setup to be driving and if in the circumstance that my wife has a bag blow out, it will drop down to the bumpstop and she will be able to still drive it albeit slow to her destination...
Right now it has the stock 4x4 rearend and 6 bolt rims on the back I plan to get the 2wd rearend over and mount everything up, or find the 2wd 10 bolt axle and switch them out, but for now the airbar is setup on the 4x4 rearend, here it is...
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_85.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_86.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_87.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_88.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_89.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_90.jpg)
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Saturday, June 22nd, 2013: After looking for my "spare" 5 lug 10 bolt and realizing it was the one that was stolen a while back a buddy came by and told me he had a 5 lug axle at his house that had issues that I could use to mock everything up. He dropped it off at my house and I realized it was from a 88-99 truck and it was wider, so that was a no go. I may keep it and use it in my R10 later as it was a limited slip with 3.42 gears. Tore both my 10 bolt and his down to verify they were both 30 spline and the gearing on both. They both ended up being 3.42's with a limited slip.
Sunday, June 23rd, 2013: After unsuccessfully finding a 10 bolt and not wanting to drive to my brother shop I decided to just pull the 12 bolt axles out of my 2WD Jimmy. Pulled them out and then swapped them into the 12 bolt. Generally I haven't had issues with this (it only works on 88-91 30 spline 10 bolts) but this time I had to polish off the ends to get the c-clips in. Now I have 12 bolt 5 lug axles in my 10 bolt. After getting the 6 lug 4x4 axle converted to 5 lug I setup the Blazer to be level front to back as I want it level while driving. I then set out to sort the rear axle clearance as far as drop goes along with how much of a C-notch I need. In the below picture the front tire will go up 1" for parking lot cruising and when at ride height I plan to raise the rear about 2" and the front about 3". Next step is to set up everything at ride height and get the front link brackets made.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_92.jpg)
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Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013: Playing with the Ridetech Airbar and not going to be able to get it as low as I want it. Trying to come up with a way to use some of what I have to work without recreating the whole setup. Doesn't look promising...
This is the rear suspension with the bars level, and the truck about 3" too high for ride height.. You can tell the 78-up dropped floor is in the way of the top bar. Will be looking for alternative mounting today.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_93.jpg)
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Nice build chris. Its looking great...
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Saturday, July 6th, 2013: Started working on the rear suspension and designing the 4 link front mounts. Played around with the height for a while and finally decided on what would be the cruise height shown below. Ride height will be a little higher in the front and back to get good suspension travel. I setup the link to be able to clear at this height so moving it down would be simple.
Here are the templates I made, just need to pick up some steel and get them cut and welded.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_94.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_96.jpg)
Here is the view from the back sitting much lower than above.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_95.jpg)
This is going to be cruise height.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_97.jpg)
This will be REALLY close to ride height:
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_92.jpg)
This is why it is going to be cruise height...
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_98.jpg)
After all of this, I have decided to redesign the rear suspension completely as all the parts I have from Ridetech for a pickup will end up being cut up, so I might as well make all of this fit like I want it. Bags will be in the rear, shocks will be in the front. The panhard is going to be MUCH longer. Stay tuned...
Sunday, July 7th, 2013: Talked Live85 into bringing his truck over and mounting my rims up on his truck for fitment and ride height guides. In this pic his front rocker is 9.5" off the ground, the rear was 10.25" off the ground
(http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=24465.0;attach=23445;image)
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Wednesday, August 28th, 2013: Finally received the brackets I designed for the rear suspension and that I had someone laser cut. They got them before I left on vacation.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_99.jpg)
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Tuesday May 20th, 2014: Ordered a rear trailing arm setup from Porterbuilt.
Tuesday July 15th, 2014: Porterbuilt parts showed up today. Going to be attempting to get it in and under the Blazer. I put the crossmember in place just to get an eyeball on it...
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_101.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_100.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_102.jpg)
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Monday, July 28th, 2014: In order to get the Crossmember in the correct location I needed to get the engine and trans set in the truck. So I went to my other garage and picked it up with the help of my Brother.
He couldn't stay but helped me get the motor and trans connected and I spent the rest of the night wrestling it in between the frame rails. Unfortunately I stopped right around 1pm to go to bed and didn't get it bolted up.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_103.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_104.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_105.jpg)
Tuesday, July 29th, 2014: After getting home I attempted to install the motor mounts and found that they were too tall. Call Porterbuilt and talked with him about replacements.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_106.jpg)
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Like what you are doing, subd to watch this build.
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After some time off I am getting some time to get back on this. Hope to have it ready by PowerTour 2019.
