My new build thread: Stage 4!

[swyfor5]

Thank's, printed off the HAD order form and working on spec's! Definetly looks like the way to go!

[vtblazer]

Super progress in the bigger picture, parts accumulation takes time.

Another consideration for your front D60 might be a set of these:
Loose the death wobble forever.



http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/...es_p_1246.html

[swyfor5]

Thank's VT. I am definitly going with Ballistic's setup. I checked it out a while back when you suggested it, just lacking the funds right now. Also gonna go with the high steer setup at the same time. Got almost all the repair panels I need to restore the floors, rockers, etc . Been kind of a expensive summer, buying up parts, got some job complications coming in November. If I make it through that ok, next spring looks like go time on this build!

[swyfor5]

Heard from Classic Heartbeat, panels shipped today! Just leaves the rear bed floor section to go. Shipping is a killer on that, so saving up funds!

[swyfor5]

Fired K5 up again tonight, sounds real good. Gonna go check out storage barn this weekend, weather starting to turn here! Waiting on a couple of panels from Wes!

[swyfor5]

Re-researching Ballistic Fabs Dana60 High Steer Arm Kit. Looks like the way to go here, they list the standard kit- with a long passenger and short driver arm. Also standard kit runs 3/4 ton TRE's. Sounds to me like the way to go here.Lists for $302.99 plus, but I think this is the way to go- eliminate the king pin springs. I know I will still need the steering tie rods and etc to go with it but looks like the way to go. Want the high steer setup also, anybody got advice?

[swyfor5]

Got the 2 rocker box rear reinforcing panels from Wes today, look nice! Dad came through with some more Pontiac parts money today also, double bonus! Rear bed back panel to go..almost there with the underneath sheetmetal pieces! Next comes the crossover and high steer setup, and Had drivelines. Thinking about getting the wife and I both second jobs to raise funds!

[swyfor5]

Got the two rocker box rear panels from WES, they are nice! Just ordered up a new heater core also. Dad hit me with some more Pontiac parts money so here I go again! Getting ready for winter storage here, man I need my own pole barn for all my projects!

[swyfor5]

Ordered up a heater seal kit to complete my heater/core/upgrade. Got a new blower motor here, few small items left and good to go! Some pic's to go with!

[VA72C10]

You've got a nice part's collection now. Should be able to roll on this in the spring!

[swyfor5]

Thank's, VA72! More parts comming soon, working on getting the Ballistic/crossover/high steer steering setup.Need to sort thru a bunch of stuff, and free up some more cash soon!

[swyfor5]

Got the nice heater box seal kit from LMC yesterday. Weather is turning quickly here, so need to get ready for inside winter storage again. Hope this to be my last winter without storage of my own here. I am getting ready to order up another bundle of parts from WES this next week though, and then start tearing into the 1 ton axles for the winter project!

[swyfor5]

Well, I drove the K5 out to the storage barn under it's own power. The barn is 1 mile or so from my house. Wouldn't hardly pull itself down the road, but I got it there. Discovered the left front disc brake caliper is siezed up. Oh well, pulled the battery out and good for the winter. Not worried about the caliper, swapping in the dana60 anyway! I did send off payment to Wes for some more heater and misc parts today. Took some pic's with my 35mm of K5 in barn, will post when get developed.

[swyfor5]

Got my new to me windshield washer bottle/bracket combo from a member here today. Nice driver quality, I removed my original years ago for some reason, and don't remember what I did with it, so needed a replacement.

[swyfor5]

Fedex just dropped of my new heater core from WES! Next shipment should wrap up all my heater needs.

[swyfor5]

Ok, I am lost again. Trying to decide on the steering purchase for the dana60 swap. I have researched and researched this to no end. Looking at Ballistics stuff, ORD Design, WFO Concepts, all really nice. I want to go with a crossover setup, and the high steer arms to eliminate the kingpin springs. I dont think I need to go full hydro, or even hydro assist for my application. Leaning toward Ballistics D60 high steer kit which has the 2 high steer arms, 8 studs, nuts, etc. Then the crossover steering kit which has the 4 7/8"-18 chevy tie rod ends (x1 es2234L., X1 es2027L., X2 es2234R) plus 4 tube adapters for the rod ends, 2 1.5" OD .250 wall tubes for the tie rod and drag link 58" long. All adds up to 2 kits so far at considerable cost. If I understand correctly, I also need to purchase a 2wd steering box to run this setup. I have already bought the correct pitman arm for this, ( I believe). Does it sound like I'm on the right track here? As far as the 3 companys listed above, Ballistic seems to have the most complete kits for this application, but maybe I've missed something here. Any of you guy's done this swap lately, or have any advice for this rookie? Looking at one of the higher priced upgrades to my stage 4 project, and want to do it right!

[swyfor5]

Ya'll sit. I've been searching, ORD and Brothers both show 2wd boxes good to go. Brothers also has the quick ratio boxes, any comments?

[swyfor5]

Nobody else going 1 ton setups? Going to invest cash here soon, and looking for some advice! Anybody got some new help?

[swyfor5]

Ok, so far here's my plan. Going with Ballistic's dana60 high steer kit, thier crossover tie rod kit, and the quick ratio power 2wd steering box from Brothers. Already have the 2wd pitman arm reamed out for this type of app from WFO. Looking at just over $800.00 or so, but I think this is the way to go here. Anybody?

[scoyote]

I highly recommend it.

[swyfor5]

Thank you, just seems like the way to go here. Need funds, funds, funds!

[swyfor5]

Hung up and primered black 6 parts I got from WES. Gonna go total rust free coating after welding in, but just needed to protect parts until welding/installation is completeted!

[71blazerdetroit]

So, I guess i missed it, are you buying 2wd steering unit with port options for assist?

I have also been doing research for a while on 1 ton steering upgrade and agree on ballistic for their arms. i was planning on just porting my own 2wd box.

check out east coast gear , they might be cheaper for your steering links and tre's needed. i think i paid 200.

edit: found you running 39's, I'm running 38.5 on stock steering atm.

[swyfor5]

Looked at rebuilt 2wd ported boxes in case I want to upgrade to assist later on. You can run them with the ports capped off until you add the pump system and assist cylinder later on. From what I've found so far, ported ones are upwards of $400.00 I really dont think I'm going to need the assist setup, so am going to go with the Brothers rebuilt 2wd power quick ratio box for like $250.00 The factory 4wd box shaft will not allow you to use a pitman arm necessary for side to side motion of the steering. Hence the need for a 2wd box. Not really sure I need the quick ratio one, but It seems like it would be a good upgrade.

[swyfor5]

Got a couple more heater parts from WES the last couple of days. It has been a good summer for me gathering needed parts! Lots of cash went by-by, but getting closer all the time!