1976 K5 on 39.5 Super Swampers

[Libertad]

Well I went ahead and traded my C10 for this 1976 K5.

350 / 350
NP203
Dana 44 / GM14 full floating 3/4 ton axles
6" lift and 3" body lift
39.5 Super Swampers

She needs some cleaning up and personalizing......... I can't wait til this 103 degree heat dies down.

Here she is:

[Libertad]

Interior pics:











and the motor:

[Davidmichael]

Very nice!. I am glad to see you went threw with the trade.

[Libertad]

Originally Posted by Davidmichael

Very nice!. I am glad to see you went threw with the trade.

Yeah me too! Thanks!

[Gemp]

Nice truck, Whats the plans?

[Libertad]

Originally Posted by Gemp

Nice truck, Whats the plans?

Well Gemp as for right now:
-replace a 24" brake line on the front passenger side
-go through every piece of the suspension and undercarriage to make sure their ain't any loose bolts
-get it registered in my name
-take her out in the local hills and try her out

But in the future I will be doing a 4x4 K5 version of a 70's type rat rod. I got some things in mind that will personalize her into a bare bones type of no nonsense all terrain vehicle.

[str8axle55]

I think you did well.Solid rig, just needs your touches.

[Ghastlyone]

Eewww, no steering stabilizers. I can't imagine how that thing feels going down the road.

Other then that, cool truck. I have a soft spot for K5's, I've always loved them.

[Libertad]

Originally Posted by Ghastlyone

Eewww, no steering stabilizers. I can't imagine how that thing feels going down the road.

Other then that, cool truck. I have a soft spot for K5's, I've always loved them.

What type do you recommend and how tough is it to install?

[Ghastlyone]

I ran Pro Comp stabilizers on my 91. There's a ton of different brands out there. You can probably check 4 Wheels Parts. After installing them on my 91 it was 1000x's better. It nearly stopped the wandering and drifting it was doing without them.

They're pretty simple to install also, not hard at all.

It's amazing how many lifted K5's I see without them.

[Ghastlyone]

Here an old picture of my 91, I ran the over under style stablizers....



I've heard people say the end to end style are better, but I don't know.

[Libertad]

Originally Posted by Ghastlyone

I ran Pro Comp stabilizers on my 91. There's a ton of different brands out there. You can probably check 4 Wheels Parts. After installing them on my 91 it was 1000x's better. It nearly stopped the wandering and drifting it was doing without them.

They're pretty simple to install also, not hard at all.

It's amazing how many lifted K5's I see without them.

I will definitely look into some different type of stabilizer setups.

[blakeduren]

Make sure crossover steering is on your list, that will help you out way more then a steering stabilizer will.
That draglink is at a steep angle right now.
Also, get a ORD style steering box brace and find a XJ steering shaft to swap in, all of these things make a world of difference.
Blake

[68Timber]

That's a good looking K5, nice score.

[blu-by-u-2]

Sweet!

[russgt]

With that big of a tire the dana 44 can and will be a weak link in the drivetrain. Not trying to scare you, but keeping that in mind and taking it easy when you are a ways from pavement will help you make it back.

[nlped]

^^^Russ is right about the Dana 44, I destroyed the one in my Jeep and it only had a 35" tall tire. They are not very friendly with the heavy wheels and tires .

Thing looks like a ton of fun though! I'd fix the air, straighten out the steering and drive the snot out of it

[Ghastlyone]

Originally Posted by blakeduren

Make sure crossover steering is on your list, that will help you out way more then a steering stabilizer will.
That draglink is at a steep angle right now.
Also, get a ORD style steering box brace and find a XJ steering shaft to swap in, all of these things make a world of difference.
Blake

I ran a steering box brace on my 91 also. These trucks are notorious with the frame cracking right at the steering box.

Installing one though is no small task. I remember the that took longer then doing the whole lift kit on mine.

[Libertad]

Originally Posted by russgt

With that big of a tire the dana 44 can and will be a weak link in the drivetrain. Not trying to scare you, but keeping that in mind and taking it easy when you are a ways from pavement will help you make it back.

Thanks for the note of caution. Even though it is a 3/4 instead of a 1/2 ton Dana 44? I do plan on putting some 38" Ground Hawgs on her but I only have three so I need to find someone that wants to trade these 4 SS for 1 or 2 Ground Hawgs.


I will mostly be doing the local hills around here and nothing crazy fast or hard.

[Libertad]

Originally Posted by Ghastlyone

I ran a steering box brace on my 91 also. These trucks are notorious with the frame cracking right at the steering box.

Installing one though is no small task. I remember the that took longer then doing the whole lift kit on mine.

Adding steering box brace.......thanks

[russgt]

The 1/2 at 3/4 are internally the same, basically the only difference is the lug pattern. Some people have had good luck with them and a lot of upgrade parts are available, such as chrome molly shafts. Its not a bad unit, just not as strong as a 60, but it is suppose to be stronger than the 10 bolt. I do want to add that it is a very sharp truck and I am curious how the handles between the top and door get attached, I would like to add them to my 76.

[Libertad]

Originally Posted by russgt

The 1/2 at 3/4 are internally the same, basically the only difference is the lug pattern. Some people have had good luck with them and a lot of upgrade parts are available, such as chrome molly shafts. Its not a bad unit, just not as strong as a 60, but it is suppose to be stronger than the 10 bolt. I do want to add that it is a very sharp truck and I am curious how the handles between the top and door get attached, I would like to add them to my 76.

I will run the 44 until she dies and then find a 60 to throw under her. As far as the handles they are attached with 4 screws each, not sure how but could be similar to how the mirrors mount to the body.

BTW Russ I checked out your 76 build and man you put a lot of work into it. Looking great! I can't believe how much rust kills in the North.

[Libertad]

Well painted the K5 more to my liking. Marine Corps Olive Drab and Black. OOOORAH!

[russgt]

looking good

[blu-by-u-2]

What happened with the satin black? Looks good.Was the dolphins plate really worth keeping though LOL ? My Jimmy is sport'n A Seahawks frame.