To catch up on the timeline in June of 2016, I was talking to Porterbuilt about their Blazer rear kit that they were at the time making. Mine was a truck version, as they had not planned on making a K5 kit and in June 2016 they did. I was going to contact him in July 2016 and get started on it, when I sold my house and other things snowballed out of control.
Fast forward to below.
Sunday, July 22nd, 2018: Spent the whole day cleaning out around the K5 Blazer. Pulled out parts and found most of what I needed. At this point in time I still needed to pull the motor our and replace the engine stands on the PorterBuilt crossmember.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_107.jpg)
Monday, August 6th, 2018: Started communicating with Porterbuild inquiring on what would be needed to complete the rear trailing arm setup on the Blazer. We exchanged a few emails and explained what I needed. At this point the biggest hurdle was he didn't have a later frame (they are different) and I needed a Bridge/Notch for it. But he was currently busy with other projects and the Blazer kits were not a hot item. He asked to give him some time so I did.
Monday, September 17th, 2018: Due to prior commitments, Project and timing Porterbuilt wasn't going to be able to move forward on this.
During this time I considered completing the other possibilities: Building a bridge/notch for use with either the PBfab Trailing Arm setup and/or the Ridetch 4 link. But at this time the only option for these were Air Ride. And I am really over that for a driver. I looked at several options and talked to a number of companies. I decided I wanted to go with Coilovers and looked at QA1 and RideTech setup, but Still no one had an answer for a Blazer. During the drives home in my truck I was constantly parking in front of the 1986 Corvette rearend I acquired back in March of 2007. And one day it just hit me, I should just try and mount that under the Blazer.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_109.jpg)
Friday, September 21st, 2018: After doing some research I found FlatOut Engineering (http://flatout-engineering.com) makes a kit for the 67-72 Pickups, which based on the crossmembers I used to chop and sell will fit a 73-87. So I called them and during the conversation I told him what I was wanting to do and he was interested. He send me some forms to fill out and that weekend I took some pictures and measurements and sent to him to review. He also told me some places to check for front suspensions
Monday, September 24th, 2018: I found a Ebay listing from one of the reputable companies he suggested and I placed an offer and I made the purchase for a 1992 Corvette IFS hub to hub.
Monday, September 28th, 2018: I called FlatOut Engineering (http://flatout-engineering.com) and told him I would have to front coming and would give him a call on Thursday October the 4th.
Wednesday, October 3rd, 2018: The front Corvette IFS was delivered this afternoon.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_108.jpg)
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Thursday, October 4th, 2018: Called FlatOut Engineering (http://flatout-engineering.com) and ordered a 67-72 C10 Front Kit and a 55-59 Pickup rear kit along with Coil overs. They should be here in a week.
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Nice. Should be a pretty slick setup!
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Nice. Should be a pretty slick setup!
I hope so. I am happy to just get it going..
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Monday, October 15th, 2018: FlatOut Engineering (http://flatout-engineering.com) Front 67-72 Kit and rear 55-59 Kit showed up today along with Aldan Coilovers. Got it unboxed and checked off the items seems as though everything is here.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_111.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_112.jpg)
Since the front is weld in, I had to get the 5.3L/4L60E out along with the Porterbuilt front crossmember. Did this alone so it took a little while longer but I disassembled the crossmember out from under the engine/trans and pulled it out and got it on the floor.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_113.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_114.jpg)
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Tuesday, October 16th, 2018: Started cleaning off the front frame rails So I can make some cardboard templates for boxing the inside frame rails since the outside frame rail will have to be notched and welded.
Wednesday, October 17th, 2018: Trying to make templates before I have to go and pick up my daughter from School..
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Saturday, October 20th, 2018: Found some Corvette Z06 18x9.5" rims with tires (that will hold air) for mockup for $300.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_115.jpg)
Did some measuring to find the centerline of the spindle to mark the outside frame rail where it has to be cut. The hashed portion is what I currently have to remove which will definitely require boxing plates. I am going to mount the fender on and position the wheel in the center of the opening and do a remeasure on it.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_116.jpg)
Made templates for the boxing of the frame, there will be a C notch in front of the blue tape (actual the center will be at the end of the tape) I hope to have these cut next week. I have a an email out to FlatOut Engineering (http://flatout-engineering.com) on if this is enough as they recommend going closer to the firewall. I still need to sort out access to the inner rail for access.
Drivers Side:
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_117.jpg)
Passenger Side:
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_118.jpg)
Although not bolted together all the way this is the difference in the PBFab vs FlatOut Engineering (http://flatout-engineering.com) crossmembers.
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_119.jpg)
(http://www.73-87chevytrucks.com/projects/JamieK5/JBlazer_120.jpg)