Attempting my first build 72 K5

[sockalaminski]

You're doing some great quality work brother. Keep it up.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the nice comments. It def helps keep me motivated

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Was out of town again this weekend so no progress was made.. This week I was planning on finishing the front end.

I'm wondering how you are supposed to install the steering tie rod that connects to the knuckles? Does it matter if the castle nut faces up or down?

[DeadheadNM]

Can't recall exactly - I'd guess threads-up to avoid damage. I'll check the GMC here...

[DeadheadNM]

Threads down at both the tie rod bracket and axle end...

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Threads down at both the tie rod bracket and axle end...

Thanks, Pete. That was my original guess. Funny thing, LMC shows a picture of the castle nuts facing upwards, but I just had this feeling that's not correct.

I'm setting realistic measurable goals this weekend.

Install the tie rod, steering stabilizer, Center link arm, and pitman.. If I get through that, I will start routing the fuel lines since there's nothing to obstruct me from getting to some of the tight spots. in the very back.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Steering Stabilizer question for you guys.. I ordered Skyjackers Stabilizer part# 9055, which says HD OEM Replacement Kit for 1972 k5 Blazer 4x4. (minus the brackets). It came with the bushings, nuts, and tapered studs..

The studs are different than the ones that where on there before. I don't know if that stabilizer was ever changed or was replaced with different hardware/brackets than original OEM.

Skyjackers instructions:
1. Install the supplied tapered stud into the OEM tie rod.

2. Install the supplied bushing & sleeve into the body and eye of the new skyjacker steering stabilizer & attach to the OEM axle bracket using the OEM hardware.

3. Install the supplied boot over the shaft end of the stabilizer & install the supplied bushing into the shaft end eye of the new stabilizer.

4. Mount the shaft end of the stabilizer to the new stud on the OEM tie rod.

When I removed my steering stabilizer the tapered stud was not inserted through the tie rod. It had a bracket that had to U-bolts holding it to the tie rod. The other tapered stud was bolted to the axle housing.

[DeadheadNM]

Here's the stabilizer I've used on my 4wd's with the OEM tie rod brackets: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...937&cc=1051445

Your tie rod bracket looks correct to me. The axle end does too - It's a welded integral part of the axle. No way to reuse the old tie rod bracket with the Skyjacker stabilizer? Maybe use the old bolts/castle nuts?

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Here's the stabilizer I've used on my 4wd's with the OEM tie rod brackets: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...937&cc=1051445

Your tie rod bracket looks correct to me. The axle end does too - It's a welded integral part of the axle. No way to reuse the old tie rod bracket with the Skyjacker stabilizer? Maybe use the old bolts/castle nuts?

I think i'm going to try and use the old tapered studs and see if that works. I hate how all these after market parts companies say their parts are direct oem fit.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

I hate how all these after market parts companies say their parts are direct oem fit.

Can't agree more. I've tried to make due whenever poss with OEM parts but not always an option. As for parts in general, I recently had to replace a windshield washer pump. That was hard to find in a non "universal" setup. When I found a pump (US made), I bought a spare to keep on the shelf. Wearable items like gaskets I buy extras.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Threads down at both the tie rod bracket and axle end...

The factory assembly manual also shows them pointing down.. Now i ran into a little bit of trouble. I can get one side in, but the leaf spring is blocking the clearance in need to get the tie rod stud through the other knuckle

Do I need to loosen up one of the leaf springs to get the clearance I need or is their an easy way?

[DeadheadNM]

I can not quite get my index finger between the Monroe stabilizer linked above and the lower leaf spring on my K20 (the Blazer and GMC are not here presently). Maybe the diameter of the aftermarket stabilizer is too large?

[Dirt's72]

Mike, here's pics of my set-up if it helps, I believe is oem??? Anyone?

[DeadheadNM]

Aside from the stabilizer and it's bolts Derrick's pic looks OEM to me

[Dirt's72]

It appears the hardware for the stabilizer that mounts to fixed axle bracket is same as what's shown on mikes picture. The stabilizer hardware on tie rod end looks different. Mike if you don't end up using the stabilizer hardware let me know. Also I will have some questions on the winch this later, just picked it up today.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

I can not quite get my index finger between the Monroe stabilizer linked above and the lower leaf spring on my K20 (the Blazer and GMC are not here presently). Maybe the diameter of the aftermarket stabilizer is too large?

I learned a few things today.. However, I was successful in that I accomplished installing the steering tie rod and steering stabilizer.

I used the original studs from my old stabilizer and put those in the Skyjacker stabilizer and that did the trick.. Lined up just like OEM.. The stabilizer if a little bigger ( thickness) so i was worried I wouldn't have enough clearance between the leaf spring.

So, what did learn??? Install the steering tied rod and steering stabilizer before you bolt the axle to the leaf springs.. LOL

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Can't agree more. I've tried to make due whenever poss with OEM parts but not always an option. As for parts in general, I recently had to replace a windshield washer pump. That was hard to find in a non "universal" setup. When I found a pump (US made), I bought a spare to keep on the shelf. Wearable items like gaskets I buy extras.

Where did you find the USA made windshield washer pump? I might need to replace mine

[DeadheadNM]

Looks good! Can't recall off hand where I got the pump - will try to dig out my spare and get more info. It might have been from RockAuto as well.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by Dirt's72

It appears the hardware for the stabilizer that mounts to fixed axle bracket is same as what's shown on mikes picture. The stabilizer hardware on tie rod end looks different. Mike if you don't end up using the stabilizer hardware let me know. Also I will have some questions on the winch this later, just picked it up today.

Your pics above are exactly how mine was before I tore it down. I ended up using the old tapered stud instead so I can make it work with the original brackets. Feel free to call me with any questions about the winch

[jaros44sr]

Nice build so far, enjoying the read.....but, could the stabilizer be mounted to the bottom of the bracket, might give you more room. Mines apart so i have no referance.

Keep up the detailed work

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Nice build so far, enjoying the read.....but, could the stabilizer be mounted to the bottom of the bracket, might give you more room. Mines apart so i have no referance.

Keep up the detailed work

Thanks, Jaro

Not quite sure. I actually thought about that.. If anybody has any reference or has done this before I'd like to see some pics. However, I think overall it should be ok.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Center Link bolt / nut question.. When I try to thread the nut on to the center link bolt it goes on smoothly right until it the top of the nut meets the top of the threads. Without really wrenching on it it won't go down any further. I'm afraid I might ruining the bolt. Is this normal? I checked the threads and they are in good shape.

[jaros44sr]

Is that one of those locking nuts that are squeezed across the flats, sortaxlooks like it to me.....i see some indentations where it could have been pressed

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

Is that one of those locking nuts that are squeezed across the flats, sortaxlooks like it to me.....i see some indentations where it could have been pressed

Yes, I believe so. I ended up just bolting them on there anyways.

[sockalaminski]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

Yes, I believe so. I ended up just bolting them on there anyways.

Good call. That is what is known as a mechanical locking nut. The end of the nut is "crushed to distort the thread. When you install it, it is hard as hell to get it on and even harder to get it off. It's ideal or steering systems where a loose bolt could end in catastrophe. The nut and bolt should not be reused. If you have to take it apart, it should be replaced.