Boring dual builds- camo K5 and Big Crew Cab

[mountainexplorer]

Two Builds at the same time- two different types of builds but both GM products. Both trying to be done as cheap as possible with as many used parts as possible utilizing what I have laying around. The Goal: To have both done by April 25th, or at least the Big Crew Cab done by May 1st.

The Camo K5- for trails mainly, some rocks and hill climbs. Keep it lower to the ground, more stable, and be something to crawl around in with not too much power needed.

The Big Crew Cab- for Mud Bogs only. Make it insanely tall with huge tires and really loud with lots of HP.

This weekend is the start of me working on the Big Crew Cab, but also the Re-Assembly of my Camo K5... a 1976 K5 Blazer I bought in 2001 for $400 as a parts rig. But then was added to the Fleet once I towed it home and it started and drove.

My proposed deadline is before April 24th, so it can be taken on the Cabin Fever Run. If it's not done, I will have to take my Stepside again. I'm hoping the Blazer will be done though.

Start of the new parts:

Ugly looking but as far as I got with the last 1/3 of grinder disc. Trying to shave most of the huge lip off the boat anchor known as a GM 14-bolt Full Floater. Not sure if I want to make it a 13 Bolt yet or not. Tomorrow will tell after I get another grinder disc or two.

It will look better when grinding is completed.

This is an axle I bought 2 weeks ago with new 5.38 Yukon gears and bearings, welded spiders, already set up for $375. Figured it saved a little from buying the gears and install kit new, installing it all and welding spiders (cause I can't weld). Even the shock mounts were already relocated in about the same spot I wanted them anyways.

 

[mountainexplorer]

I just keep going back and taking a little more off.

The rear springs under the Camo Blazer. I might have some changes to make as of yet. But I am using Ford Bronco rear springs that are longer and have more flex than the Chevy ones.

Working around the 8 year old dried mud.

Cracked frame at steering box:

To be welded and braced soon.

Front springs are 52" long rear springs off a Chevy.

Rear springs definitely are soft and flexible.

Rear axle went under it and it's on tires on the back now, but didn't snap a pic.

For the Big Crew Cab... a chunk of steel that will be part of the excessive lift:

All spring hangers have to be cut off and re-welded, barke booster has to come off and steering box, old exhaust has to come off.

We're hoping that this next weekend it might be sitting on 54's.

Difficult to get much done since I'm trying to work on both at the same time, while clean the shop and move stuff around that's in the way. Plus work on tearing apart other trucks and swapping parts on other rigs like this one I was swapping axles and springs on this weekend too.

Also have to pull the motor out of it soon.

Plus have to roll these tires out of the way for workspace every day.

Almost looks like a little 33 next to a 39.5. When in reality it's a little 39.5 next to a 54.

 

[CHOP SHOP]

+1 for chevy!:cheer:

+1 for cheap!:cheer:

+1 for big trucks!:cheer:

+1 for big tires!:cheer:

 

[mountainexplorer]

The Camo K5 will be running 42" Iroks on 15" rims, which are currently under my '82 Stepside. When the Iroks go on, it will be the most expensive thing on the Blazer.

Right now the 42's clear my Stepside with a 4" lift. I'd like to keep it this low, but I want it to flex. My stepside doesn't rub due to massively widened fenders and not much flex. The 39.5 Iroks shown in the picture in front of the 54 Bogger will go onto the Stepside once the Camo Blazer is done.