Attempting my first build 72 K5

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

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?)

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by sockalaminski

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.

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.

[sockalaminski]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

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.

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.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

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.

[DeadheadNM]

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.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

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.

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

[DeadheadNM]

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.

[jaros44sr]

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

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

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?

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by jaros44sr

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

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.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Looks like I have two options for the poly Gas tank.

1. Try to route a fuel hose with enough bend to fit around the body mount. I have about a 1-1 1/2 clearance. I took this pic from another thread because its exactly what I'm dealing with here.





2. option is I moved the tank back a few inches and drill holes into my frame to line up the new straps.

Here is a pic of TJ's blazer with the oem gas tank. There's enough clearance to move it back some. I just want to opt for the easiest solution. Oh and it looks like I routed my 2 line going across incorrectly.

[jaros44sr]

The OEM set up has a u bolt that has 2 tight 90 degree bends onthe passenger side, it drops from the top down, drivers side uses j bolts. Using the u bolt makes it easier, so you don t have to get a wrench up in there to tighten it down. Then it just has 2 nuts, one on either side of the strap

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

I've been banging my head against the wall these past few days with this gas tank and fuel line routing. I think I figured it out from looking at other K5's frames. I think the original owner cut out the crossmember that sits behind the OEM tank in order to fit the 36 gallon tank that was in there.

If you notice the 2 fuel lines running across in the open space above.. These are supposed to clamp down on top of this missing crossmember.

Am I going to have to find a blazer frame at a scrap yard and cut this piece out and weld it to mine?

[tjsblazer]

Coming along and looking great. Wondering where you got your u bolts for the front Dana 44 axle shown in your pic and if they are zinc coated or raw? I'm having a hard timing finding coated for the earlier smaller tubes.

[tjsblazer]

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

I've been banging my head against the wall these past few days with this gas tank and fuel line routing. I think I figured it out from looking at other K5's frames. I think the original owner cut out the crossmember that sits behind the OEM tank in order to fit the 36 gallon tank that was in there.

If you notice the 2 fuel lines running across in the open space above.. These are supposed to clamp down on top of this missing crossmember.

Am I going to have to find a blazer frame at a scrap yard and cut this piece out and weld it to mine?

I would put something in there for structure. Even if it isn't the factory piece you could use some u channel cut to fit or something similar I'm sure. The stand tubes are suppose to bolt to it as well as fuel sending w/h clips to it as you can see in my pic .

[notsolo]

Fuel tanks on Blazers were like an after thought in there design. I replaced mine with a poly tank, heated up the filler neck with a heat gun and bent the tube forward 30 degree's. Not a great alternative but it works for now. Filling at the pump is slow 7 Min's. Good luck.... rest of your Blazer is looking good.....Ed

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

[QUOTE=tjsblazer;6850641]Coming along and looking great. Wondering where you got your u bolts for the front Dana 44 axle shown in your pic and if they are zinc coated or raw? I'm having a hard timing finding coated for the earlier smaller tubes.


PM sent. If anybody else is interested. WFO Concepts in Northern California makes these. Grade 8 with Clear Zinc Finish.

http://www.wfoconcepts.com/cr/U-Bolts/3208/3611

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Originally Posted by tjsblazer

I would put something in there for structure. Even if it isn't the factory piece you could use some u channel cut to fit or something similar I'm sure. The stand tubes are suppose to bolt to it as well as fuel sending w/h clips to it as you can see in my pic .

This cross bar I believe is riveted so I think I might be able to find one at a scrap yard or something.. I'm not going to make it a priority, but once I find one I'll fab a new one in there.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Picked up some goodies this weekend.

1. Original OEM Fuel Tank Straps
2. Original OEM Fuel Tank Skid PLate
3. Original in dash AM Radio.

All for $200.. I had to drive about 80 miles to Stockton, but so worth it. I'm so stoked about the radio. I'm going to hang on to it until the body goes in for paint (one day) lol

I'm going to take the Fuel Tank skid plate and straps in for powder coating. While I am there I'll also have the read diff skid guard powder coated, along with my rally wheels.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

Some more progress pics. I worked on it Friday and Saturday, but I'm going to take the day off today and lay on my couch and watch some football.

1. SkyJacker Monotube M9521 Front Shocks installed
2. Steering Column assembled.
3. Brake Lines routed
4. Main and return fuel line routed.
5. Rear brakes assembled with all new hardware, drums, and shoes.

[72K5CSTDarkOlive]

More pics

[DeadheadNM]

That was a fast find on the tank skid plate. Strong work!!! Still need to get pics of my K5 to you as relates the aftermarket tank/cross member.

[drillrod]

I had to replace that same rear crossmember on my 72 K5 where the previous owner had welded straps from it to the bumper and snatched it beyond repair. I got one off of a 71 pickup and it was the exact same thing. I bolted it in with carriage bolts and it made it look like rivets on the top. I am sure they are probably the same on 67-72 models, that would be much easier to find than a blazer chassis.

[drillrod]

Check the blazer for sale section. 1rippen6 has some blazer chassis parts for sale.

[tjsblazer]

[quote=72K5CSTDarkOlive;6851423]

Originally Posted by tjsblazer

Coming along and looking great. Wondering where you got your u bolts for the front Dana 44 axle shown in your pic and if they are zinc coated or raw? I'm having a hard timing finding coated for the earlier smaller tubes.


PM sent. If anybody else is interested. WFO Concepts in Northern California makes these. Grade 8 with Clear Zinc Finish.

http://www.wfoconcepts.com/cr/U-Bolts/3208/3611

Thanks a lot. I was having a hard time finding coated. They even sell them in a kit form with 3x 2.75 and 1x 3.625. I got my rears from ORD but they don't stock the smaller Dana44 unless you want raw steel.

Originally Posted by 72K5CSTDarkOlive

Some more progress pics.
Brake Lines routed
Main and return fuel line routed.

Did you buy all your line clips from Inline tube as well. Did they come as a complete kit or did you have to just count up the different sizes and order all individual pieces?