1975 K-10 Project

[BBM3]

Had some time to work on the K10.
I have the transfer case installed without drama.
I built a quickie platform from scrap wood for my transmission jack to hold the transfer case in position.
Kind of like doing woodworking projects. Sometimes I spend more time building jigs and setting up than making the actual cuts.
Feeling like a wimp knowing how many people do this on their back without the aide of a vehicle lift and transmission jack.
I have a few more things to finish today and the K10 will be back on the road tomorrow.

[LTZ C20]

It looks good.

[BBM3]

Thanks LTZ.
Almost done.
Check that.
Much more to be done.

[BBM3]

It's hard for me to believe it has been a month to the day since I removed the transfer case. Time flies.
I just returned from a test drive and it appears the leaks have been eliminated and the NP205 shifts way better.
I destroyed the speedometer reducer when I dropped the t-case so I eliminated it and screwed the speedo cable directly into the t-case.
Lo and behold my speedo is now off by only ~2mph from ~12mph and the needle no longer bounces. Bonus!
 
While driving around with a huge smile on my face I reflected on how far my truck has come since I bought it 10 months ago.
The truck feels really solid and is now nearly squeak, rattle, and vibration free.

[LTZ C20]

Hey nice work! Congrats, I've been following your thread and you've really been kicking it into high gear and getting it in tip top shape.

[bd]

I concur!

[BBM3]

Thanks LTZ and bd.
You guys and others here inspire me.
From the onset my primary goal has been to make the truck safe and reliable.
I feel I have accomplished that.
Now my long list of items on the bottom of my too do list are finally percolating to the top.

[LTZ C20]

Tho I have never had the need to use it, really like I've never needed it, I sometimes wish I had 4wd. But that's means I'de have all of those 4wd associated parts to work on, fix up, take care of. My 2wd has suited me fine, I'm good with that. If I decide I want a 4x4, I'll buy one.

[BBM3]

Understood.
When I lived in Southwest Florida I had no need or desire for a 4WD truck.

Even with the additional 4WD parts it remains a very basic vehicle and satisfyingly simple to work on.

I am hoping to get it out on some mountain trails soon and deep snowfalls this winter.

[Don5]

Congrats and it does look really good. Living here in WV, you just about have to have 4wd just to get around in the winter. 

[BBM3]

We had 2 feet of snow last night and today.
Took the truck out to test 4WD. The diffs and axles were plowing but I made it through. All wheel drive unibody SUV's were stuck everywhere.
A little dicey going up steep hills. Locking or limited slip diffs and better tires would be good but for now I am pleased.

[BBM3]

This is not much of an update but I did have a chance to take the truck out the other day in about 6" of snow covering sheet ice.
This time out I found I have a limited slip rear end. (Embarrassing, but I forgot to take note when I had the diff. cover off).
Does nice 2WD two track doughnuts in the snow.
I gave my rebuilt transfer case a full workout this time also. 4 wheel low is certainly low!
While I was out I drove by many abandoned AWD vehicles stuffed in ditches.
I have owned modern 4WD and AWD vehicles but something about this old truck makes me feel invincible in the snow and ice.
A winter storm watch is forecast for tonight and tomorrow. I know what vehicle I'll be driving tomorrow.

[bd]

   Doesn't that just make you all fuzzy knowing it can handle a diversity of bad weather and obstacles when others balk and kiss a ditch?

[BBM3]

It does.
I had a love / hate relationship with a brand new Range Rover a couple of years ago. (More hate than love).
These old trucks are tough, bare bones, and no excuses required.

[LTZ C20]

The best trucks (hands down) gm ever made had an 18 year run. No other body style truck has done that.