Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Rear axle powder coated.. I really like the look of powder coat. They did 2 coats of the 60% gloss black.. I've heard you shouldn't really powder coat axles because they can chip easily, but I figured i'd give it a try, plus I'm not going to be seriously off-roading this thing either and I can live with a scratch or two.

The backing plates and drums where also powder coated. The local guy I use around here reinstalled the gears, axles, and backing plates for me. He also made sure the housing was clean inside because sometimes these powder coating shops get sand and dirt inside of them. He spent some extra time cleaning them out for me. If you're in the San Jose area, Superior 4 wheel drives is where I take all my stuff to if I cant do it myself. The guy specializes in drivelines, suspension, and most importantly he knows a ton of stuff about K5. He has a couple of his own.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Quality work on this Mike. Can't wait to see this on the road.
Anytime you get a chance on the pics, no rush. Thanks

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Derrick - Last night, I sent all the pics of the winch that I had when I was removing it. It didn't occur to me to take more because I had no intention of using it again, but I think you'll be able to figure out how it was mounted.

Also, I have a 36 Gallon gas tank that I wont be using. Any interest in that?

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

You are doing awesome detail work here.

That front end looks good !

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Mike, thank you for all the pics, they should be a great help.
Can't wait to get it. I plan on using a couple factory skid plates for my blazers so I'm sticking with original tanks. Could use one original one not banged up.
Thanks man.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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?

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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?

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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?

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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?

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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


http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL217.../409996443.jpg


http://pic90.picturetrail.com/VOL217.../409996449.jpg

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

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.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

I have another question for you experienced folks. I want to avoid running into the same problem I did with the steering tie rod and stabilizer. I had to disassemble the leaf springs from the axle to get those parts on.

Based on what I have assembled what would be ideal steps in finishing the reassembly. Yesterday, I finished putting the drag link, pitman arm and the power steering gear box to the frame. I also finished the brakes on the rear axle

I have a couple ideas but from your guys experience what would be the best order to start assembling the rest of the parts?

I was thinking:
1. Route the fuel and brake lines (since I wont have anything in my way underneath)
2. Install the Gas Tank ( i figure that will be a lot easier w/o the leaf springs and axle in there)
3. Install the Rear Leaf Springs
4. Rear Axle
5. Steering shaft (or should I wait till after the engine is in.. Is it easier to get the engine with the headers with the way it is now?)

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

I didn't know that. What about the nuts on the steering arm? These are the originals that I had zinc Chromate. I would really like to use these again, but if it means risking a catastrophe I'd rather not.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Those nuts should be replaced when removed, but I know of many who have reused them. I'd say with confidence, if you want to reuse them, use loc-tite and torque them to the proper spec and you should be OK.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Gas Tank Install help needed...

I'm really confused on how this is supposed to be installed. I ordered direct stock oem replacement tank through GMC Pauls. I have no idea how these supplied brackets work.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

FWIW - they're straps that cradle the tank and affix to the frame rails - the OEM examples have an integrated, slightly "tweaked" metal part that "wiggles" into a space in the frame while the other end is bolted. Have an OEM strap here somewhere but a Hickey tank on my K5.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Do you think I can get away with using my old straps? They used to old the old 36 gallon tank to the frame.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Huh - looks as if those will work but I'd sell those as a package with the old tank and make use of the new if possible.

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

The 'j bolts' that came with my replacement tank were garbage to put it kindly, wouldn t hold up anything. I used my oem hardware and felt much better about

Do you have a pic of the bolts

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Old straps wont work.. The issue with the new tank is lining it up the straps with the existing holes on the frame. Am I going to need to drill holes in the frame to make this tank work?

Also, these are the lines I received from Inline tube. This is the 6 piece tank to stand pre bent kit.. Can anyone confirm I have these routed correctly?

Re: Attempting my first build 72 K5
 

Here is pice of the J-bolts supplied. the 2nd pic is the bolts for the hold strap that threaded through the bottom side of the frame rail.. I tried to use these on the new tank but they're to wide and won't support the tank.