K5 Technical questions....

[Stantonss]

If you're a colorado K5 member as well... This is a copy and paste from my post there...

Any info/advise is greatly appreciated.

Hey Guys, I'm looking for a K5 ('89-'91) and I think I've found one ('90). Excuse my ignorance, but I've also never owned a 4-wheel drive.

I have a couple questions you guys may be able to help on.

The one I am looking at; he states the rear diff is "worn out".. Come to find out it has 4.10's in the front and 3.73's in the rear. When he say's the rear diff is worn out, basically all I would want to do is replace the seals and the gears (4.10's of course)?

Also, 4-low is out... Would that mean I need to have the transfer case rebuilt or buy a new one? Which is the best way to go? How involved is changing the transfer case, a several hour swap in the drive way like a tranny swap? Or is much easier than a tranny swap.

I don't wanna purchase one and kill myself getting it in order.

I really won't be off-roading the K5, I might get it dirty, but no heavy off roading... Maybe a slow drive to a pond or back woods, but no rock clawing, etc. Driving it on the snow and ice in town. It will also be a daily drive for the most part. What would your suggestion be on wheels and tires? Again, very light off-road and mostly highway in town street use.

Thanks again and excuse my lack of insight in the 4 wheel drive world.

[Captkaos]

You can't use 4x4 EVERY with that much difference in the ratios UNLESS it is strictly a mud bog/slush truck.  Depending on what "worn out" means, it could be completely trashed.

If 4LOW is out you should assume 4Hi is out also since everything functions the same in both gears only the gear is engage with the lock plate in 4LOW.  You would have to pull it apart to find out what the problem is, OR just replace the T-case.

You can put up to 31's on it without a problem.  I don't have a specific tire to recommend but for they type of driving you asking about I would say any all terrains.  As for wheels and tires = stock or stock size 15x8"

[Stantonss]

You can't use 4x4 EVERY with that much difference in the ratios UNLESS it is strictly a mud bog/slush truck.  Depending on what "worn out" means, it could be completely trashed.

If 4LOW is out you should assume 4Hi is out also since everything functions the same in both gears only the gear is engage with the lock plate in 4LOW.  You would have to pull it apart to find out what the problem is, OR just replace the T-case.

You can put up to 31's on it without a problem.  I don't have a specific tire to recommend but for they type of driving you asking about I would say any all terrains.  As for wheels and tires = stock or stock size 15x8"

Thanks Cap.... Let's say it is completely trashed. What all entails a overhaul?

[Captkaos]

Completely trashed = New Gears, New differential, and new seals and bearings (axle and pinion/diff) Most of the time the axles should be ok, but MOST people say trashed and mean the diff and gears are gone, which would be new gears, diff and associated bearings. 

IF the axle is trashed, it would be cheaper to get another one but you would have to find one with the same gearing as your current front.

[blue beast]

i believe my 85 came stock with 31's and 3.08 gears,4.10 might b a little mutch if its stock height.imo of cource

[Stantonss]

i believe my 85 came stock with 31's and 3.08 gears,4.10 might b a little mutch if its stock height.imo of cource

It currently has a 4" lift with 33" tires on 15" rims.

[k5blazerfan]

are you in colorado?? if you need parts they got a few up here in cheyenne in the junkyard a 77 and 75